Forum Discussion

WallynDiane's avatar
WallynDiane
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014

Park Models

I currently have a 2004 Holiday Rambler fifth wheel. We love it.

We have it permanently parked in a campground in Western New York. RV has been only moved because of maintenance.

Roughly 50% of our campground is Park Model trailers. Most Kropf's and Breckenridge's.

We are looking to retire in 2016 and we are very serious about getting a Park Model.

They offer more room which is important as we plan to spend more time there post retirement. Also, many have metal roof options which is desirable in an area that gets 200-300" of snow every winter.

Local RV dealers and most RV shows including the Hershey Pa show only have a few models yo look at. Is there any Park Model super dealers within an 8 hour drive of Pittsburgh, Pa that has a large selection of Park Models to tour?

I sure would like to comparison shop, but with such limited inventory, I am stuck researching via the web.

I wish there was a Park Model forum here because in destination areas like Chautauqua Lake, NY, the numbers are growing every year.
Seeking Advice
  • Mfan's avatar
    Mfan
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2014
    Ask some of the owners where they purchased theirs? Might even ask the park management. Maybe they sell those 2 brands only.
  • WallynDiane's avatar
    WallynDiane
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2014
    Thanks Mfan. I know where they purchased them at, but they have no models to look at. Plus I would love to see other manufacturers units. I am hoping there is a state of Indiana Park Model superstore somewhere that has many units in their inventory.
  • TechWriter's avatar
    TechWriter
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2014
    WallynDiane wrote:
    We are looking to retire in 2016 and we are very serious about getting a Park Model.

    They offer more room which is important as we plan to spend more time there post retirement. Also, many have metal roof options which is desirable in an area that gets 200-300" of snow every winter.

    Have you thought about buying a park model on the South West instead of New York?

    In NY you'll have to heat and cool your park model. In the South West, you really only have to cool it. Plus, park models have flimsy skirting which is used to hide the trailer. You would have to really have to insulate that area for northern winters.

    We bought a park model in Lake Havasu, AZ this March and love it. While our park model itself is no great shakes (a Silvercrest), we have a great view of Lake Havasu itself. I guess what I'm saying is Location, Location, Location over anything else.
  • We_Cant_Wait's avatar
    We_Cant_Wait
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2014
    There is a small RV dealer Ken Asel out in Gerry NY that has a few Park Models on his lot. My sister and her husband bought one from them. Might be worth checking as he maybe able to get the floor plan you want.
  • WallynDiane's avatar
    WallynDiane
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2014
    I was at Asel's last weekend. Very little inventory. The KOA campground near Dewittville sells them as well. But thank you for your comment.
  • Bill___Kate's avatar
    Bill___Kate
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2014
    You need to travel to an area where there are a lot of park model oriented campgrounds. In our area (Cape May County, New Jersey) there are a ton of campgrounds and most are primarily seasonal/park model oriented. The RV dealers in the area all sell a couple of lines of park models, and always have some set up on display, plus many owner occupied units that can be seen. Two dealers that come to mind are Ocean View Trailer Sales and Driftwood RV Center. Less than 50 miles away is Williamstown, NJ with another big dealer - Hitch RV. The Atlantic City RV Show, usually held twice a year, are also a good place.

    Plan a short vacation, and come on down !!
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2014
    We had a Breckenridge 8 wide park trailer for 10 years. Same water leak problems you can have with an RV. If I ever did this again (probably won't) I wouldn't buy anything that doesn't have a peaked roof and residential shingles. That would eliminate all the roof maintenance problems.

    B.O.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jul 29, 2014
    First, make sure you really want to spend your retirement years in the same place. Having an RV you can travel and see this wonderful country of ours.

    In looking at Park Models check out the insulation and cabinetry. Some of the ones we've been in do not have the quality that a good quality RV would have. Also, how is your park in reference to resales of Park Models should you want to sell?
  • Mootpoint's avatar
    Mootpoint
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2014
    In our park we "own" the lots. For resale value most of the new owners or long time owners, when replacing older units, are going to 38' - 40' 5th wheels of a better quality. They offer lots of space and great storage. But most importantly a used 5th wheel is easier to sell than a used park model. It gives the options of selling the property on it's own, the 5th wheel on it's own or everything as a package. In our area the experience has been that the margins have been better and quicker sales when sold separately.

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