Awning – A secondary covering temporarily attached to the outside of the RV. Used when occupants want to enjoy the outdoors in the shade. Many variations found depending on the model of the RV.

Boondocking – Dry camping

 

Black water – Waste water containing body waste from the toilet. Term derived from the colour of the waste when kept in holding tank for prolonged period. Can be dumped into large tanks available on campgrounds.

 

Black water tank flush – Pipe built into black water holding tank. Used to flush solids from the RV to the tank at dump site.

 

Chemicals – Added to black water and grey water tanks to manage odours. Certain brands assist the breakdown of organic matter in waste water. Also known as ‘blue’ or ‘green’.

 

Dinette – Dining area built like a booth. The table can be lowered to convert area into a bed at night.

 

Dry camping – Camping in an area without water, electricity and sewage hookups.

 

Dual electrical system – The lights and appliances can be operated on a 12-volt battery while on the move and on 110-volts AC power when parked at campgrounds or when connected to an on-board generator.

 

Dump station – The place where waste water tanks of the RV are emptied, usually at campgrounds.

Electric trailer brakes – An additional braking system used to stop the rig in Travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers that are above a certain weight.

 

Fifth wheel coupling (hitch) – Acts as the link between towing vehicle and the fifth wheel trailer.

 

Fresh water – The RV’s on-board water supply when on the move or when dry camping.

 

Grey water – Named so due to its colour. Includes waste water from showers and sinks.

 

GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Refers to the maximum loaded weight of vehicle as per manufacturer’s specifications.

 

House batteries – Batteries that are mounted in the RV, usually 12-volt DC type. Alsp known as leisure batteries.

King-pin support – Gives the front of a fifth wheel trailer greater stability. A tripod-like part that attaches to the king-pin of the trailer hitch.

 

Landing gear – Two jacks that lift the front of the fifth wheel trailer in order for the towing vehicle to drive under the front and hitch-up.

 

Liveability package – Contains items needed for daily living in a motor home. It can be rented at a low cost along with the RV from the rental firm. Package will contain pots and pans, cutlery, kitchen utensils, pillows, blankets and bed linen.

 

Pink water – Water to which ‘pink’ antifreeze has been added to stop internal plumbing pipes and tubing from freezing in cold climates. Non-toxic.

 

Propane – Liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. Cooking, heating and refrigeration is done using LPG in RVs.

 

Roof air conditioning – A separate unit that cools the RV when it is not running (when it is parked).

 

Self contained – An RV that does not require external hook-ups for electricity, water and drainage.

 

Slide-out – Increases the interior space of an RV by pulling the section outward from the sides of the vehicle either manually or automatically.

 

Umbilical cord – The electrical cord that connects the towing vehicle and the RV trailer. Electricity from the towing vehicle’s alternator is used to charge the RV’s battery, control its electric brakes, power the night running lights, stop and turn lights.

 

White water – Fresh water obtained from a clean water source directly (e.g. drinking water).

 

Wild camping – Camping at the side of the road or at unofficial sites.

 

Winterize – The process of protecting the RV’s water system during cold weather.