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Motorhome Terminology - RV lingo

Here are a few RV terms that you need to get used if you are buying your first motorhome.
If you come across any that aren’t listed here or you know some that you think should be added then leave them in a comment below and I’ll update the list if it appropriate.

Arctic Package:
Extra insulation for the holding tanks and water lines for winter use.

Backup Monitor:
A closed circuit camera that is mounted in the rear of the larger class A rigs which has a monitor installed in the driving area so the driver can see behind the vehicle when backing up. Many of the monitors come with graduated guide lines on the screen so you can see exactly how many feet away from an object you actually are.

Basement or Basement Storage:
This is the area used for storage beneath the floor and is usually accessible from the outside.This usually refers to Class-A or Class-C motorhomes.

Black Water:
The waste water from the toilet which is stored in a special holding tank under the RV known as the black water tank.

Boondocking:
Camping without using electrical hook-ups nor sewer or water. The house batteries, generators, water and holding tanks are relied upon. Also known as Dry Camping.

BTU - (British Thermal Unit):
The heat rating applied for RV air conditioners and heating units. The higher the number the more effective the unit..

Caravan:
3 or more RV travelling together in convoy.

Chassis:
The metal frame supporting the engine and bodywork.

Class A Motorhome:
See RV CLASSES EXPLAINED.

Class B Motorhome:
Also known as campers or camper vans- See RV CLASSES EXPLAINED.

Class C MotorHome:
See RV CLASSES EXPLAINED.

Converter:
The device that converts 120 Volt AC electricity into 12 volt DC. When using electrical hookups most of the lighting and other accessories are designed to work at 12 Volts.

Dinghy:
The name for a second vehicle that is towed behind the RV - also referred to as the Toad.

Dry Camping:
See Boondocking

Dump Station:
The facility where you can empty your black and gray water holding tanks.

DW (Dry weight):
The weight of an RV when empty, i.e. with no water, fuel, passengers, supplies or belongings.

Fifth-Wheel:
An RV that is designed to be towed from the back of an adapted pick up truck - See RV CLASSES EXPLAINED.

Fiver:
A fifth-wheel RV.

FMCA:
Family Motor Coach Association.

Fresh Water Tank:
The tank in which clean water is stored and is connected to the faucets.

Full Timers:
Refers to those who live permanently in their RVs all year round.

Gray Water:
The waste water from the sinks and shower. This is held in the Gray Water Tank.

GVWR (Gross vehicle Weight Rating):
The maximum permitted weight for a RV including passengers, supplies, fuel and propane.

Hook-ups:
Electricity and fresh water connections that can be found at campsites.

Newbie:
A newcomer to the world of RVing.

Pull-Through:
These are RV campsites where you drive into the allotted space forwards and later when you leave you drive out forwards too. This saves having to back up.

Puller:
Refers to an RV that has its engine mounted in the front of the vehicle.

Pusher:
Refers to an RV that has its engine mounted in the rear of the vehicle (usually diesel).

RV:
Recreational Vehicle.

Slideout:
A portion of the RV unit can expand to create more room inside the rig.

Snowbirds:
Refers to those who live in their RV in the south during the winter months and move north in the summer time.

Toad:
The name for a second vehicle that is towed behind the RV - Also referred to as the Dinghy.

In the News:

RV Education 101 Simplifies RV Ownership by Releasing RV DVD Value Packs

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