Tiny Home Setup Made Simple

A step-by-step guide to preparing your property, utilities, and site for a Park Model RV Tiny Home

This guide focuses on preparing your property and utilities before your Park Model RV arrives. It covers ground preparation, utility planning, and what to coordinate ahead of time so delivery and setup go smoothly.

For an overview of production timelines, delivery coordination, and what happens from order to move-in, visit our Delivery & Setup page.

If your home is arriving soon, see our Delivery Day Checklist for what to expect on arrival.

1. Ground, Pads, and Long-Term Stability

Before delivery, the site must be prepared to support the weight of the Park Model RV and allow for proper leveling.

Common site prep options include:

• Compacted gravel or crushed rock
  A typical gravel base is 5-8 inches thick and fully compacted. Compaction is critical because loose gravel will settle over time under the weight of the home, which can lead to shifting and the need for re-leveling.

• Concrete pads
  A poured concrete pad provides a very stable, long-term surface and is often used when access and site conditions allow.

• Other professionally prepared surfaces
  Depending on terrain, soil type, and drainage, other engineered solutions may be appropriate.

The key requirement is a stable, level base that can handle the weight of the home over time. Bare dirt or soft ground is possible, but not recommended, as it can compress unevenly, trap moisture, and cause the home to settle or move. Proper compaction helps distribute weight evenly, improves drainage, and reduces long-term maintenance.

Your setting contractor can help confirm the best option for your specific site and conditions.

2. Planning for Setting & Leveling

After delivery, the home will be set and leveled using an approved method such as block setting on concrete blocks or pier setting on metal piers.

Proper setting and leveling is critical because it directly affect how the home feels, how systems function, and how the structure holds up over time. A home that is not properly supported can experience door and window alignment issues, floor flex, unnecessary stress on the frame, and increased need for re-leveling later.

Planning for setting includes:

• Supporting the frame at designated load points

• Ensuring the home is level side-to-side and front-to-back

• Removing transport stress from the chassis once it is placed

• Creating a stable base that resists settling over time

Depending on location, wind exposure, and local requirements, additional stabilization such as tie-downs or anchoring may be recommended. These measures help reduce movement in high-wind areas and improve long-term stability.

Using experienced Park Model or RV setting professionals plays a major role in how solid the home feels and how well it performs long-term. Proper setting is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment.

Skirting

Skirting closes the gap between the ground and the bottom of the home. It cleans up the look, hides blocks or piers, and helps protect plumbing and wiring while cutting drafts under the floor.

Skirting basics include:

• Choosing a material that fits the site and budget: vinyl, metal, engineered wood, composite, or insulated systems

• Adding vents or a vented access door for airflow and service

• Laying a ground moisture barrier when possible

• Keeping clearances to siding and sealing around utilities

Timing:

• Install after the home is fully set, leveled, and utilities are in. Most owners complete skirting within the first month after delivery.

Stairs and Entry Access

Because Park Model RVs sit slightly elevated once leveled, custom stairs are required to enter the home.

This is a simple job for any contractor or handy homeowner. Most setups require 3 or 4 steps, depending on how the home is leveled and the height of the chassis.

Some owners choose:

• Basic pressure-treated wood stairs

• Prefab steps

• More finished stair systems with railings or decking to match the home

There is no single required style. The choice usually comes down to budget, aesthetics, and how permanent you want the setup to feel.

Tap here to learn more about stairs for your tiny home

3. Utility Hookups

Connecting utilities is usually simpler than people expect. Park Model RVs use standard RV-style hookups that most licensed professionals are already familiar with.

Electrical Preparation

A licensed electrician will install a standard 50-amp, 120/240V, 4-prong RV outlet or hardwire the connection if required.

We perform an amperage load calculation based on the specific options selected for the home. If the calculated load exceeds 50 amps, 100-amp service will be required. This most commonly applies to homes with higher-demand electric options such as electric ranges, electric dryers, or multiple high-draw appliances.

Your electrician will install the appropriate service based on these requirements to ensure safe and reliable operation.

This work is typically handled by a licensed professional, though some homeowners choose to complete parts of it themselves depending on experience and local requirements.

Water Preparation

Water service can be as simple as a standard hose-size connection or a direct water line tied into the home.

This work is typically handled by a licensed professional, though some homeowners choose to complete parts of it themselves depending on experience and local requirements.

Sewer and Septic Preparation

Waste connections typically tie into an existing sewer line or septic system using an RV-style connection. Local permits may be required depending on the jurisdiction.

This work is typically handled by a licensed professional, though some homeowners choose to complete parts of it themselves depending on experience and local requirements.

Gas and Propane Preparation

Homes built with gas ranges can use natural gas or propane. Propane setups use the manufacturer-included conversion kit.

This work is typically handled by a licensed professional, though some homeowners choose to complete parts of it themselves depending on experience and local requirements. Propane use requires a simple conversion using the included kit in the home owners manual. Learn more about the propane Conversion here.

Utility Setup: What to Ask For

When contacting contractors or utility providers, use the language below.

These homes are RVIA Certified ANSI 119.5 Park Model RVs, and just need traditional RV connections.

Electrical

Ask for:

• 50 amp, 120/240V, 4-prong RV hookup or 100 amp service, depending on the home’s electrical load

• Weather-resistant RV pedestal or disconnect near the home

• Shore power connection compatible with a Park Model RV

Notes:

• 50-amp service is standard for many homes

• Homes with higher electrical demand (such as electric ranges, electric dryers, or other high-draw options) will require 100 amp service and your order summary will confirm what you will need

• Final service size is based on the amperage load calculation for the specific home, which we provide

Recommended Contractors

These are independent, licensed professionals we recommend. They can help with everything from basic hookups to full end-to-end setup.

Recommended Electrician
Alameda Electric
Service Area: Oregon & Washington
Website: alamedaelectricpdx.com
Phone: 503-863-6887
Email: info@alamedaelectricpdx.com

Plumbing and Water

Ask for:

Water

• Standard RV-style water connection to city water or an approved well

• Shut-off valve installed near the home for easy access

Sewer / Waste

• RV-style sewer connection tied into either:

  • The existing sewer mainline at the primary house, or

  • A separate septic system approved for RV use

• Connection should be a standard RV waste inlet compatible with Park Model RVs

Notes:

• This is not a full residential plumbing system

• Connections are RV-style and remain serviceable and accessible

• Local jurisdiction requirements may vary, and permits may be required depending on the location

Recommended Plumber
Blackcat Plumbing
Service Area: Oregon only
Website: blackcatplumbing.com
Phone: 503-788-0300
Email: info@blackcatplumbing.com

Propane

Ask for:

• Propane tank installation and hookup for a Park Model RV

• Connection to range, oven, or other propane appliances

• Pressure testing and final hookup after placement

• Converting gas range to Propane using the conversion kit included with the home

Propane Provider
Ferrellgas
Service Area: Nationwide
Website: ferrellgas.com

Setting and Leveling

NWT Setting
Services: Block setting, pier setting, re-leveling
Service Area: Oregon only
Email: info@nwtinyhomes.com

Re-Leveling Pros / On Level Services
Services: Block setting, pier setting, re-leveling, foundations, tie-downs, skirting, and more
Service Area: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado
Phone: View the website for your specific area for contact info
Website: relevelingpros.com

General Project Contractor

For full project management

Larry Swayze Construction Inc
Service Area: Oregon only
Phone: 971-338-8222
Email: butcherbroz@gmail.com

Final Notes

We handle the transport coordination, and we can connect you with contractors who specialize in setting up Park Model RV Tiny Homes. Once your home is delivered, the rest is a simple checklist handled by the right professionals.

If you have questions or want help planning your setup, reach out anytime. We are here to make the process easy from start to finish.


Need details on build timelines, delivery windows, and warranty coverage? Visit our Delivery & Setup page for an overview of production, delivery, and aftercare.