According to the RVIA, park model homes are “temporary living quarters for recreational, seasonal use, or camping.” Or more simply put park models are large RV that looklike a home and are commonly called park model tiny homes.
In this blog, we’ll break down what park model homes are, how they are typically used, and whether one might be a good fit for your needs.
What Features make a tiny home a Park Model?
A park model home is distinguished by a few specific characteristics:
- 400 square feet or less
- Built to the RVIA ANSI A119.5 standard
- Registered as an RV, meaning your park model comes with a VIN
- Built on a chassis with wheels
- Receives an RVIA inspection seal
While park models are classified as recreational vehicles, they are most commonly placed on a pad at a campground, retreat center, or private property. Once in place, they can be connected to common utilities such as water, sewer, and electricity.
Keep in mind that there are a few things a park model home is not:
- Park model homes may not be suitable for permanent housing, depending on your local regulations.
- Park model homes are not the same as towable tiny homes.
- Park model homes are not included in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) criteria for manufactured homes.
What is the difference between a park model home and a tiny house?
Technically speaking, all park models fit within the broader category of tiny homes. However, not all tiny homes fit into the category of park models. So, let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.
Registration
Park model homes are built, registered, and tagged as RVs, which allows them to be legally placed in RV parks and campgrounds where park model RVs are permitted. Other types of tiny homes, including those built to NOAH standards, are not registered or tagged as RVs and are subject to different building and placement requirements.
Building Codes
Park Model RVs are built to the ANSI A119.5 Park Model RV Standard, which establishes specific requirements for their construction, including plumbing, fire and life safety, fuel systems, and other construction requirements. Meeting these requirements allows a unit to be certified as a Park Model RV.
Other types of tiny homes follow different building standards depending on how they are designed and used. Modular homes, for example, are generally built to applicable residential building codes, such as the International Residential Code (IRC), while NOAH-certified tiny homes on wheels are built and certified to the NOAH Dwelling Standard.
Size
Park models are generally around 300-400 square feet. However that can be as small as 205 square feet like our Nook Studio. On the other hand, tiny homes do not have specific qualifications for size. Making alternative tiny home like sheds and container homes possible.
What is the difference between a park model home and an RV?
Both park model homes and RVs are built to applicable ANSI standards and are designated as RVs. However, park model homes have several characteristics that set them apart from traditional travel trailers.
Park model homes can incorporate features such as porches or decks into their design and often have peaked roofs. They can be up to 15 feet wide and 45 feet long, giving you more interior space than a traditional travel trailer.
By comparison, travel trailers are generally limited to 8.5 feet in width and 45 feet in length. However, some travel trailers can use slide-outs to expand the living space once the trailer is set up at its destination.
What is the difference between a manufactured mobile home and a park model home?
The biggest differences between a mobile home and a park model home are their overall size and the standards they are built to meet. Park model homes are built and certified to the RVIA standards and cannot exceed 400 square feet. Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are built and certified to standards established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and can be much larger, with some models reaching up to 4,500 square feet.
Take a look at our graph below for a quick comparison of the key differences between a mobile home and a park model home. For more information, you can read our full article on park models vs. mobile homes.
| Size | Occupancy | Building Codes | Location | |
| Park Model Homes | Less than 400 square feet | Mostly seasonal | Built according to the ANSI A119.5 codes | Usually on campsites; can be placed on private land if allowed in that county/city |
| Mobile Homes | 500-2,000 square feet | Full-time | Must be compliant with HUD codes | Places on private property, generally |
Why should I choose a park model home?
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what you want from your home and how you plan to use it. Park model homes offer many benefits, including flexibility, affordability, access to scenic locations, community living, potential rental income, and easy customization.
Affordability
Generally, park models are more affordable than traditional homes, whether you’re using one as a vacation getaway or a place to call home. That can leave more room in your budget for the things that matter beyond your four walls, from weekend getaways to exploring more of the world around you.
Scenic Locations
It’s easy to feel like you’re tied to the same scenic area when you live in one location. With a traditional house, moving usually means selling your home and starting over somewhere new. With a park model, you have the opportunity to take your home with you when you’re ready for a change of scenery.
Dreaming of life by the beach or fantasizing about hiking through the mountains every evening? These may be very different dreams, but a park model gives you the flexibility to experience both. Keep in mind, however, that moving a park model comes with towing and setup costs, so it’s important to factor those expenses into your plans.
Community Living
Because park models can be placed in campgrounds, resorts and other community settings, they can offer a stronger sense of community than you might find with a traditional home. Residents can connect with neighbors who share a similar lifestyle, enjoy outdoor activities together, and take part in community events and social gatherings.
Rental Income
When you’re not using your park model, you may be able to rent it out as a short-term rental, such as through Airbnb, depending on local regulations and the rules of the property where it is located. This can help keep your park model occupied while giving you an opportunity to generate additional income when you’re away.
Customizations
Park model homes are highly customizable, giving you the flexibility to create a space that feels like your own. Even though they are compact, you can incorporate features like a loft, full kitchen, bathroom, spacious living areas, and other amenities that may not be available in a traditional RV. With the right layout and design choices, a park model can make the most of every square foot without feeling like you have to sacrifice the comforts of home. At Zook Cabins we have many models with different layouts to hel pyou find the the home that fits your needs.
Cons of Park Models:
While a park model home offers many benefits, there are a few disadvantages that must be considered when thinking about buying a park model home.
Seasonal:
In general, park models can not be used year-round. These units can be used year round but may not be used year round in all areas. This is where understanding what your county has to say about these units it important. Head on over to our regualtions page and see what your state has to say about these units.
Limited space
By law, park models are 400 square feet or less. So obviously, space is very limited. Now, if you are single or a couple, a park model can be ideal for you and your belongings. But as soon as you add kids or guests, the park model may feel extra cozy.
Mobility Challenges
Of course, park models can be transported across state or country borders, but a powerful vehicle such as a Ford F350 to tow your home will be needed. And what makes this situation even more difficult is that mosrt of the homes need a escrot due to their size.
Common Uses of a Park Model Home
There are a variety of uses for a park model home especially given that park model homes are not ideal for long-term living. Check out these creative uses that just might make it worth buying a park model home.
Park Model Home As A Guest House
A park model home can make for a great guest house on your property. Having a park model home gives your guest not only the comfortable space of their own room, but their own house for an extended stay or just needed privacy. Whether you are hosting visiting in-laws or out-of-town friends this can be a great option for you. It can even be rented out as an Airbnb.
Park Model Home In A Retreat Center
It is not uncommon to find a park model home at a retreat center where they may offer 10-20 small cabins to rent for the weekend. These cabins are often park model homes that come with a floor plan of around 400 sq. ft. of living space. While that may sound on the small side, it still provides a place to relax, and step away from the rest of the group at the retreat center.
Park Model Home As A Vacation Home
Instead of traveling with a camper, you can place a park model home at your destination of choice and use it as a small vacation home. Whether for a couples getaway, family vacation, or just solitude retreat, park model homes can be a nice getaway spot without the headache of paying nightly fees for a hotel or even finding a hotel.
FAQs About Park Models Homes./
Can I put a park model home on my property?
It depends. Because park model homes are not required to be built according to the HUD code, it’s important that you check with your county or city to see if it’s legal to store your park model home on your property. Check out the tbale below to see what your state has to say about tiny home living.
Are park model homes insulated?
Yes, all park model homes from Zook Cabins are insulated. While your park model home may not come with all the insulation it needs to withstand the winter months, adding insulation is always a possibility. For more tips on winterizing a park model home, check out our article.
What is the life expectancy of a park model RV?
Overall, park model tiny homes will last 20-50 years with minimal maintenance. However, with the proper maintenance and care, your park model tiny homes can last for generations.
Summary
Now that we’ve reached the end of this article, we hope that you have a full understanding of what park model homes are and how they differ from other tiny home options. If you are interested in purchasing your own park model home, take a look inside and see what we have to offer. Or if you simply have questions about our pricing or more, feel free to contact us.