RV Glossary

RV ownership comes with an entire vocabulary most people were never taught. This glossary explains the words you will see in manuals, campgrounds, service conversations, and Field Guides—in Kitchen English.

Search for a term or browse by category. You were never supposed to know all of this already.

Showing all 310 terms

Hitching & Towing51 terms
4-way connector/Flat Four
A small trailer plug that powers the running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. It normally does not operate electric trailer brakes.
7-way connector
The round seven-contact plug used on most travel trailers. It connects the trailer lights, electric brakes, and charging circuit to the tow vehicle.
Air Safe Hitch
A brand of cushioned hitch that uses air suspension to reduce the jolts passed between the tow vehicle and trailer.
Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch
A brand of weight distribution hitch that uses chains and cone-shaped friction parts instead of traditional steel spring bars.
Anti-sway
A general term for equipment or hitch design intended to reduce unwanted side-to-side trailer movement.
Ball mount
The removable steel piece that slides into the receiver and holds the hitch ball. A weight distribution hitch usually uses an adjustable hitch head and shank instead.
Blue Ox SwayPro
A brand of weight distribution hitch that uses spring bars and built-in sway control.
Breakaway cable
The cable that pulls the trailer's breakaway switch if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.
Breakaway switch
A safety switch that applies the trailer brakes if the trailer completely separates from the tow vehicle. It works only when the trailer's breakaway battery has power.
CAT Scale
A certified public truck scale where an RV owner can weigh the tow vehicle and trailer.
CAT Scale ticket
The printed or digital report from a CAT Scale showing the weight carried by the tow vehicle’s front axle, rear axle, and the trailer axles.
Chain-style weight distribution hitch
A weight distribution hitch whose spring bars attach to brackets on the trailer frame with chains.
Coupler
The socket-shaped part on the trailer tongue that fits over and locks onto the hitch ball.
Crosswind
Wind blowing across the road from the side, which can push against the trailer and affect handling.
Drop
How far a ball mount or hitch head lowers the hitch ball below the receiver opening.
Equal-i-zer hitch
A brand of weight distribution hitch that uses steel spring bars and friction at four contact points for sway control.
Friction sway control
A separate bar or hitch feature that uses friction to resist side-to-side trailer movement.
Hensley Arrow hitch
A brand of premium hitch that changes the trailer's effective pivot point to greatly reduce sway.
Hitch
The towing assembly attached to the tow vehicle. People also use “hitch” loosely to mean the ball mount, weight distribution system, or the entire trailer connection.
Hitch ball
The metal ball that the trailer coupler fits over and locks onto.
Hitch head
The main part of a weight distribution hitch that holds the hitch ball and connects to the spring bars.
Hitch pin
The steel pin that passes through the receiver and shank to hold the hitch equipment in place.
Integrated sway control
Sway resistance built into a weight distribution hitch instead of added as a separate friction bar.
Jackknife
A very sharp angle between the tow vehicle and trailer, usually while backing, that can cause damage.
Passing-truck effect
The push and pull you may feel as a large vehicle passes and changes the air pressure around the trailer.
Porpoising
Repeated up-and-down bouncing of the tow vehicle and trailer over dips, bridge joints, or uneven pavement.
ProPride 3P hitch
A brand of premium hitch that projects the trailer's pivot point forward to greatly reduce sway.
Receiver
The square steel opening on the hitch attached to the tow vehicle. A ball mount, weight distribution hitch shank, bike rack, or other accessory slides into it.
Receiver hitch
The hitch assembly bolted or welded to the tow vehicle. It includes the square opening called the receiver.
Rise
How far a ball mount or hitch head raises the hitch ball above the receiver opening.
Round-bar weight distribution hitch
A weight distribution hitch that uses round spring bars, usually inserted into the bottom of the hitch head.
Safety chains
Two heavy chains connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle as a backup if the coupler comes off the ball.
Shank
The square steel section that slides into the tow vehicle's receiver. On a weight distribution hitch, it also supports the adjustable hitch head.
Shocker Hitch
A brand of cushioned hitch equipment designed to absorb some of the bumps and jerks between the tow vehicle and trailer.
Spring bars
The long steel bars on a weight distribution hitch that use leverage to move some load from the tow vehicle’s rear axle back toward its front axle and the trailer axles.
Sway
Unwanted side-to-side movement of the trailer while towing.
Sway bar
An imprecise term people may use for a friction sway-control bar or for the spring bars on a weight distribution hitch. Ask which part they mean.
Sway control
Equipment or hitch design that resists unwanted side-to-side trailer movement.
Tongue jack
The jack at the front of a travel trailer that raises and lowers the coupler.
Tongue weight
The amount of trailer weight pressing downward on the hitch ball.
Tow vehicle
The truck, SUV, or other vehicle used to pull the trailer.
Trailer brake controller
A device in the tow vehicle that controls how strongly the trailer's electric brakes apply.
Trailer brakes
Brakes mounted on the trailer wheels that help the tow vehicle stop the trailer.
Trailer connector
The electrical plug connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Trunnion bars
Square or rectangular spring bars that slide into the sides of a weight distribution hitch head.
Turning radius
The amount of space needed for the tow vehicle and trailer to make a turn without striking curbs, obstacles, or each other.
Weight distribution bars
Another name for the spring bars used on a weight distribution hitch.
Weight distribution hitch (WDH)
A hitch system that uses spring bars to restore some of the load removed from the tow vehicle’s front axle when the trailer is connected. It also sends some load to the trailer axles.
Weight transfer
A change in how much weight each axle carries. Braking, accelerating, loading a trailer, and adjusting a weight distribution hitch can all change axle loads.
Wheelbase
The distance between the tow vehicle's front and rear axles.
Yaw
A turning motion to the left or right around the trailer’s center, like the movement that occurs during sway.
Weights & Ratings18 terms
Axle weight
The amount of weight carried by one axle or axle group.
Cargo carrying capacity (CCC)
The maximum weight of water, food, clothing, tools, and other cargo that can be added to the RV without exceeding its rated maximum weight.
Curb weight
The weight of a tow vehicle with its standard equipment and required fluids, usually including a full tank of fuel but no passengers or cargo.
Dry weight
An informal term for what an RV weighs before cargo, water, food, and personal belongings are added. The exact items included can vary.
Front axle weight rating (FAWR)
The maximum weight the tow vehicle's front axle is designed to carry.
Gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
The maximum weight a specific axle is designed to carry.
Gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
The maximum allowed weight of the loaded tow vehicle and loaded trailer together.
Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
The maximum allowed weight of a fully loaded vehicle or trailer.
Loaded trailer weight
What the trailer actually weighs with its equipment, water, food, and personal belongings aboard.
Payload
The total weight added to the tow vehicle, including people, cargo, accessories, hitch equipment, and the trailer’s tongue weight.
Payload sticker
The label near the driver’s door showing the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for that specific vehicle as it left the factory.
Rear axle weight rating (RAWR)
The maximum weight the tow vehicle's rear axle is designed to carry.
Scale weight
The actual measured weight shown by a certified or public scale.
Tongue weight percentage
Tongue weight expressed as a percentage of the trailer's total loaded weight.
Tow rating
The maximum trailer weight the vehicle manufacturer says a particular vehicle configuration can tow.
Unloaded vehicle weight (UVW)
The manufacturer’s stated weight of the RV as built at the factory, before personal cargo and fresh water are added. Check the RV’s label because included items can vary.
Wet weight
An informal term for an RV's weight after fluids such as fresh water and propane have been added.
Yellow cargo label
The RV label showing how much combined cargo and fresh water can be added before the trailer reaches its maximum rated weight.
Tires, Wheels & Suspension28 terms
Alignment
The adjustment of wheel angles so the tires track properly and wear evenly.
Axle
The assembly that supports the trailer and carries the wheels, brakes, and suspension.
Bearing
A group of smooth metal rollers inside the wheel hub that lets the wheel turn around the axle with very little friction.
Bearing pack
The maintenance process of removing, cleaning, inspecting, and filling wheel bearings with fresh grease.
Blowout
A sudden tire failure that causes rapid loss of air and may damage the trailer.
Cold tire pressure
Tire pressure measured before driving, after the tires have been parked long enough to match the outdoor temperature.
Dexter axle
A commonly used brand of trailer axle found on many Airstreams and other RVs.
DOT date code
The last four digits of a tire's DOT code showing the week and year the tire was made.
Grease seal
A seal behind the wheel bearing that keeps grease inside the hub and away from the brakes.
Hub
The center assembly that rotates on the axle spindle and holds the wheel and brake drum or rotor.
Leaf spring
A stack of curved steel strips used as suspension on many trailers. Most traditional Airstream travel trailers use torsion axles instead.
Load index
A number showing the maximum weight one tire can carry at its rated pressure.
Load range
A tire category connected to its load-carrying ability and required pressure. It is not a count of the tire’s actual layers.
Lug nut
A nut that holds the wheel to the hub.
PSI
Pounds per square inch, the unit used to measure tire and water pressure.
Shock absorber
A suspension part that reduces bouncing after the wheel moves over a bump.
Sidewall
The side of the tire between the tread and wheel.
Spindle
The metal shaft at the end of the axle that the hub and wheel bearings rotate around.
ST tire
A tire marked Special Trailer and designed specifically for trailer use.
Tandem axle
A trailer setup with two axles and four wheels.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
A system with sensors on the trailer tires that reports pressure and usually temperature to a display or phone.
Torque
A twisting force. Lug nuts must be tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque.
Torque wrench
A tool that tightens a nut or bolt to a measured amount of twisting force.
Torsion axle
A trailer axle that uses rubber cords inside the axle tube to provide suspension instead of leaf springs.
Tread
The patterned rubber surface of a tire that contacts the road.
Valve stem
The small fitting used to add or release air from a tire.
Wheel chock
A block placed firmly against a tire to keep the trailer from rolling.
X-chock
An expandable device placed between tandem tires to reduce movement after parking. It does not replace wheel chocks.
Electrical43 terms
12-volt DC system
The battery-powered electrical system that runs equipment such as lights, fans, controls, and the water pump.
120-volt AC system
The household-style electrical system that powers outlets, air conditioners, microwaves, and other larger appliances when shore power, a generator, or an inverter is available.
15-amp adapter
An adapter that allows an RV shore-power cord to connect to a standard household outlet, with limited power available.
30-amp service
An RV electrical connection providing one 120-volt hot leg and up to 30 amps of current.
50-amp service
An RV electrical connection with two 120-volt hot legs, each rated for up to 50 amps. It provides much more total power than 30-amp service.
AC (alternating current)
The type of electricity supplied by campground pedestals, household outlets, and generators.
Amp
A measure of how much electrical current is flowing.
Battery bank
One or more batteries connected together to supply power to the RV.
Battery disconnect
A switch that separates the battery from most RV loads. Some safety equipment may remain connected.
Battery monitor
A device that tracks energy going into and out of the battery and estimates how much charge remains.
Bonding plug
A special generator plug that connects neutral and ground so some RV electrical monitors will accept the generator’s power. It should be used only when appropriate for that generator.
Breaker
A resettable safety switch that shuts off an AC circuit when too much current flows.
Bus bar
A metal strip or bar inside an electrical panel where several wires connect to a common point.
Charge controller
A device that regulates power from solar panels before it reaches the batteries.
Circuit
A complete path through which electricity can flow.
Converter
A device that changes 120-volt AC power into 12-volt DC power and usually charges the RV batteries while plugged in.
Current
The flow of electricity through a wire, measured in amps.
DC (direct current)
The type of electricity supplied by batteries.
Dogbone adapter
A short, flexible electrical adapter used to connect an RV power cord to a different style of outlet.
Electrical management system (EMS)
A protective device that checks campground power and can disconnect the RV during unsafe voltage, wiring faults, or other electrical problems.
Fuse
A small safety device that melts and opens a DC circuit when too much current flows. It must be replaced after it blows.
Generator
A machine that makes 120-volt AC electricity using an engine or other power source.
Ground
A safety connection that gives stray electricity a low-resistance path back to the power source so a breaker can trip instead of the electricity passing through a person.
Hot wire
The wire carrying electrical voltage from the power source to the load.
Inverter
A device that changes 12-volt battery power into 120-volt household-style power.
Inverter/charger
One device that can both invert battery power to 120 volts and charge the batteries when outside AC power is available.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A measure of electrical energy equal to using 1,000 watts for one hour.
Neutral
The normal return path for current in a 120-volt AC circuit.
Ohm
A unit measuring resistance to electrical flow.
Open ground
A wiring fault where the safety-ground connection is missing or broken.
Open neutral
A wiring fault where the neutral return path is missing or broken.
Parallel connection
Connecting batteries positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative to increase capacity while keeping the same voltage.
Parasitic draw
Small electrical use that continues even when the RV appears to be turned off.
Polarity
The correct placement of the hot and neutral wires in an AC outlet or circuit. “Reverse polarity” means those two wires are switched.
Shore power
Electricity supplied to the RV from a campground pedestal or household outlet.
Soft start
A device that reduces the large burst of current needed when an air-conditioner compressor starts.
Solar panel
A panel that turns sunlight into DC electricity.
State of charge (SOC)
An estimate of how full a battery is, usually shown as a percentage.
Surge protector
A device that protects against brief voltage spikes. A basic surge protector may not disconnect the RV for low voltage, high voltage, or wiring faults.
Transfer switch
A device that selects between two AC power sources, such as shore power and a generator.
Volt
A measure of electrical pressure that pushes current through a circuit.
Voltage drop
A loss of voltage caused by resistance in wires, connections, or equipment.
Watt
A measure of electrical power. Watts equal volts multiplied by amps.
Batteries & Solar10 terms
Absorbed glass mat battery (AGM)
A sealed lead-acid battery that holds its liquid in fiberglass mats, does not need water added, and can be mounted in more positions than a flooded battery.
Battery capacity
The amount of energy a battery can store, commonly described in amp-hours or watt-hours.
Battery management system (BMS)
Electronics inside or attached to a lithium battery that protect it from unsafe voltage, current, or temperature conditions.
Flooded lead-acid battery
A traditional battery containing liquid electrolyte that may require checking and adding distilled water.
Lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4)
A common RV lithium battery type that is lighter, charges faster, and allows more usable capacity than lead-acid batteries.
Low-temperature charging protection
A battery feature that prevents a lithium battery from being charged when it is too cold.
Series connection
Connecting batteries end-to-end to increase voltage while keeping the same amp-hour capacity.
Shunt
A precision electrical device used by a battery monitor to measure current flowing into and out of the battery.
Solar port
A connector intended for attaching portable solar panels or other solar equipment.
Watt-hour
A measure of stored or used energy equal to one watt for one hour.
Plumbing & Water25 terms
Accumulator tank
A small pressurized tank that smooths water flow and reduces how often the water pump cycles.
Antifreeze suction tube
A short hose used to draw RV antifreeze directly into the water pump during winterizing.
Backflow preventer
A one-way plumbing device that keeps water or waste from flowing backward into a clean-water line.
Bypass valve
A valve arrangement that routes water around equipment, most often the water heater, during winterizing or service.
Check valve
A one-way valve that allows water to flow in only one direction.
City water
Pressurized water supplied through a hose connected to the campground or another outside source.
Fresh-water fill
The opening or connection used to put potable water into the RV's fresh-water tank.
Fresh-water tank
The onboard tank that stores clean water for use when the RV is not connected to city water.
Gravity fill
A fresh-water opening where water is poured or flows into the tank without a pressurized connection.
Low-point drains
Valves or caps at low places in the plumbing system used to drain water from the lines.
PEX
Flexible plastic tubing commonly used for RV water lines.
PEX clamp
A stainless-steel cinch clamp squeezed around PEX tubing and a fitting with a special clamp tool.
PEX crimp ring
A ring squeezed evenly around PEX tubing and a fitting with a crimp tool. Copper crimp rings are common in houses but are not the clamp style commonly seen in many Airstreams.
PEX-A
A flexible type of PEX tubing often joined with expansion fittings, although some approved crimp or clamp fittings may also be used.
PEX-B
A common type of PEX tubing used in RVs. It is usually joined to fittings with crimp rings or stainless-steel cinch clamps.
Potable water
Water considered safe for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
Pressure regulator
A device that reduces incoming campground water pressure to a safer level for RV plumbing.
Pressure relief valve
A safety valve that releases water if pressure or temperature inside a tank-style water heater becomes too high.
Push-to-connect fitting
A fitting that grips and seals tubing when the tubing is pushed into it. These are convenient for repairs, but the fitting and tubing must be compatible.
Sanitizing
Disinfecting the fresh-water tank and plumbing lines, usually with a measured chlorine solution.
Water filter
A device that removes some sediment, tastes, odors, or contaminants from incoming water, depending on the filter type.
Water pressure
The force pushing water through the plumbing, usually measured in PSI.
Water pump
The 12-volt pump that moves water from the fresh-water tank through the RV plumbing.
Water softener
A device that reduces minerals that cause hard-water scale and spotting.
Winterizing
Protecting the plumbing from freeze damage by removing water and usually adding RV antifreeze or blowing out the lines.
Waste Systems16 terms
Black tank
The holding tank that receives waste and water from the toilet.
Black-tank flush
A built-in water connection and sprayer used to rinse the inside of the black tank.
Clear elbow
A transparent sewer fitting that lets you see the flow while dumping or rinsing the tanks.
Dump station
A place with a sewer inlet where RV holding tanks can be emptied.
Dump valve
A sliding valve that opens a holding tank so it can drain through the sewer outlet.
Gray tank
The holding tank that receives water from sinks and showers.
Holding tank
A tank that temporarily stores wastewater in an RV. The black tank holds toilet waste, and the gray tank holds water from sinks and showers.
Macerator
A pump that grinds wastewater and pushes it through a smaller hose.
P-trap
The curved section of drainpipe under a sink or shower that holds water to block tank odors from entering the RV.
Pyramid plug
A mound of waste that can form in a black tank when too little water is used or the valve is left open while connected to sewer.
Sewer hose
The large flexible hose used to drain the gray and black tanks.
Sewer outlet
The capped pipe where the sewer hose attaches to the RV.
Tank sensor
A sensor intended to estimate how full a holding tank is. Waste or residue can make readings inaccurate.
Termination cap
The cap covering the RV's sewer outlet when no hose is attached.
Toilet seal
The rubber seal that holds water in the toilet bowl and blocks odors from the black tank.
Vent stack
A pipe that carries tank gases up through the RV roof.
Propane9 terms
Automatic changeover regulator
A propane regulator connected to two cylinders. When the selected cylinder is empty, it automatically begins drawing from the other one.
BTU
British thermal unit, a measure of heat output used for furnaces, water heaters, and cooking appliances.
DOT cylinder
A removable propane cylinder built and inspected under U.S. Department of Transportation rules.
Excess-flow device
A safety feature that limits propane flow if gas begins moving too quickly, as may happen with a broken hose or rapidly opened valve.
LP gas
Liquefied petroleum gas, the general term commonly used for propane in RVs.
Pigtail
The short flexible hose connecting a propane cylinder to the regulator.
Propane detector
A safety alarm that sounds if it senses propane near the floor inside the RV.
Propane regulator
A device that lowers high cylinder pressure to the low, steady pressure RV appliances require.
Soapy-water test
A propane leak check in which an approved leak-detection solution is placed on a connection. Growing bubbles indicate escaping gas.
Heating, Cooling & Appliances15 terms
Absorption refrigerator
A refrigerator that uses heat and a chemical process instead of a compressor. Many can operate on propane or electricity.
Air conditioner
A roof-mounted or built-in appliance that removes heat and humidity from the RV interior.
Compressor refrigerator
A refrigerator that cools with an electric compressor, similar to most household refrigerators.
Condenser
The part of an air conditioner or refrigerator that releases heat to the outside air.
Convection microwave
An appliance that can heat with microwaves and also bake using circulated hot air.
Ducted air conditioning
An air-conditioning system that sends cooled air through ducts to vents around the RV.
Evaporator
The part of an air conditioner or refrigerator that absorbs heat from the air being cooled.
Furnace
A propane-fueled appliance that heats air and blows it through the RV.
Heat pump
A feature in some RV air conditioners that can run in reverse to provide electric heat. It becomes less effective as outdoor temperatures fall.
Igniter
A device that creates a spark to light a propane burner.
Non-ducted air conditioning
An air conditioner that delivers cooled air directly from the ceiling assembly rather than through ducts.
Return air
Indoor air drawn back into a furnace or air conditioner to be heated or cooled again.
Tankless water heater
A water heater that heats water as it flows rather than storing a tank of hot water.
Thermostat
A control that turns heating or cooling equipment on and off to maintain a chosen temperature.
Water heater bypass
Valves that route water around the water heater, usually for winterizing or service.
Camping & Campgrounds20 terms
Back-in site
A campsite that requires backing the RV into the parking space.
BLM land
Public land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, some of which allows dispersed camping.
Boondocking
Camping without campground hookups for electricity, water, or sewer.
Camp host
A person staying at a campground who helps visitors and performs basic campground duties.
COE campground
A campground operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, often near lakes, dams, or waterways.
Dispersed camping
Camping outside a developed campground, usually on public land and without hookups.
Dry camping
Camping without water, sewer, or electrical hookups at the campsite.
Electric-only site
A campsite with an electrical connection but no water or sewer hookup at the site.
FHU (full hookups)
A campsite with electric, water, and sewer connections at the site. RV groups often use “FHU” because Facebook may flag the words when they are spelled out.
Fire ring
A metal or stone enclosure provided for campfires at a campsite.
Harvest Hosts
A membership program whose participating businesses allow members to stay overnight in self-contained RVs, subject to the host's rules.
Hookups
Utility connections provided at a campsite, usually some combination of electricity, water, and sewer.
Modern electric
A term used by some state parks for a campsite with electrical service—commonly 30 amps—but no water or sewer hookup at the individual site.
Moochdocking
Staying in an RV on a friend or relative's property, usually with limited or no hookups.
Partial hookups
A campsite with some, but not all, utilities. It often means electric and water without sewer.
Pedestal
The post at a campsite that holds electrical outlets and sometimes water or other connections.
Pull-through site
A campsite that can be entered from one end and exited from the other without backing out.
Self-contained
Able to camp using the RV's own water, wastewater tanks, batteries, and other onboard systems.
Site pad
The surface where the RV is parked, such as gravel, pavement, concrete, or packed dirt.
State park
Public land and facilities operated by a state, often including campgrounds with varying levels of hookups.
Campsite Setup6 terms
Curb side
The passenger side of the trailer when towing, usually the side with the entry door and main awning.
Level
Positioned so the trailer is not leaning side to side or front to back.
Leveling blocks
Stackable blocks placed under the trailer tires to raise one side, or under jacks to provide a firm surface. Stabilizer jacks should not be used to lift or level the trailer.
Stabilizer jack
A jack lowered after leveling to reduce movement inside the parked trailer. It is not designed to lift or level the trailer.
Street side
The driver's side of the trailer when towing, often the side with utility connections.
Unhitching
Disconnecting the trailer from the tow vehicle after the trailer has been positioned and secured.
Airstream Construction & Features22 terms
Aluminum shell
The curved outer body of an Airstream, made from overlapping aluminum panels fastened together with rivets.
Banana wrap
The curved lower aluminum panels that wrap around the front and rear corners near the belly pan.
Belly pan
The aluminum covering underneath an Airstream that protects the frame, tanks, plumbing, and wiring.
Beltline
The trim strip running around the outside of an Airstream where body panels or exterior sections meet.
Blind rivet
A metal fastener that can be installed when you can reach only one side of the material. A rivet tool pulls an inner stem, making the hidden end expand and hold the pieces together.
Buck rivet
A solid rivet installed with a rivet gun on one side and a heavy bucking bar on the other. It requires access to both sides of the aluminum.
Bucking bar
A heavy metal tool held against the back of a solid rivet while the other side is driven with a rivet gun.
C-channel
A structural channel shaped like the letter C, used around portions of the floor and shell connection.
End cap
The rounded front or rear section of an Airstream's aluminum body.
Exterior rivet
A rivet visible on the outside shell that helps join aluminum panels or attach exterior components.
Olympic rivet
A shaveable blind rivet often used for exterior Airstream repairs when only one side can be reached. After installation, its head can be finished to resemble a buck rivet.
Outrigger
A frame support extending outward from the main trailer frame to support the floor and body.
Pop rivet
A common name for a type of blind rivet that can be installed from one side with a hand or powered rivet tool.
Rivet
A permanent metal fastener used to hold two pieces of material together. It is installed by deforming one end so it cannot pull back through the hole.
Rivet gun
A powered tool that repeatedly strikes a solid rivet while a bucking bar supports the other side. A hand tool for blind rivets is more accurately called a rivet puller.
Rock guards
The protective metal panels on the lower front of many Airstreams that help shield the aluminum body from stones and road debris.
Shell
The outer body of the trailer. On an Airstream, it is the curved aluminum structure above the floor and frame.
Solid rivet
A one-piece rivet without a hollow center or pull stem. It is usually installed with access to both sides.
Subfloor
The structural floor layer beneath the finished flooring and interior cabinets.
Vista View window
A small upper window found on some Airstream models, usually above the main side windows.
Weep hole
A small opening designed to let trapped water drain from a window frame or other exterior component.
Zip Dee awning
A brand of manual awning commonly installed on many Airstream travel trailers.
Maintenance & Repair11 terms
Anode rod
A replaceable metal rod used in some tank-style water heaters. It corrodes instead of the steel tank. Many aluminum-tank and tankless water heaters do not use one.
Butyl tape
A soft, sticky sealing tape placed behind exterior fixtures, windows, or trim to help keep water out.
Caulk
A general term for flexible material used to seal gaps. The correct sealant depends on the surface and location.
Corrosion
The gradual breakdown of metal caused by moisture, chemicals, salt, or electrical reaction.
Galvanic corrosion
Corrosion caused when different metals contact each other in the presence of moisture.
Leak test
A check for escaping water, propane, air, or refrigerant, using a method appropriate to the system.
Preventive maintenance
Inspection and service performed before something fails.
Sealant
A flexible material used to close gaps and keep water or air from entering.
Torque check
Verifying with a torque wrench that fasteners such as lug nuts are tightened to the specified value.
Vulkem
A polyurethane sealant name that many Airstream owners use loosely when talking about exterior sealants. The exact product matters because different locations call for different sealants.
Winterization
The process of protecting plumbing and other systems from freeze damage during cold weather.
Common Brands & Product Names13 terms
Battle Born
A brand of lithium iron phosphate batteries commonly used in RV upgrades.
Dometic
A company that makes RV appliances and equipment such as air conditioners, refrigerators, toilets, and awnings.
Fantastic Vent
A brand of powered RV roof-vent fan, now sold under the Dometic name.
Girard tankless water heater
A brand of on-demand RV water heater installed in many newer Airstreams.
Go Power!
A brand of RV solar, inverter, charging, and electrical equipment.
Lippert
A major manufacturer of RV components such as steps, jacks, chassis parts, awnings, and accessories.
MaxxAir
A brand of RV roof vents, fans, and vent covers.
Micro-Air EasyStart
A brand of soft-start device used to reduce air-conditioner startup current.
Progressive Industries EMS
A brand of electrical management system used to protect an RV from unsafe shore power.
Thetford
A company that makes RV toilets, sanitation products, and other RV equipment.
Truma AquaGo
A brand of tankless RV water heater found in some Airstreams and other RVs.
Victron
A brand of chargers, inverters, battery monitors, solar controllers, and other RV electrical equipment.
Xantrex
A brand of RV inverters, inverter/chargers, and power-management equipment.
Common Acronyms & Shorthand23 terms
AC
Alternating current, the household-style electricity supplied by shore power and generators. It can also mean air conditioning, depending on context.
AS
A common informal abbreviation for Airstream.
BLM
Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency that manages large areas of public land in the western United States.
BMS
Battery management system.
CCC
Cargo carrying capacity.
COE
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates many public campgrounds near lakes, dams, and waterways.
DC
Direct current, the type of electricity supplied by batteries.
EMS
Electrical management system.
FAWR
Front axle weight rating.
FHU
Full hookups: electric, water, and sewer connections at the campsite.
GAWR
Gross axle weight rating.
GCWR
Gross combined weight rating.
GVWR
Gross vehicle weight rating.
LP
Liquefied petroleum gas, commonly propane in an RV.
RAWR
Rear axle weight rating.
SOC
State of charge.
ST
Special Trailer, a tire category designed for trailer use.
TPMS
Tire pressure monitoring system.
TT
Travel trailer.
TV
Tow vehicle.
UVW
Unloaded vehicle weight.
VIN
Vehicle identification number.
WDH
Weight distribution hitch.