Park Models Over 40 Feet: The Ultimate Summer Cottage

Know Your Width: 8.5-Wide vs. 12-Wide

At 40+ feet long, the width determines everything—from how it travels to where you can park it.

• Destination Trailers (8.5 Feet Wide):

  • The Build: Built like a traditional travel trailer but taller. They have slide-outs that expand the width once parked.

  • The Rules: They have a standard RV VIN number and usually include holding tanks (Grey/Black), meaning they can be parked in standard campgrounds with partial hookups.

  • Towing: Can be towed by a specialized heavy-duty truck (though we recommend professional delivery).

• Park Models (10 to 14 Feet Wide):

  • The Build: These look like small mobile homes. They often have no slide-outs (or very few) because the base width is so massive.

  • The Rules: They typically have NO holding tanks (must be plumbed directly to sewer) and run strictly on 50-amp/110V power. They are designed for "Park Model Only" resorts.

  • Towing: Must be moved by a commercial wide-load truck with permits.

The "Loft" Advantage

The defining feature of the 40+ foot class is the Loft.

• Because these units have higher rooflines (often flat or cathedral ceilings), manufacturers build a "second story" above the master bedroom or rear den.

• The Benefit: You get a master suite for the adults and a separate play area/bedroom upstairs for 2–4 kids, without extending the length of the trailer.

Top Models Over 40 Feet

1. Forest River Wildwood Grand Lodge / Salem Villa These are the innovators of the "destination" segment.

• Top Pick: Grand Lodge 42VIEW. At roughly 43 feet, this unit changed the industry. It features a unique front kitchen with massive panoramic windows and two lofts, creating a multi-level tiny home feel.

• Top Pick: Grand Lodge 42DL. A classic loft model featuring a downstairs master bedroom and a massive upstairs loft that spans nearly half the trailer.

2. Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow Jayco takes their legendary durability and scales it up to cottage size.

• Top Pick: Bungalow 40LOFT. A roughly 41-foot unit featuring a detachable hitch (for a cleaner look when skirted) and a residential atrium front wall that floods the living room with light.

• Features: Look for the "Magnum Truss" roof system—essential for handling heavy Canadian snow loads if you leave the unit parked all winter.

3. Keystone Residence Keystone designs these units with "Extended Stay" luxury in mind.

• Top Pick: Residence 40FLFT. A 40+ foot front-loft layout. By putting the loft in the front, it creates a dramatic cathedral ceiling in the rear living room/kitchen area.

Logistics: Siting a Giant

• The Pad: A 40-foot unit weighs 12,000 to 16,000+ lbs. You need a properly compacted gravel or concrete pad to prevent sinking over time.

• The Deck: Almost every owner builds a deck flush with the patio door. Pro Tip: Check the height of the door threshold before you build—Destination Trailers sit higher off the ground than 12-Wide Park Models!

• Delivery: Do not attempt to move these yourself. We offer Professional Delivery & Blocking, where we haul the unit to your site, block it level, and ensure the slide-outs are properly supported.

Ready to Move In?

• Measure Your Site: Many older campgrounds maximize at 35 feet. Ensure your seasonal lot can handle a 42-foot unit plus your vehicle.

• Shop The Giants: Filter our inventory by "Destination Trailer" or "Park Model" to see the floor plans.

• Climb the Stairs: Bring the grandkids to Leisure Days RV Group. Once they see the private loft in a Grand Lodge, they won't let you buy anything else.