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What is the Difference Between RV Stationary Trailers and Park Models?

What is the Difference Between RV Stationary Trailers and Park Models?
July 13, 2022
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When it comes to insurance coverage and policies, it is important to know the difference between an RV park model and a stationary trailer. Before purchasing one of these models, it is important to think about the location of the model and how often you will be living in it. 

While some people travel far and wide in their RVs, that is not the case for everyone. Some people enjoy keeping their models in one spot. For these people, this might be their primary residency, or for others, it might be used as a vacation spot or a weekend getaway. Both of these models are meant to be kept in permanent locations and not taken out onto the road regularly. Although the purposes of the two models are very similar, they are built differently and can be insured in different ways.

Park Model

These models are built to look like a house. They tend to be around 400 square feet and consist of a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchen. Although they may look like “tiny homes”, a park model follows stricter guidelines and compliance. These models can be towed behind a vehicle for transportation, but are meant for long-term placement. Once they land in their permanent/semi-permanent location, they can be hooked up to the utilities provided in the area. For the most part, a park model is insured just like a mobile home would be. There are many different options for the types of coverage you may want, but most of them are very similar to living coverage for a home.

Stationary Trailer

A stationary trailer isn’t necessarily built for the purpose of being placed in one spot permanently. This could be a fifth wheel or a traditional RV trailer that is built to be able to hitch up and travel the road. Some travelers will take these more traditional trailers and repurpose them to stay in one spot. When the decision is made to keep the trailer stationary, there are a few updates that can be made in order to make it feel like more permanent living. It is very common for owners to take the wheels off of the trailer and place a skirt around the bottom. Another upgrade that is often made to these models is an additional room or permanent deck built off onto the side that connects to the trailer. Since these trailers are often smaller than a park model, it is very advantageous to build additions. The way these models are insured depends on the insurance company. Some companies will insure it just like they would a mobile home. Another way that it can be insurance is just like a traditional travel trailer. Although, it won’t need the extra transportation or collision coverages like it would if it was being taken on the road regularly. 

Although the difference between these two models is slight, it is still important to have the knowledge when deciding on the best option for you. Some insurance policies may overlap for the two models, but other options will not. It is very important to research which insurance coverage works best for your lifestyle and payment planning. If you have questions about how your insurance company may cover the model of your choice, get in contact with them or look on their website.