For new RVers and Dreamers, here is a list of the many common RV terms defined. Enjoy!
4 Pin Electrical Connector – This provides power from your tow vehicle to your RV for the lights only.
7 Pin Electrical Connector – This provides power from your tow vehicle to your RV for the lights as well as the electrically operated brakes.
Auxiliary Battery – An extra battery to run your 12-volt equipment.
Black Water Capacity – The amount of waste water from the toilet your RV’s black water tank can hold.
Brake Controller – A device mounted inside the tow vehicle that will apply the trailer brakes simultaneously with the tow vehicle brakes.
Breakaway Switch – If your trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle, this safety switch will automatically activate the brakes on the trailer.
BTU – British Thermal Unit – RV A/C and Furnace units are BTU-rated. It’s a measurement of heat that is the quantity required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1-degree F.
CCC – Cargo Carrying Capacity – This is your RVs maximum weight limit for personal items you add.
Chassis – Framework your RV is built on. In motor homes it generally includes the engine & transmission>
Chassis Battery – The battery in your motor home that operates 12-volt components of the drive train.
Converter – Converts your 120-volt AC power to 12 volt DC power and also charges your 12 volt battery
Dry Weight – This is the weight of just your RV when it’s finished being built. Doesn’t include supplies, water, fuel, or passenger weights.
DSI Ignition – Direct Spark Ignition – This term is used to describe the method of igniting the main burner on a propane fired appliance.
Dump Station – Refers to an area, a concrete pad with a tank underneath the ground, where you can dump your black and gray water tanks.
Fresh Water Capacity – The amount of drinkable water your RV’s fresh water tank can hold.
Full Hookup – FHU – This is when an RV campsite offers a water supply, sewer/septic, and electricity.
Full-timers – When you live in your RV year-round; you do not have another dwelling.
Galley – This term refers to the kitchen of your RV.
GAWR – Gross Axle Weight Rating – This is the total allowable weight on each individual axle which includes the weight of tires, wheels, brakes, and the axle itself
GCWR – Gross Combination Weight Rating – This is the total allowable weight of your tow vehicle, your trailer, the cargo in each, hitching, fluids, and occupants.
Generator – Provides 120-volt AC power to your RV. Runs on gas, diesel, or propane.
Gray Water Capacity – The amount of used water from the kitchen sink, bathroom sink or shower, your RV’s gray water tank can hold.
GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – The maximum weight your RV can be to ensure safe traveling. Includes the vehicle’s chassis, body, engine, fluids, fuel, accessories, passengers, cargo, etc.
Hitch – The connection used between your tow vehicle and your RV.
Hitch Capacity – references the towing capacity of your receiver hitch.
Holding Tanks – This term refers to your fresh water tank, gray water tank, and black water tank.
House Battery – The battery in your motor home that operates 12-volt system within the motor home.
Inverter – Converts your 12-volt DC power to 110-volt AC power.
King Pin Weight – The actual weight pressing down on the 5th wheel of your tow vehicle. Generally, 15% – 25% of the GVW wheel hitch located in the back bed.
Leveling Jacks – These will make sure your RV sits level on the ground.
LP Gas – Liquid Petroleum – Another term for Propane.
Slide-Outs – Additional area made for each floor plan that slides out to provide you more living space.
Sway Bar System – Designed to reduce or eliminate side to side sway movement of your trailer.
Tongue Weight – The actual weight pressing down on the hitch ball located on the tow vehicle. Generally, 10% – 15% of the GVW.
Tow Rating – The maximum weight your tow vehicle can safely tow set by the vehicle manufacturer.
Weight Distribution System – Takes weight from the tongue of your trailer and redistributes it to the front of the tow vehicle.
Wheel Base – This is the distance between the center lines of the primary axles on your RV.
There you have it. Now we are all a bit more knowledgeable in the RV world. Go forth and drive!
Safe Travels!
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