Whether you are just starting your search to buy an RV or you are preparing to take one of your first trips, here is a list of helpful terms to get you in the know.

Amp: When reserving a campsite, be sure to ask what amp electric hookup is provided. Whether it be 20, 30, or 50 amp, a simple way to look at the power available is to think of these numbers in terms of thousands. For example, a 30 amp hookup will be the equivalent of 3,000 watts of power - for comparison a common wattage for a home microwave is 1000 watts.

Black Water Tank/Black Water: The black water tank is one of three water tanks on an RV - black, gray and fresh. This tank holds the sewage water from the lavatory. It is important to only empty this tank at an appropriate location, such as the dump station at the campground, or into the site sewer connection.

Boon docking: There are many definitions for boon docking, often referred to as dry camping. In general, it means camping in your RV without any hookups. For some this means in the parking lot of their local Wal-Mart, for others, camping in a state or RV park without hooking up to the electric/sewer/water, or for others, parking the RV out in the wilderness.

Dinghy: This expression refers to the vehicle towed behind a motor home; it is also called a toad.

Dinette: The table in the unit that characteristically converts into a bed. The RV Dinette is typically equivalent to a booth style area where the table can be moved to use the seats for casual space as well.

Dry Weight: This phrase describes the weight of an RV without any additional passengers or fluids, such as fuel, water or propane. This is also referred to as Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) for manufacturer purposes.

Dump Station: This is the area where black water and grey water holding tanks are emptied.

Dual Electrical System: This is a system within an RV that allows it to run on both electric hookups within a campground, or self-contained on battery power or with a generator.

Equalizing Hitch: Also referred to as a weight distributing hitch, this hitch allows for the weight of the trailer to be distributed both on the trailers axle and the towing vehicles front axle by use of spring bars.

Fresh Water Tank: Another one of the three tanks contained in an RV is the fresh water tank, which holds the water which can be used throughout a given trip.

Full Hookups: Having full hookups at a given campsite makes it possible to access electric, water and sewer connections.

Full Timers/Timing: This is a term that describes people who reside in their RV a large majority of time - if not fully living in their RV.

Generator: An important accessory when traveling outside of campgrounds is a generator. A generator runs on a gasoline, diesel or propane engine to provide an alternate power source.

Gray Water Tank/Gray Water: The gray water tank is one of the three tanks on an RV that is used to hold the water and waste from the sinks and shower.

Holding Tanks: This term is used to describe the fresh water, gray water and black water tanks. The fresh water tank needs to be filled, while the gray water and black water tanks hold used water from the kitchen and restroom.

Hookups: Connections that are available at any given campground are considered hookups. These include the basics such as electric, water and sewage, but can also refer to telephone and cable TV.

Part Timers: People who travel more than a few times a year - but who are not living the majority of time in their RV - are considered part timers.

Pull Through: At many campsites, pull through sites are readily available. With this type of site, it is possible to pull into the site and out of the site without ever needing to back in or out.

Rig: A name some RVers use when describing their RVs.

Self Contained: A self contained RV has the capability of supplying electrical, drain and water needs without any external hookups. These units can also use standard hookup facilities at campgrounds.

Shore Power: An external power source, instead of using an internal battery or fuel source, is considered shore power.

Slide-Out: This term refers to an area within the RV that can be pushed out to expand the living space. When traveling, slide-outs should remain contained in the RV.

Work Camping: There are conflicting definitions to this term, even among RVers, however, the official definition at Workamper.com, who coined the term, is Workampers are adventuresome individuals, couples and families who have chosen a wonderful lifestyle that combines ANY kind of part-time or full-time work with RV camping. If you work as an employee, operate a business, or donate your time as a volunteer, AND you sleep in an RV (or on-site housing), you are a Workamper!