Forum Discussion

John_I_Haggerty's avatar
John_I_Haggerty
Explorer
Apr 28, 2014

Higher End Models

Hopefully this doesn't start a mess. We currently are using our 5th as a seasonal in PA. We're thinking of making this campground a seasonal as long as we can. I'm thinking travel trailer is the way to go. I don't know much about travel trailer brands/models and am curious about what the better brands/models are. Again, hopefully this doesn't start a mess.

Thanks,
John

10 Replies

  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    May 01, 2014
    There is a difference between a destination TT and a park model. Where my seasonal site is they do not allow park models that are more like a mobile home. A destination TT has holding and fresh water system tanks propane tanks battery and 12 volt system and not as wide (can be legally towed). Destination TT is more like a large TT with regular stove and frig and dishwasher. My opinion comes from experience with a seasonal site to the OP that is looking for the same. Have you Gdetrailer ever had a seasonal site?
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    May 01, 2014
    Gdetrailer wrote:
    colliehauler wrote:
    Gdetrailer- I have a seasonal site that I leave my TT at year round 900 miles from my house. I keep my 5er at home to travel. A destination trailer like the Ceder creek cottage would give me a lot of room with a larger frig and a reg stove/oven.


    I already understand that idea but pretty much ANY trailer CAN be setup in a park AND the OP was ASKING ABOUT TTs and not "park models"..

    Park models don't come cheap and if you decide you don't like the park anymore or your lifestyle has a major change you ARE going to have a tough time unloading it since it isn't something you are going to have towed very far..

    Since the OP is from out of state it would be very costly to have a park model moved from PA to another state if it doesn't work out..

    Many things in a TT CAN BE CHANGED to make it more like a park trailer (IE fridge, water heater, STOVE, toilet) if you like..

    A TT with a big or multiple slides can be rather roomy too boot and if you decide that you want to move to another campground you are not going to have a hassle or expense of moving a wider park trailer..

    You will REALLY HAVE to LOVE the campground if you commit to a park trailer.. (yes, I do realize they make smaller park models which can be towed via pickup truck but at that point why bother)


    It sounds like your idea of a park model is what many of us consider mobile homes.
  • Gdetrailer's avatar
    Gdetrailer
    Explorer III
    Apr 30, 2014
    colliehauler wrote:
    Gdetrailer- I have a seasonal site that I leave my TT at year round 900 miles from my house. I keep my 5er at home to travel. A destination trailer like the Ceder creek cottage would give me a lot of room with a larger frig and a reg stove/oven.


    I already understand that idea but pretty much ANY trailer CAN be setup in a park AND the OP was ASKING ABOUT TTs and not "park models"..

    Park models don't come cheap and if you decide you don't like the park anymore or your lifestyle has a major change you ARE going to have a tough time unloading it since it isn't something you are going to have towed very far..

    Since the OP is from out of state it would be very costly to have a park model moved from PA to another state if it doesn't work out..

    Many things in a TT CAN BE CHANGED to make it more like a park trailer (IE fridge, water heater, STOVE, toilet) if you like..

    A TT with a big or multiple slides can be rather roomy too boot and if you decide that you want to move to another campground you are not going to have a hassle or expense of moving a wider park trailer..

    You will REALLY HAVE to LOVE the campground if you commit to a park trailer.. (yes, I do realize they make smaller park models which can be towed via pickup truck but at that point why bother)
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Apr 30, 2014
    Gdetrailer- I have a seasonal site that I leave my TT at year round 900 miles from my house. I keep my 5er at home to travel. A destination trailer like the Ceder creek cottage would give me a lot of room with a larger frig and a reg stove/oven.
  • Gdetrailer's avatar
    Gdetrailer
    Explorer III
    Apr 30, 2014
    John I Haggerty wrote:
    Hopefully this doesn't start a mess. We currently are using our 5th as a seasonal in PA. We're thinking of making this campground a seasonal as long as we can. I'm thinking travel trailer is the way to go. I don't know much about travel trailer brands/models and am curious about what the better brands/models are. Again, hopefully this doesn't start a mess.

    Thanks,
    John


    I am really puzzled as to why folks are posting about getting a "park" model.

    I am also curious as to why you would think about a travel trailer when you already have a 5th.. Unless you are still wanting to travel some with the 5th..

    Your 5th (like any travel trailer) is perfectly fine to place in any Campground year round (unless that campground has rules prohibiting anything other than Park models).

    My Dad gave my Brother his 5th after my Dad got too old to winter in Florida. My Brother doesn't have a truck capable of towing a 5th so he placed the 5th in a local campground and setup year round.

    I would suggest trying it out for a year or two with your 5th to see how it works for you.

    My current TT spent 15 plus years setup in a seasonal campground in PA, I bought it after the owner bought a new TT to place at the campground. My TT is a Komfort which was built and sold in California and somehow landed in a PA campground..
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2014
    Destination TTs and Park models are catagorys that seem to be changing lately.

    It used to mean no holding tanks, residential appliances and toilets, no fresh water tank or volt pump and lighting and sometimes no propane tanks. It was a large heavy house trailer that really couldn't be used as a self contained TT can for camping.
    Back then there really were not any pickups capable of towing either.

    Fast forward to today, and the monster diesel powered pickups with astronomical tow ratings.
    It appears that the RV industry has noticed and now many of these huge trailers now are available with all the equipment of traditional TTs.
    I have looked at some, and if I am in a house where I can park one, it will likely be my next one.

    So one solution would be to get a TV that can handle one and you will be all set no matter what you end up doing.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Apr 29, 2014
    If you are going to leave it and not take it off site I would look at a destination trailer like a Ceder Creek Cottage model. If you plan on towing it I would get a regular TT.
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2014
    We had actually been looking at a park model and a possible move to FL, but plans changed quickly when our doggies figured into the mix with the rules and regs of the CG. You can find park models that are amazingly nice with all the amenities and at about 500 sq ft on up to the much larger - more like a double wide modular home. Depends on how you interpret "camping". Personal preference is that we like the flexibility of being able to load up and go any direction. Sometimes we just pick a CG and set up, not to leave the site over the entire weekend...."camping". Other times Rocky, the TT, doubles as a hotel for a longer trip with several stops and being in one CG for multiple days. You need to have a chat and see what you're trying to get out of your time camping...is it "camping" or hotel-ing. Do you have the desire to tow something from place to place or just want to get away and have more of a cabin-type home. You may be looking for 2 totally different things....or maybe the same.
  • JJBIRISH's avatar
    JJBIRISH
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2014
    If your thinking seasonal for the long haul, look at park trailers… if they allow them you might even consider a 12 wide park model…
    Lots of both to choose from…

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