When it comes to park model homes and living the minimalist lifestyle, there are many innovations. Park model homes can also be known as tiny homes. Did you ever think you could live in just 400 square feet? With a space like that, size doesn’t really matter. That is why Park Model Mobile Homes are becoming the new rave!
Park Model Mobile Homes
There’s a newish trend happening within the world of mobile homes. So many people who love owning RV’s or mobile homes can’t stop buying up these innovative little homes. Park model mobile homes, or sometimes as they’re called, park mobile homes, sounds like something you’d find, well, in a park, doesn’t it?
Unique Tiny Park Model Mobile Homes
These tiny, unique little traveling homes on wheels have become quite the sensation. You may have even seen them when you were booking your last stay Air BNB. You could have also stumbled upon these homes in accommodation searches. They can be a great way to have temporary housing. It’s what they were designed for really.
Today, we want to explore with you what exactly are park mobile homes. We will explore a little about their history, some of the benefits of them. We will discuss some fun things you can do with park model homes unique designs.
What is a Park Model RV?
The RVIA better knowns as the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association has special classifications for these homes. These park model homes are best known as a temporary home for vacations and for campers. They were originally made for these types of events. However, many people fell in love with the affordability of these homes. Its hard not to love the mobility of these homes as well. They have really become the in thing over the years!
How Long Do Park Model Homes Last?
You might be surprised to find that park model homes can last for years. Park model homes are built with the same materials as a mobile home. They can withstand many weather conditions. These homes are built to last either as vacation homes or homes that you live in full time.
What Are Park Model Mobile Homes Exactly? Are They Tiny Homes?
Well, in short, yes. That is what they were designed for. Park model mobile homes are not meant to be the RV type homes with wheels. They are built as small, minimalist type homes. The park model homes give you all the luxuries of the bigger homes. They are expertly designed and laid out within 400 square feet or less.
Unlike some of the tiny homes that people looking to downsize their lifestyles build on their own, park model mobile homes are designed to be efficient. Park model homes give you a space that has everything you need. They provide more space without the need to constantly store or hide one element of your home away. This way you can make room for a kitchen, living room and bedroom area.
Remember those RV camping trips where the “kitchen table” folded down and became the bed your parents made you sleep on? These aren’t that.
Park model mobile homes are designed to not be mobile. Built in a factory then put on wheels to transport the final product to its final location. Park mobile homes are removed from their axles and tongue creating a completely stationary “mobile” home.
To be considered a park model, they need to no be longer than 10 to 12 feet in width. They typically range between 313 to 399 square feet. A true park model rarely goes above the 399 mark in regards to square footage.
These homes typically have two stories to them. The bedrooms are elevated giving your tiny home more room. This provides area to host your dinner guests. You can host parties in the living room, or den. It really comes down to the model that you choose.
Where Can I Put a Park Model Mobile Home
You may see a few park model mobile homes in large mobile home parks. However, most park model mobile homes will be found on campgrounds. Sometimes these homes are around lake front lots.
Check out our article on Mobile Home Back Porch Ideas to enjoy your space even more!
These homes are extremely mobile and they are very spacious. Compared to living in a 5th wheel or travel trailer camper these homes are nice.
Winterizing Your Park Model Mobile Home
Planning on living in your park model mobile home throughout the year? There are some steps you should follow. Be sure to have a skirting around your home. This will prevent the cold air from blasting under your mobile home. The cooler weather during fall/winter is what you need to protect your home from. When cold air gets in you could be paying much more for heat bills and also for frozen pipes. Get a heat tape for your water pipe. Heat tape leads into your mobile home. Its worth every penny to make sure this line coming in does not freeze.
If you are not looking to stay in the park model home during cold temperatures than be sure to hire someone who knows how to properly winterize a mobile home. There is nothing worse than opening your home up in the Spring to find broken pipes and even worse broken toilets.
Read our article on Frozen Pipes Mobile Home to help further with this issue.
Park Model Mobile Home History
If you’re a purveyor of all things mobile homes, then you may be fascinated to know that the park models, some consider, to be an upgraded, revision, if you will, of the less commonly known two-story mobile home that was created in the 1950’s, known as the Pacemaker Bi-Levels.
Just think… bi-level RV traveling down the highways and byways of the 1950’s, oh what fun that must have been!
Visit here for more information on vintage mobile homes.
Park Model Mobile Home Styles
Well one of the biggest benefits is the fact that you’re saving space and keeping your carbon footprint low, especially if that’s something that’s important to you.
Park model mobile homes are designed to give you all of the benefits of a full-sized, large home and the amenities that come with those, all packed into one small 399 square foot space. To do that, the designers and engineers of these architectural feats had to learn how to innovate and get truly creative with their layouts.
Many of the park models you can buy, feel more like small cottages than they do mobile homes. When you buy one of these homes, you’ll typically find a living area, kitchen or kitchenette, a bathroom, and a rear bedroom. On some of the available floor plans you can even find an elevated loft, meant just for sleeping, because of the ceiling height, you’re not exactly going to have your family or friends up there to sit and hang out.
These unique and generously designed homes are truly revolutionary when it comes to the style and aesthetics built into their design.
One of the even bigger benefits of the park model mobile homes, is that you’re getting comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and efficiently designed living at an affordable price.
Buying a Park Model Mobile Home
If you search the internet, you can find there are actual park mobile home communities where you can buy already built and functioning park model homes. They range in prices for purchase but a good number to figure is around $68,000 for a new home.
Park mobile homes have become very popular for older couples and even those looking to downsize their lifestyles as a second home. Whether you’re wanting to have a cozy little cabin in the woods for those snowy months, or the summer cottage by the beach, park model homes were invented so you could do just that without needing to sell the home you already have.
Park Model Home Options
So, when you think about it, the park model mobile homes aren’t just manufactured homes, tiny homes, or mobile even… they’re truly your home. With many different layouts and floorplans to choose from, and the ability to really choose the amenities you want in your custom home, all the way down to the drawer handles, you can truly make these the home of your dreams.
Tiny, small, or not, these mobile homes aren’t mobile at all once they’re set on the land from the factory, but they pack quite the punch once you step inside. And if you’re putting your park model home on property by the beach, don’t forget to build the screen porch addition so you can wake up and enjoy your coffee with the fresh ocean air!
Park Model Mobile Homes: Conclusion
In conclusion park model homes are the next BIG thing. These tiny homes really pack a punch and can provide you with affordable living.
FAQ’s: Park Model Mobile Homes
What is the difference between a park model and a park trailer?
A park model is a type of recreational vehicle that is larger and more residential in nature, often resembling a small mobile home. Park models are typically designed for long-term, seasonal use. In contrast, a park trailer is a smaller, towable RV that is meant for short-term stays and travel.
What does a park model mean?
A park model is a type of RV designed for longer-term stays in RV parks or campgrounds. They are larger and more comfortable than traditional RVs, resembling small cottages or mobile homes, and they often come with more amenities and residential features.
What is the largest size park model home?
The largest park model homes can vary in size, but they are typically around 400 to 500 square feet. The specific size can depend on the manufacturer and local regulations.
What is Park Model vs tiny homes?
Park models and tiny homes are similar in that they are compact, but park models are designed as recreational vehicles for seasonal or long-term stays in RV parks. Tiny homes, on the other hand, are typically more customized, can be placed on a foundation, and are designed for full-time, year-round living.