DWELL BEYOND THE ORDINARY
15 Steps To Setting Up Your Park Model
Knowing how to set up your park model is both exciting and overwhelming, and, if we are honest, sometimes just confusing. In this blog, we help you understand what it takes to get your park model set up and ready to use. Whether you’re using it as a rental, for your business, or as a personal retreat, you can easily set up your park model tiny home.
*We have a video edition of this same blog (seen above). So if you would rather watch how to set up your park model, we get it! However, feel free to reference this blog if you would like to have a document to reference back to.
How Do I Prepare For Park Model Setup?
1.) Get Necessary Permits
It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary permits and licenses for the park model home. Additionally, you will need to ensure that the site location you have chosen is compliant with your local zoning regulations. Our park model tiny homes are legally considered RVs and are all built to the ANSI A119.5 5 standards with an RVIA seal.
Not sure what your state has to say about park model tiny homes? Take a look at the table below to figure out what is needed to get it approved in your area.
| AL | IL | MN | NC | TX |
| AZ | IN | MS | ND | UT |
| AR | IA | MO | OH | VT |
| CA | KS | MT | OK | VA |
| CO | KY | NE | OR | WA |
| CT | LA | NV | PA | WV |
| DE | ME | NH | RI | WI |
| FL | MD | NJ | SC | WY |
| GA | MA | NM | SD | |
| ID | MI | NY | TN |
2.) Plan For Utilities Hookup
Plan how you will install water, electrical, and sewer connections. Consider the distance from these sources and any obstacles that may affect installation. Secondly, Zook Cabins is not responsible for on-site utility hookups, so you are responsible for installing electrical, water, and sewer lines either during or after the foundation preparation. Depending on the Park Model you have purchased, it will require either a 50 or 100 amp electrical service for the water supply to the park model.
3.) Prepare Site Terrain
The site terrain must be as level as possible, the ground should be firm and graded for proper drainage to prevent water damage and erosion. By not doing this, you can cause shifting and uneven ground.
4.) Think about the view
Lastly, when considering your site, think about the sun exposure and the overall setting you envision for your Park Model surroundings. Do you have a beautiful view? Make sure that the huge windows of the Luna or A-Frame Bunkhouse capitalize on the view.
5.) Building a Foundation
Next, you’ll need to prepare a solid foundation for your Park Model. There are two main considerations when preparing your foundation. Th firs type of foundation we reccomend is a 4 to 5 inch compacted crushed stone or concrete pad. The second option would be to do a poured concrete foundation. If you aren’t sure which one would be best for your needs, head over to our blog on park model tiny home foundations and learn about the options that we recommend.
Keep in mind that the park model must remain attached to its wheels. We do recommend that it be blocked up and leveled for stability. We recommend using wooden or Masonry blocks for this process. Avoid setting the park model directly on the ground.
6.) Water and Sewer Connection
The Park Model will use a standard garden hose connection for water. To connect to sewer we reccomend a 3 inch drain line, although and RV sewer hose will suffice. Lastly. Remember to winterize these lines to prevent freezing
7.) Delivery Site Prep
If all of the above conditions are unable to be met, a waiver must be signed stating that Zook Cabins is not responsible for any damages that occur to the property or to the park model. If you have questions baout if your site is prepared, please contact us.
8.) Clear Path
We require a clear level path on firm undisturbed ground the path must have 16 ft of horizontal and vertical clearance on straight drive-through areas. Corners will require 16 ft plus the width of the park model common issues include low hanging trees or wires and narrow driveways which can cause significant damage to the park model during delivery.
Secondly all utility lines and hookups must be marked to avoid damage during delivery. You are responsible for any damage to wires cables septic tanks and pipes during delivery last but not least, when your site is ready we ask that you send photos of the site and a video of the transport path to your Zook Cabin’s contact to help them prepare.
9.) Placement
The Zook Cabins delivery team will attempt to place your Park Model on your foundation if it is accessible by our truck. However, if necessary, we can arrange a skid loader rental for the site on delivery day and pull the cabin onto the pad with the machine. There will be an additional charge for the rental.
10.) Delivery Day
On the day of the delivery, you will be contacted when the truck is en route to your site. Plan to meet the truck driver on site to help guide them to the desired placement location. If all is in order, delivery should only take 1 to 2 hours. Before our team leaves, you will be asked to do a walkthrough of the park model with the truck driver and sign off on the delivery work order.
11.) Final Set Up
Once the delivery team has placed the park model on the foundation, you are responsible for completing the final setup. This involves leveling and anchoring the park model, hooking up utilities, and adding any skirting or decking. We suggest following a similar process to what you’ll see in this video and if you are not able to or interested in completing these steps yourself a local contractor can be hired to complete it for you.
12 .) Stabilizing
To begin leveling the park model is raised one side at a time using 10ton air jacks on the first side. Wood blocks are stacked along the length of the park model these stacks should be a maximum of 8 ft apart but may need to be closer depending on your foundation.
When the blocking is in place on the first side the blocking process is repeated on the other side after all the blocking is in place the Jacks are removed and the park model should rest level fine-tuning the leveling may require adding smaller shims on top of the block.
Stacks at this point you have the option to remove the trailer tongue and sew it underneath the park model or wherever makes sense to you.
Lastly after the park model is resting on its final level position we recommend installing tie down anchors every 8 ft. This is to prevent the possibility of sliding and turnover from high winds.
13.) Connect to utilities
Next you are responsible for connecting all electrical, water and sewer lines as a reminder. Our Park models require either a 50 or 100 amp service, depending on the Park Model. If you have questions about what model would fit your electrical needs best, fill out a quote form.
14.) Add Skiriting
When the park model is leveled, anchored, and connected to utilities we recommend adding skirting around the base of the park model. Skirting can be a massive boost to the appearance of your Park Model.
It also keeps animals from making a home under the building there are many different options to use for skirting such as vinyl, wood, metal, or composite products here are a few examples when you’ve decided on the material you want to use follow this basic process to install the skirting. If you want some other idas on how you skirt park model check out our blog 7 Best Park Model Home Skirting Ideas.
15.) Adding a Deck
We have found that one of the best ways to upgrade the exterior appeal and functionality of your Park Model home is to add a deck. Decks can add function and style making the park model more versatile and attractive.
Though there are many ways to build a deck you can see several examples of our Park models with beautiful decks installed by checking out the rentals page. Keep in mind that if you’re building a deck make sure to follow your local building codes, especially with regards to framing and railing requirements. Don’t forget to choose deckboards and railings that fit your style and complement the park model’s design
Conclusion…
If you have any more questions please see the detailed Park Model planning guide. You can also give us a call we are always here to answer your questions and make every step a smooth one. We hope your Park Model will give you and your guests the chance to dwell beyond the ordinary and make lasting memories in the process.