RV Terms You Should Know
By this point, you probably know that RV stands for “recreational vehicle”, but did you know that can cover a wide range of vehicles? Both vehicles or trailers can be considered an RV. To fit the definition, there needs to be a space devoted to sleeping or a living room. After that, the term can vary greatly from small, towed trailers to vehicles the size of a bus. To manage the differences, RVs are divided into a few different classes.
The Scope of RVs: Defining Classes and Types of RVs
Class A: This is the largest size in the RV world. These can be between 26 and 45 feet in length and range between 13,000 and 30,000 pounds. Class A’s often have large beds, washers, dryers, and most of the amenities found in a home. They have built-in generators, multiple slide-outs to increase space and kitchen appliances. These are self-contained and truly a home on wheels. A class A can be either diesel or gasoline-powered.
Class B: Vehicles in this class are normally between 17 to 23 feet and 4,000 to 9,000 pounds. You may hear these referred to as camper vans because they are based on a van and have less space and fewer amenities than their bigger siblings. This class can range from mainly just a sleeping space to having dining areas or bathrooms.
Class C: This class falls between A and B in terms of size. A vehicle in this class will range between 20 to 30 feet and 10,000 to 13,000 pounds. These mid-sized homes can be powered by either gas or diesel engines and normally have separate bathroom areas. These vehicles frequently have a sleeping area over the cab, as well as in the back. Slide-outs are common to increase the living space.
Super C: The Super C class of RVs is very similar to Class C, but instead Super C RVs have a heavy-duty front-engine chassis, giving them more power. Super C RVs have the power needed to easily tow a car, making them a good option for those RVers who want to bring an additional vehicle along with them. These RVs typically also feature an overhead bunk and an attached cab.
Travel trailers: These trailers must be towed by another vehicle and can range anywhere from 10 feet to 40 feet and 1,100 to 12,000 pounds. You may have noticed that is quite the range, meaning that the towing vehicle in this range could be a small SUV or require a larger truck. The wide range in size also translates to a wide range of space and amenities.
Fifth-wheel trailers: At between 22 to 40 feet and 7,000 to 20,000 pounds, these towed trailers can have as much space as a Class A or C RV, including multiple bedrooms and slide-outs, but they require a truck with a specially fitted hitch to pull them. This can be a good choice for someone who wants the space of a Class A, but also wants to be able to unhook and store it when not in use.
Pop-up trailers: These are the smallest and lightest trailers, normally between 8 feet to 16 feet and 700 pounds to 4,000 pounds. These trailers fold into themselves for easier storage and transport and can be towed by smaller vehicles. Trailers in this class typically have few amenities or space. They’re also not usually well insulated, so that is a consideration if your needs involve cold seasons.
Toy haulers: The toy hauler isn’t a class based on size or weights, but on function. Class A, C, fifth wheel or even travel trailers can be classified as a toy hauler. The entry factor for this class is that there is a designated space or “garage” at the rear of the RV to store “toys” like ATVs, bicycles or motorcycles.
Bus conversions: Coach-style buses can be converted into motorhomes to offer a spacious and reliable RV experience. These vehicles also have plenty of storage, plus the reliable build of a commercial-grade vehicle.
RV abbreviations: It’s not uncommon to see something like BHQRS36 or RSDS32 and wonder what that all means. Those are referring to size and key layout features. Q refers to a queen size bed, RS is a rear slide-out, DS is a dinette slide-out and BH means a bunkhouse. So a BHQRS36 tells you that the RV is 36 feet long with a bunkhouse, queen bed and a rear slide-out.
Types of RV Camping
Boondocking/Dry camping: This is camping in an area without water, sewer, or electrical hookups.
Glamping: A combination of glamour and camping, referring to camping with a lot of amenities.
Yamping: Yard camping.
Full hookup: A site that offers a water supply, sewer/septic, and electricity.
Types of RV Owners
Full-timer: Those who live in their RV as their primary residence.
Newbie: New to the world of recreational vehicles.
Part-timer: Living in an RV on a part-time basis.
Weekend warrior: One who primarily uses the RV on weekends or short trips.
General RV Terms
Basement: This is a storage area under the RV floor, accessible from the outside.
Black water/black water tank: This is the tank that holds the wastewater from the toilet.
Cockpit: This is where the driver (pilot) and passenger (co-pilot) sit and operate the RV.
Controller: Many RVs will have a central panel to adjust water, power, and climate. Often these are LED touchscreens.
Dump station: These are locations you can safely and legally empty your black and gray water tanks.
FHU: Full hook up. A campsite with power, water, and sewer hook-up
Garage: This is the area in a toy hauler for the outdoor equipment.
Gray water: This is wastewater from the sinks or showers.
GVWR: This is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It represents the maximum safe weight for safe operation, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
Leveling jacks: These are used to ensure the RV sits level.
Shore power: When plugged into electricity from a power source other than from the RV.
Slide-out: These are sections of the RV that slide out to create more living and sleeping space.
Trust Transwest for Your RV Needs
We hope some of these terms help, but we know there are many more, so the Transwest staff is here to help. If you have questions about what type of RV would best suit your needs, we are ready to assist. If you’re ready to make #rvlife a reality for you find a Transwest dealer near you today or browse our selection online.
RVs For Sale
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2023 Newmar Ventana 4369
at Transwest of Frederick, CO
Used Class A
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Sleeps 6
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Diesel
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3 Slide Outs
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43ft Long
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3,638 Miles
Contact For Price -
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2023 Newmar King Aire 4521
at Transwest of Belton, MO
New Class A
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Sleeps 4
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Diesel
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3 Slide Outs
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694 Miles
$1,059,605 $1,678,010 msrp -
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On Order
2025 Renegade Verona LE 40LRB
at Transwest of Frederick, CO
New Super C
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Diesel
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3 Slide Outs
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40ft Long
On Order -
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On Order
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