Words for Workamping: RV Glossary Terms
TL;DR
New to RVing or workamping? Learn the essential lingo! From "boondocking" to "FHU" and "toad," understanding these terms will help you navigate RV life like a pro. 🚐💡
Workampers and RVers in general use words and abbreviations beyond those you would be accustomed to hearing while living in a traditional home. Mainly because an RV has a completely different set of systems than most traditional homes like water tanks and electricity use. You have to know how certain things work and what your RV can handle. It’s also important to learn all the lingo for working while you travel and some of the different places you can camp.
Make sure to get yourself familiar with the terms, so looking and communicating with employers and fellow RVers will be effortless! Here is a list of the RV glossary terms you need to know while RVing full-time and workamping.
ARVC: National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds
BLM: Bureau of Land Management
Black Water: Sewage
Blueboy: A portable waste tank, usually blue in color.
Boondocking: Camping without utilities
BTU: The measurement of how much energy your RV’s AC and heating will need to run.
Bunkhouse: RV models with bunk beds.
Class A: Motorhome usually ranging from 26-40 feet in length.
Class B: Smaller van-like motorhomes.
Class C: Motorhome with cab section over the driving area for sleeping or sometimes entertainment and storage.
Corps/USACE: US Army Corps of Engineers
Dry Camping: Boondocking- Camping without utilities.
DOE: Depending On Experience
DW: Dry weight- the weight of the RV without supplies or passengers.
EOE: Equal Opportunity Employer
Extended Stay: Sites reserved for RVers who wish to stay for longer periods of time. Usually monthly or season.
FHU: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
Fifth-Wheel: Pull behind RV type with special hitch inside the bed of a pickup truck.
Fresh Water Tank: This holds the potable water that is safe to drink.
Full-time: Traveling in an RV year-round.
Full-timer: Someone who lives in their RV full time
Galley: RV Kitchen
Grey Water: Used water from the kitchen, bathroom sinks, and shower.
Hitch: Joint that is used to secure two vehicles for towing capability.
Hookups: Utilities like electric, water, sewer, and cable.
Locals: Refers to the local community. Non-RVers
NPS: National Park Service
Rig: Another term to describe your RV setup.
RV: Travel trailer, motorhome or 5th-wheel
RVIA: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
Shore Power: Electricity provided by an external source.
Snowbirds: RVers who go South for warmer weather each winter.
Sticks and Bricks: Traditional housing options.
Stipend: Fixed amount of money for expenses (i.e. food, fuel, etc.) paid to volunteers at government agencies or non-profits.
Toad: Towed vehicle
Toy Hauler: RV with built-in cargo space.
Travel Trailer: Non-motorized RV units that needs to be towed by a truck or large SUV.
USFS: U.S. Forest Service
USFWS: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Volunteer: An individual who performs hours of service for a public agency or non-profit organization for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons.
W/E/S: Water/Electric/Sewer
Wi-Fi: Wireless Internet Access
Winterize: Special steps to prepare the RV for Winter use and/or storage.
Workamper: 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, you are a Workamper!
RV life is a whole new world of things to know! But with a little help, you can master the art of living on the road. Even if you’ve been living the RV life for a while, it’s important to stay up to date on all the new RV lingo. With this short list of RV glossary terms, you’re that much closer to becoming an RV expert.
