Park Model vs. Travel Trailer: Which is Right for Your Shore Getaway?
If you are dreaming of a summer retreat down the Jersey Shore, buying an RV is one of the most affordable and enjoyable ways to make it happen. But when you start walking the lot at Ocean View Trailer Sales, you’ll quickly realize you have a major decision to make: Should you buy a Travel Trailer or a Park Model?
Both offer fantastic ways to enjoy the camping lifestyle, but they are built for entirely different styles of vacationing. Here is a breakdown to help you choose the perfect fit for your family.
The Travel Trailer: The Explorer’s Choice
A travel trailer is exactly what it sounds like: an RV designed to hit the open road. These are built on a standard chassis and are meant to be towed behind a truck or SUV.
Why choose a Travel Trailer?
Total Mobility: If you want to spend this summer at Ocean View Resort, but want the freedom to visit the Poconos in the fall or Florida in the winter, a travel trailer gives you that flexibility.
Self-Contained: Travel trailers come with holding tanks (for fresh, gray, and black water), meaning you don't always need to be hooked up to campground utilities.
Versatility: Even if you plan to park it at a seasonal site for the summer, you always have the option to hitch up and move.
The Park Model: The Ultimate Destination Home
A park model is technically classified as a recreational vehicle, but it looks and feels much more like a small coastal cottage. By law, they are built to a maximum of 400 square feet, but clever layouts, high ceilings, and lofts make them feel incredibly spacious.
Because they require a specialized tow vehicle to move, park models are designed to be transported to a single location, like a seasonal campsite, and left there long-term.
Why choose a Park Model?
House-Like Features: Park models feature residential-style appliances, full-sized house doors, shingled roofs, and larger windows.
Maximum Space: With taller ceilings and sliding glass doors, park models maximize every inch of their 400-square-foot limit. Many also feature loft spaces that are perfect for kids or grandkids.
Direct Hookups: There are no holding tanks to empty. Park models are designed to be directly hard-piped into the campground's water, sewer, and electric systems, just like a traditional home.
Don't Forget the Florida Room!
Whether you choose a travel trailer to park seasonally or a park model, one of the best ways to upgrade your shore living experience is by adding a custom deck, awning, or Florida Room.
At Ocean View Trailer Sales, we specialize in building these custom additions. A Florida room can easily double your living space, giving you a beautiful, weather-proof area to relax, dine, and entertain all season long.
Ready to find your perfect shore home?
Whether you want the flexibility of a travel trailer or the residential feel of a park model, our team is here to help. Browse our current inventory or stop by the lot to walk through these beautiful units in person!