Learn the RV Lingo
by NELSON STEWART
If you're new to the whole RV lifestyle, you'll soon discover that RV resorts have a unique vocabulary. You may want to brush up on your terminology so that you don't confuse your mobile home with a motor home, or your Class A with your Class B.
RV Basement: Sounds like a rec room under your RV, doesn't it? It actually means the living room in your RV is built above the chassis, allowing for extra storage space under the floor. Many of these are designed so that the storage space is accessed from either side for easy access. These units are taller than most and the driver needs to be aware of the height limitations when driving.
Electrical: This term denotes that both electricity and water are available at the RV park.
Extended Stay Site: Some parks only allow campers to remain for short periods of time, in the case of an extended stay site, individuals can remain for up to an entire season at a time.
Federal Parks: These are RV parks run by the National Forest Service, NFS, or the National Park Service, NPS. If you're looking to save some money, often times these facilities offer work programs in exchange for a reduced rate.
Fifth Wheel: Instead of being towed behind a truck with a standard hitch, fifth wheel trailers have a hitch that sits directly over the rear axle of the truck, right on the truck bed. They vary in length from 18-40 feet and can only be towed by a pickup truck.
Full Hookup: These park offer all of the common trailer hookup amenities including electricity, sewer and water.
Mobile Homes and Motor Homes: These terms are often confused, but describe two very different types of homes.
A mobile home is not a recreational vehicle and is not allowed in Arizona RV Parks. It can be towed to a trailer park or retirement community and set up usually on blocks. It is not meant for touring or moving on a regular basis.
A motor home is a motorized recreational vehicle that can be driven as opposed to being towed. It comes complete with a fresh water tank, and holding tank for waste water.
RV Classes:
Class A Motor Homes: These are shaped similar to a bus, and are powered by gasoline or diesel. They may range anywhere from 22 to 40 feet in length. The bedrooms are usually located to the rear of the unit and the main living area closer to the driver seat.
Class B Motor Homes: These units are similar to a standard van with a raised roof. They generally have a couch that converts to a bed, a small toilet and an icebox.
Class C Motor Homes: From the front, these look like a van, but the double bed is found above the cab. They are available in lengths from 20 feet up to about 36 feet.
Slideout: These are very common in newer RV's and are very handy when it comes to creating additional living space. You park your trailer, extend the slide out and presto, your kitchen, living room or bedroom instantly widens by a few feet.
Palm Gardens is a premiere Arizona gated community. Explore the mobile homes and wonderful facilities at this Arizona 55 community.
