Sport Utility Trailer (Toy Hauler)

The term toy hauler is applied to both fifth wheels and travel trailers, and it describes an RV designed to carry toys, small cars, dune buggies, four wheelers, motorcycles, etc. Distinguishing features of a toy hauler is the large door in the back which opens down to create a ramp, dedicated garage area or fold-away furniture in the main living compartment, and often a third axle to support the heavy toys. For additional details see Toy Hauler on RV Types page.

Stabilizing Jack

A jack inserted under or lowered from trailers and motor homes for the purpose of stabilizing the vehicle. A stabilizing jack is not designed to bear a significant portion of the RV's weight, only a small amount to reduce movement during occupancy. Stabilizing jacks are generally found toward the back of trailers, under the king pin of fifth wheels, and under some slides.

Starting Battery (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.

Stinky Slinky

Slang for the sewer hose, constructed from a spiral wire covered with vinyl. One end attaches to the RV piping and the other into the local sewer dump facilities.

Tagalong Trailer (Travel Trailer)

A towable trailer that hitches onto a ball mount on the tow vehicle and designed as living quarters for recreational travel. For additional details see Travel Trailer on RV Types page.

Tent Camper (Folder Trailer, Tent 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.

Three Quarter Ton

Truck rating originally conceived to indicate cargo carrying capacity of three-quarter tons (1,500 lbs). Today, tonnage rating is no longer an accurate indication of cargo carrying capacity - it is more of a relational indication among trucks in different categories. Common three-quarter ton pickup truck models are the Chevrolet 2500, Dodge 2500, Ford F-250, and GMC 2500.

Toad

TA vehicle towed behind the RV. That which was "towed".

Tongue Jack

A jack lowered from the frame of a travel trailer, directly behind the tongue, for the purpose of leveling the trailer. A tongue jack is designed to bear a significant portion of the trailer's weight, called the Tongue Weight (10% - 15% recommended).

Tongue Weight (Tonque Load)

Tongue Weight (also called Tongue Load) is the actual weight pressing down on the hitch ball by the trailer. The recommended amount of Tongue Weight is 10%-15% of the GTW.

Toy Hauler

The term toy hauler is applied to both fifth wheels and travel trailers, and it describes an RV designed to carry toys, small cars, dune buggies, four wheelers, motorcycles, etc. Distinguishing features of a toy hauler is the large door in the back which opens down to create a ramp, dedicated garage area or fold-away furniture in the main living compartment, and often a third axle to support the heavy toys. For additional details see Toy Hauler on RV Types page.

Travel Trailer (Travel Trailer Coach, TT)

A towable trailer that hitches onto a ball mount on the tow vehicle and designed as living quarters for recreational travel. For additional details see Travel Trailer on RV Types page.

Truck Camper

Living quarters designed to slide into the bed of a truck. The camper is fastened to the truck frame during transport and slides out onto its own legs at the camp site.

Umbilical Cord

Wiring harness which connects the trailer to the tow vehicle during transport. The umbilical cord supplies the trailer with DC power for charging the batteries and operating DC equipment. It also operates the trailer brakes and signal lights.

Underbelly

The RV's underfloor surface, which is protected by a weatherproofed material.

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) is the weight of a vehicle as manufactured at the factory. It includes full engine and generator fuel tanks and fluids, if applicable. It does not include cargo, water, propane, or dealer-installed accessories. It may or may not include factory installed options. Be aware that some manufacturers weigh each unit to determine UVW, while others provide only the average or estimated weight for each model.

Van Camper (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.

Water Pressure Regulator

Device installed on water hose attached to city water to limit the water pressure entering the RV. Most regulators limit water pressure to 40 psi.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A ball hitch system that distributes some of the tongue weight to all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. With standard ball hitches, all of the tongue weight rests on the tow vehicle's rear axle; the weight-distributing hitch uses spring tensioned bars to distribute it among the axles. This provides more weight on the front axle for better steering control, and less weight on the rear axle to allow towing a heavier trailer that may otherwise overload the rear axle.

Wheelbase

Distance between the center of the front and rear wheels of a vehicle, usually expressed in inches.

Wide-body (Widebody)

An RV having an external body width greater than 96 inches (8 feet). The most common wide-body widths are 100" and 102".

WIFI (Wireless Internet)

Technology that enables computers equipped with wireless network cards (also called WiFi) to connect to the Internet without requiring wired connections such as phone lines or cables. This service generally requires an additional fee and a sing-up process.

Winterize

The process of introducing non-toxic antifreeze into the water lines of an RV for winter storage to prevent freezing and line breaks.

Work Camper

A person living in an RV and working. Many spell it as 'workamper' after the web site and service by that name.

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