Park Model Cabin Foundations: How to Choose the Right Base for Your Cabin
Park model homes are designed for seasonal or recreational use, which is why they’re built on wheels. But what if you want to park it in one location long-term?
Is it possible to put your park model on a foundation? And if so, what are your foundation options?
The good news is, yes, you absolutely can put your park model on a foundation. However, some foundation options are more optimal for certain situations than others.
But don’t worry! Here at Lancaster Log Cabins, we specialize in high-quality real-wood park model cabins, and today, we’re sharing our expertise so you can feel secure in your knowledge of foundation options.
Table of Contents
TL;DR - Park Model Cabin Foundations
- Park model foundations are semi-permanent, unlike those of a typical house, so that they can keep their official RV designation.
- Before constructing your foundation, make sure to get the proper permits, plan for utilities, and prep the site.
- Foundation options include a gravel pad or a concrete pad for the base, blocks or piers to support the park model, and several anchoring options.
- After constructing your foundation, you can finish it off with a skirting and an optional deck.
Permanent vs Semi-Permanent Park Model Foundations
There are many reasons why you may want to put your park model on a foundation. Maybe you plan to live in your park model full-time—or simply keep it parked long-term, even if used seasonally.
A foundation keeps your park model stable, protects it during storms, and extends its lifespan. This stability ultimately prevents issues like sticking doors, uneven floors, or cracked trim.
But when thinking through your foundation options, it’s important to note that park models are technically classified as RVs. To maintain this classification, park model cabins are built on a trailer chassis with wheels.
When it comes to foundations, this detail is important!
If you want to go through the process of removing the wheels, installing underground utilities, and placing your park model on a permanent concrete foundation like you would with a mobile home, you technically can—but it changes that designation. Now, your park model is considered real estate instead of personal property, which means you have far more legal hoops to jump through and potentially more taxes to pay.
That’s why park model owners almost always choose a semi-permanent foundation instead. Semi-permanent foundations involve:
- A stable foundation base of gravel or concrete
- Something to support the park model, such as concrete blocks or steel piers
- Some form of anchor for stability
- A skirting to hide the chassis and wheels
Because permanent foundations are so rare for park models, this blog will focus exclusively on how to choose the best semi-permanent foundation options for your park model cabin.
Preparing for the Foundation: Permits, Utilities, and Site Prep
Before setting your park model cabin on a foundation, it’s important to handle the groundwork—both literally and legally.
1. Check Local Regulations
Every state and municipality has different rules for setting up a park model cabin. Start by contacting your local zoning or building department to learn what’s required for your area. You may need a permit for site preparation, electrical connections, or septic installation.
2. Plan for Utilities
Most park models use a standard garden hose connection for water, a 3-inch sewer drain line, and a 50- or 100-amp electrical service. Plan to install and winterize these lines, consulting with professional electricians and plumbers as necessary, and coordinating with local utility companies.
3. Prepare the Site
A solid foundation starts with solid ground. Clear away vegetation, debris, or large rocks, and grade the site so it’s level and well-drained.
Foundation Base: Gravel or Concrete?
Once your site is cleared, leveled, and permitted, it’s time to choose your foundation base. You can place your park model on a compacted gravel pad, or you can pour a concrete pad.
Gravel Pad
A gravel pad is the most common and cost-effective option for park model cabins. It provides excellent drainage, helps prevent moisture buildup, and can be installed quickly. To create a gravel base, contractors typically excavate a few inches of soil, lay down landscaping fabric to block weeds, and fill the space with several inches of compacted crushed stone.
Concrete Base
A concrete pad, on the other hand, offers a more permanent and level surface. It’s a great choice if your cabin will stay in one spot for the long haul or if you plan to add outdoor features like a porch or patio. A concrete slab also makes leveling easier and provides a firm anchor point for piers or tie-downs. However, it costs more to install and requires more prep work.
Blocks or Piers: Which Is Right for You?
Once your foundation base is ready, it’s time to decide how to support your park model cabin. Most setups use one of four options: concrete blocks, concrete piers, steel piers, or wooden blocks. Each provides a slightly different level of durability, cost, and maintenance.
Concrete Blocks
This is the most common and affordable option. Concrete blocks are stacked under the park model’s steel frame to keep it level and stable. Plastic or steel shims are often used to fine-tune the leveling. Blocks work well on gravel bases and are a solid choice for most installations.
Concrete Piers
For more long-term stability, concrete piers are a great option. These can be precast or poured on-site and usually extend below the frost line, making them less likely to shift in freezing weather. They’re ideal for colder climates or uneven ground.
Steel Piers
Adjustable steel piers are durable, reusable, and easy to level. They’re a smart choice if you expect minor ground movement or want a system that allows for easy maintenance over time.
Wooden Blocks
Pressure-treated wooden blocks are sometimes used temporarily during installation or for minor leveling adjustments. However, they’re not recommended for permanent use since wood can rot, warp, or attract pests.
Anchoring Your Park Model
After your cabin is set and leveled, it needs to be securely anchored to resist wind, shifting soil, or vibrations from movement. Your anchor options include:
Auger Anchors: These are long steel rods with screw-like ends that twist deep into the ground. Straps or cables then connect the anchors to the cabin’s frame.
Concrete Anchors: Used when your park model sits on a concrete pad or piers. Steel straps or bolts are embedded directly into the concrete and attached to the frame.
Frame Anchors: For gravel foundations, specialized frame anchors can be driven into the ground alongside the cabin and secured with tensioned straps.
For anchoring, it’s a good idea to check with your local authorities or a licensed installer to make sure your anchoring system meets safety standards.
Skirting and Additional Features
Your park model is now secure on its foundation, but the wheels are still showing, and the blocks, anchors, and pipes may be a bit unsightly. For a finishing touch, remove the trailer tongue and store it under the park model. Then hide everything with skirting around the base.
Remember—skirting isn’t just for aesthetic purposes! It also acts as insulation and keeps rodents from nesting underneath your park model.
To really finish off your park model and make it look settled into its new home, add a deck and a set of steps.
Where to Find High-Quality Park Model Cabins
At Lancaster Log Cabins, we believe park models are investments worth protecting, which is why we advocate placing them on sturdy foundations.
It’s also why we’re committed to making high-quality structures in the first place! Our park models are built with real wood and high-quality materials. We’re committed to excellent customer service and helping you find the cabin that fits your needs.
We also build other movable, high-quality structures, including:
Whatever you’re looking for, we’d be delighted to serve you! Contact us today for a meaningful conversation about your ideal cabin or park model.
