So you’ve decided to move your park model. Maybe you found a better location with stunning views, or perhaps you’re relocating closer to family. Whatever the reason, you’re now facing the big question: should you hire professional movers or tackle this yourself?
It’s a question that deserves more than a quick answer. Moving a park model isn’t quite like moving a traditional home, but it’s definitely more complex than hitching up a camper and hitting the road. Let’s walk through both options so you can make the choice that’s right for your situation.
Understanding What You’re Actually Moving
First things first, let’s talk about what we’re dealing with here. Park models typically weigh between 10,000 to 20,000 pounds and measure up to 400 square feet. They’re built on a chassis with wheels, which technically makes them mobile.
But here’s the catch, they’re designed to move once or maybe a handful of times in their lifetime, not to be towed around regularly like a travel trailer.
Your park model was engineered with transportation in mind, but it’s also built for long-term placement. That means there are specific considerations around weight distribution, securing cabinets and fixtures, protecting utilities, and ensuring the structure isn’t damaged during transit. It’s this middle ground between “mobile” and “permanent” that makes the moving decision tricky.
What Professional Movers Bring to the Table?
When you hire professionals who specialize in park model relocation, you’re getting more than just a truck and some muscle. These folks do this for a living, and they understand the nuances that can make or break a successful move.
Professional movers come with the right equipment. We’re talking heavy-duty trucks with the proper towing capacity, specialized hitches, pilot cars if needed, and all the safety gear required for oversized loads. They know how to properly attach to your park model’s chassis without causing stress points or damage.
Beyond equipment, there’s the expertise factor. Professional movers know how to prepare your park model for transport, securing everything inside, protecting vulnerable points, disconnecting utilities properly, and checking clearances for the route.
They’ve seen it all before, which means they can anticipate problems you might not even think about.
Then there’s insurance. Reputable moving companies carry liability insurance that covers your park model during transport. If something goes wrong, and occasionally things do, you’re protected. That peace of mind is worth a lot when we’re talking about an investment that starts around $43,000 and goes up from there.
Professional movers also handle the permit headaches. Depending on your route and the width of your park model, you might need oversized load permits from multiple states or counties. Professionals know how to navigate this bureaucratic maze, which
What DIY Moving Requires
If you’re seriously considering moving your park model yourself, here’s what you need to line up:
A truck with serious towing capacity is non-negotiable. We’re not talking about your average pickup truck here. You need a heavy-duty truck (think 3/4 ton or 1-ton minimum) with a towing capacity that significantly exceeds your park model’s weight.
The general rule is that your towing capacity should be at least 20-30% more than what you’re pulling, to account for hills, wind, and safety margins.
You’ll need the proper hitch setup, usually a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch rated for the load. The wrong hitch setup is dangerous and can damage both your truck and your park model.
Understanding how to prepare your park model is crucial. You’ll need to secure all cabinets, remove or secure loose items, protect windows and doors, disconnect utilities properly, and ensure the axles and tires are in good condition. Missing any of these steps can lead to damage during transport.
Route planning becomes your responsibility. You need to identify bridges with weight restrictions, low clearances, narrow roads, sharp turns, and any other obstacles. What looks fine on a map might be impossible in reality when you’re pulling a 12-foot-wide structure.
Then there are permits. You’ll need to research and obtain any necessary permits yourself, which varies by state and sometimes county. This can involve paperwork, fees, and waiting periods. Get it wrong, and you could face fines or be forced to stop mid-journey.
The Middle Ground: Assisted DIY
There’s actually a third option worth considering: a hybrid approach where you handle some aspects but bring in professionals for the critical parts.
For example, you might hire a professional to transport your park model while you handle the site preparation, utility work, and setup yourself. This gets you professional expertise for the risky part (the actual move) while letting you save money on the labor you can safely handle.
Some companies offer consulting services where they’ll assess your situation, help you plan the move, and provide guidance even if you’re doing the work yourself. It’s like having an expert in your corner without paying for full-service moving.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Here are the honest questions you need to answer before deciding:
Do you have the proper vehicle and equipment, or will you need to rent or buy it? Once you factor in rental costs or equipment purchases, how much are you actually saving?
What’s your mechanical and towing experience? Be realistic here. Confidence is good, but overconfidence with a park model can be expensive.
How far are you moving? Every mile increases complexity and risk. A 20-mile move is very different from a 200-mile journey.
What’s your timeline? If you need to move quickly, professionals might be your only realistic option.
What’s your stress tolerance? Some people find DIY projects energizing; others find them anxiety-inducing. A park model move will test your patience and problem-solving skills.
Making the Decision
Reddit community discussion related to this topic
For most people, hiring professional movers is the smarter choice. Yes, it costs more upfront, but you’re paying for expertise, equipment, insurance, and peace of mind. When you consider the potential cost of damage, the value of your time, and the stress involved, professional moving often makes financial sense in the bigger picture.
DIY can work for shorter moves when you have the right skills and equipment, but go into it with your eyes open. It’s not just about saving money. it’s about safely relocating what’s likely one of your most valuable assets.
If you’re planning to purchase a new park model and know you’ll need to move it to your site, factor moving costs into your budget from the beginning.
If you’re planning to move or upgrade to a new build, Phoenix Park Models offers customizable designs built for easy setup, transport, and durability, making your next move simpler than ever.
Final Thoughts
Moving a park model is a significant undertaking, whether you hire professionals or do it yourself. The right choice depends on your specific situation, skills, budget, and comfort level with risk.
Whatever you decide, take your time planning. Research your options thoroughly, get multiple quotes if going professional, and don’t cut corners on safety. Your park model is designed to provide you with years of comfortable living, getting it safely to its new location is the first step in your next chapter.
And remember, moving your park model doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime ordeal. One of the benefits of park model living is flexibility, the ability to relocate if your needs change. Knowing your options makes future decisions easier and helps you feel more confident about this unique style of homeownership.
