RV Terms - RV Terminology


Reefer Refrigerator Receiver Hitch The part of a hitch (female) that allows a hitch bar/shank (male) to be inserted into it. Safety Chains Chains attached to the trailer A frame and connected to the tow vehicle while traveling. They are designed to keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle in the event of hitch failure. Screen Room Exterior enclosure attached to an RV for a bug free environment. Self -Contained An RV needing NO external connections. It can provide heat, air conditioning, cooking and bathing for short term use and can park overnight anywhere. Shore Cord External electrical cord that connects the RV to an electrical campground hookup. Shore Power External electricity source not provide by RV battery/batteries. Sideout An RV unit that slides open when it is parked to expand the living area. Slide In A camper that mounts on a pick up truck bed by sliding into it. Also known as a truck camper. Sway Fishtailing motion (side to side) of the trailer. Three Way Appliances that can operate on a 12 volt battery, propane or 110 volt electricity. Toad Towed vehicle.


Tongue Weight Amount of weight on the hitch when the trailer is coupled. Tow Bar Mechanical device used for a towed vehicle, by a towing vehicle, when the towed vehicle has all four wheels on the ground. Toy Hauler Term used for an RV that has built in interior cargo space for motorcycles, ATV's, bicycles, etc. Transmission Cooler Similar to a radiator. It allows transmission fluid to pass thru it while being air cooled. Triple Towing Three vehicles attached together. Example: Tow vehicle, trailer and boat. Umbilical Cord Wiring harness used to connect the tow vehicle to the trailer, providing electricity for the trailers clearance lights, brake lights, electrical brakes and 12 volt DC power line for the trailer batteries. It can also be used to connect to connect to campground 120 volt AC electrical hookups. Wagonmaster The lead RV guide of a caravan who usually handles highway navigation and reservations for campgrounds, entertainment, sightseeing, meals and all scheduling. Wally World Slang for Wal-Mart. Weekenders People who use an RV for weekends or vacations only. Wide Bodies RV's designed to stretch wider than the traditional 96 inches. Winterize Preparing you RV for storage or winter use.