Are you new to RVing? If so, chances are that you've noticed a certain lexicon of words and phrases that other RV enthusiasts throw about regularly. Do you not want to appear like a newbie, but have no clue what people are talking about? Look no further! Here is a crash course in RV terminology 101.

 

Dry Camping - Camping without hookups for electricity, water or sewage.

Boondocking - Dry camping in remote areas, typically with no fees associated for camping.

Moochdocking - Dry camping for free on someone else's property, like a driveway belonging to a friend or relative.

Gray Water - Wastewater that goes down the sink, shower or bath.

Black Water - Wastewater and waste that goes down the toilet.

Shore Power - Electrical hookup for power, often in the absence of water and wastewater hookup.

Full Hookup (FHU) - A campsite that has RV hookup for electricity, water, and sewage.

Converter - A device that changes 110v AC power into 12v DC power.

Inverter -  A device that changes 12v battery power to 110v AC power.

Dinghy or Toad - A vehicle that is towed behind an RV.

Dry Weight - The weight of an RV without any fuel, fresh water, waste water, propane, passengers or supplies.

Dual Electrical System (DES) - An RV electrical system that runs both hookup electricity and/or self-contained battery or generator power.

Dump Station - Location where gray water and black water tanks can be emptied.

Full-Time (Full-Timer, Full-Timing) - Living full-time out of an RV.

Generator - A power supply that is run by gasoline, diesel, or propane to provide self-contained 110v AC electrical power to an RV.

Honey Wagon or Honey Dipper - A mobile service that will empty black water and/or gray water tanks from where you are camped if sewage hookup or dump station is not available.

Hula Skirt - A skirt installed on the rear bumper of a motorhome to prevent debris kick-up while driving.

Kingpin -  A device that connects a fifth wheel to a towing vehicle.

Reefer - Slang for a refrigerator.

Rig - Slang for RV.

Self-Contained - An RV that is able to supply water, drain, and electrical needs without hookups.

Snow Bird - Someone who travels in an RV to warm climates during winter months.

Toy Hauler - An RV capable of indoor storage of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, golf carts, or other large recreational equipment.

Winterizing - The process of making an RV safe for winter storage.

Workamping (Workamper) - Working remotely to operate, contribute to, or volunteer either online or on-site, while living and traveling in an RV.