Park Model Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Park Model RV?
Park Models are recreational vehicles primarily designed as permanent and/or temporary living quarters for recreation, camping or full-time living. They are built on a single chassis, mounted on wheels and have a gross trailer area that cannot exceed 400 sq ft.
Each trailer is certified by the RPTIA member manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5. Two different types of park trailers are offered. One type is less than 8’6’‘ in width and is designed for frequent travel on the highways and can be pulled by a regular vehicle without permits. They generally have slide-outs and holding tanks as well.
The other park model type is over 10’ in width and are over height up to 16’ with the lofts. These are oversize trailers and must be moved by mobile home transporters and require permits from CalTrans and sometimes require CHP escorts and pilot cars. These wider units are generally sited on private property, RV parks or mobile home parks. Instead of slide-outs, you can get bay windows. These units have no holding tanks.
Why Buy A Park Model Home?
Quick Set-Up
You Can often times occupy your new park model home the same day it is delivered
Guest House
Park Model Homes make ideal guest houses for visiting friends and relatives. Special permits may be required on private property. Contact your local planning department for requirements in your county.
Granny or Caregiver Unit
Park Model Homes are the perfect solution to help provide the 24-hour care needed for your loved ones (special permits may be required).
Retirement Living
Park Model RV’s provide luxurious, yet inexpensive, living without the hassles, expenses and taxes of a traditional home.
Income property
Rent out your park model home when not in use. Park model homes will help pay for themselves.
Instant Vacation House
Set up a retreat in an RV or mobile home park whenever you like to go: on the lake, on the coast, in the redwoods, the mountains or in the country. Why rent a vacation home at outrageous prices when you can own your own vacation retreat?
Agricultural Housing
Park model homes offer affordable, quality living. Contact Sunset West RVs about our special series of bunk houses that sleep up to 10 people.
H3. Can I get a unit factory direct?
Yes, we sell park models factory-direct, that means you order the unit through us and we hav it shipped direct from the factory direct to your location, either private property or park. Manufacturers are not allowed to sell direct to the public.
What is included in the base price?
The standard features are included in the base price of the unit. Upgraded options, sales tax, DMV fees, transportation, skirting, steps and set-up are additional costs.
Can I put a dishwasher or washer/dryer in these units?
Yes, there are several floor plans that are designed to accommodate these features. Many other options are available such as skylights, dormers, porches, wetbars, DVD flatscreens, solid-surface counters, etc.
Do park models need a special permit and how are they registered?
To place a park model in a park you need the owner’s or manager’s written permission, for private property you need to check with your county’s building department. Park models are registered through DMV like a car or regular pull-trailer.
Can I buy a model right off the lot?
Yes, the park models we have on the lot are for sale. We also specialize in custom orders so you can get the perfect fit for your needs and choose the colors and options you want for your perfect home.
What are the freight/delivery and set-up charges?
These costs vary, depending on delivery location and transporter rates at the time of delivery. Set-up requirements for your specific location would have to be determined individually. We will gladly give you an estimate dependent upon your situation and location. Set-up is quick and usually you can occupy the unit within 24-48 hours.
Do park models come with propane tanks?
No, they do not. The factory provides a gas line that runs under the coach. You will have to provide natural gas or propane from an outside source and the gas company will need to do the connections.
What about septic?
Unlike regular RVs, Park Models are generally not self-contained, meaning they have no holding tanks.
You will need to hook up to septic or sewer and water like a regular home. An RV or mobile home park can accommodate you septic needs. There are portable septic tanks you can purchase separately from different sources to put in the ground.
Can I get these units any larger?
Park Models by law have to stay under 400 sq. ft. Anyone who is advertising anything larger for a Park Model is not being truthful. The loft area is not counted in the sq. footage because you can’t stand up in them, so the loft area is not considered livable space.
Can I move a park model around by myself?
We have professional mobile home transporters move these. They have to have special permits from Cal Trans and sometimes CHP escorts because of width and height. You could move it around on your property if you have heavy enough equipment like a tractor, some trucks depending on weight load. The transporters we hire have full coverage. If something happens en route, the unit if fully covered.
Can I custom order a park model and how long does it take?
Yes, we ship park models all over the Western U.S. We recommend that you custom order a unit so you get exactly what you want. You have a choice of colors, lots of options to choose from and we can help you choose the right floor plan to fit your needs. You can even design your own floorplan with our help.
A special order can take 4-6 weeks, generally, any engineering may delay it somewhat.
What about electrical hookups?
Park models come with 30, 50 or 100 amp service. With the 30 and 50 amp and electrical cord comes with the unitand a breaker box, with 100 amp service there is no cord. It has to be wired in.
If you are ordering a unit for a park, check with the manager on what amperage is allowed.
If you order a unit with an electric stove or washer/dryer the unit will be 100 amp.
Is Cavco the only brand we carry?
Yes, we have been selling park models for 25 years and have sold other brands over the year but the last 5 years have decided to sell Cavco exclusively. They have the best selection, are the most innovative and continually stay on top of the latest technology so they can keep a competitive edge over all the other Manufacturers. They are a great company to deal with, have the best service and really go out of their way to accommodate changes and special orders.
You get so much more for your money with Cavco, a great product, great service and prices you can’t beat anywhere.
Why should I purchase a park model from Sunset West RVs?
We have been in the RV business for over 38 years and have been selling park models for over 25 years.
We have purchased them to live in and vacation in for our extended family and friends and know all the details specific for these unique homes. We love selling the park models and will do everything possible to make your purchase an enjoyable experience so that you will become our best advertisement.
We look forward to having you become part of our extended family and enjoy years of living or vacationing in your new park model home by Cavco
The best product for the best price, you can’t beat that!