AMERICAN MOTORHOME TERMINOLOGY

Here are a few American Motorhome terms that you need to get used if you are buying your first American Motorhome.  If you come across any that aren’t listed here or you know some that you think should be added then leave them in a comment below and I’ll update the list if it appropriate.

Backup Monitor:

A closed circuit camera that is mounted in the rear of the larger class American Motorhomes which has a monitor installed in the driving area so the driver can see behind the vehicle when backing up. Many of the monitors come with graduated guide lines on the screen so you can see exactly how many feet away from an object you actually are.

Basement or Basement Storage:

 This is the area used for storage beneath the floor and is usually accessible from the outside. This usually refers to Class-A or Class-C motorhomes.

Black Water:

The waste water from the toilet which is stored in a special holding tank under the RV known as the black water tank.

BTU - (British Thermal Unit):

The heat rating applied for American Motorhome air conditioners and heating units. The higher the number the more effective the unit.

Chassis:

The metal frame supporting the engine and bodywork.

Converter:

The device that converts 240 Volt AC electricity into 12 volt DC. When using electrical hookups most of the lighting and other accessories are designed to work at 12 Volts.

Dump Station:

 The facility where you can empty your black and gray water holding tanks.

DW (Dry weight):

The weight of an American Motorhome when empty, i.e. with no water, fuel, passengers, supplies or belongings.

Fifth-Wheel:

An RV that is designed to be towed from the back of an adapted pick up truck.

Fresh Water Tank:

The tank in which clean water is stored and is connected to the faucets.

Full Timers:

Refers to those who live permanently in their American Motorhome all year round.

Gray Water:

 The waste water from the sinks and shower. This is held in the Gray Water Tank.

GVWR (Gross vehicle Weight Rating):

The maximum permitted weight for a RV including passengers, supplies, fuel and propane.

Hook-ups:

Electricity and fresh water connections that can be found at campsites.

Puller:

 Refers to an American Motorhome that has its engine mounted in the front of the vehicle.

Pusher:

 Refers to an American Motorhome that has its engine mounted in the rear of the vehicle (usually diesel).

RV:

Recreational Vehicle.

Slideout:

A portion of the American Motorhome unit can expand to create more room inside. There are various types include single, double, triple and quad. The newest American Motorhomes now have full slide which means that the whole slide is the full length of the vehicle