diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/root_module/model_saving.py b/pytorch_lightning/root_module/model_saving.py
index fc151b693b..b3b178e0be 100644
--- a/pytorch_lightning/root_module/model_saving.py
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/root_module/model_saving.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import torch
 import os
 import re
 import pdb
-
+from pytorch_lightning.pt_overrides.override_data_parallel import LightningDataParallel
 
 class ModelIO(object):
 
@@ -49,7 +49,8 @@ class TrainerIO(object):
         checkpoint['optimizer_states'] = optimizer_states
 
         # request what to save from the model
-        checkpoint_dict = self.model.get_save_dict()
+        model = self.model.module if type(self.model) is LightningDataParallel else self.model
+        checkpoint_dict = model.get_save_dict()
 
         # merge trainer and model saving items
         checkpoint.update(checkpoint_dict)
@@ -130,7 +131,8 @@ class TrainerIO(object):
         self.restore_training_state(checkpoint)
 
         # load model state
-        self.model.load_model_specific(checkpoint)
+        model = self.model.module if type(self.model) is LightningDataParallel else self.model
+        model.load_model_specific(checkpoint)
 
     def max_ckpt_in_folder(self, path):
         files = os.listdir(path)