RV Terminology Unveiled: Your Comprehensive Guide

Before embarking on your RV search, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the various RV terms used on forums and blogs. We've compiled a list of common RV terms with definitions and relevant examples. This guide lets you easily decipher shorthand descriptions and confidently navigate RV owner groups.

RV Terms & Definitions

 

# to C:

1. 4-Pin Electrical Connector: A connector supplying power from your tow vehicle to your RV for lighting purposes only.

2. 7-Pin Electrical Connector: A connector supplying power from your tow vehicle to your RV for both lighting and electrically operated brakes.

3. A/C: Abbreviation for air conditioner.

4. Aluminum Exterior Sidewalls: Refers to the outer construction made of wooden framing, aluminum exterior, and batten insulation.

5. Auxiliary Battery: An extra battery to power your 12-volt equipment.

6. Back-up Monitor: A camera mounted on the back of the RV, providing the driver with added visibility while reversing, typically in the dash near the driver's seat.

7. Basement: The extensive storage area is accessible through outside storage doors located underneath the RV's floor.

8. Black Water Capacity: The capacity of your RV's black water tank indicates the amount of wastewater from the toilet it can hold.

9. Booth Dinette: A dining area with bench seats on either side with a table in the middle, usually converting into an extra sleeping space.

10. Brake Controller: A device mounted inside the tow vehicle to apply the trailer brakes simultaneously when the tow vehicle brakes are activated.

11. Breakaway Switch: A safety switch that automatically activates the trailer brakes if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.

12. BTU (British Thermal Unit): A unit of heat measurement representing the quantity needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree F. RV air conditioning and furnace units are rated in BTUs.

13. Bunkhouse: A floorplan style with bunk beds in the RV.

14. Bunkbeds inside an RV

15. CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity): The maximum weight limit for personal items that can be added to an RV.

16. Chassis: The framework for your RV, typically including the engine and transmission in motorhomes.

17. Chassis Battery: The battery powers the 12-volt components of the drivetrain.

18. Cockpit: The front area of your motorhome housing the driver's pilot seat and passenger co-pilot seats.

19. Control Panel: A panel enabling control and adjustment of the RV's climate, water, and power systems, often equipped with touchscreen functionality or mobile apps for user convenience.

20. Converter: Converts 120-volt AC power to 12-volt DC power while charging the 12-volt battery.

21. Diesel Puller - FRED (or Front Engine Diesel): These are diesel motorhomes with engines in front of the RV.

22. Diesel Pusher: These are diesel motorhomes that provide a smoother and quieter ride with engines located in the rear of the RV.

23. Engine access area: The engine access area on a Class A diesel motorhome is located at the rear of the coach.

24. Dinghy: A vehicle towed behind an RV, also known as a "toad," occasionally.

25. Dry Weight: This is the weight of the RV as it leaves the assembly line, banning supplies, fuel, water, or passenger weights, with manufacturers supplying a sticker listing the dry weight before shipping.

26. DSI Ignition - Direct Spark Ignition: A method of igniting the main burner on a propane-fired appliance.

27. Ducted A/C: Describes an RV where air conditioning is supplied through ducts in the ceiling and vents throughout the RV.

28. Ducted Heat: Describes an RV where heat is supplied through ducts in the floor and vents throughout the RV.

29. Dump Station: A location where you can safely and legally dispose of your black and gray water tanks, often featuring a concrete pad with an underground tank.

30. Hose: A hose connected to an RV dump station.

31. Enclosed/Sealed Underbelly: Describes an RV with a closed or insulated bottom surface, protecting against temperature changes.

32. Engine: Provides power to your motorhome and can be either diesel or gas-powered.

 

F to H:

33. Free Standing Dinette: A dining area featuring individual chairs and a table in between, creating a residential feel.

34. Dinette: A free-standing dinette gives this RV a residential feel.

35. Fresh Water Capacity: The amount of drinkable water an RV's fresh water tank can hold.

36. Front Galley: A floorplan style with the kitchen located in the front section of the RV.

37. Front Living: A floorplan style with the living room located in the front section of the RV.

38. Front Sleeping: A floorplan style with the master bedroom located in the front section of the RV.

39. Fuel Type: The type of fuel a motorhome uses, either gas or diesel.

40. Full Hookup: An RV term referring to a campsite offering water supply, sewer/septic, and electricity.

41. Full-timers: People who live in their RV year-round.

42. Gallery: Another

 

If you are looking for Used Motorhomes for Sale in London, Ontario, visit EMPIRERVs. Feel free to contact our experts if you have further questions about RV ownership. We're here to help!