Our Guide to Camping RV Terms for New Owners

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Embarking on our own RV journey, we quickly realized that our familiarity with RVs from childhood didn’t encompass all the intricacies of ownership. While my parents owned an RV while I was growing up, I never truly grasped the finer details of the experience. Owning an RV is undeniably enjoyable, offering a unique blend of adventure and exploration, but it also comes with a learning curve. Our initial excitement was accompanied by a set of challenges that, in retrospect, seem perfectly normal for newbies. One hurdle was deciphering the world of RV-specific terms and jargon, which initially felt like navigating through uncharted waters. We’ve created this guide to ensure that you don’t face the same initial overwhelm. Our aim is to simplify the language of RV camping by offering you a comprehensive look at some of the essential terms and their definitions. With this guide, you can embark on your RV adventures fully equipped with knowledge, becoming a confident and well-informed RV enthusiast.

Alright, let’s dive into the heart of your new adventure: the Recreational Vehicle, A.K.A. the RV, the ultimate camping companion designed for both hitting the road and setting up camp. From tow behind travel trailers to lavish motorhomes, RVs are loaded with amenities that guarantee greater comfort than tent camping alone.

But before we look at three types of RVs, let’s learn some terms that are specific to RV’s.

Slide-Out

Imagine expanding your living space with a simple push---Hello, slide-out! These nifty sections of your RV extend when parked, giving you extra room to stretch out and relax. RVs can have no slide, a single slide, or multiple slides. Most modern RVs with slides have a toggle button you push to extend and retract each slide. Always watch out for those close-by trees and fences when extending the slide.

Awning

Ah, the awning, your personal patch of shade. It creates a great little shade retreat right outside your RV. Unroll it for shelter from the elements and retract it back when the wind starts to blow. As with the slide-out, most modern RVs have a toggle button you push to extend and retract the awning.

Leveling Jacks

We have very rarely found a level campsite. That’s where leveling jacks A.K.A. levelers com to the rescue. These adjustable supports at your RV’s corners ensure you’re sitting pretty, even on uneven ground. Some RVs even come with automatic leveling jacks. Simply push a button and, “Viola!”, the RV is sitting level. Others do not have leveling jacks at all. For these units, it is necessary to use leveling blocks. Here is a link to the ones we have found to be the easiest to use. https://amzn.to/47PNuKt

Stabilizer Jacks

Not to be confused with leveling jacks, these adjustable supports do not level your RV, they only provide stabilization to help reduce the rocking of the RV with walking or wind. It is best to use blocks under the feet of the jack. You want to extend these only until they are just snug. We know several folks who have bent their stabilizers by trying to extend it too far. Also, remember to retract these before leaving camp.

Dry Camping/Boondocking

Ever thought of camping off the grid? That’s dry camping, or as we like to call it, boondocking. It’s about embracing camping without hooking up to water, electricity, or sewage. You must bring all the water you will need for the duration of your adventure. Many RVs have a clean water storage system with a pump that runs off a battery which can be charged by solar panels to help with water needs. Boondocking is a bit of a challenge, sure, but it’s the real RV pioneer experience.

Shore Power

When you’re at a campsite, shore power’s your best friend. It’s like plugging in at home, giving your RV electricity for those fridge-chilling, phone-charging, lights-on moments. Just ensure you’ve got the right connections. Most RVs are either 30 or 50 Amp. Check with our campsite host to know what the site can accommodate. Most campsites have 15 or 20 (with a standard house receptacle), 30, and/or 50 Amp receptacles. Adapters are available to convert your RV power to different shore power accommodations. When less electricity is available, you will not be able to run your larger amenities like you’re A/C even with an adapter, doing so can cause an electrical fire. So, make sure you know which of your appliances require that higher electrical feed and don’t use those when adapting to lesser electrical flow. We also recommend you purchase a good surge protector to protect your RV from electrical surges and to indicate if the shore power is correctly or incorrectly flowing. Use these links to find electrical accessories for your RV.

30 Amp surge protector - https://amzn.to/3qOsxiw

50 Amp surge protector - https://amzn.to/3KX7GAz

30 Amp to 15 Amp adapter - https://amzn.to/3OTHCHp Plug 30 Amp into household receptacle.

50 Amp to 15 Amp adapter - https://amzn.to/3YRyGaa Plug 50 Amp into household receptacle.

30 Amp to 50 Amp adapter - https://amzn.to/3YRzAU6 Plug 30 Amp into 50 Amp receptacle.

50 Amp to 30 Amp adapter - https://amzn.to/45n5Jp2 Plug 50 Amp into 30 Amp receptacle.

Full Hookup

A campsite with full hookup provides your RV with water, electricity, and a place to dump your sewage all at your site. Just remember to pack the right hoses and adapters.

A campsite that is not full hookup usually only has water and electricity available. If you are going to be staying for more than a few days, we recommend you get a portable dump tank. This is the type we use. https://amzn.to/3QWxm3N

Dump Station

If you do not have a full hookup site, you will need to visit the dump station with your RV, or the dump tank mentioned above. Think of a dump stations as pit stops for your RV’s waste. They generally have a hole in the ground that leads to the sewar and a water spicket for clean-up at the location. You will most likely need to provide your own hoses for both waste and fresh water. And don’t forget your gloves. Yikes!

Black Water/Grey Water

Your RV comes equipped with black water and grey water tanks. Black water is the waste from the RV’s toilet. Grey water is the water collected from sinks and showers. Most RV parks have place to dump these tanks. You will need a few supplies to move the waste from your tanks to either the sewer hookup at your site or the dump station located somewhere within the park.

Propane

Meet the unsung hero of RVing: Propane. It’s your go-to for cooking, heating, and running appliances. Stored in tanks, it’s a fuel you’ll refill at places that sell propane. Some RVs have propane tanks that are permanent while others have detachable ones. There are also several campsite comfort items that run off propane. Check out a couple of our favorites (These do require a propane tank):

Propane burner for outdoor cooking https://amzn.to/3Pf93gy

Propane Tabletop Griddle https://amzn.to/3qQQtSr

Remember propane is a fuel source and if used improperly can cause serious injury. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your RV if equipped with propane.

Generator

When the campsite’s electricity isn’t in reach, that’s where the generator comes into play. It’s your portable power source for boondocking adventures. Generators run off gasoline, propane, or both. There are many different sizes available. These can get quite noisy, so remember, respect the quiet hours of your campground. Also, note they emit carbon monoxide, so never use them within or too near your RV.

Now, let’s look at three different types of RVs.

Motorhome

Picture this: a home on wheels that merges living space with the thrill of the open road.
Enter motorhomes, your ticket to an all-in-one experience. We’ve got three categories for you:

· Class A: these are the VIPs of RVs and look like massive buses. When you step inside, you will discover roomy interiors equipped with everything, even the kitchen sink. Most come with slides to expand your living area when at camp. Sorry, you can’t drive down the road with this extra space. Slides must be retracted when the RV is in motion.

· Class B: Think compact and versatile. Known as camper vans, these nimble wonders offer the essentials—sleeping, cooking, and some even have a pint-sized bathroom—all within a smaller frame.

· Class C: Say hello to the middle-sized home in the motorhome family. These gems ride on truck or van chassis, boasting an over-cab sleeping or storage space. They are ideal for families or a group of friends; they too often sport slides for maximizing space.

Travel Trailer

Now, let’s talk towable RVs. A travel trailer is your ticket to freedom—it hitches to your ride, be it an SUV or a truck, at the bumper. Unlike motorhomes, they don’t have their own engine; they depend on the tow vehicle to roll. They come in lengths ranging from 12 feet to over 40 feet and have a variety of amenities.

Fifth Wheel

Enter the fifth wheel, another towable wonder. These are much like their towable counterpart. The have an ingenious design that extends over the back of a pickup truck, providing extra room and stability thanks to a nifty hitching setup.

Welcome to the world of RV ownership, where adventure and comfort collide. Armed with these insights, you’re ready to steer through the RV realm with confidence. As you roll down the road of possibilities, remember—it’s not just about terms; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that’s equal parts freedom and responsibility. Your journey, full of breathtaking landscapes, cozy home-on-wheels moments, and connections with fellow travelers, is waiting. So, fellow explorer, step into your new reality and let the road unfold before you. Here’s toa world of boundless adventures. Safe travels and enjoy every mile.