CB Radio (CB)

Citizens Band radio is a general use, short distance, two-way radio primarily used by truckers. CB's are also helpful to RV drivers to call for help in an emergency and listen for driving conditions. Many CB's on the market today also have weather channels with alerting features.

Chassis

The frame of a vehicle or motor home including the engine, transmission, drive train, axles, and wheels. When referring to a van or truck, the chassis also includes the cab.

Chassis Battery

Battery in motor homes and tow trucks for operating the engine and vehicle components. Gas engine vehicles generally have one chassis battery and diesels two. Also referred to as the starting battery.

Class A

A motor home built on a stripped truck chassis where the driving compartment is an integral part of the RV interior. Class A motor homes look like buses. For additional details see Class A Motorhome on RV Types page.

Class B

A motor home created from a mini van. Most models have raised roofs, but otherwise the living space is constrained by the dimensions of the van. For additional details see Class B Van on RV Types page.

Class C

A motor home built on a cut-away van or truck chassis, including the cab. It differs from the class A motor home in that the class C uses the cab designed for the chassis. For additional details see Class C Mini on RV Types page.

Coach

A vehicle with enclosed passenger accommodations. In the broadest sense of the term, coach can be applied to most recreational vehicles. When used by itself, it usually refers to a motor home, most likely a Class A.

Converter

A device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) used to charge the RV batteries and to operate 12 volt DC devices while plugged into an AC source.

Curb Weight

Curb Weight is the actual weight of a vehicle or trailer, including all standard equipment, full fuel tanks, full fresh water tanks, full propane bottles, and all other equipment fluids, but before taking on any persons or personal cargo.

Diesel Pusher (Pusher)

Motor home with rear mounted engine. Most pushers are equipped with diesel engines, but some gas engine models are also available.

Dinghy (Toad)

Motor home with rear mounted engine. Most pushers are equipped with diesel engines, but some gas engine models are also available.

Direct Spark Ignition (DSI)

A feature of new propane appliances whereby the gas is ignited by an electrical spark and monitored electronically.

Dooley (Dual Rear Wheels, DRW)

A truck having two wheels on each side of the rear axle for a total of four wheels.

Dry Camping

Camping in an RV without external water or sewer hookups.

Dry Weight

Dry Weight is the actual weight of a vehicle or trailer containing standard equipment without fuel, fluids, cargo, passengers, or optional equipment.

Dual Rear Wheels

A truck having two wheels on each side of the rear axle for a total of four wheels.

Dump Station

Facilities for emptying gray and black water from the RV holding tanks.

Exhaust Brake

A device installed on the engine which causes deceleration by restricting the exhaust gases. Exhaust brakes are used to supplement the service brakes of a vehicle and to increase stopping power. Especially useful to slow heavy loads down steep grades.

Exhaust Temperature Gauge (ETG)

Gauge indicating engine exhaust gas temperature as measured by a probe inserted into the gas flow. Temperature is generally measured directly after the exhaust manifold or after the turbo. Useful in preventing engine overheating.

Fifth Wheel

A trailer and hitch configuration connected to the tow truck directly above the rear axle by way of a special fifth wheel hitch. This causes several feet of the connected trailer to hang over the tow truck, placing about 15 to 25% of the trailer's weight on the rear axle of the truck. Commercial trucks and trailers use this hitch configuration. Also commonly spelled as 5th wheel. For additional details see Fifth Wheel on RV Types page.

FMV

Abbreviation for Fair Market Value.

Folding Trailer

Small, light-weight trailer that folds or collapses into a low profile, suitable for towing behind light vehicles such as cars, SUV's, and mini pickup trucks. For additional details see Popup Trailer on RV Types page.

Fresh Water Tank

Tank for holding fresh water for drinking, cooking, and bathing while not connected to a city water supply.

Full Timer

A person living full-time in an RV, having no other home.

Full Hookup (FHU)

An RV site with water, electric, and sewer facilities.

Galley

The kitchen in an RV.

Gas Pusher

Motor home with rear mounted engine. Most pushers are equipped with diesel engines, but some gas engine models are also available.

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