Trailer Park Chic
Introducing the sector-reviving, very green and uber-cool miniHome featuring a stand-alone, renewables-ready, hybrid propane-electric energy system.
It Stands Alone
This self-contained, off-grid recreational vehicle with up to 13 foot ceilings comes fully furnished and appointed with all appliances—even a microwave—for about USD $108k. Its designers boast, “You add the dishes, linens and the contents to the fridge and you’re ready to go.”
A Trailer?
The miniHome is a travel trailer fit for year-round living even in extreme climates. According to its website:
The miniHome RV is ideally suited to function as a ski chalet, cottage, vacation retreat, guest cabin, or luxurious, yet simple, home-away-from-home.
Slated to be featured on HGTV Canada later this month, the stylish miniHome is turning the stigma of living in a trailer on its head by creating value through smart design.
The Lesson Here?
Opportunities abound, even in a segment beleaguered with image baggage. Never count out a market, industry, or brand.
Is your brand a “green” miniHome or a vinyl-sided double wide?
March 9th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Sounds impressive. But I didn’t see any mention of one indispensible accessory: the “tornado detection and evasion” package!
March 9th, 2007 at 9:58 am
The design is innovative and attractive. How long is the trailer? Would a semi be necessary to move it from place to place? That can be very costly. Current mobile homes are a lot less expensive initially to buy. $108,000.00 would be out of most mobile home owner’s price ranges. Would RV parks be the target places to set these up? If so, they would need to be small enough to pull behind an SUV or small truck. If they are destined for sitting a lot, that would be another expense. Mobile homes are inexpensive living for young people just starting out, or for older people who are retired. The problem in the north is the fact that they also attract undesirable people because of their cost and upkeep. In the south and west, where retirees make up the bulk of ownership, they are in landscaped parks with good upkeep. Even in the north, good parks can be found, especially in tourist areas.
Well managed parks make mobile home living desirable, like living in a condo without the high cost involved. They are also convenient home sites for groups of people who work in inustrialized areas.
I could see these being used by people with the initial funds to buy them, and the upkeep would be great with the benefits of renewable utility costs. Retirees who have sold property would probably be the best target for sales.
March 11th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Tornado detection/evasion package: If you place a minihome on a Caribbean beach somewhere the issue is rendered moot I would think.
Mary Ellen: Excellent insights—certainly expanded the scope of this article.