Demystifying RV jargon: A glossary for newbies
Are you overwhelmed by the jargon you hear in the RV community? This blog post is here to help! We'll break down common RV terms so you can navigate the RV world with confidence.
Getting Started
- RV (Recreational Vehicle): Any vehicle designed for recreation, including travel trailers, motorhomes, and fifth wheels.
- Basement: The outside storage area underneath an RV.
Boondocking vs Hookups
- Boondocking: Camping somewhere without electrical, sewer, or water hookups.
- Mooch Docking: Parking your RV on a friend's land and using their utilities.
- Cracker Docking: Parking overnight at a Cracker Barrel with permission (not all locations allow this).
- Wally Docking: Parking overnight at a Walmart with permission (not all locations allow this).
RV Parts and Lingo
- Bumper Pull: A travel trailer towed by a motor vehicle.
- Bunkhouse: A separate bedroom in an RV, usually with bunk beds.
- Diesel Pusher/Puller: A motorhome with the diesel engine in the back (pusher) or front (puller). Think city buses for pushers!
- Dog Bone: An electrical adapter that allows you to connect a 50-amp RV to a 30-amp outlet.
- Dolly: A trailer that attaches to the back of a motorhome to tow a car.
RV Lifestyles
- Full-timers: People who live in their RVs full-time.
- Part-timers: People who use their RVs for vacations and occasional trips.
- Weekend Warriors: People who use their RVs primarily on weekends.
- Glamping (Glamorous Camping): Using an RV or other comfortable accommodations while camping.
RV Utilities and Waste
- Generator (Jenny): A portable device that provides electricity for your RV.
- Honey Wagon: A portable waste tank that you can tow to a dump station to empty your RV's sewage tanks.
- Stinky Slinky: The drainage hose that connects your RV's waste tanks to the sewer system or honey wagon.
Other Fun Terms
- Schoolie: A converted school bus used as an RV.
- Sticks and Bricks: A traditional house (not on wheels!).
- Winnie/Minnie Winnie: A nickname for Winnebago RVs.
Workamping
- Workamping: Combining work and travel by taking temporary jobs in exchange for a place to park your RV.
Looking for More RV Info?
Check out the accompanying video for a complete guide to buying an RV!