page_title: Recreational vehicle terms
section_title: Terms
hierarchical_section_title: Recreational vehicle terms / Terms
caption_attribution_description: English: Caravan of Heartland Bighorns on the way to the Summer 2009 Oregon Rally in Winchester, OR.
context_page_description: The term recreational vehicle is often used as a broad category of motor vehicles and trailers which include living quarters for designed temporary accommodation. Types of RVs include motorhomes, campervans, caravans, fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers, truck campers and Park Model RVs.
  A large number of terms are used when describing aspects of recreational vehicle usage. Some of these are self-explanatory while others may be unfamiliar to many readers. Some terms, arranged alphabetically, are shown below.
context_section_description: Articulation point
  
     
  The point where two vehicles are coupled together to allow movement, usually by a ball or fifth wheel hitch.
  
     
  Awning
  
     
  On most newer RVs, the manufacturer includes a roll-out awning. The awning is attached to the door-side of the RV and is often about 75% of the length of the RV. The awning can be either manually operated or it can be operated electrically. Another type of awning used by RVers is a portable pop-up canopy or tent that provides a temporary solution to people who want to be outdoors and enjoy shade. The frame usually incorporates an accordion style truss which folds up compactly. Some of these awnings have side curtains that can keep out wind and bugs.  
  
     
  Bull-nose front end
  
     
  Commonly seen on class A motorhomes where the angle of the front of the vehicle leans forward.
  
     
  Battery disconnect
  
     
  A solenoid which is wired first in the 12-volt system that, when activated, opens or closes and turns 12-volt power on or off to that system. Found mostly on motorhomes which will incorporate two disconnect systems: one for the house batteries and one for the chassis batteries. Usually controlled by either manually opening or closing the solenoid by turning it or moving a lever, or electronically operated via a remote switch mounted inside the RV. with a disconnect turned off, that battery circuit is 'dead' and no power will be available from the batteries. Generators and starter motors usually bypass these systems due to high power demands.
  
     
  Battery isolator
  
     
  A rectifier or solenoid switch based module of a recreational vehicle that provides charging power from the engine to the house battery and vice versa. (A one-way version of this may be mounted on the engine and provide power only one way, from engine to house battery.) The isolator also prevents power use by the circuits drawing on the house battery from also draining the engine or vehicle battery. Some RVs provide a momentary-on switch that flips a relay to form a temporary high-current connection between the two sets of batteries, enabling the driver to use the house batteries to help start the engine should the engine batteries prove weak. RVers that lack such a switch should carry a set of high-current-rated jumper cables to stretch between the two batteries to accomplish the same end.
  
     
  Blackwater
  
     
  Wastewater from the RV toilet; human waste.
  
     
  Blackwater tank
  
     
  The tank that stores the blackwater. When full, the operator of the RV will connect a sewer hose from the blackwater tank to a suitable sewer connection at their camp site or a dump station for emptying. This connection cannot simply be left open: If the water is allowed to constantly drain off, the solids tend to remain behind, eventually producing what is termed "the brown pyramid of death." It can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to replace the blackwater tank in this eventuality. Ensure the tank approaches full; then empty it all at once, followed always by the graywater.
  
     
  Blackwater tank flush
  
     
  A pipe built into the blackwater holding tank that is connected to a source of pressurized water via a hose that is used to help flush solids from the holding tank at a dump site. If using a black water tank flush system in a campsite, the use of a back-flow preventer on the end of the hose to prevent sewage from flowing into the potable water system is recommended. The tank should be flushed with water upon every second tank draining, with normal use. The tank should also be sprayed any time the sensors appear erratic.
  
     
  Brake controller
  
     
  A device used to control the electric brakes on the trailer. Taking power from the tow vehicle's battery, it is activated by sensing voltage to the brake lights. Upon this signal it sends power, through the seven-way plug at the rear, to the electromagnets inside the trailer's brake drums, activating the brakes. Usually adjustable to control the amount of braking power applied as well as incorporating manual operation to allow the trailer brakes to be activated independently from t
caption: Group of fifth-wheel RVs on the way to the Summer 2009 Oregon Rally in Winchester, Oregon
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