120 AC/12 DC/LP-GAS top
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These are the power sources on which RV refrigerators
operate; 120 AC is 120-volt alternating current (same as in
houses); 12 DC is 12-volt direct current (same as in motor
vehicles); LP-gas. Some RV refrigerators can operate on two
of the three sources, others on all three.
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ANODE ROD top
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An anode rod, when used in a water heater, attracts
corrosion causing products in the water. These products
attack the anode rod instead of the metal tank itself. The
anode rod should be inspected yearly and changed when it is
reduced to about 1/4 of its original size. The rods are used in
steel water heater tanks - an aluminum tank has an inner
layer of anode metal to accomplish the same thing. Anode
rods should not be installed in an aluminum tank!
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ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM top
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This is a computerized method of helping to prevent wheel
skid or lock up during braking. It does not prevent spins, and
it does not allow you to stop in a shorter distance.
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AXLE RATIO top
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The ratio between the pinion and ring gears in the differential
that multiply the torque provided by the engine. It is the
number of driveline revolutions required to turn the axle one
time. As an example, with a 4.10:1 axle the driveline turns
4.1 times for each full axle revolution. The higher the
number, the more torque and thus more towing power.
However, the higher the number also means less speed.
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BACK-UP MONITOR top
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A camera at the back of a motorhome, with a monitoring
device, usually mounted somewhere on the dashboard of the
vehicle. It is used as an aid when backing up the motorhome.
It is also used while driving to monitor traffic behind the
vehicle.
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BALL MOUNT top
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Hitching system that connects the trailer coupler to the hitch
ball. Weight load and distribution vary.
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BASEMENT MODEL top
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These are the large storage units underneath the raised chassis of an RV.
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BLACK WATER top
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Disposal water from toilet system, held in holding tank (black
water tank) until you dump it, in large tanks or dumping
station available at most campgrounds.
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BOONDOCKING top
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Camping without hookups. The term is also used among
campers who like to enjoy nature at its fullest, regardless of
the terrain, and avoid commercial campground fees.
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BOWTIE top
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Slang word for describing Chevrolets trademark symbol.
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BOX top
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The living space on a class a motor home above the chassis.
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BRAKE ACTUATOR top
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A device mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to
control the braking system of the trailer. Most Brake
Actuators a based on a time delay, the more time the tow
vehicle brakes are applied the "harder" the trailer brakes are
applied.
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BRAKE CONTROLLER top
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A device mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to
control the braking system of the trailer. The Brake Controller
senses the amount of braking force of the tow vehicle and
applied a proportional force to the trailer braking system.
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BREAKAWAY top
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A safety device that activates the trailer brakes in the event a
trailer becomes accidentally disconnected from its hitch while
traveling.
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BTU - BRITISH THERMAL UNIT
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A measurement of heat that is the quantity required to raise
the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree F. RV air-conditioners and furnaces are BTU-rated.
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BUBBLE top
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Term used to describe loose paint or laminate on RV or
vehicle exteriors. Also refers to how level your RV is when
parked while reading the bubble level gauge attached to the
RV.
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BUMPER MOUNTED HITCH top
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A ball mounted directly to the bumper or on a bracket
mounted on the bumper. This method is not used in most RV
towing situations.
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BUNKHOUSE top
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Bunk bed and sleeping quarters.
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BUS CONVERSION top
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A type A motor home in which a shell has been added to a
bus type chassis and customized to the owners
specifications. A commercial operated bus whose interior is
remodeled for motor home travel.
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CAMPER SHELL top
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This is a removable unit that covers the bed of a pickup
truck.
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CARAVAN top
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Any group of RV’s traveling together on the same highway
using similar communication equipment (cell phones, walkie-talkies, cb radios…) to stay in touch and maintain safety.
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CAMBER - WHEEL ALIGNMENT top
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Camber is the number of degrees each wheel is off of
vertical. Looking from the front, tops of wheels farther apart
than bottoms means "positive camber". As the load pushes
the front end down, or the springs get weak, camber would
go from positive to none to negative (bottoms of wheels
farther apart than tops).
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CASTOR - WHEEL ALIGNMENT top
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The steering wheels' desire to return to center after you turn a corner.
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CLASS A MOTORHOME top
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An RV with the living accommodations built on or as an
integral part of a self-propelled motor vehicle. Models range
from 24 to 40 feet long.
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CHASSIS BATTERY top
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Used to operate 12-volt drive-train components.
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CLASS B MOTORHOME top
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Also known as a camping van conversion. These RVs are
built within the dimensions of a van, but with a raised roof to
provide additional headroom. Basic living accommodations
inside are ideal for short vacations or weekend trips. Models
usually range from 16 to 21 feet.
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CLASS C MOTORHOME top
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An RV with the living accommodations built on a cutaway
van chassis. A full-size bed in the "cab over" section allows
for ample seating, galley and bathroom facilities in the coach.
Also called a "mini-motor home" or "mini." Lengths range
from approximately 16 to 32 feet.
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COACH top
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Another term used to describe a motor home.
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CONDENSATION top
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Condensation is the result of warm moisture laden air
contacting the cold window glass. Keeping a roof vent open
helps to reduce the humidity levels. Those added roof vent
covers help to prevent cold air from dropping down through
the vent while still allowing moist air to escape. Using the
roof vent fan when showering or the stove vent fan when
cooking also helps prevent excess moisture buildup.
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CONVENTIONAL TRAVEL TRAILER top
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Generally larger than a folding camping trailer, rigid
construction units offering more of the conveniences of home
including a kitchen sink, dinette, shower, refrigerator and
flush toilet. Sizes range from approximately 12 to 35 feet
long.
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CONVERSION VEHICLE top
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CONVERTER top
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A converter is device that converts 120 volt A/C (alternating
current) to 12 volt DC (direct current). The RV devices mostly
run on 12 volt DC power that is supplied by the battery,
which allows the RV to function independently. When "shore
power" (an electrical supply out side of the vehicle) is
available, the converter changes the voltage from 120 VAC
to 12 volt DC to supply the appliances and to recharge the
battery.
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CURB WEIGHT OR NET WEIGHT top
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The weight of the RV as it is sitting on the lot, without the
personal load you will be adding.
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COUPLER top
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The front portion of a trailer A frame the attaches to the ball
hitch.
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CURBSIDE top
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The side of an RV facing the curb.
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DIESEL PULLER top
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Diesel engine is in the front of the motor home.
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DIESEL PUSHER top
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Diesel engine is in the rear of the motor home/coach.
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DINETTE top
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This is a booth-like dining area. The table usually drops to
convert the unit into a bed.
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DRY CAMPING top
|
Camping without hooking up to any available electrical outlet,
water line, sewer line, phone line or cable TV.
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DUMP STATION top
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An underground holding tank & sewage system for
wastewater and sewage water from Rv’s.
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DSI (DIRECT SPARK IGNITION) top
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Direct spark ignition - this term refers to the method of
igniting the main burner on a propane fired appliance. The
burner is lit with an electric spark and the flame is monitored
by an electronic circuit board. This ignition system is used in
refrigerators, furnaces and water heaters. There is now a
version of stove tops that light the burners with a DSI ignition.
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DUCTED AC top
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Is air conditioning supplied through a ducting system in the
ceiling. This supplies cooling air at various vents located
throughout the RV.
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DUCTED HEAT top
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Is warm air from the furnace supplied to various locations in
the RV through a ducting system located in the floor (similar
to house heating systems).
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DUAL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM top
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RV equipped with lights, appliances which operate on 12-volt
battery power when self-contained, and with a converter, on
110 AC current when in campgrounds or with an onboard
generator.
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DUALLY top
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A pickup truck, or light-duty tow vehicle, with four tires on one
rear axle.
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DUMP STATION top
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ENGINE OIL COOLER top
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A heat exchanger, similar to a small radiator, through which
engine oil passes and is cooled by airflow.
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FAN SWITCH top
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This is a normally open switch that closes at a preset
temperature. It causes the furnace to run for a short time
after the thermostat opens, allowing the furnace to cool
down.
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FIFTH-WHEEL TRAILERS top
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Designed to be coupled to a special hitch that is mounted
over the rear axle in the bed of a pickup truck. These trailers
can have one, two or three axles and are the largest type of
trailer built. Because of their special hitch requirements, fifth-wheel trailers can only be towed by trucks or specialized
vehicles prepared for fifth-wheel trailer compatibility.
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FRESH WATER top
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Water that is OK to drink (Potable Water) top
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FOLDING CAMPER top
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A lightweight RV camping unit designed for temporary living
quarters which trailer is mounted on wheels and connected
with collapsible sidewalls that fold for towing. Sizes range
from approximately 8 to 16 feet long.
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FULL HOOK UP top
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Term used to describe an RV that can use, or a campground
that offers, electric, sewer and water.
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FULL TIMER top
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People whose year round home is an RV.
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FURNACE IGNITION CONTROL BOARD top
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When powered, initiates gas valve opening and spark
sequence that lasts approximately seven seconds. Newer
boards are three try (i.e., will attempt to ignite three times at
approximately 60 second intervals). Older models are single
try.
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GALLEY top
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The kitchen facilities in an RV.
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GOOSENECK top
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Name sometimes used to describe fifth wheel travel trailers.
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GENERATOR top
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An engine powered device fueled by gasoline or diesel fuel,
and sometimes propane, for generating 120-volt AC power.
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GRAY WATER top
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Disposal water from sinks, shower. In some units, this is held
in a tank separate from black water; is also dumped in tanks
at campgrounds.
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GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) top
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The manufacturers maximum load weight, in pounds, that
can be placed on the axle. If an axle has a 3500-lb. GAWR
and the RV has two axles (tandem axles), then the RV would
have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 7000 lbs.
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GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) top
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The manufacturers maximum load weight, in pounds, allowed
for the trailer and tow vehicle. This rating includes the weight
of the trailer and tow vehicle plus fuel, water, propane,
supplies and passengers.
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GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) top
|
The manufacturers maximum load weight, in pounds, allowed
for the vehicle. This rating includes the weight of the vehicle
plus fuel, water, propane, supplies and passengers.
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GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT (GTW) top
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Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer fully loaded in
its actual towing condition. GTW is measured by placing the
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the
trailer should be supported on the scale.
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GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) top
|
The manufacturers maximum load weight, in pounds, allowed
for the vehicle. This rating includes the weight of the vehicle
plus fuel, water, propane, supplies and passengers.
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HEAT EXCHANGER top
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A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from one
source to another. For example, there is a heat exchanger in
your furnace - the propane flame and combustion products
are contained inside the heat exchanger that is sealed from
the inside area. Inside air is blown over the surface of the
exchanger, where it is warmed and the blown through the
ducting system for room heating. The combustion gases are
vented to the outside air.
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HEAT STRIP top
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A heat strip is an electric heating element located in the air
conditioning system with the warm air distributed by the air
conditioner fan and ducting system. They are typically 1500-watt elements (about the same wattage as an electric hair
dryer) and have limited function. Basically they "take the chill
off"
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HIGH PROFILE top
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A fifth wheel travel trailer with more than 6 feet of standing
room inside the front raised area.
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HITCH WEIGHT top
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It is the amount of a trailer's weight that rests on the tow
vehicle's hitch. For travel trailers this weight should be 10%
to 15% of the total weight of the trailer. For fifth wheels this
weight should be 15% to 20% of the total weight of the trailer.
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HOLDING TANKS top
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There are three different holding tanks on most RVs; fresh
water tank, gray water tank and black water tank. The fresh
water tank holds fresh water that can be stored for later use.
The gray water tank holds the wastewater from the sinks and
showers. The black water tank holds the waste from the
toilet.
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HOUSE BATTERY top
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These are used to power 12-volt systems within the RV and
are separate from batteries the chassis batteries.
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HOOKUPS top
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The ability to connect to a campground's facilities. The major
types of hookups are electrical, water and sewer. If all three
of these hookups are available, it is termed full hookup.
Hookups may also include telephone and cable TV in some
campgrounds.
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HULA SKIRT top
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An accessory attached to the rear of a motor home or trailer,
used to protect following vehicles or towed units from debris
thrown by the rear wheels of the motor home or towing
vehicle. This skirt is usually the full width of the rear of the
unit it is attached to.
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IGNITER ELECTRODE top
|
It is similar similar to a spark plug. There are two versions; a
three probe (remote sense) and a two probe (local sense).
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INVERTER top
|
An inverter is a device that changes 12-volt battery power to
120 volt AC power. It is used when "boon docking" (camping
without hookups) to power certain 120 VAC only devices like
a microwave oven. The amount of available power depends
on the storage capacity of the batteries and the wattage
rating of the inverter.
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ISLAND QUEEN top
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Queen size bed that has walking spaces on both sides of it.
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JACKKNIFE top
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Situation where your tow vehicle and travel trailer are at a
90% angle to each other..
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KILOWATT (KW) top
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A measurement of electrical power; each kilowatt equals
1,000 watts.
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LAMINATE top
|
A sandwich of structural frame members, wall paneling,
insulation and exterior covering, adhesive-bonded under
pressure and/or heat to form the RV's walls, floor and/or roof.
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LEVELING top
|
Moving your RV into a campsite and positioning it, til level,
with the use of ramps under the wheels, power leveling
jacks, outriggers or scissors jacks.
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LIGHT WEIGTH RV top
|
RVs that are designed to be easily towed behind most
Minivans, light-duty trucks and cars! The most common
being a pop-up trailer.
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LIMIT SWITCH top
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A furnace safety switch that is normally closed but that opens
if it gets to hot. When it opens, it turns off the power to the
gas valve and igniter board.
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LIVABILITY PACKAGES top
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Items to equip a motor home for daily living, which may be
rented at nominal cost from rental firm, rather than brought
from home: Include bed linens, pillows and blankets, bath
towels, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, cutlery.
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LP GAS top
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Liquefied Petroleum Gas: LP gas is used to fuel appliances
in the RV, such as the stove, oven, water heater and
refrigerator. Propane tanks are usually rated as pounds or
gallons.
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MOTOR COACH top
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NET CARRYING CAPACITY (NCC) or PAYLOAD CAPACITY top
|
Sometimes called the payload capacity, this is the maximum
weight of fuel, water, propane, supplies and passengers that
can be added to an RV without exceeding the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).
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OEM top
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Original Equipment Manufacturer top
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PARK MODEL top
|
A type of RV designed to be permanently parked and is
shorter in length than the traditional mobile home. It is not
built for travel but has all the amenities of a mobile home.
|
PART TIMERS top
|
People who use an RV, for any length of time up to a year,
that is not their only home.
|
PATION MAT top
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Portable surface used by RVer’s outside their unit, designed
to be placed on the ground as their “patio”, whether or not a
concrete pad is available.
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PILOT top
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A pilot is a small standby flame that is used to light the main
burner of a propane-fired appliance when the thermostat
calls for heat. Pilots can be used in furnaces, water heaters,
refrigerators, ovens and stovetops.
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POP-UP TRAILER top
|
Also known as a folding trailer, great for first timers due to its
simplicity and relatively low cost.
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PORPOISING top
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Up and down motion of an RV while traveling.
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PROPANE - LPG top
|
|
Or liquefied petroleum gas, used in RVs for heating, cooking
and refrigeration. Also called bottle gas, for manner in which
it is sold and stored.
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PULL THRU top
|
A drive thru campsite, you can pull in or pull out of without
ever having to back up.
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PULLER top
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PUSHER top
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RECEIVER HITCH top
|
The part of a hitch (female) that allows a hitch bar/shank
(male) to be inserted into it.
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REEFER top
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RIG top
|
What many RVers call their units.
|
ROOF AIR CONDITIONING top
|
Air conditioning unit mounted on roof of RV, to cool the RV
when it is parked. When moving, most RVs are cooled by
separate air conditioning units that are components of the
engine, or they may be cooled by a roof top if a proper size
generator is installed.
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RV (RECREATIONAL VEHICLE) top
|
A generic term for all pleasure vehicles that contain living
accommodations. Multiple units are RVs and persons using
them are RVers. RV - short for Recreation Vehicle. A
motorized or towable vehicle that combines transportation
and temporary living accommodations for travel, recreation
and camping. RVs come in all shape and sizes for any
budget or need. They range from camping trailers costing a
few thousand dollars to luxurious motor homes with prices
well into six figures. RVs refer to multiple RV and RVers refer
to their owners.
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SAFETY CHAINS top
|
A set of chains that are attached to the trailer A-frame and
connected to the tow vehicle while towing. Safety chains are
intended to keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle in the
event of hitch failure, preventing the trailer from complete
separation. They should be installed using an X-pattern
(criss-crossed) so the coupler is held off the road in the event
of a separation.
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SCREEN ROOM top
|
Exterior enclosure attached to an RV for a bug free
environment.
|
SELF-CONTAINED top
|
An RV needing NO external connections. It can provide heat,
air conditioning, cooking and bathing for short term use and
can park overnight anywhere.
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SHORE CORD top
|
External electrical cord that connects the RV to an electrical
campground hookup.
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SHORE POWER top
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External electricity source not provide by RV
battery/batteries.
|
SLIDEOUT top
|
An RV unit with individual rooms that slide outward when the
vehicle is parked to expand the living area.
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SLIDE IN top
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A camper that mounts on a pick up truck bed by sliding into
it. Also known as a truck camper.
|
SWAY top
|
Fishtailing motion (side to side) of the trailer.
|
THREE-WAY top
|
Appliances that can operate on a 12-volt battery, propane or
110 volt electricity.
|
THERMOCOUPLE top
|
A thermocouple is a device that monitors the pilot flame of a
pilot model propane appliance. If the pilot flame is
extinguished the thermocouple causes the gas valve to shut
off the flow of gas to both the pilot flame and the main
burner.
|
TOAD top
|
A "toad" is an RV'ers term referring to a vehicle that is towed
behind a motor home. Some vehicles can be towed without
any modifications - others cannot be towed at all, or at least
without extensive alterations. For more information on this
subject.
|
TOAD OR DINGY top
|
A vehicle towed behind a motor home, sometimes with two
wheels on a special trailer called a tow dolly, but often with
all four wheels on the ground.
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TOE - WHEEL ALIGNMENT top
|
Toe is the measure of whether the front of the wheels
(looking down from the top) are closer (toe-in) or farther (toe-out) than the back of the wheels.
|
TONGUE WEIGHT top
|
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer coupler. In most cases, it is about 10
to 15 percent of GTW. TW of up to 300 lbs. can be measured
on a household scale by resting the trailer coupler on the
scale and placing the scale on a box so that the coupler is at
its normal towing height. The trailer must be fully loaded and
level.
For heavier tongue weights, place a household scale and a
brick that's as thick as the scale three feet apart. Set a length
of pipe on each and rest a beam across the pipes. Re-zero
the scale to correct for the weight of the beam and pipe.
Securely block the trailer wheels. Rest the trailer jack on the
beam, one (1) foot from the pipe on the brick and two (2) feet
from the pipe on the scale.
To obtain the TW, multiply the scale reading by three (3). For
greater tongue weights, place the scale and brick four (4)
feet apart, rest the jack on the beam three (3) feet from the
scale and multiply the scale reading by four (4).
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TOW BAR top
|
A device used for connecting a toad/dinghy vehicle to the
motor home when it's towed with all four wheels on the
ground.
|
TOW DOLLY top
|
A low, wheeled frame with a platform used for carrying heavy
objects. Motor home owners often use tow dollies to haul a
car or SUV behind their RVs.
|
TOY HAULER top
|
Term used for an RV that has built in interior cargo space for
motorcycles, ATV’s, bicycles…
|
TRAILER BRAKES top
|
Brakes that are built into the trailer axle systems and are
activated either by electric impulse or by a surge mechanism.
The overwhelming majority of RVs utilize electric trailer
brakes that are actuated when the tow vehicle's brakes are
operated, or when a brake controller is manually activated.
Surge brakes utilize a mechanism positioned at the coupler
that detects when the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and
activates the trailer brakes via a hydraulic system.
|
TRANSMISSION COOLER top
|
Similar to a radiator. It allows transmission fluid to pass thru it
while being air-cooled.
|
TRAVEL TRAILER top
|
Also referred to as "conventional trailers" these types of
trailers have an A-frame and coupler and are attached to a
ball mount on the tow vehicle. Travel trailers are available
with one, two or three axles.
|
TRIPLE TOWING top
|
Three vehicles attached together. Example: Tow vehicle,
trailer and boat.
|
UMBILICAL CORD top
|
The wiring harness that connects the towing vehicle to the
trailing vehicle. It supplies electricity to the trailer's clearance
and brake lights, electric brakes and a 12-volt DC power line
(to charge the trailer's batteries).
|
UNDERBELLY top
|
The RV's under-floor surface, which is protected by a
weatherproofed material.
|
UNLOADED VEHICLE WEIGHT (UVW) or DRY WEIGHT top
|
Sometimes called the Dry Weight. It is the weight of the RV
without adding fuel, water, propane, supplies and
passengers. The manufacturers UVW will not include any
deal.
|
VAN CONVERSION top
|
A fully loaded van and the smallest of fully enclosed motor
homes. These are constructed on a van chassis with
elevated rooflines but no modifications to the length or width
of the original chassis. Gross vehicle weights are in the 6000
to 8000 range with heights of 7 to 8 feet and lengths of 17 to
19 feet.
|
WAGONMASTER top
|
The lead RV guide of a caravan who usually handles
highway navigation and reservations for campgrounds,
entertainment, sightseeing, meals and all scheduling.
|
WALLY WORLD top
|
Slang for Wal-Mart
|
WASTE WATER TANKS top
|
The gray water tank holds the wastewater from the sinks and
installed options showers. The black water tank holds the
waste from the toilet.
|
WEEKENDERS top
|
The people who use an RV for weekends or vacations only.
|
WEIGHT CARRYING HITCH top
|
Also known as a "dead-weight" hitch, this category includes
any system that accepts the entire hitch weight of the trailer.
In the strictest sense, even a weight-distributing hitch can act
as a load-carrying hitch if the spring bars are not installed
and placed under tension.
|
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING HITCH top
|
Also known as an "equalizing" hitch, this category includes
hitch systems that utilize spring bars that can be placed
under tension to distribute a portion of the trailer's hitch
weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer's axles.
|
WET WEIGHT top
|
The weight of the vehicle with the fuel, freshwater and
propane tanks full.
|
WHEELBASE top
|
This is the distance between centerlines of the primary axles
of a vehicle. If a motor home includes a tag axle, the distance
is measured from the front axle to the center point between
the drive and tag axles.
|
WIDE BODIES top
|
RV’s designed to stretch wider than the traditional 96 inches.
|
WINTERIZE top
|
Preparing you RV for storage or winter use.
|
YAW top
|
| Refers to the "fish-tailing" action of a trailer caused by
external forces that set the trailer's mass into a lateral (side-to-side) motion. The trailer's wheels serve as the axis or pivot
point. Also known as "sway".
|
