G L O S S A R Y
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING
(GCWR)
The maximum load weight (in pounds) of
an RV and tow vehicle combined. GCWR
includes the weight of the RV, tow vehicle,
fuel and propane, holding tanks, gear, and
passengers.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING
(GVWR)
The maximum weight (in pounds) allowed
for an RV, including fuel and propane,
holding tanks, gear, and passengers.
HARD-SIDED
An RV that features walls constructed of
aluminum or fiberglass, as opposed to an RV
with soft-sided walls made of vinyl or other
foldable materials.
HEAT EXCHANGER
Transforms fuel into heat. Propane flame
and ignition devices are included inside the
heat exchanger. When air is blown over the
exchanger, it is warmed and then blown
through the ducts of the heating system.
Combustion gases are vented outside the RV.
HEAT STRIP
An electric heating element in the air
conditioning system that helps regulate the
temperature of the air.
HITCH
The fastening unit that joins a movable
vehicle to the vehicle that pulls it.
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HITCH RATING
The weight a towing hitch is designed to
handle.
HITCH WEIGHT
The weight that is placed on the towing
hitch. Ideally, hitch weight should be
between 10% and 20% of the total weight of
the RV, depending on the RV type.
HOLDING TANKS
Storage for fresh water, gray water, and black
water. All types of water are stored and
emptied separately from one another.
HOOKUPS
Electricity, water, and sewer systems an
RV can draw from/hook into, usually at a
campground. Full hookup includes all three
systems available.
HOUSE BATTERY
One or more batteries in a RV for operating
the 12 volts DC lights, appliances, and systems.
House batteries can be 12 volts DC units tied in
parallel or pairs of 6 volt batteries tied in series
(to double the voltage). The term house battery
is of more significance in motorhomes because
they contain one or more other batteries for
the operation of the engine, referred to as the
chassis or starting batteries.
INVERTER
Transforms 12 volts DC battery power into
120 volts AC power. Can be used when
boondocking to power certain devices like
microwaves.
HULA SKIRT
A guard placed on the back bumper to
protect the RV from debris thrown up by the
rear wheels.
LAMINATE
A sandwich of structural frame members, wall
paneling, insulation, and exterior covering,
adhesive-bonded under pressure and/or heat
to form the RV's walls, floor, and/or roof.
LANDING GEARS
See Leveling Jack.
LEVELING
Using ramps or jacks to ensure a towable RV
is level when parked and/or unhitched at a
campsite.
LEVELING JACK
A jack lowered from the underside of
motorhomes for the purpose of leveling the
vehicle. A leveling jack is designed to bear a
significant portion of the RV's weight.
LOW POINT
The lowest point in the plumbing. Drains are
placed here so that water will drain out of
the lower end of the camper when flushing
or winterizing the water system. These drains
must be closed when you fill the water tank.
LP GAS or PROPANE
Liquid Petroleum Gas is used to fuel
appliances such as stoves, ovens, water
heaters, refrigerators, and furnaces.
C U S T O M E R C A R E
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