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Navigating the Lingo: Understanding Common RV Terms
As school resumes for many of our kids, we felt it was an ideal time to conduct some learning ourselves. If you are new to RVing, you might have realized that RV enthusiasts have their own distinct vocabulary around recreational vehicles. If the terminology found in RV social media groups and forums, such as iRV2 Forums, leaves you perplexed, we are here to assist you. This comprehensive guide will clarify what RVers discuss when they use RV Speak.
RV Terms for Types of RVs
Every RVer has unique preferences and requirements for camping. There are multiple categories of RVs, each tailored to different types of travelers.
Motorized RV Terms
A motorhome is an RV built on a motorized chassis, which is classified into various categories based on its construction. Here’s a breakdown of RV classes:
Class A Motorhome
A Class A motorhome is a spacious, luxurious vehicle that resembles a bus. These motorhomes come in various lengths and are equipped with numerous home-like amenities.
Diesel Pusher
A diesel pusher refers to a Class A motorhome with a diesel engine located at the rear of the vehicle.
Class B Motorhome
Class B motorhomes are essentially converted vans. They are the smallest type of motorhome and are favored for their ability to fit in locations where larger RVs cannot.
Class B+ Motorhome
The term Class B+ is more of a marketing term. If you encounter anything labeled as “Class B+,” it’s actually a Class C. Don’t be misled.
Class C Motorhome
A Class C motorhome is identifiable by the overhead bunk (or large storage compartment) above the cab. Most Class Cs are built on heavy-duty van chassis. This category also includes “Super C motorhomes,” which are larger Class Cs.
Bus Conversion
A bus conversion is a motorcoach that has been transformed into a mobile home. These conversions often reflect the owner’s creativity and may feature unique elements like clawfoot bathtubs and stylish furnishings.
Toy Hauler
A toy hauler is a motorhome with a garage at the back, designed to carry items like ATVs, motorcycles, e-bikes, or even a portable hot tub.
Skoolie
A skoolie is a school bus that has been lovingly converted into a mobile living space.
Campbulance
A campbulance is an ambulance that’s been transformed into an RV. Inside, campbulances resemble Class B motorhomes, equipped with essentials and perhaps a few added features.
Towable RV Terms
Towable RVs encompass all trailer types and truck campers.
Travel Trailer
Travel trailers are bumper-pull trailers that typically range from 10 to 40 feet. Larger trailers or those towed by smaller vehicles usually require a weight distribution hitch (WD) and sway bars for stability.
Fifth-Wheel
A fifth-wheel hitch, mounted in the bed of a pickup truck, is used to tow these trailers. Enthusiasts often refer to them as “fivers.”
Toy Hauler
A toy hauler can refer to either a travel trailer or fifth-wheel equipped with a garage area for transporting recreational vehicles and equipment.
Truck Camper
A truck camper is a unit that sits on the bed of a pickup truck.
Pop-up Camper
A pop-up camper folds down into a compact and lightweight trailer for transport. There are three types of pop-up trailers:
A-Frame
An A-frame trailer features hard sides and serves as a pop-up camper.
Tent Trailer
A tent trailer is a soft-sided pop-up camper.
Hybrid Trailer
A hybrid trailer fuses the pop-out sections of a tent trailer with the hard sides of an A-frame model.
RV Setup Terms
Vintage Camper
This term refers to any trailer or motorhome older than 25 years that has been refurbished to near-new condition.
Rig
The term “rig” denotes any RV setup. When referring to someone else’s RV, it’s often used as a compliment, as in: “Nice rig. Sweet setup.”
TV
Although many RVs feature at least one television, RVers typically use this abbreviation to refer to the vehicle used for towing a trailer.
Dinghy Vehicle
A dinghy is a smaller vehicle towed behind a motorhome, either on a dolly, trailer, or flat-towed.
Toad
A toad is yet another term for a dinghy.
Types of Camping
There are numerous ways to camp in an RV, and RVers have specific terms for each type. Here’s a list of RV camping terminology you might encounter.
Boondocking
Boondocking refers to camping without any hookups, typically in remote areas. Courses such as Boondocking 101 Masterclass provide more detailed guidance on effective boondocking practices.
Dry Camping
Dry camping occurs without any services or hookups. The term is often used interchangeably with “boondocking.” However, while boondocking typically means camping away from developed areas, dry camping can occur anywhere, including parking lots, campsites, or designated locations like Harvest Host or Boondockers Welcome.
Overlanding
Overlanding involves camping in remote areas accessible only via 4×4 roads and trails. Overlander RVs are designed for rugged adventures while still providing necessary amenities to keep you comfortable.
Moochdocking
Moochdocking refers to free camping in the driveway of friends or family. Moochdockers often have access to 110-volt power, along with potential water hookups.
Wallydocking
Many Walmart locations allow RVers to camp overnight in their parking lots, a practice known as Wallydocking. When Wallydocking, it is polite for RVers to request permission from a manager before staying overnight. Many Wallydockers make purchases from the store during their visit and strive to camp discreetly, avoiding the use of awnings, fire pits, or camping chairs.
Stealth Camping
Stealth camping involves RVers in vans or Class B RVs setting up camp discreetly in developed areas, aiming to blend in and remain unnoticed. This method is often used for quick stops along the way, allowing travelers to enjoy their journey without drawing attention.
Workamping
Workamping, or work camping, involves staying in a location for a set duration in exchange for services. Positions may include campground host, farm worker, or Amazon warehouse associate.
RV Systems: Commonly Used RV Terms
Full Hookups
Full hookups mean you can connect your RV to sewer, water, and electrical power at the campsite.
Shorepower
Shore power refers to electrical connections available at campsites, typically rated at 110/120V, with either 30-amp or 50-amp service.
Black Tank
The black tank is located under the RV and collects all waste materials from the toilet.
Gray Tank
The gray tank holds and stores all the soapy water used in sinks and showers within the RV.
Stinky Slinky
The RV sewer hose is colloquially referred to as a “stinky slinky” due to its resemblance to a child’s toy.
Freshwater Tank
The freshwater tank is designed to store water for use during boondocking or dry camping.
City Water
City water indicates a direct connection to a water source from any faucet or spigot. When connected, there’s no need to use your freshwater tank or water pump.
Cabin
Within motorhomes, the term cabin refers to the living space as opposed to the front seat area.
Cockpit
The cockpit is where the driver’s seat and controls are situated in a motorhome.
Coach
Coach can refer to either a Class A or Class C motorhome and can also mean the living area of any type of trailer.
Chassis
The chassis is the foundational structure of an RV, supporting the body and all components, including wheels, engine, drivetrain, suspension, and mechanical parts.
Basement
The basement refers to the portion of the coach beneath the cabin, often containing accessible storage bays, batteries, and plumbing components.
Garage
Many RVs feature a sizable storage area separate from the main cabin, ideal for storing bicycles, motorcycles, or other enjoyable camping supplies.
Slideout (Slide)
A slideout, or slide, is a living space that extends from the side of the RV to increase living space while camping. A push of a button brings the slideout back inside for transport.
DC Power
This part of the electrical system operates on 12-volt battery power. Components that rely on the DC electrical system include interior lights, water pump, furnace, stereo, and sometimes the refrigerator.
AC Power
The AC system operates on 110/120-volt shore power. Components powered by the AC electrical system draw higher voltages and include items like the air conditioner, microwave, refrigerator (when set to AC), electric stovetops, and outlets.
Converter
The RV converter changes 110/120-volt AC current into DC current for the RV’s 12-volt appliances and to charge its battery.
Inverter
The RV inverter converts 12-volt power from the batteries into usable 110/120-volt electricity for AC appliances in the RV.
Solar Array
An RV solar array refers to the solar panels connected to your RV’s solar system.
Stabilizer Jacks
Stabilizer jacks are used to prevent rocking when the RV is parked. They should not be employed for leveling the RV.
Anderson Leveling Chock
This moon-shaped wheel chock is used to level the RV side to side.
A-frame (Tongue) Jack
An A-frame jack is utilized on a travel trailer for raising and lowering the hitch.
RV Terms for Different Types of RVers
There are countless types of RVers enjoying the outdoors, and here are some terms you might hear in online RV communities.
Newbie
An RV newbie is someone new to RVing. They often watch RV-related YouTube videos and are still learning the ropes of RV ownership, sometimes expressing surprise when challenges arise.
Full-Timer
A full-timer is an RVer who has likely sold or given away most of their possessions to live permanently on the road. Although they may maintain a permanent address, they consider their RV their primary residence.
Part-Timer
A part-timer is less committed than a full-timer. They have a traditional home and enjoy camping and traveling in their RV for shorter durations throughout the year.
Snowbird
Snowbirds take advantage of seasonal changes, spending spring and summer in the northern states and then migrating south for warmer weather during the winter.
Nomad
Nomads have an intense desire to travel. While they typically have a home base, they are constantly on the move and often work remotely, balancing their love for travel with ongoing employment.
Vanlifer
A vanlifer is someone who has customized a van to include everything necessary for a comfortable life on the road. These individuals usually fall within the age range of 20 to 40 and often work remotely, especially within the tech industry.
Camping Queen
A camping queen prefers to camp only at full-service campgrounds with extensive amenities.
Campground Jerk
A campground jerk is someone who shows little regard for fellow campers. They may allow pets to roam freely or neglect to secure their trash, drawing unwelcome wildlife. Campground jerks often enjoy loud music and parties without concern for others around them, resulting in plenty of stories from fellow RVers.
Miscellaneous RV Terms and Jargon
Here are a few additional RV-related terms you might encounter.
Winterize
To “winterize” means preparing the RV for winter storage by clearing tanks, water lines, and the water heater. Many RVers fill empty water lines with antifreeze to prevent freezing.
Skirting
Skirting involves applying insulation around the base of the RV for winter months. This helps retain heat and protects tanks and pipes from freezing temperatures. Some RVers opt for professionally installed vinyl or rigid insulation, while others use AirSkirts, which are heavy-duty airbags designed to insulate.
Sticks-and-Bricks
A sticks-and-bricks home is a conventional house or apartment that is permanently situated.
Poop Pyramid
Lastly, let’s discuss the infamous poop pyramid. This term refers to the accumulation of solid waste in the black tank beneath the toilet. A poop pyramid can form when the black tank valve is left open or when insufficient water is added to the tank, causing a blockage. Avoiding a poop pyramid involves letting the tank fill before emptying it and immediately refilling it with approximately 6 gallons of water along with a tablespoon of non-formaldehyde tank treatment. It’s essential to use septic-safe toilet paper and flush with plenty of water.
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