Park Model Homes vs Towable Tiny Homes: What is the difference?

The tiny home movement has changed the way people think about where and how they live. For some, downsizing means leaving behind a large, expensive home in favor of a smaller space that is easier to maintain and better suited to the lifestyle they want.

But there’s still plenty of confusion around what actually qualifies as a tiny home.

The term “tiny home” is often used as a catch-all for everything from small houses and park models to RVs, towable tiny homes, and even shed conversions. While these spaces may look similar, they can have very different construction standards, uses, and requirements.

In this guide, we’ll focus on two of the most common and popular options: park model tiny homes and towable tiny homes on wheels. We’ll explain how they differ, where each can be used, and what to consider before deciding which option makes sense for you.

What is the difference between Park Model tiny home and towable tiny home certifications?

The major difference between park model tiny homes vs. towable tiny homes is the regulations, codes, and specifics used in the building process.

Park model tiny homes are built to the ANSI A119.5 Code for recreational vehicles, the same set of regulatory codes used to build RVs.

This means your new park model home will have an RVIA seal and VIN number. Think of it as a large RV that is stationary and needs to be hauled by a semi-truck to its primary location. However, like a towable tiny home, it can be moved with a standard pickup truck.

Where towable tiny homes differ is that they are often small enough to be hauled by a standard pickup truck. (Make sure that you check the towing capacity.)

On the other hand, towable tiny homes are often small enough to be towed by a large pickup or SUV.

With their difference in size compared to park model tiny homes, towable tiny homes are typically built to NOAH standards. This is because park model tiny homes have specific size criteria for what is and is not allowed.

If your interest is piqued, keep reading to learn the difference between park model tiny homes and towable tiny homes and see which one fits your needs the best.

Is a towable tiny home or a park model tiny home easier to move?

Generally speaking, a towable tiny home is easier to move than a park model tiny home.

Most park models, with the exception of Zook Cabins’ Nook Family and Nook Studio, require a full-sized semi-truck for transportation because of their size and weight.

Towable tiny homes, on the other hand, can often be moved with a large pickup truck or SUV, giving you more flexibility if you plan to travel or relocate more frequently. Just be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity before you hit the road.

How Much Do Park Model Homes vs Towable Tiny Homes Cost?

Park model tiny homes start around $71,000 for a Nook Studio (though pricing is subject to change). On the other hand, a towable tiny home can cost significantly more, coming in around $113.000.                                                                                                                                               

Yet price isn’t everything. Just because something is more expensive doesn’t mean it will fit your needs better.

Before you buy, check out the units in person. At Zook Cabins, we have a display village where you can tour many of our models and choose the park model tiny home that best fits your needs. 

Are Park Model Tiny Homes a Better investment than a towable tiny home?

At this point in the industry, it’s a bit challenging to say which type of tiny home is the best investment. Both of these homes have a market, for both new and resale but knowing what you mean by investment can help define if you are making the best investment for you.

For example, if your goal is revenue generation, such as using the home as a rental property, a park model tiny home may be a better fit due to its size, quality, amenities, and long-term setup.

However, if portability is your priority, towable tiny homes are likely the better choice, offering greater flexibility and ease of movement.

Park Model As An Investment

The models in this video are no longer in production. The closest model to the ones in the video is the Pinecrest.

For example, park model tiny homes tend to do a bit better on websites like Airbnb or VRBO. This is because they are often larger than tiny homes on wheels and can fit a family of 4 comfortably. They also make for a great cabin camping offering at your campground. Allowing you to attract new segments of customers to your campground. In fact, places like Red Run Resort, Somerset Resort, and Big Texan RV Ranch are already seeing the benefits of offering cabins like these, as it has increased their revenue streams.

Towable Tiny Homes

However, a towable tiny home can be an excellent investment if you’re in a traveling profession that you are in for a few weeks at a time. Think of people like travel nurses and union workers who go from job to job in different towns for extended periods of time. 

In this case, towable tiny homes function a bit more like a luxury camper. However, because towable tiny homes are popular amongst traveling professionals, you may be able to recoup the money from your initial investment a little more easily. 

Either style of these homes is a significant investment when used in the correct application. However, by investing in a high-quality Park Model, you are getting yourself a low-cost, high ROI investment. Whether you are looking for a small vacation home for yourself or allowing a Park Model Home to make a difference in your investment portfolio. If you have more questions, read our blog about Park Model homes as a short-term investment.

*Note: The video from HGTV was produced in 2017; prices of all tiny homes have significantly changed and should not be considered an accurate price.

Which tiny home is bigger, a Park model tiny home or towable tiny home?

Typically, a park model home is a larger version of a tiny home. Oftentimes, park models are built to be as large as they can be: 400 square feet everywhere except Florida, which allows park models to be 500 square feet. 

However, that does not include loft space, meaning that your park model tiny home can actually feel larger than the livable 400 square feet.

On the other hand, NOAH towable tiny homes only need to be built to 70 square feet.

Are Park Models Tiny homes or Towable Tiny homes easier to make off-grid accessible?

Both park models and towable tiny homes can be designed to function off-grid. So, it’s not necessarily that one type is easier to convert than the other.

However, because park models are generally larger, they often require more time and resources to fully transition to an off-grid system. This includes larger solar setups, more extensive water storage, and potentially more complex waste management solutions.

For that reason, towable tiny homes can often be outfitted more easily for off-grid use.

Are Park Model Tiny Homes or Towable Tiny Homes better for families?

Typically, a park model tiny home is better suited for family living.

In fact, at Zook Cabins, we have 3 models with 2 separate bedrooms. If you like a modern look and feel, check out the Cascade.

However, if you want something a bit more rustic and log cabin-related, check out the Pinecrest or Outpost.

Do Park Model Tiny Homes or Towable Tiny Homes Offer a better Resale value?

If you’re looking for better resale value, park model tiny homes typically hold their value better than towable tiny homes.

One key reason is that many park model homes are located in campgrounds or communities where the infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and electricity, is already in place. 

This makes park model tiny homes more attractive to buyers who want a ready-to-use setup without the hassle of relocating or setting up utilities from scratch.

Can I live in a park model or towable tiny home year-round?

Yes, you can live in a park model tiny home year-round, depending on your local zoning and building requirements. Park models are built with insulation, residential-style features, and materials designed to provide comfortable living.

Towable tiny homes can also be built for year-round living, but their suitability can vary depending on how the home is constructed and the climate where you plan to live.

Before you make a decision, it’s important to understand what your local regulations allow. The table below breaks down key zoning and tiny home regulations across the continental U.S., so you can get a better idea of what may be possible in your area.

In Conclusion…

Understanding the differences between park models and towable tiny homes is a great place to start, but the right choice ultimately depends on how you plan to use your space.

If you’re looking for a comfortable guest house, a vacation retreat, or a place to unwind near the mountains, a lake, or your favorite campground, a park model can offer the space, features, and residential feel many people are looking for.

If you’d like to learn more about park models, our team is here to answer your questions and help you explore the options available. No matter which path you choose, finding the tiny home that is right for you brings you one step closer to creating a place where you can slow down, gather with the people you love, and enjoy living the life you have always dreamed about.