Recreational Vehicles RV Dictionary (Motor) @ TexasTraderRV.com

When you first enter the world of RVs, you will be introduced to a whole new vocabulary of words and terms which make little or no sense out of context.  We have endeavored here to provide you with a list of definitions to clarify some of the most commonly used RV terms.

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120 AC/12 DC/LPG, n. 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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A

A & E Systems®, n. awning manufacturer

Airstreaming, v. using an Airstream® travel trailer as RV of preference. Towing an Airstream® travel trailer.

arctic package, n. an RV that has been equipped with extra insulation and heat pads for holding tanks for wintertime use.

axle ratio, n. ratio between pinion and ring gears in the differential that multiply torque provided by the engine. It describes the number of driveline revolutions required to turn the axle one time. With a 4.10:1 axle, the driveline turns 4.1 times for each full axle revolution. Higher numbers mean more torque and less road speed for a given engine speed; i.e., a 4.10:1 ratio provides more torque than a 3.73:1.

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B

back-up monitor, n. video camera mounted on rear of motor home to assist the driver visually with backing up the motor home, via a monitor mounted in the driver's compartment or in a central area of the cab where it can be viewed by the driver from the driver's seat. These monitors are usually left in the 'on' position to also assist the driver with the flow of traffic behind the motor home and in watching a "towed" vehicle.

ball mount, n. the part of the hitch system that supports the hitch ball and connects it to the trailer coupler. Ball mounts are available in load carrying and weight distributing configurations.

basement, n. storage area accessible from the outside, usually from the door threshold area down.

black tank, n. the holding tank used for storing toilet waste.

blueboy, blue-boy, n. portable waste holding tank, often this plastic tank comes in a bright shade of blue, hence the term.

boondocking, boon-docking, v. also known as "dry camping" and "primitive camping", camping without using the modern conveniences of hooking up to electric, sewer or water. Term also implied for folks staying at a campground, but due to short length of stay, do not hook-up to the utilities even though these utilities are provided.

bowtie, n. Chevrolet's "bowtie" trademark.

box, n. a motor home's "living space" on a class A, built from the chassis up.

brake controller, n. a control unit mounted inside the vehicle that allows electric trailer brakes to become activated in harmony with the braking of the tow vehicle. This device can be used to adjust trailer brake intensity, or to manually activate the trailer brakes.

braking system, n. a brake system for a "towed" vehicle. Required in many states and Canadian provinces and definitely an add-on safety feature.

break-away system, n. a system that allows the "towed" vehicle to 'break-away' from the towing vehicle in the event of accident, an add-on safety feature.

BTU n. [British Thermal Unit.], 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.

bubble, n. 1. the level of RV sitting. (example- my RV is 'off-level' a half bubble; referring to a 'bubble-leveler' tool). 2.  a delamination condition.  3. a condition on a rubber roof.

bumper-pull, n. slang term regarding the hitch or towing method for a conventional travel trailer or popup; receiver and ball-mount type hitch.

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C

chassis battery, n. battery in motor home for operating 12 volt components of drivetrain.

class A motor home, n. a motor home built from the chassis up. They are usually 24 to 40 feet long.

class B motor home, n. a van conversion. They are usually 16 to 21 feet long.

class C motor home, n. a motor home built on a cutaway van chassis. They are usually 16 to 32 feet long.

converter, n. a device for changing 120-volt AC into 12-volt DC electrical power.

coupler, n. that part of the trailer that attaches to the ball on the hitch.

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D

delamination, n. the separation of the paneling of Filon® and Luan® constructing a fiberglass sidewall ofan RV. Usually caused by water leaks and gives the exterior fiberglass skin a 'wavy' or 'bubbled' appearance. Depending on the size of the delamination, can typically be an expensive repair.

diesel puller, n. a motor home with a diesel engine in the front.

diesel pusher, n. a motor home with a diesel engine in the rear.

dinghy, n. a vehicle towed behind a motor home, also known as "toad" or "towed" vehicle.

Dometic®, n. RV freezer and refrigerator manufacturer.

dry camping, v. also known as "boondocking" or "primitive camping", camping without hooking up to modern utilities as such provided at most campgrounds - water, septic/sewer and electricity.

dry weight, n. the manufacturers listing of the approximate weight of the RV with no supplies, water, fuel or passengers.

dump station, n. a place where holding tanks can be emptied either by paying a small fee or free.

Duo-Therm®, n. RV air conditioner and heater manufacturer.

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E

engine oil cooler, n. a heat exchanger, similar to a small radiator, through which engine oil passes and is cooled by air flow.

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F

fifth wheel trailer, n. fifth wheel trailers are designed to be coupled to a special hitch that is mounted over the rear axle in the bed of a pick up.

Filon®, n. fiberglass sheeting used in RVs with fiberglass sidewall construction.

final drive ratio, n. the reduction ratio found in the gear set that is located farthest from the engine.

fiver, n. another name for a fifth wheel.

FMCA, n. [Family Motor Coach Association.]

fresh water tank, n. tank used for holding fresh water

full hookup, n. campground accommodations offering water, sewer/septic and electricity; also refers toan RV with the abilities to use 'full-hookups'.

fulltimer, full-timer, n. someone who travels/lives in a recreational vehicle most of the year.

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G

gas pusher, n. slang for rear gasoline engine mounted chassis on motor home

GAWR n. [Gross Axle Weight Rating.] the maximum allowable weight each axle is designed to carry, as measured at the tires, therefore including the weight of the axle assembly itself. GAWR is established by considering the rating of each of its components (tires, wheels, springs, axle) and rating the axle on its weakest link. The GAWR assumes that the load is equal on each side.

GCWR n. [Gross Combination Weight Rating.] the maximum allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle and the attached towed vehicle. GCWR assumes both vehicles has functioning brakes, with exceptions in some cases for very light towed vehicles, normally less than 1, 500 pounds. (check your chassis manual or towing guide)

Gear Vendor®, n. brand name for an auxiliary transmission designed to give the driver control of the vehicle's gear ratio and being able to split gears for peak performance and at the same time have an overdrive.

genset, n. generator set

grey water tank, n. the tank that holds used dish and bath water.

GTWR n. [Gross Trailer Weight Rating.] maximum to which a vehicle can be loaded, according to the manufacturer; includes dry weight of the vehicle plus all fuel, water, supplies and passengers.

GVWR n. [Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.] the total allowable weight of a vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fluids and hitch weight.

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H

hitch ratings, n. hitches are rated by the manufacturer according to the maximum amount of weight they are made to handle.

hitch weight, n. the amount of weight imposed on the hitch when the trailer or fifth wheel is coupled; should be 10 to 15 percent with conventional trailers, 15 to 20 percent for fifth-wheels.

holding tanks, n. tanks that hold the black (toilet) and gray (sink, shower, lavatory) water. Their capacity determines how long an RV can be used without hookups.

hookups, n. campground facilities for connecting an RV to 120-volt AC "shore power," water, sewer, cable TV and telephone service.

house battery, n. battery or batteries in motor home for operating the 12 volt system within the motor home, separate from the chassis.

HP, n. [Horse Power.]

HR, n. [Holiday Rambler®.] a well-known RV manufacturer.

hula skirt, n. a type of dirt skirt accessory some RVers use on the back of their motor home to aid in the protection from debris thrown from their rear wheels to the vehicles directly behind them or being towed behind them. This dirt skirt is usually the length of the rear bumper and resembles a 'short' version of a Hawaiian 'hula-skirt', hence the term.

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I

inverter, n. a device for changing 12-volt DC into 120-volt AC power. Kilowatt (kw): A measurement of electrical power; each kilowatt equals 1000 watts.

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J

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K

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L

laminate, n. 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.

limited slip differential, n. a differential that is designed with a mechanism that limits the speed and torque difference between its two outputs, ensuring that torque is distributed to both drive wheels, even when one is on a slippery surface.

LPG, LP, n. [Liquefied Petroleum Gas.] propane, which is a gas liquefied by compression, consisting of flamable hydrocarbons and obtained as a by-product from the refining of petroleum or natural gas. Also called bottled gas, LPG (liquid petroleum gas) and CPG (compressed petroleum gas). Propane fuels RV appliances, such as the stove and refrigerator.

Luan®, n. the 1/8" backing board for Filon® (the fiberglass sheeting use in RVs with fiberglass construction). Luan® is the 'base' the Filon® (fiberglass) is glued on to.

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M

MH, n. [Motor Home.]

Minnie Winnie®, n. a brand model of Winnebago®.

motorcoach, motor coach, n. motor home on "bus-type" chassis.

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N

NADA, n. [National Automobile Dealers Association.]

NCC n. [Net Carrying Capacity.] the amount of cargo, passenger and fluid weight that can be added to an RV without exceeding its GVWR. The NCC label in an RV may not include the weight of dealer or factory-installed options already on the vehicle.

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O

OEM, n. [Original Equipment Manufacturer.]

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P

park model, n. type of RV that is usually designed for permanent parking but is shorter in length than a traditional mobile home. All the amenities of a mobile home but not built for recreational travel.

part-timer, n. a person who uses his RV for longer than normal vacation time but less than one year.

patio mat, n. carpet or woven mat for use on ground outside of RV. Used whether or not a concrete patio pad is available where camping.

pitch-in, n. an RV campground "get-together", usually means "pitching-in" a covered dish or casserole.

PO, n. [Pop Up.] folding camping trailer.

pop out, pop-out, n. a room or area that slides out to make additional space.

popup, pop-up, n. folding camping trailer.

porpoising, v. an up and down motion withan RV.

primitive camping, v. also known as "dry camping", boondocking. Camping without the modern convenience of full-hookup facilities of city/well water, sewer/septic and electricity. Primitive campers rely on 'on-board' systems for these conveniences; generator, batteries, stored water, etc.

pull through, pull-through, n. a camping space (whether in campground or not) that only requires the driver to "pull-through" or "drive-through" to access the camping spot, and upon leaving (after camping) you again just drive forward to leave or exit the camping space.

puller, n. slang for front engine motor home. Term most often used to refer to diesel engine motor homes.

pusher, n. slang for rear engine motor home. Term most often used to refer to diesel engine motor homes.

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Q

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R

receiver, n. the portion of a hitch that permits a hitch bar or shank to be inserted.

reefer, n. slang for "refrigerator". Refrigerators are often found in either a "two way" or "three way" operating mode. Two way- has a gas mode and an AC mode. Three way- has a gas mode, AC mode, and 12v DC mode. The coolant used in RV refrigeration is ammonia. The two most common manufacturers of RV refrigerators are Norcold and Dometic.

road wander, n. term used to describe a lack of ability to maintain the motor home in a straight, forward travel without constant back and forth motion of the steering wheel.

RV, n. [Recreational Vehicle.]

RVDA, n. [Recreational Vehicle Dealer's Association.]

RVIA, n. [Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.]

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S

safety chains, n. a set of chains that are attached to the trailer A-Frame and must be 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 seperation.

screen room, n. screen enclosure that attaches to the exterior ofan RV for a "bug free" outside sitting area. Some screen rooms have a canvas type roof for rain protection as well.

shore power, n. electricity provided by an external plug to external power source

slide out, slide-out, n. additional living space that "slides-out" either by hydraulics, electricity or manually, when the RV is setup for camping.

slide-in, n. a type of camper that mounts on a truck bed, because often this type of camper "slides-in" to the truck bed.

slider, n. slang for slider-hitch.

slider-hitch, n. a sliding hitch used on short bed trucks for enabling them to tow fifth wheels, allowing them sufficient clearance to jack-knife the trailer.

snowbird, n. someone in a northern climate that heads "South" in winter months.

sway, n. fishtailing action of the trailer caused by external forces that set the trailer's mass into a side to side motion.

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T

tip-out, n. room (generally in older RVs) that "tipped-out" for additional living space once RV was parked. Newer RVs mainly use 'slide-out' rooms.

toad, n. a "towed" vehicle.

tow bar, n. a device used for connecting a dinghy vehicle to the motor home when it's towed with all four wheels on the ground.

toy-hauler, n. fifth wheel, travel trailer or motor home with built-in interior cargo space for motorcycles, bikes, etc.

trailer brakes, n. brakes that are built into the trailer axle systems and are activated either by electric impulse or by a surge mechanism.

transmission cooler, n. a heat exchanger similar to a small radiator through which automatic transmission fluid passes and is cooled by airflow.

triple towing, n. three vehicles attached together. Usually a tow vehicle pulling a fifth wheel and the fifth wheel pulling a boat.

TT, n. [Travel Trailer.]

TV, n. [Tow Vehicle.]

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U

underbelly, n. the RV's under floor surface, which is protected by a weatherproofed material.

UVW n. [Unloaded Vehicle Weight.] weight of the RV including factory installed options, with full LP gas tanks or cylinders, does not include gasoline or diesel fuel, fresh water or accessories installed by the dealer.

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V

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W

Wally World, n. slang term for a Wal-Mart® store.

weekender, n. a person who owns his RV for weekend and vacation use.

weight carrying hitch, n. also known as a dead weight hitch, this category includes any system that accepts the entire hitch weight of the trailer.

weight distributing hitch, n. 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, n. weight of a vehicle with full fuel and freshwater tanks.

wheelbase, n. 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-body, n. an RV that has a width exceeding eight feet.

Winnie, n. nickname for Winnebago®, a well-known RV manufacturer.

Winter Texan, n. someone in a northern climate that heads to Texas in winter months.

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X

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Z

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