Park Model Homes vs Towable Tiny Homes: What is the difference?

While the tiny home movement has taken society by storm, more and more people are choosing to downsize from large, expensive homes to embrace a more minimalistic, lifestyle-friendly way of living in a “tiny home.”

Even so, there is still a lot of confusion about what exactly a tiny home is, what qualifies as one, and especially the differences between park models and towable tiny homes on wheels.

Today, the term “tiny home” can feel a bit generic, as it’s often used to describe a wide range of small living spaces—including small homes, park models, RVs, and even shed home conversions.

What is the difference between Park model tiny home and towable tiny home certifications?

So the major difference between park model tiny homes vs towable tiny homes is the regulations, codes, and specifications used to build them and their intended use. Park model tiny homes are built to the ANSI A119.5 Code for recreational vehicles, the same set of regulatory codes that are for building RVs.

This also means that with your new park model home, you will get an RVIA Seal and VIN number. Think of it as a large RV that is typically stationary and needs to be hauled by a semi-truck to it’s primary location. On the other hand, towable tiny homes are often small enough to be towed by a large pick up or SUV.

With their difference in size compared to park model tiny homes, towable tiny homes are typically built to NOAH standard. This is because park model tiny homes have a specific size criteria of what is and is not allowed. If your interest is piqued, keep reading to learonn the difference between park model tiny homes and towable tiny homes.

Is a towable tiny home or a park model tiny home easier to move?

Generally speaking, a towable tiny home is easier to move than a park model tiny home. Most park models—with the exception of the Nook Family and Nook Studio—require a full-sized semi-truck to transport due to their size and weight. In contrast, a towable tiny home can often be moved with a large pickup truck or SUV, making it a more flexible option for those who plan to travel or relocate more frequently.

How Much Do Park Model Homes vs Towable Tiny Homes Cost?

Park model tiny homes start around $71,000 for a Nook Studio. On the other hand, undoubtedly a towable tiny home can cost around $113.000. That being said, if you have a home that is larger and more budget-friendly, a park model tiny home is certainly the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for portability, you will often need to pay more for that luxury.

Are Park Model Tiny Homes a Better investment than a towable tiny home?

At this point in the industry, it’s a bit challenging to say which type of tiny home is the best investment—it really depends on how you define “investment.”

For example, if your goal is revenue generation, such as using the home as a rental property, a park model tiny home may be a better fit due to its size, amenities, and long-term setup.

However, if portability is your priority, towable tiny homes are likely the better choice, offering greater flexibility and ease of movement.

Keep reading to learn more about which type of tiny home aligns best with your needs and goals.

For example, park model tiny homes tend to do a bit better on websites like Airbnb or VRBO. This is because they are often larger than tiny homes and can fit a family of 4 comfortably. They also make for a great cabin camping offering at your campground. Allowing you to attract new segments of customers to your campground. In fact, places like Red Run Resort, Somerset Resort, and Big Texan RV Ranch are already seeing the benefits of offering cabins like these, as it has increased their revenue streams.

However, a towable tiny home can be an excellent investment if you’re in a traveling profession that you are in for a few weeks at a time. Think of people like travel nurses and union workers who go from job to job in different towns for extended periods of time. In this case, towable tiny homes function a bit more like a luxury camper. However, because towable tiny homes are a bit more popular right now, you may be able to recoup the money from your initial investment a little more easily. 

Either style of these homes is a significant investment when used in the correct application. However,  by investing in a high-quality Park model, you are getting yourself a low-cost, high ROI investment. Whether you are looking for a small vacation home for yourself, or allowing a Park Model Home to make a difference in your investment portfolio. If you have more questions read our blog about Park Model homes as a short-term investment.

Which tiny home is bigger, a Park model tiny home or towable tiny home?

Typically, a park model home is a larger version of a tiny home. Oftentimes, park models are built to be as large as they can be, 400 square feet for everywhere but Florida, which allows park models to be 500 square feet. On the other hand, NOAH towable tiny homes only need to be built to 70 square feet.

Are Park Models Tiny homes or Towable Tiny homes easier to make off grid accessible?

Both park models and towable tiny homes can be designed to function off-grid. So, it’s not necessarily that one type is easier to convert than the other. However, because park models are generally larger, they often require more time and resources to fully transition to an off-grid system. This includes larger solar setups, more extensive water storage, and potentially more complex waste management solutions.

Want to try out an off-grid park model home? Check out the above in Gap, PA.

Are Park Model Tiny Homes or Towable Tiny Homes better for families?

Typically, a park model tiny home is better suited for families. In fact At Zook Cabins we have 2 models with 2 separate bedrooms. If you like a modern look and feel, check out the Cascade. However, if you want something a bit more rustic and log cabin-related, check out the Pinecrest.

Do Park Model Tiny Homes or Towable Tiny Homes Offer a better Resale value?

If you’re looking for better resale value, park model tiny homes typically hold their value better than towable tiny homes. One key reason is that many park model homes are located in campgrounds or communities where the infrastructure—such as water, sewer, and electricity—is already in place. This makes them more attractive to buyers who want a ready-to-use setup without the hassle of relocating or setting up utilities from scratch.

Can I live in a park model or towable tiny home year round?

Yes, you can live in a park model tiny home year-round—especially when it’s a well-built model like a Zook Cabin park model. These homes are designed with quality insulation, residential-style features, and durability to handle all four seasons comfortably.

On the other hand, towable tiny homes may not always be suited for year-round living, particularly in extreme climates, unless they’ve been specially built for it.

To help you better understand what is and isn’t allowed for tiny home living in your area, check out the table below. We’ve got you covered across the entire continental U.S. with key zoning and regulation insights.

Featured Park Model Tiny Home by Zook Cabins

The Rockwood Park Model Home

The Rockwood Park Model Home is a sleek, modern park model with a single sloped roof. The stunning living area is surrounded on three sides by full glass walls and large glass patio doors going out to the front porch. The master bedroom and bath are just a step back from the hall. Experience the beauty of this home for yourself! 

• The Rockwood is built to the latest ANSI A119.5 Code for recreational vehicles and complete with an RVIA Seal and VIN number.

In Conclusion

Knowing the important difference between park model homes vs tiny homes is the place to start. But the decision is up to you and comes down to what you want to accomplish with your new home. If you want a beautiful guest house or vacation home in an RV park or up in the mountains at your favorite lake, then a Park Model Cabin or Home is a great way to go.

If you are interested in more details about what a Park Model Tiny home has to offer, we’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have about park model homes vs tiny homes.  Either way, you can take one step closer to having your own dream vacation home today by investing in a park model home!