Forum Discussion

jerem0621's avatar
jerem0621
Explorer II
Jul 17, 2013

Self contained "park model"

I found a 38 ft "park model" that is self contained. Full RV appliances, two bathrooms, and two slides. I love the space but this thing is 8-10 ft longer than my current trailer. It's RIVA certified. I hardly ever see folks using these as regular weekend TT's. this one has regular RV doors too.

It seems that many people tow 40ish ft fivers and they seem to get along ok. Why are not more 40 Ft ish TT used? Is it because 5 ft of the fiver is over the truck bed? I would have to spend 3x the money to get a fiver with comparable features.

Any real reason not to use a 40ish ft TT as a regular weekend warrior TT? Has anyone done this?

Thanks!

Jeremiah
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2013
    JJBIRISH wrote:
    I assume you are talking about destination trailers and not park models… I know several that pull them around the country… depending how they are ordered they are just big travel trailers and fully self-contained… they are towables and legal everywhere without special permit…
    They are nice trailers with 8 foot ceilings and plenty of room although not every park will have room for them…

    Park models in my mind are 12 foot wide mini mobile homes, but even they and be ordered fully self contained… in some places a permit may be needed to move them…


    Hi JJ,

    Yes, I am talking about a destination trailer. Its just a long TT.

    Here is the link to the craigslist ad of one I am considering. The two bathrooms would be extreamly handy for us.

    2002 Sprinter

    They call it a park model, but it looks to me like a regular... really long TT.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • JJBIRISH's avatar
    JJBIRISH
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    I assume you are talking about destination trailers and not park models… I know several that pull them around the country… depending how they are ordered they are just big travel trailers and fully self-contained… they are towables and legal everywhere without special permit…
    They are nice trailers with 8 foot ceilings and plenty of room although not every park will have room for them…

    Park models in my mind are 12 foot wide mini mobile homes, but even they and be ordered fully self contained… in some places a permit may be needed to move them…
  • 6_7_tow_rig's avatar
    6_7_tow_rig
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    Mine is 36.5 feet long. I get into places just fine and dont see a couple more feet being an issue at all. We do nothing but state parks and C.O.E. If you are a good driver its no different than pulling/backing a 25 foot. No big deal
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2013
    nickthehunter wrote:
    Let me know when you get a reservation for a weekend at a crowded park. I want to be there to shoot the video of you trying to back it in. That should get me the grand prize on World's Funniest Videos.


    Okay... Feeling mean this morning?
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2013
    I would check with your local DMV. Title and registration differs between Park Models and TT's.

    In some states park model and travel trailers have very specific limitations as far as width, length, registration and towing on the highways.

    Here is the description from Texas. Each state is different.
    http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:j0mAPFTdBOIJ:https://txdmv.gov/forms-tac/doc_download/2006-vtr-141-travel-trailer-or-park-model-trailer-verification+&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a
  • nickthehunter's avatar
    nickthehunter
    Nomad III
    Jul 17, 2013
    Let me know when you get a reservation for a weekend at a crowded park. I want to be there to shoot the video of you trying to back it in. That should get me the grand prize on World's Funniest Videos.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    GENECOP wrote:
    The overall length with a tow vehicle begins to exceed maximum allowed by law in many states. The weight of a park model will make it prohibitive for most vehicles to safely tow. And lastly park models are not built or designed to withstand regular transport. Also most park models do not have holding tanks or generators....
    Well for that matter, most TTs do not have generators.
    I have looked at these lately. It seems that the manufacturers are starting to blur the lines between "park and TT" models. Some park models come with everything that would make a TT portable.
    This is likely a response to the monster TVs made available since 2011.

    I would say if the length , and weight are within your limits, that it should be fine.

    Watch the carrying capacity though as this appears to be a weak area.
  • GENECOP's avatar
    GENECOP
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2013
    The overall length with a tow vehicle begins to exceed maximum allowed by law in many states. The weight of a park model will make it prohibitive for most vehicles to safely tow. And lastly park models are not built or designed to withstand regular transport. Also most park models do not have holding tanks or generators....

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