If you are new to RVing, one of the first things you will realize is that understanding some of the language used can be quite difficult.
Below you will find an RV dictionary of the most common words and phrases used when talking about RVing. And at the very bottom of the dictionary, you will find the RV Acronyms.
Numbers
10-Year Rule: A rule that RV resorts and private campgrounds use to turn away and prohibit older and unsightly RVs from staying at the campground. This rule is used more in higher-end RV resorts.
2-way Fridge: A “2-way fridge” usually refers to an absorption RV refrigerator that can run off of AC Power and LP gas.
3-way Fridge: A refrigerator that operates on a 12V battery while driving or by propane gas or electricity while parked.
4-Pin Electrical Connector: This is aconnector with only 4 pins in it. This connector is used to provide power from your tow vehicle to your RV (trailer). It only has enough wires for the lights only.
55 And Older/Up: This is a rule used in private RV campgrounds and resorts to only allow 55 years and older Rvers into the park. All the amenities and activities are geared toward older Rvers and generally are not Kid or family-friendly.
7-Pin Electrical Connector: This is aconnector with 7 pins in it. This connector is used to provide power from your tow vehicle to your RV (trailer) for the lights as well as the electrically operated brakes.
A thru C
AC (AirConditioning): If you have a motorhome you will most likely have two of these. One will be part of the driver’s area with a nob to control it somewhere on the dash. The second one will be part of the living space of your RV, mounted on the roof. This AC is either controlled right from the unit mounted in the roof with knobs or it is controlled by a thermostat located somewhere on the wall of your RV.
Aluminum Exterior Sidewalls: This term refers to the outside construction of your RV. It is the material used to cover the exterior walls and is made of aluminum.
RV Anti-Freeze: A special non-toxic liquid, which prevents water from freezing. RV Anti-freeze is used in all living areas where water is used in an RV to winterize it during the winter months. This prevents the water from freezing and breaking pipes and holding tanks. RV anti-freeze is special and different than regular motor anti-freeze. Never use automotive anti-freeze in an RV!
Auxiliary Battery: An extra 12-volt battery is used to run 12volt equipment.
Azdel: A composite panel that has been used in RV exterior and interior sidewall, ceilings, and roofs since 2006. They are produced using a patented blend of polypropylene and fiberglass to create a strong, lightweight, quiet, weather and temperature resistant, odorless and environmentally friendly.
Back-up monitor: A camera mounted on the back of the RV that provides the driver with a view of the rear of the RV. The monitor part of this system is typically on the dash in the driver’s area.
Basement: A large storage area located underneath your RV’s floor usually accessible from outside storage doors or under the main bed.
Bat Wing: The standard RV TV antenna.
Black Water: The sewage water from the toilet exclusively.
Black Water Capacity: The amount of sewage water from the toilet that your RV’s black water tank can hold.
Black Water Tank: The tank which stores the sewage water from the toilet exclusively. This tank must only be emptied at an approved dump station.
Blue Boy: A wheeled portable blue plastic tank used to transport sewage from your RV to a sewage dump station.
Boon Docking: (Also called Dry Camping or Self-Contained Camping) Parking and camping with no hook-ups; no fresh water, no electricity and no sewer external hookups.
Booth Dinette: Dining area with bench seats on 2 sides and a table in between.
Brake Controller: An electronic device mounted somewhere inside the tow vehicle that will apply the brakes on the trailer automatically and at the same time the tow vehicle applies the brakes.
Breakaway Switch: A completely sealed breakaway switch that automatically set trailer brakes if your trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Required by law in some states. It’s for emergency use only, not to be used to lock brakes when parked or stored.
BTU (BritishThermalUnit): the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at a specified temperature (such as 39°F) Despite its name, the British thermal unit, or BTU, may be more widely used in North America than in Britain. Air conditioners, furnaces, and stoves are generally rated by BTUs. (Though "BTUs" is often short for "BTUs per hour;" in air-conditioner ratings, for instance, "BTUs" really means "BTUs of cooling capacity per hour".)
Bunkhouse: This refers to a type of floor plan of an RV that has bunk beds in it.
Cab Over Bed: A bed that is located over the driving cabin in a raised area. Usually a double bed. Found mostly in Class C motorhomes.
Camper: This word can have a few meanings depending on the situation. 1. A person that is staying at a campground or RV resort private or public. 2. An RV that fits in the bed of a pickup truck (See Truck Camper)
Campground or Campsite: A place used for overnight stays for various RVs and tents. There are 2 types of campgrounds- Public and Private, which are rated in various camping/motor home/RV guides. Ratings are based on the types of facilities, cleanliness, surroundings and location to attractions. Many campgrounds are closed in the off-season.
Caravan: The European term for an RV. These terms include all vehicles used for traveling, including motorized vehicles and towables. In French, you call it Camping Car.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: An electronic device installed in the RV that has an audible alarm when it detects Carbon Monoxide.
Cassette Toilet: A chemical toilet with a cassette holding the wastewater, which must be emptied when full.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity): The maximum weight limit for personal items you can add to an RV. (Also see OCCC)
Chassis: It’s the framework your RV is built upon. In motorhomes, the chassis generally includes the engine and transmission.
Chassis Battery: The battery in your motorhome that operates 12-volt components of the drivetrain.
Chucking: the violent back and forth motion that happens during towing of a trailer caused by uneven & rough roads
City Water: this is a term used for the water hookup at your campsite.
Class A RV: Class A motorhomes are built using a very strong, heavy-duty frame. These frames are built on either a commercial bus chassis, a commercial truck chassis, or a motor vehicle chassis.
Class B RV: A Class B Motorhome is like a passenger van that has been converted into a full-time living space. There is usually a kitchenette, a sleeping area, and oftentimes a small toilet or bathroom. It is completely motorized as well.
Class B+ RV: Class B motorhomes are often referred to as camper vans or conversion vans. Like the typical Class B, the B+ is constructed on a large van chassis and even a bus chassis for larger models. Class B+ motorhomes are larger than your everyday Class B but still not as large as a Class C motorhome.
Class C RV: The Class C motorhome is the compromise between a Class A and a Class B. They are built with a cabin chassis. They are easy to pick out by their over-cab sleeping area. The location of the sleeping area allows for more room in the living area. 4-8 people can live in one Class C motorhome.
Coach: The living unit of the RV.
Cockpit: Front of your motorhome where the driver pilot seat and passenger co-pilot seats are located.
Converter: Converts 120 volts or 240 Volts AC power to 12 volt DC power and also charges your 12-volt house battery.
Convenience Kit: Additional equipment such as bedding, cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, etc. given by the rental companies. Sometimes there is a basic kit included in the rental price while other equipment is rented for an additional charge.
D thru F
Dash A/C: Dashboard air conditioning (AC) in the driving cabin. (See AC above.)
Diesel Puller or FRED: (Front Engine Diesel): Refers to diesel motorhomes with engines located in the front of the RV.
Diesel Pusher: Refers to a diesel motorhome with an engine located in the rear of the RV. The engine location helps push the RV down the road and provides a smoother, quieter ride.
Dinette: A dining area which is made up of a table and sofas. These areas commonly convert into a bed by folding down the table and re-configuring the cushions.
Doughnut: For sites with sewers, a rubber ring is used (doughnut) to seal the sewer dump hose and the campsite sewer connection so that no gasses or odors escape.
Dry Camping or Boon Docking or Self-Contained: Parking with no hookups of water, electricity or sewer.
Dry Weight: The weight of the RV as it comes off the assembly line. Doesn’t include supplies, water, fuel, or passenger weights. Manufacturers weigh each RV and apply a sticker listing the dry weight prior to shipping.
DSI Ignition – (Direct Spark Ignition): Used to describe the method of igniting the main burner on a propane-fired appliance.
Ducted A/C: Describes an RV wherein air conditioning is supplied through ducts in the ceiling and vents throughout the RV.
Dual Electrical System: Refers to electric appliances which can operate on both 12V or 120V (North America) or 220V (Europe). This allows appliances to be used while dry camping via the batteries or while plugged into a power source at a campground that supplies such facilities.
Dually: A type of truck or tow vehicle that has four tires on the rear axle.
Ducted Heat: Describes an RV wherein heat is supplied through ducts in the floor or walls and vents throughout the RV.
Dump Station: Aplace to empty the waste water tanks. Dump stations often have fresh water to refill the fresh-water tanks as well. Many are free of charge, some require a small fee. Dump stations can be found in campgrounds, rest areas, and some gas stations.
Enclosed/Sealed Underbelly: This term describes an RV whose bottom surface has been closed shut or insulated to help protect against temperature changes.
Engine: Provides power to your motorhome, can be diesel or gas-powered.
Extended Stay Site: a campsite where you are allowed to stay for a long period of time. Months or years.
Fifth Wheel: A trailer or coach towed by a pick-up truck via a special hitch located in the cargo bed area of the truck.
Fiver: Slang for a fifth wheel trailer.
Flat Towing: (AKA Four wheels down) Towing a vehicle behind a class A or Class C motorhome without a dolly or trailer.
Flush Toilet: Ordinary toilet that uses water. In a motorhome, the water comes from the freshwater tank and is used to wash the waste into the wastewater tank.
Folding Camping Trailer (Also called a Pop-Up): A lightweight trailer base that holds a living area that is accessed by opening a folding tent area. The trailer is towed by a motorized vehicle.
Four Season RV: This means that the RV has been designed & constructed to camp year-round in all weather conditions. It will have additional features that will allow it to withstand varying temperature conditions, like heated tanks, etc.
Free Standing Dinette: Dining area with individual chairs and a table in-between.
Fresh Water Capacity: The amount of drinkable water an RV’s fresh water tank can hold.
Fresh Water Tank or White Water Tank: The tank that contains the clean water used for drinking or which is used in the kitchen, shower, the toilet.
Front Galley: A type of floor plan with the kitchen located in the front section of the RV.
Front Living: A type of floor plan with the living room located in the front section of the RV.
Front Sleeping: A type of floor plan with the master bedroom located in the front section of the RV.
Fuel Type: Type of fuel a motorhome uses, either gas or diesel.
Full Hookup: RV term that describes facilities at a campground site that offers a water supply, sewer/septic, and electricity. Additional services, such as cable TV can also be found in some campgrounds.
Full-timers: People who live full time in their RV all year round.
Furnace: A heating unit that runs on propane and heats the RV.
Fur Babies: are the four-legged RVers known as our pets.
G thru J
Galley: Another term referring to the kitchen of an RV.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): This is the total allowable weight on each individual axle, which includes the weight of tires, wheels, brakes, and the axle itself.
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating): This is the total allowable weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, all cargo in each, hitching, fluids, and occupants.
Generator / Genset: An external electrical power that provides 120-volt AC power to an RV. Generators can run on gas, diesel, or propane. This allows operating all motor home systems while dry camping away from external electrical hookups.
Grey Water: The wastewater that comes from the sinks and shower.
Gray Water Capacity: The amount of used water from the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or shower that an RV’s gray water tank can hold.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum weight an RV must not exceed to ensure safe traveling. Includes the vehicle’s chassis, body, engine, fluids, fuel, accessories, passengers, cargo, etc.
GVW = Gross Vehicle Weight: The GVW refers to the total weight of the vehicle when it is fully loaded with passengers, water, fuel, and luggage. There are maximums that must not be exceeded.
Height: The measurement from the highest point on the roof, usually the Air conditioner to the ground.
Hitch: The connection between a tow vehicle and an RV.
Hitch Capacity: The towing capacity of the receiver hitch.
Holding Tanks: Term that refers to an RV’s fresh water tank, gray water tank, and black water tank.
Honey Truck or Wagon: A tanker truck or a truck with a trailer pulling a tank that will come around to your campsite and pump out your grey and black tanks for a small fee.
House Battery: The battery in a motorhome that operates the 12-volt electrical system within the living space of the motorhome.
Hose Bib: A campsite fresh water faucet.
Hula Skirt: Usually a piece of heavy rubber skirting that is attached to the rear bumper of a motorhome to prevent debris that is kicked up from the rear tires from damaging the motorhome.
Interior Height: Floor-to-ceiling measurement inside an RV.
Inverter: Converts 12 volt DC power to 110 volt AC power. Enables you to run 110-volt items without being plugged into shore power.
Jack Pads: these are pads you place under your jacks to prevent them from sinking down into the soft ground where the jacks might get stuck.
Jake Break: An engine break used by some diesel RVs.
K thru O
King Pin: This is the big pin that is hanging down on the very front of the fifth wheel hitch on the trailer. It is what connects the trailer to the other half of the hitch located in the bed of the truck.
King Pin Weight (or Pin Weight): The actual weight pressing down on the fifth wheel hitch by the trailer. Generally, the recommended amount of King Pin Weight is 15% – 25% of the gross trailer weight (GTW).
Laminated Walls: This term refers to the outside wall construction of an RV. Typically, this consists of an aluminum frame, Styrofoam, fiberglass sheeting treated with a gelcoat, and then laminated.
Landing Gear: The jack leveling and stabilizing system used in fifth-wheel RVs
Length: The measurement from the front bumper to the back bumper of an RV.
Leveling Jacks: Equipment used to make sure an RV sits level on the ground. Some are manual and some are hydraulic – electrical.
Lithium Battery: a rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions as the primary component of its electrolyte. They stand apart from other batteries in their high charge density (long life) and high cost per unit. Depending on the design and chemical compounds used, lithium cells can produce voltages from 1.5 V to about 13.0 V
Loft Bed: A type of sleeping space where the bed is on a raised platform above another room or multi-use area. Most often found in fifth-wheel or travel trailer RV types.
Lot Docking: Parking and camping in a business parking lot with no hookups; no fresh water, no electricity and no sewer external hookups.
LP Gas Detector: An electronic device installed in the RV that has an audible alarm when it detects LP Gas. (Liquid Petroleum Gas)
LPG: (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is another term for Propane gas. Used for the cook stove, furnace, refrigerators, and some generators. The tanks can be refilled or replaced at some gas stations or special filling stations.
Mooch Docking: (AKA Driveway Surfing) Parking and camping in a friend's or family's driveway or property with no hook-ups; no fresh water, no electricity, and no sewer external hookups.
Motor Coach: A motor home built on a bus chassis.
Motor Home: A motorized vehicle used for transportation and living. A motor home is usually built as one unit, which contains a driving area and a living area that usually contains facilities such as kitchens, sleeping areas, toilets, showers, etc. These are ideal vehicles for travel and are commonly rented.
Navigator: The passenger who is typically responsible for reading maps, navigational tasksand giving the driver (Pilot) directions.
OCCC: The OCCC is the maximum allowable weight of all occupants and cargo including all food, tools, full fresh water tanks, full LP-gas tanks, full hot water heater tank and personal belongings, etc…. of your RV.
P Thru R
Park Model: A specific type of RV that is designed to be permanently parked in one area.
Part-timers: Term used to describe people who travel and use an RV for more than the occasional vacation.
Partial Hookups: This means that you only have some of the hookups at the site. Usually only water and power but no sewer.
Pilot: The driver of the RV.
Pilot Light: A small flame that burns continuously in the appliances that use propane gas, such as the stove or refrigerator. The pilot light allows the units to work continuously without requiring that they be continuously re-lit.
Pop-Up (Also Folding Camping Trailer): See "folding camping trailer" above.
Propane: See "LPG" or "Liquid Propane Gas" above.
Prime Pooping Position (PPP):A designation of comfort and convenience when grading an RV toilet. Its height, width (elbow room) and whether it is plastic or porcelain as well as the location of toilet paper and do your knees hit the door when it’s closed all go into the grading.
Private Campground: See "Campground" above. A privately operated area used for the parking of RVs or camping. Services offered may vary as well as prices.
Public Campground: See "Campground" above. An area used for the overnight parking of RVs and/or camping that is operated by a government entity such as a National, State or Local Park Service. Services offered may vary as well as prices.
Puller: Class A motorhome that has a diesel engine in the front.
Pull Through: A campsite where it is possible to pull into the site and out of the site without ever needing to back in or out.
Pusher: Class A motorhome that has a diesel engine in the rear.
Rear Kitchen: RVs with a kitchen located at the back of the RV isa type of floor plan with the kitchen located at the back of the RV.
Rear Living: This term describes an RV floor plan with the living room located at the rear of the coach.
Rear Sleeping: A type of floor plan with the master bedroom located at the rear of the RV.
Recreational Vehicle or RV: All vehicles used for recreation, including, but not limited to motor homes and towables.
Residential Fridge: A refrigerator that runs only on electricity and not propane. Usually larger than any other RV fridge. Like the ones found in regular homes.
Rest Area: An area used for temporary parking is usually found on the side of the road or highway. They are state ran. These areas commonly include public services such as toilets, public phones, picnic areas, pet exercise areas, etc.
Rig: Slag for yourRV
Roof AC: A cooling system mounted on the roof of a motor home that is used to cool the rear coach or living area. The roof-mounted AC units only operate while connected to an external power source.
RV Full: Refers to a bed size that is 53″ x 75″
RV King: Refers to a bed size that is 72″ x 75″ or 72″ x 80″
RV Park: See "Campground above". A parking area for RV's that may not allow tents. Usually privately owned and operated. Most RV Parks offer hook-up services.
RV Queen: Refers to a bed size that is 60″ x 80″
S thru Z
Sani Dump: Sewer dump station, where you dump your grey and black tanks.
Schoolie:A retired school bus that has been converted to an RV complete with kitchen, bath and living area.
Self-Contained: A motorized vehicle that is able to operate all systems with no hookups. Most models can run self-contained for 2 to 7 days, depending on it's size and the number of passengers.
Shore Power: The saying was taken from Shore power or shoresupply is the provision of shoreside electricalpowerto a ship at berth while itsmain and auxiliary enginesare shut down. When used in reference to the RV it means the power found at a campsite that you plug your RV into.
Site: A parking area within a campground or RV park that will accommodate a motorhome or tent. Most sites are numbered and assigned upon registration at a campground.
Sleeping Capacity: The number of sleeping spaces in an RV. There are several different types of sleeping arrangements available. Examples include standard queen and king-size beds, hide-a-bed or jack-knife sofa beds, convertible booth dinettes, and drop-down bunks.
Slide Out: The expandable area of a trailer or motorhome that "Slides" out to yield a greater living space and slides back in to provide a more compact package for transport.
Snow Birds: A term used to describe someone who travels in their RV south in the winter months and travels north in the summer months.
Solar: The use of solar panels to help charge your 12-volt batteries when not plugged into power.
Solar Generator: In short, a solar generator works by capturing energy from the sun via solar panels, storing the energy in its in-built battery, and converting the energy into AC power through an inverter before being released for use in household appliances and other electronic devices.
Sticks & Bricks: A regular type house.
Stinky Slinky: The expandable plastic hose used todrain out the sewage & grey water from your black and grey holding tanks.
Sway Bar System: Equipment designed to reduce or eliminate side-to-side sway movement of a towable RV.
Tail Swing: The extra space needed for the rear end of the RV while turning right or left around corners.
Three-way Fridge: A refrigerator that operates on a 12V battery while driving or by propane gas or electricity while parked.
Toad or Dinghy: A small vehicle being towed behind a class A or Class C RV.
Tongue Weight: The actual weight pressing down on the hitch ball located on the tow vehicle. Generally, the tongue weight is 10% to 15% of the gross vehicle weight (GVW).
Tow Dolly: A small two wheeled trailer used to tow a vehicle behind a motorhome.
Tow Rating: The maximum weight a tow vehicle can safely tow, determined by the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the vehicle manufacturer or use a towing guide to find out the towing capacity of a particular vehicle.
Toy Hauler: an RV that is capable of hauling a recreational vehicle inside the RV itself, like a four-wheeler or motor-bikes.
Travel Trailer: A coach or living unit that is towed by a vehicle.
Truck Camper: In North America, the term truck camper and its derived acronym TC, are generally used to refer to any recreational vehicle or RV that may be carried in the bed of a pickup truck. In North America, this RV type is sometimes known as a slide-in or cab-over.
Two-way Fridge: A “2-way fridge” usually refers to an absorption RV refrigerator that can run off of AC Power and LP gas.
Underbelly: Term used to describe the bottom surface of an RV; similar to the undercarriage.
U Dinette: Dining area with seats on 3 sides and a table in the middle.
Van Conversion (Also Conversion Van or Class B Motor home): A standard van chassis that is converted to a compact motor home with all the facilities.
Wally Dock: Parking and camping at Walmart with no hook-ups; no fresh water, no electricity and no sewer external hookups.
Water Heater: A 6 or 10-gallon tank that provides hot water to your RV. It is fueled by propane and some are duel, electric and propane.
Water Pump: Electric pump that operates on 12V battery power. This pump is used to pressurize the water so that it will flow out of the faucets. While driving or when the water tank is emptied, the water pump must be turned off to avoid leaks and damage to the water systems and pump itself.
Weekenders: RV owners who travel and use an RV primarily on weekends throughout the year.
Weight Distribution System: Transfers the weight from the tongue of the trailer and redistributes it to the front of the tow vehicle.
Wheel Base: The distance between the center lines of the primary axles on an RV.
Wheel Chocks: Chocks are used to keep your RV from rolling once parked.
White Water Tank or Fresh Water Tank: See Fresh Water Tank above.
Width: The side-to-side measurement of an RV (doesn’t include the added width of extended slide-outs).
Winterize your RV: To prepare your RV to withstand cold winter conditions. RVs are both a house and a vehicle. So, in addition to winterizing the RV plumbing system, you need to be concerned about preparing the RV’s interior, exterior, and chassis components for the harsh winter months as well. If you don’t protect the RV plumbing system, any water remaining in the water lines or tanks can freeze, expand, and break fittings and lines. This can be a very costly mistake next spring.
Workamping: Rvers who work at the campground to pay partially or fully for their stay at the RV Park.
RV Acronyms
15/20/30/50a This means that the campground has electricity for RVs requiring 15, 20, 30 or 50 amp service. You may see all of these or just one of these listed.
BLM or BLOM Stands for the Bureau of Land Management which is a federal entity that manages large amounts of public lands in the United States, many are prime locations to boondock.
CCC Cargo Carrying Capacity
COE or ACOE CorpsOfEngineers the US Army Corps of Engineers manages recreation lands around things like dams and bridges.
FHU Refers to a full hookup site where you have power, water and sewer.
GAWR or GAW Gross Axle Weight
GCVW or GCW Gross Combined Weight
GTWR Gross Trailer Weight Rating
GVWR or GVW Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
LP Liquid Petroleum
LPGLiquid Petroleum Gas
LTVA Long-Term Visitor Area
NFNational Forest
NP NationalPark
NPS Stands forNational Parks Service, the department that manages the United States beautiful natural preserves and parks.
NRA National Recreation Area
NWR National Wildlife Refuge
OCCCOccupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity
O/N means Over Night. You might see this on a sign that says ”No O/N Parking”
SRA State Recreational Area
SWA State Wildlife Area
TCHTrans-Canada Highway
W/E Campsite that only has water and electric hookups