RV Terms & Acronyms

The world of recreational vehicles (RVs) is a unique culture with its own language. From seasoned full-timers to weekend adventurers, understanding RV terminology can significantly enhance your experience, improve communication, and ensure you’re well-prepared for any situation on the road. This guide aims to demystify the jargon, acronyms, and common phrases used within the RV community, providing a comprehensive resource for both beginners and experienced RVers alike. Let’s dive into the world of RV lingo!

One of the first things newcomers to the RV lifestyle realize is that there’s a whole new vocabulary to learn. This glossary of RV Terms & Acronyms is designed to help you navigate this unique language, ensuring you understand the functionalities and features of your RV, as well as the common practices within the RVing community. Whether you’re deciphering campsite descriptions or discussing maintenance with a technician, knowing these terms will make your RV journey smoother and more enjoyable.

This comprehensive guide to RV Terms & Acronyms covers everything from the essential components of your RV to the unique experiences of RV travel. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll be better equipped to communicate with other RVers, understand service manuals, and make informed decisions about your RV adventures. Let’s explore the key concepts and phrases that define the RVing world.

Essential RV Systems & Components

120 AC/12 DC/LP-Gas: These are the primary power sources for operating an RV refrigerator. 120 AC refers to 120-volt alternating current, the same as in a typical household. 12 DC is 12-volt direct current, similar to what’s found in most motor vehicles. LP-gas (Liquefied Petroleum gas), commonly known as propane, is the third power source. Some RV refrigerators can operate on two of these sources, while others can switch between all three.
Anode Rod: A sacrificial metal rod installed in a water heater to attract corrosion. The rod corrodes instead of the steel tank, prolonging the life of the water heater. It should be inspected annually and replaced when it’s reduced to about 1/4 of its original size. Note: Anode rods are for steel tanks only; aluminum tanks have an inner layer of anode metal and shouldn’t use a separate rod.
British Thermal Unit (BTU): A unit of measurement for heat. Specifically, it’s the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. RV air conditioners and furnaces are rated in BTUs, indicating their heating or cooling capacity.
Converter: An electrical device that converts 120-volt AC power (from shore power or a generator) to 12-volt DC power. Most RV appliances and systems operate on 12V DC, allowing the RV to function independently. When shore power is available, the converter supplies power and recharges the RV’s battery.
Inverter: An electrical device that does the opposite of a converter, changing 12-volt DC power from the RV’s batteries into 120-volt AC power. This is essential for running household appliances (like a microwave) when "boondocking" (camping without hookups). The available power depends on the battery’s capacity and the inverter’s wattage rating.
DSI Ignition: Direct Spark Ignition. This refers to the electronic ignition system used in many propane-fired appliances such as refrigerators, furnaces and water heaters. An electric spark ignites the main burner and an electronic circuit board monitors the flame.
Heat Exchanger: Found in your furnace, this device transfers heat from one source to another. In the furnace, the propane flame and combustion products are contained inside the heat exchanger, sealed from the inside area. Inside air is blown over the exchanger’s surface, where it is warmed and then blown through the ducting system for room heating. The combustion gases are vented to the outside air.

Weights & Measurements

Understanding the weight ratings of your RV and tow vehicle is crucial for safe towing and operation. Here’s a breakdown of common weight-related terms:

Axle Ratio: The ratio between the pinion and ring gears in the differential, which multiplies the engine’s torque. A higher axle ratio provides more torque for towing but may reduce speed.
Dry Weight (UVW): Unloaded Vehicle Weight. The weight of the RV as it leaves the factory, without any fluids (water, fuel, propane) or cargo. It doesn’t include dealer-installed options.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The maximum weight that can be placed on a single axle, as specified by the manufacturer.
Gross Combined Weight (GCW): The total weight of the tow vehicle and the trailer combined.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum allowable weight for the tow vehicle and trailer combined, including all cargo, fluids, and passengers.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): The actual weight of the trailer when fully loaded for travel.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): The actual weight of the vehicle at any given time.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including all cargo, fluids, and passengers.
Net Carrying Capacity (NCC): The maximum weight of cargo, fluids, and passengers that can be added to the RV without exceeding the GVWR. Sometimes called payload capacity.
Payload Capacity: The maximum allowable weight that can be in or on a vehicle, including all cargo and accessories, fuel, fresh water, propane, passengers, and hitch loads.
Tongue Weight (TW): The downward force exerted by the trailer’s coupler on the hitch ball of the tow vehicle. It should typically be 10-15% of the GTW for travel trailers and 15-20% for fifth wheels.
Wet Weight: The weight of the RV with full fuel, freshwater, and propane tanks.

Hookups & Camping Styles

Black Water: Wastewater from the toilet system, stored in the black water tank until it can be properly disposed of at a dump station.
Black-Water Tank: The tank that holds sewage from the toilet. It must be emptied at a designated dump station or sewer connection.
Boondocking (Dry Camping): Camping without any hookups to external utilities like electricity, water, or sewer. You rely on your RV’s batteries and freshwater tank.
Dump Station: A facility for emptying black water and gray water holding tanks.
Fresh Water Tank: The tank that stores potable water for use in the RV.
Full Hookup: A campsite that provides connections to electricity, water, and sewer.
Gray Water: Wastewater from sinks and showers, stored in the gray water tank.
Gray (Water) Tank: The tank that holds drainage water from sinks and shower.
Hookups: Connections to campground facilities, such as electricity, water, sewer, telephone, and cable TV.
Self-Contained: An RV that doesn’t require external hookups for electricity, water, or sewage disposal. It can park overnight virtually anywhere.
Shore Power: Electricity supplied to the RV from an external source, typically a campground electrical outlet.

Towing & Hitches

Ball Mount: The part of the hitch system that supports the hitch ball and connects it to the trailer coupler.
Brake Actuator: A device mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to control the trailer’s braking system. Most Brake Actuators are based on a time delay; the more time the tow vehicle brakes are applied, the “harder” the trailer brakes are applied.
Brake Controller: A device mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to control the trailer’s braking system. The Brake Controller sensed the tow vehicle’s amount of braking force and applied a proportional force to the trailer braking system.
Break-Away System: A safety system designed to automatically activate the trailer brakes if the trailer becomes detached from the tow vehicle.
Equalizing Hitch (Weight Distributing Hitch): A hitch that uses spring bars to distribute the trailer’s weight more evenly across the tow vehicle’s axles, improving stability and handling.
Safety Chains: Chains that connect the trailer to the tow vehicle, providing a backup connection in case of hitch failure.
Tow Bar: A bar used for connecting a towed vehicle to the motor home for towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Trailer Brakes: Brakes built into the trailer that are activated either by electric impulse or by a surge mechanism.
Weight Carrying Hitch: A hitch designed to accept the entire hitch weight of the trailer.
Weight Distributing Hitch: A hitch that utilizes spring bars 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. This hitch is also known as an equalizing hitch.

Other Common RV Terms

Backup Monitor/Camera: A camera mounted on the rear of the RV, with a monitor on the dashboard, to aid in backing up and monitoring traffic.
Camber: Wheel alignment. Camber is the number of degrees each wheel is off of vertical.
Castor: Wheel alignment. The steering wheels’ desire to return to center after you turn a corner.
Condensation: Moisture buildup inside the RV, often caused by warm, humid air contacting cold surfaces.
Diesel Puller: A motor home with a front-mounted diesel engine.
Diesel Pusher: A motor home with a rear-mounted diesel engine.
Dinghy (Toad): A vehicle towed behind a motor home.
Dinette: A booth-style dining area in an RV, often convertible into a bed.
Doughnut (Sewer Doughnut): A rubber ring that seals the dump hose to the campsite sewer connection, preventing odors from escaping.
Dual Electrical System: RV equipped with lights, appliances that 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.
Dually: A pickup truck with four tires on the rear axle.
Ducted AC: Air conditioning supplied through a ducting system in the ceiling.
Ducted Heat: Warm air from the furnace supplied to various locations in the RV through a ducting system located on the floor.
Full-Timers: People who live in their RV full-time or for the vast majority of the year.
Generator: An engine-powered device that generates 120-volt AC power.
Heat Strip: An electric heating element located in the air conditioning system with the air conditioner fan and ducting system’s warm air.
Laminate: 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.
Livability Packages: Items to equip a motor home for daily living, which may be rented at a nominal cost from the rental firm, rather than brought from home. Include bed linens, pillows, blankets, bath towels, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, and cutlery.
LP Gas: Liquefied Petroleum Gas, commonly known as propane, used for heating, cooking, and refrigeration.
Part-Timers: People who use their RV more than just a few weekend trips a year but less than full-time.
Pilot: A small standby flame used to light the main burner of a propane-fired appliance when the thermostat calls for heat.
Pop-Out: The term for a room in an RV that pops out for additional living space.
Popup or Pop-Up: Another name for a folding camping trailer.
Porpoising: A term used to define the up and down motion in an RV while traveling.
Propane: LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, used in RVs for heating, cooking, and refrigeration.
Puller: The slang term for a motor home with a front-mounted diesel engine.
Pull Through: A camping site that allows you to pull through while setting up and leaving the area. A site where you do not have to back into or out of.
Pusher: The slang term for a motor home with a rear-mounted diesel engine.
Rig: What many RVers call their units.
Roof Air Conditioning: Air conditioning unit mounted on RV’s roof to cool the RV when it is parked.
RV: Short for Recreation Vehicle, a generic term for all pleasure vehicles which contain living accommodations.
Sewer Doughnut: A rubber ring that seals one’s dump hose and the campsite sewer connection so that gases and odors do not escape.
Slide-In: The term for a type of camper that mounts on a truck bed because this type of camper slides into the truck bed.
Slide-Out: A room or area in your RV that slides out to make additional space for living.
Thermocouple: A device that monitors the pilot flame of a pilot model propane appliance.
Tip-Out: The term used for an area or room in an RV that tips out additional living space. The Tip-Out was generally used in older RVs.
Toe: Wheel alignment. 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.
Underbelly: The RV’s underfloor surface, which is protected by a weatherproofed material.
Wastewater tanks: The gray water tank holds the wastewater from the sinks and showers. The black water tank holds the waste from the toilet.
Wheelbase: Distance between center lines of the primary axles of a vehicle.
Wide Body: The term for an RV exceeding the normal eight feet wide.

This glossary of RV Terms & Acronyms is just the beginning of your RVing education. As you gain more experience, you’ll encounter even more specialized terms and practices. Embrace the learning process, ask questions, and connect with other RVers to expand your knowledge and enjoy the journey!