RV Terms and Definitions
These motor homes look like buses. Also known as type A or conventional motorhomes. They are entirely constructed on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis.
Class B
These motor homes are vans that have been modified into campers. Commonly called van campers, Type B motor homes are built using an automotive manufactured van or panel-truck shells. Van campers drive like the family car, but offer the comforts and conveniences of home.
Class C
Type C motorhomes are built on an automotive van frame with a wider body section attached to the original cab section. Amenities are similar to those in the conventional motorhomes. Most recognizable about the Type C motorhome is space over the cab that is often an optional sleeping area.
Fifth Wheel
The fifth-wheel travel trailer can have the same amenities as the conventional travel trailer, but is constructed with a raised forward section that provides a spacious bi-level floor plan. These models are designed to be towed by a pickup truck equipped with a device known as a fifth–wheel hitch. This trailer extends over the bed of the truck and connects to the tow truck directly above the rear axle using a fifth wheel hitch. A similar device is used as a coupling to connect a semitrailer to a tractor.
Park Mode
A camper that is really too large to be towed around every day. It should be set up permanently at a campground. These campers sometimes lack holding tanks and must have access to water, sewage, and electrical facilities.
Toy hauler
The toy hauler or sport utility RV, or SURV, is for the active family that wants to take motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs or other toys on the road. Available as a motorhome or towable unit, the rear end of the SURV drops down, forming a ramp for access into a “garage” area where motorized toys can be safely stored, separated from the living quarters by a wall.
Hybrid Trailer
A cross between a hard-sided travel trailer and a folding camping trailer, the expandable ends pull out to offer more sleeping room. Expandable units are lighter than the conventional travel trailer and often more affordable.
Truck Camper
The truck camper is a portable unit designed to be loaded onto, or affixed to, the bed or chassis of a pickup truck. The slide-in units are easily loaded and unloaded from the bed of the truck, and the truck is still free to tow boats, ATVs and other trailers.
Folding Camping Trailer
The folding camping trailer folds down for easy, lightweight towing. With canvas sides that extend to reveal queen-sized beds, you get a fresh-air experience with all the comforts of an RV. Some folding camping trailer models have slideouts that provide additional living space at the campground. Also known as pop-ups and tent trailers, folding camping trailers are great for outdoor lovers who want to sleep in a tent, but be off the ground.
Weight Distribution Hitch
These hitches are used to apply leverage between the tow vehicle and the trailer to balance the load to all axles. When the weight is balanced, the vehicle is leveled and performance is increased. Weight distribution should be used anytime the weight of the trailer exceeds 50% of the weight of the towing vehicle.
Goose neck
Similar to a fifth wheel except that a ball is mounted to the bed of the pickup, and the latch is on the trailer. Goose neck hitches are common in horse and utility trailers, but rarely found on campers.
Goose neck Adapter
An adapter that allows a fifth wheel camper to be towed by a truck with a goose neck hitch installed.
Basement
The storage compartment under the main living are. Basements are generally found in fifth wheel campers and motor homes.
Brake Control
Electronic device mounted in the tow vehicle to control the trailer's brakes. It is connected to the tow vehicle's brake system to sense when braking needs to happen on the trailer.
Breakaway Switch
An electric switch on trailers designed to engage brakes in case the trailer accidentally becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle.
Converter
An electrical device that can change AC (alternating current to DC (direct current).
Curb Weight
The weight of the camper or motor home, including all standard equipment, full fuel tanks, fresh water, and propane tanks, before taking on people or personal cargo.
Tongue Weight
This is the actual eight pressing down of the hitch ball by the trailer.
Dry Camping
This is camping in an RV with no water or sewer hook-ups
Dump Station
An approved station for dumping the gray and black tanks
Fresh Water Tank
The tank for holding/carrying fresh water, used when not connected to city water.
Gray Water Tank
The tank that holds the waste water from the shower and sinks.
Black Tank
The holding tank connected to the toilet.
King Pin
The pin on the fifth wheel camper that the fifth wheel hitch latches on to for towing.
Slide Out
An addition to the camper that slides out when parked for more room, but retracts when traveling.
Stabilizer Jack
A jack for the sole purpose of stabilizing the camper or motor home when parked. These are not meant to be used to lift the camper.
Water Pressure Regulator
This is installed on the water hose this is attached to the city water to limit too much pressure entering your camper. Water lines cannot withstand too much water pressure and may burst without a regulator.
