A Complete Guide to Recreational Vehicles and Mobile Homes

This comprehensive guide covers everything about recreational vehicles and mobile homes, including types, regulations, insurance coverage, and important considerations for potential buyers. It helps owners and prospective buyers understand the nuances of mobile dwelling options and park living, ensuring informed decisions tailored to individual lifestyles and needs.

Comprehensive Overview of RVs and Mobile Homes

Recreational vehicles, often called RVs, are distinct from traditional homes, and insurers recognize that owners of these mobile dwellings need specialized coverage. Farmers Insurance offers tailored policies that cater specifically to RV owners, providing protection that:

Includes coverage for sudden, accidental, and direct damages unless explicitly excluded in the policy.

Covers legal liabilities if you are held responsible for an incident.

Allows customization with additional coverage options to suit individual needs.

What Are Recreational Vehicles?

RVs resemble living spaces with the comfort of a home.

They are designed to be mobile and can be moved between locations.

They are not permanently fixed to land.

Manufactured homes are separate from caravans and tents, and are regulated within residential parks.

Converted Vehicles

A converted vehicle is originally built as a caravan but has undergone structural modifications, making it no longer qualify as a traditional caravan. Such vehicles are generally not classified as manufactured homes unless:

There is a site agreement between the owner and a residential park.

The owner voluntarily enters into a site contract for a mobile unit.

Owned Manufactured Homes

Owners of manufactured homes are considered such for purposes of regulations if:

The manufactured home is their primary residence.

They hold a site agreement as a resident or beneficiary of an estate.

They permit tenants to occupy the home temporarily under a site agreement.

Understanding Residential Parks

A residential park includes land for rent under a site agreement, shared facilities, and amenities for residents’ comfort and leisure. Manufactured homes in these parks may be of various types:

Mixed-use – parks may feature manufactured homes, caravans, tents, and holiday cabins, offering short- and long-term accommodation.

Purpose-built – exclusively dedicated to manufactured homes, often targeting older adult communities over 50.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Mobile Home

Before buying a repossessed mobile home in a residential park, consider:

Retirement options such as parks, villages, or units suitable for your lifestyle.

Facilities offered by the park, including transportation, emergency access, recreational, and social amenities.

The ideal park for you might be:

Purpose-built

Mixed-use

If you prefer shared community living options.