CHAPTER THIRTEEN

RV Glossary

120 AC/12 DC/LP-gas:
The power sources on which RV refrigerators operate; 120 AC is 120-volt alternating current (same as in houses); 12 DC is 12-volt direct current (same as in motor vehicles); LP-gas. Some RV refrigerators can operate on two of the three sources, others on all three.

Anode Rod:
Used in a water heater, attracts corrosion causing products in the water. These products attack the anode rod instead of the metal tank itself. The anode rod should be inspected yearly and changed when it is reduced to about 1/4 of its original size. The rods are used in steel water heater tanks - an aluminum tank has an inner layer of anode metal to accomplish the same thing. Anode rods should not be installed in an aluminum tank!

Axle ratio
Ratio between pinion and ring gears in the differential that multiply torque provided by the engine. It describes the number of driveline revolutions required to turn the axle one time. With a 4.10:1 axle, the driveline turns 4.1 times for each full axle revolution. Higher numbers mean more torque and less road speed for a given engine speed; i.e., a 4.10:1 ratio provides more torque than a 3.73:1.

Black Water:
Disposal water from toilet system, held in holding tank until you dump it, in large tanks or dumping station available at most campgrounds.

Brake Actuator:
A device mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to control the braking system of the trailer. Most Brake Actuators a based on a time delay, the more time the tow vehicle brakes are applied the "harder" the trailer brakes are applied.

Brake Controller:
A device mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to control the braking system of the trailer. The Brake Controller senses the amount of braking force of the tow vehicle and applied a proportional force to the trailer braking system.

British thermal unit (BTU)
A measurement of heat that is the quantity required to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree F. RV air-conditioners and furnaces are BTU-rated.

Base Weight:
The weight of the unit with no fluids, cargo, optional equipment or accessories.

Bus Conversion
Buses that are manufactured by an automaker then modified for transportation and recreation use by a company specializing in customized vehicles. These changes may include windows, carpeting, paneling, seats, sofas, and accessories.

Camber - Wheel alignment:
Camber is the number of degrees each wheel is off of vertical. Looking from the front, tops of wheels farther apart than bottoms means "positive camber". As the load pushes the front end down, or the springs get weak, camber would go from positive to none to negative (bottoms of wheels farther apart than tops).

Carrying Capacity:
The difference between the Base Weight and the GVWR. This is the amount of weight available for all fluids, cargo, optional equipment, and accessories. The actual "loaded" weight will depend on the equipped unit and the owner's individual choice of cargo, etc.

Castor - Wheel alignment:
The steering wheels' desire to return to center after you turn a corner.

Class A:
The Class A Motorhome, also commonly referred to as the conventional Motorhome, is the largest, most luxurious of the motorized RVs ? a virtual "home-away from-home" on wheels, fully loaded and equipped for short trips, lengthy vacations and full-timing. The Class A is entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed motor vehicle chassis. Average length: 21 to 40 feet. Average Price: $81,400. Price Range: Prices vary greatly from as low as $48,000 to over $300,000.

Class B:
Commonly referred to as the van camper, the Class B Motorhome is a panel-truck that has been customized to include temporary sleeping, eating and bathroom facilities. Size: 16 to 21 feet. Price Range: from $33,000 to $65,000.

Class C:
The Class C Motorhome, sometimes referred to as a mini-Motorhome, provides the conveniences of a larger Motorhome in a scaled-down version and at a lower price. The Class C is built on an automotive manufactured van frame with an attached cab section. Size: 20 to 28 feet. Average Price: $48,500. Price Range: from $39,000 to $67,000.

Condensation:
Condensation is a result of warn moisture laden air contacting the cold window glass. Keeping a roof vent open helps to reduce the humidity levels. Those added roof vent covers help to prevent cold air from dropping down through the vent while still allowing moist air to escape. Using the roof vent fan when showering or the stove vent fan when cooking also helps prevent excess moisture buildup.

Converter:
A converter is device that converts 120 volt A/C (alternating current) to 12 volt DC (direct current). The RV devices mostly run on 12 volt DC power that is supplied by the battery, which allows the RV to function independently. When "shore power" (an electrical supply) is available, the converter changes the voltage from 120 to 12 volt to supply the appliances and to recharge the battery.

CW (Curb Weight):
The weight of the unit without factory or dealer installed options, plus allowance for the weight of full fuel capacity. The "payload capacity" for all other fluids, cargo, occupants, optional equipment and accessories can be determined by subtracting the CW from the GVWR.

Dinette:
Booth-like dining area. Table usually drops to convert unit into a bed at night.

DSI Ignition:
Direct spark ignition - this term refers to the method of igniting the main burner on a propane fired appliance. The burner is lit with an electric spark and the flame is monitored by an electronic circuit board. This ignition system is used in refrigerators, furnaces and water heaters. There is now a version of stove tops that light the burners with a DSI ignition.

Ducted AC:
Air conditioning supplied through a ducting system in the ceiling. This supplies cooling air at various vents located throughout the RV.

Ducted Heat:
Warm air from the furnace supplied to various locations in the RV through a ducting system located in the floor. (similar to house heating systems)

Dual Electrical System:
RV equipped with lights, appliances which operate on 12-volt battery power when self-contained, and with a converter, on 110 AC current when in campgrounds or with an onboard generator.

Dually:
A pickup truck, or light-duty tow vehicle, with four tires on one rear axle.

Fifth Wheel:
Designed to be affixed and towed by a pickup equipped with special hitch in the truck bed, these two-level units can provide the greatest living of all towable RVs. Fifth-wheel travel trailers come equipped with all the comforts of home, and are perfectly adaptable for weekend getaways, family vacations and full-timing. Size: 21 to 40 feet. Average Price: $23,200. Price Range: from $12,000 to $97,000.

Folding Camper:
A lightweight unit with sides that collapse for towing and storage, the folding camping trailer combines the experience of open-air tent camping with sleeping comforts, basic conveniences and weather protection found in other RVs. Size 15 to 23 feet (when opened). Average Price: $5,300. Price Range: Most available from $3,300 to $10,500.

Generator:
An engine powered device fuelled by gasoline or diesel fuel, and sometimes propane, for generating 120-volt AC power.

Grey Water:
Disposal water from sinks, shower. In some units, this is held in a tank separate from black water; is also dumped in tanks at campgrounds.

Gross axle weight rating (GAWR):
The total weight each front/rear axle, suspension and tire system is designed to carry. When loading the unit, care should be taken to balance cargo weight in consideration of the GAWRs.
or
Maximum to which the axle can be loaded, according to the manufacturer; includes all weight placed on all tires on a given axle.

Gross Combination Weight rating (GCWR):
Maximum allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle and the trailer, according to the vehicle manufacturer; includes the weight of both vehicles plus all fuel, water, supplies and passengers.
or
The maximum total weight of the loaded unit, plus a tow vehicle. This includes the weight of both the unit and tow vehicle, fuel for each, all other fluids, cargo, occupants, optional equipment and accessories.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
Maximum to which a vehicle can be loaded, according to the manufacturer; includes dry weight of the vehicle plus all fuel, water, supplies and passengers.
or
The maximum permissible weight of the unit, including the UVW plus all fluids, cargo, optional equipment and accessories. For safety and product performance, do not exceed the GVWR. 

Heat Exchanger:
A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from one source to another. For example, there is a heat exchanger in your furnace - the propane flame and combustion products are contained inside the heat exchanger that is sealed from the inside area. Inside air is blown over the surface of the exchanger, where it is warmed and the blown through the ducting system for room heating. The combustion gases are vented to the outside air.

Heat Strip:
A heat strip is an electric heating element located in the air conditioning system with the warm air distributed by the air conditioner fan and ducting system. They are typically 1500 watt elements (about the same wattage as an electric hair dryer) and have limited function. Basically they "take the chill off"

Hitch weight:
Amount of a trailer's weight that rests on the tow vehicle; should be 10 to 15 percent with conventional trailers, 15 to 20 percent for fifth-wheels.

Holding tanks:
There are three different holding tanks on most RVs; fresh water tank, gray water tank and black water tank. The fresh water tank holds fresh water. The gray water tank holds the waste water from the sinks and showers. The black water tank holds the waste from the toilet.

Hookups:
Campground facilities for connecting an RV to 120-volt AC "shore power," water, sewer, cable TV and telephone service.

Inverter:
A device for changing 12-volt DC into 120-volt AC power. Kilowatt (kw): A measurement of electrical power; each kilowatt equals 1000 watts.

Insurance Terms:

Adjacent Structure Coverage
Provides a specified amount of coverage for a storage shed or other unattached structure located on a lot owned or rented by the insured.

Comprehensive or Other Than Collision
Provides coverage for damages to an insured vehicle by means other than collision, such as theft, glass breakage, hail, wind or fire.

Collision
Provides coverage for damages to an insured vehicle caused by a collision with another object.

Golf Cart Coverage
Provides physical damage and liability for golf carts, mopeds or small boats.

Liability or Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BIPD)
Liability covers damages for bodily injury or property damage caused by an accident for which the insured is responsible (except punitive damages).

Medical Payments
Covers the insured, as well as the insured's passengers, for medical expenses incurred in an accident regardless of fault.

Mexico Coverage
Provides comprehensive and collision coverage for the insured vehicle while traveling in Mexico. Insured is required to purchase Mexican liability coverage.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Required in some states to provide medical expense coverage regardless of who is at fault. Some states require that this coverage provides medical benefits, work loss benefits, death benefits and funeral benefits.

Personal Effects
Replacement cost coverage for loss of or damage to the insured's personal belongings (like clothing, dishes, cookware and other items not permanently attached to your unit).

Total Loss Replacement
An added coverage that will allow you to receive a new unit of the same model, body type, class, size and equipment if you decide to replace your RV in the event of a total loss due to a covered accident. Most RVs up to five model years old are eligible for this coverage.

Scheduled Valuable Personal Property
Your valuable possessions kept in your RV can be covered on your policy. A recent appraisal will be required (dated within 12 months).

Uninsured Motorists Property Damage (UMPD)
Covers property damage sustained by an insured when the at-fault party does not carry insurance.

Uninsured Motorists and Underinsured Motorists (UM/UIM)
Uninsured motorists coverage reimburses an insured for the amount of bodily injury damages sustained when the at-fault party does not have insurance. Underinsured motorists coverage reimburses an insured for the difference between actual bodily injury damages sustained and the amount of coverage the at-fault party carries up to policy limits.

Vacation (Campsite) Liability
Protection up to your policy limits for your legal liability resulting from lawsuits if you are negligent while using your RV as a vacation residence.

Laminate:
A sandwich of structural frame members, wall paneling, insulation and exterior covering, adhesive-bonded under pressure and/or heat to form the RV's walls, floor and/or roof.

LP-gas:
Liquefied petroleum gas; propane is one formulation and butane is the other. Propane fuels RV appliances, such as the stove and refrigerator.

Net carrying capacity (NCC) or payload capacity:
The amount of cargo, passenger and fluid weight that can be added to an RV without exceeding its gvwr. The NCC label in an RV may not include the weight of dealer- or factory-installed options already on the vehicle.

Park Model:
A unit built on a single chassis mounted on wheels designed to facilitate relocation from time to time but not intended to be towed on a regular basis. It may be connected to those utilities necessary for operation of installed fixtures and appliances. It has a gross floor area, including lofts, not exceeding 50m, when in the setup mode, and having a width greater than 2.6m in the transit mode.

Rig:
What many RVers call their units.

Roof Air Conditioning:
Air conditioning unit mounted on roof of RV, to cool the RV when it is parked. When moving, most RVs are cooled by separate air conditioning units which are components of the engine, or they may be cooled by a roof top if a proper size generator is installed.

RV:
Short for Recreation Vehicle, a generic term for all pleasure vehicles which contain living accommodations. Multiple units are RVs and persons using them are RVers.

Self Contained:
RV which needs no external electrical, drain or water hookup. Thus, it can park overnight anywhere. Of course, self-contained units can also hook up to facilities when at campgrounds.

Thermocouple:
A device that monitors the pilot flame of a pilot model propane appliance. If the pilot flame is extinguished the thermocouple causes the gas valve to shut off the flow of gas to both the pilot flame and the main burner.

Tire Ratings:
The MAXIMUM LOAD that a tire may carry is engraved on the sidewall, along with a corresponding COLD inflation pressure. A reduction in inflation pressure requires a reduction in load rating. Tire manufacturers publish charts that establish the load capacity at various inflation pressures.

Toad:
An RVers’ term referring to a vehicle that is towed behind a motor home. Some vehicles can be towed without any modifications - others cannot be towed at all, or at least without extensive alterations.

Toe - Wheel alignment:
Toe is the measure of whether the front of the wheels (looking down from the top) are closer (toe-in) or farther (toe-out) than the back of the wheels.

Tongue Weight:
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. In most cases, it is about 10 to 15 percent of GTW. TW of up to 300 lbs. can be measured on a household scale by resting the trailer coupler on the scale and placing the scale on a box so that the coupler is at its normal towing height. The trailer must be fully loaded and level.

For heavier tongue weights, place a household scale and a brick that's as thick as the scale three feet apart. Set a length of pipe on each and rest a beam across the pipes. Re-zero the scale to correct for the weight of the beam and pipe. Securely block the trailer wheels. Rest the trailer jack on the beam, one (1) foot from the pipe on the brick and two (2) feet from the pipe on the scale.

To obtain the TW, multiply the scale reading by three (3). For greater tongue weights, place the scale and brick four (4) feet apart, rest the jack on the beam three (3) feet from the scale and multiply the scale reading by four (4).

Travel Trailer:
A unit designed to be towed by a car, van or pickup by means of a bumper or frame hitch, the travel trailer provides all the comforts of home and is perfectly adaptable for weekend getaways, family vacations, and full timing. Size: 12 - 35 feet. Average Price: $14,300. Price Range: from $9,500 to $63,000.

Truck Camper:
A unit loaded onto, or affixed to, the bed or chassis of a pickup, the truck camper is popular for back road journeys, accessing remote locales and family recreational camping. Size: 18 to 21 feet. Average Price: $12,000. Price Range: from $4,000 to $21,900.

Underbelly:
The RV's under floor surface, which is protected by a weatherproofed material

Unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) or dry weight:
Weight of the vehicle without manufacturer's or dealer-installed options and before adding fuel, water or supplies.

Wet weight:
Weight of a vehicle with full fuel and freshwater tanks.

Wheelbase:
Distance between center lines of the primary axles of a vehicle. If a Motorhome includes a tag axle, the distance is measured from the front axle to the center point between the drive and tag axles.

Reproduced by Sunny Park by permission.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From the “Declaration of Principals” jointly adopted by a committee of the American Bar Association and a committee of Publishers and Associations.

Brad Richdale and Sunny Park, individually, corporately, and/or their affiliates, do not accept any responsibility for any liabilities resulting from the actions of any parties involved.

Copyright Health Tec, Inc. 1997

All rights reserved