RV Terms - RV Terminology


Generator An electrical device used to generate 120 volt AC (alternating current) power and powered by propane, gasoline or diesel fuel. Gooseneck Name sometimes used to describe fifth wheel travel trailers. Gray Water Water that is drained from kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks or showers. It is stored in a gray water tank. High Profile Generally larger than a folding camping trailer, rigid const-ruction units offering Trailer more of the conveniences of home including a kitchen sink, dinette, shower, refrigerator and flush toilet. Sizes range from approximately 12 to 35 feet long. High Profile A fifth wheel travel trailer with more than 6 feet of standing room inside the front raised area. HP Horse power House Battery These are used to power 12 volt systems within the RV and are separate from batteries the chassis batteries. Hula Skirt An accessory attached to the rear of a motor home or trailer, used to protect following vehicles or towed units from debris thrown by the rear wheels of the motorhome or towing vehicle. This skirt is usually the full width of the rear of the unit it is attached to. Inverter An electrical device that converts 12 volt DC (direct current) to 110 volt AC (alternating current) for operation of televisions, computers or other small appliances when no electrical hook up for your RV is available. Island Queen Queen size bed that has walking spaces on both sides of it.


Jackknife Situation where your tow vehicle and travel trailer are at a 90% angle to each other. Leveling Moving your RV into a campsite and positioning it, til level, with the use of ramps under the wheels, power leveling jacks, outriggers or scissors jacks. MH Motorhome. Motorcoach Motorhome or bus type chassis. OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer. Park Model A type of RV designed to be permanently parked and is shorter in length than the traditional mobile home. It is not built for travel but has all the amenities of a mobile home. Part Timers People who use an RV, for any length of time up to a year, that is not their only home. Patio Mat Portable surface used by RVer's outside their unit, designed to be placed on the ground as their "patio", whether or not a concrete pad is available. Pop Up Folding camping trailer Porpoising Up and down motion of an RV while traveling. Puller Front engine motorhome/coach. Pusher Rear engine motorhome/coach. Pull Thru A drive thru campsite, you can pull in or pull out of without ever having to back up.