Learn all the terms used in the RV world and lifestyle. Here’s a few to get you started.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been RVing for years, you’re bound to have questions. And we have answers at RVing with Rex.
Gray Water
Waste water from sinks and showers. Gray water is stored in a specific holding tank separate from fresh water and black water.
Black Water
Waste water from the toilet system. Black water stays in a holding tank until it is emptied at a dumping station.
Back-in Site
A camping space that requires backing in an RV as opposed to pulling through.
Pull-through Site
A camping space that allows an RV to enter from one side and leave from the other, eliminating the need to back the RV out of the site.
Full Hookup
Campground utilities that include 30/50-amp electric service, city water, and sewer connection.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum operating weight allowed for an RV, including fuel and propane, holding tanks, gear, and passengers. For a towable RV this includes: the maximum allowable weight at the trailer axle(s), plus the hitch weight. For a motorized RV, this includes: the maximum allowable weight at all of the axles.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
The maximum operating weight of a motorized vehicle combined with the maximum allowable weight it can tow.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The maximum permissible weight on one axle of the RV.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)
The permissible weight that an RV can carry.
Wheelbase
The distance between the center lines of a vehicle’s primary axles.
Galley
Kitchen of an RV. Name is borrowed from the boating industry.
Basement
Storage compartments below the floor of an RV that can be accessed from outside.
LP Gas/Propane
Liquid Petroleum Gas is used to fuel appliances such as stoves, ovens, water heaters, refrigerators, and furnaces.
Dump Station
A safe location, often at a campsite, to empty black water and gray water holding tanks.
Self-Contained
An RV that includes the basic necessities needed for boondocking or dry camping without electrical, water, and sewer hookups. A self-contained RV usually includes a fresh water tank, dry-cell batteries, inverter, and generator or solar panels.
Reefer
Slang for an RV refrigerator.
Boondocking
Boondocking is camping without hookups. Power will come from your generator, deep-cell batteries, and solar power system.
Deep-Cycle Batteries
Deep-cycle batteries are designed to discharge power at a slow rate for an extended period of time. In RV applications, deep-cycle batteries power the comforts of home like your cooking appliances and lights. Add distilled water when the electrolyte level falls below a half-inch above the plates. Do not overfill. keep the water level an eighth of an inch below the battery’s internal vent-wall.
Converter
Converts 120-volt Alternating Current (AC) power into 12-volt Direct Current (DC) power.
Dinghy/Toad
A vehicle towed at the rear of a motorized RV.
Backup Monitor
A camera in the back of an RV that connects to a digital monitor in the dashboard to give the driver a better view of what’s behind them, when reversing or when towing on the road.
Worth Pondering…
May the joy of today, bring forth happiness for tomorrow.