RV Glossary

Air Brake
Air brakes, in relation to RVs, are a type of braking system that uses compressed air to control the vehicle's brakes. Typically found in larger RVs, air brakes provide better stopping power and greater control than traditional hydraulic brakes, especially on steep hills and in emergency situations. The air brake system consists of a compressor, air lines, and brake chambers, which work together to control the flow of air and apply the brakes when needed.

Auto Vent/ Auto-Check
An auto vent or vent-check on an RV is a safety device that prevents backflow of contaminated water into the RV's plumbing system by allowing air to flow in and out of the system to equalize pressure. It is typically installed at the water inlet connection and works using a spring-loaded valve that opens when water is flowing in and closes when the flow stops.

Baseplate
A baseplate is a component of a towing system that is used to connect a vehicle to a tow bar. Baseplates are typically installed on the front of the vehicle and are designed to be a permanent attachment point for the tow bar. They are available in a variety of styles and configurations to suit different vehicles and towing needs, and can be made of materials such as steel, aluminum, or composite materials. Baseplates are an essential component of a towing system and provide a safe and secure way to tow a vehicle behind another vehicle, such as an RV. Proper installation and use of a baseplate is crucial for safe and effective towing, and vehicle owners should consult with a professional installer to ensure that their baseplate is properly installed and compatible with their towing setup.

Black Water Tank
A black water tank in an RV is a specialized holding tank that is used to store the waste and sewage from the RV's toilet until it can be properly disposed of at a designated dumping station.

Breakaway Switch
A breakaway switch is a safety device that is designed to activate the trailer brakes in the event that the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle while in motion. The breakaway switch is typically installed on the trailer and is connected to a cable or chain that is attached to the towing vehicle. If the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle, the cable or chain will pull on the breakaway switch, activating the trailer brakes and bringing the trailer to a stop. Breakaway switches are required by law in many jurisdictions and are an important safety feature for anyone who tows a trailer. Proper installation and maintenance of a breakaway switch is crucial for optimal performance and safety on the road, and trailer owners should consult with a professional installer to ensure that their breakaway switch is properly installed and compatible with their towing setup.

Bug Screen
A bug screen for an RV is a mesh or netting that covers the openings and vents on the exterior of an RV, preventing insects and other small pests from entering the vehicle while allowing air to flow freely.

City Water Valve
A city water valve is an external connection point that enables direct connection to a municipal water supply, providing a reliable source of fresh water to the RV's plumbing system while camping at a site with access to city water.

Day Night Shade
A day night shade for an RV is a versatile window covering that offers both privacy and light control. It features two layers of fabric that can be adjusted independently, allowing RV owners to let in natural light while maintaining privacy, or to darken the space completely for sleeping or other activities. Day night shades are a popular choice for RVs due to their sleek design, ease of use, and effective light-blocking capabilities.

Dogbone
A dogbone for an RV is an electrical adapter that enables the connection between a standard 15-amp or 20-amp electrical outlet and the RV's larger 30-amp or 50-amp power cord. This small, lightweight adapter is shaped like a dogbone and is often used by RVers to access electrical hookups that are not compatible with their RV's power cord. Dogbones are essential for RVers who frequently camp in different locations, as they allow for easy and safe access to electrical power without the need for expensive electrical modifications.

Dump Valve
A dump valve for an RV is a mechanism that allows the user to empty the vehicle's waste tanks. It is typically located on the underside of the RV and consists of a valve that can be opened to release the contents of the tanks into a designated sewage dump station. Dump valves are essential for proper sanitation and maintenance of RVs, as they allow for the safe and efficient disposal of waste materials. RVers must use caution when operating dump valves to avoid leaks or spills, and should always follow the proper procedures for emptying and cleaning their waste tanks.

Hydraulic Brakes
Hydraulic brakes, in relation to RVs, are a type of braking system that uses hydraulic fluid to transfer pressure from the brake pedal to the brake pads or shoes, causing them to clamp down on the wheels and slow or stop the vehicle. Commonly found in smaller and mid-sized RVs, hydraulic brakes offer good stopping power and are relatively easy to maintain and repair. The hydraulic brake system consists of a master cylinder, brake lines, and calipers or wheel cylinders, which work together to apply and release the brakes.

Low Point Drain
A low point drain for an RV is a plumbing fixture located at the lowest point of the vehicle's water system, typically near the holding tanks. It allows RV owners to drain the water system completely to prevent freezing and damage during winter storage or periods of inactivity. The low point drain is also useful for flushing out the system and removing any debris or sediment that may have accumulated in the pipes. RVers should use caution when accessing and using the low point drain to avoid leaks or damage to the plumbing system.

Supplemental Braking System
A towed vehicle supplemental braking system is a crucial safety device for RV owners who tow another vehicle behind their motorhome. This system is designed to help the towed vehicle stop more efficiently and effectively, by applying its brakes in sync with the RV's braking system. By doing so, it prevents the towed vehicle from pushing the RV forward and reduces the risk of accidents or damage to the vehicles. An effective towed vehicle supplemental braking system not only improves the safety of the RV owner and other drivers on the road, but it also helps the RV comply with local and state laws that require such systems for certain types of vehicles.

Surge Protector
A surge protector for an RV is an electrical device designed to protect the vehicle's electrical system from sudden voltage spikes, power surges, and other electrical anomalies that can occur at campgrounds or RV parks. These devices typically plug into the RV's electrical system and include a variety of safety features such as automatic shutoffs, overvoltage protection, and surge suppression to safeguard against damage to sensitive electronic equipment. A high-quality surge protector can prevent costly repairs and downtime, making it an essential component of any RV electrical system.

Sway Control
Sway control is a feature of a towing system that helps to prevent or reduce trailer sway, which is a dangerous side-to-side motion that can occur when towing a trailer or other towable object. Sway control can be achieved through a variety of means, such as using a weight distribution hitch, sway control bars, or electronic sway control systems. These devices work by applying force to the trailer in a way that counteracts any side-to-side movement, helping to keep the trailer stable and prevent accidents on the road. Sway control is an important consideration for anyone who tows a trailer, particularly those who frequently tow larger or heavier loads.

Tank Probes
Tank probes are a vital component in RV wastewater systems that measure the levels of grey and black water in holding tanks. These probes use sensors to detect the fluid levels and send signals to a monitoring system inside the RV, alerting the owner when it's time to dump or refill the tanks. Understanding how tank probes work is essential for proper maintenance and avoiding costly plumbing issues.

Tow Bar
A tow bar is a device that is used to connect a vehicle to another vehicle for towing. Tow bars are typically made of steel or aluminum and are available in a variety of styles and weight capacities to suit different vehicles and towing needs. They are designed to attach to the front of the towed vehicle and to the rear of the towing vehicle, providing a secure and stable connection between the two vehicles. Tow bars can be used to tow a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, and are commonly used by RV owners to tow a vehicle behind their RV. Proper use and installation of a tow bar is critical for safe and effective towing, and vehicle owners should always consult with a professional installer to ensure that their tow bar is compatible with their towing setup and that all safety precautions are taken.

Underbelly
The underbelly on an RV refers to the area beneath the vehicle that is enclosed by a protective covering. This area typically contains important components of the RV's plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, as well as the holding tanks and other equipment. The underbelly serves to protect these components from damage due to road debris, weather, and other hazards, while also providing insulation to help maintain a comfortable interior temperature. Access to the underbelly may be necessary for maintenance or repairs, and RVers should take care to ensure that the covering is properly secured and in good condition to prevent damage to the components underneath.

Valve Extender
A valve extender is a device that is used to extend the valve stem of a tire, allowing for easier access to the valve for inflation or deflation. Valve extenders can be especially useful in situations where the valve is difficult to access, such as on large vehicles or trailers. They are typically made of metal or rubber and attach to the existing valve stem using a threaded connection. Valve extenders come in a variety of lengths and styles to suit different tire sizes and types of vehicles, and can be a helpful tool for anyone who needs to maintain proper tire pressure for optimal vehicle performance and safety.

Weight Distribution Hitch
A weight distribution hitch is a device that is used to evenly distribute the weight of a trailer or other towable object across the axles of the towing vehicle. This helps to improve stability and control while towing, and can reduce the risk of sway and other safety concerns. A weight distribution hitch works by transferring some of the weight of the trailer to the front axle of the towing vehicle, which helps to balance the load and improve handling. This can be especially important for larger trailers or when towing in adverse weather conditions.