RV Terms - RV Terminology

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Recreation Vehicle/RV (AR'-Veeh) n A recreational vehicle, or RV, is a motorized or tow able vehicle that combines transportation and living quarters for travel, recreation and camping. RV's do not include mobile home, off-road vehicles or snowmobiles.


Auxillary Battery An extra battery to run 12 volt equipment. Axle Ratio The ratio between the drive shaft rotation and the ring & pinion gears. Backup Viewing Monitor A video monitor (mounted near and viewable from the drivers seat)used to assist the driver showing a live rear view of the vehicle and its surroundings (width/depth of viewing angle depends on unit). Ball Mount Hitching system that connects the trailer coupler to the hitch ball. Weight load and distribution vary. Basement Model Large storage units underneath a raised chassis of an RV. Black Water Non-potable water and sewage from the toilet stored in the black water tank. Boondocking No fresh water, electricity or sewer utilities while camping in an RV. Bowtie Slang word for describing Chevrolets trademark symbol. Box The living space on a class A motorhome above the chassis. Breakaway Switch The living space on a class A motorhome above the chassis. Box If the trailer disconnects form the tow vehicle while driving, this device activates the trailer brakes.


Bubble Term used to describe loose paint or laminate on RV or vehicle exteriors. Also refers to how level your RV is when parked while reading the bubble level gauge attached to the RV. Bumper Mounted Hitch A ball mounted directly to the bumper or on a bracket mounted on the bumper. This method is not used in most RV towing situations. Bunkhouse Bunk bed sleeping quarters. Bus Conversion A type A motorhome in which a shell has been added to a bus type chassis and customized to the owners specifications. A commercial operated bus whose interior is remodeled for motorhome travel. Camper Shell Removable unit that covers the bed of a pickup truck. Caravan Any group of RV's traveling together on the same highway using similar communication equipment (cell phones, walkie-talkies, cb radios, etc.) to stay in touch and maintain safety. Chassis Battery Used to operated 12 volt drive-train components. Class A Motorhome The living unit has been con-structed on a bare, specially designed motor vehicle chassis.