What Does That Mean? Slang Terms Used in the World of RVers

RV Slang Terms Every Newbie Should Know

We've all heard and know what words like toad, basement and hula skirt are, right? Well in the world of RVers you may want to think again.

As a newcomer to this unique and wonderful world, you'll soon understand there is a unique vocabulary of slang terms exclusive to RVers. Even a seasoned RVer may come across a new word that they haven't heard before. Although, they could probably take a well-educated guess and get it right.

So What Does That Mean?

Below are some common words and phrases that can help you with buying a motorhome, talking to fellow RV owners, or describing problems to your insurance company. Knowing this lingo may also convince people that you're a full time RVer, even if you're not. We hope you enjoy!

Toad or "Dinghy": a small vehicle being towed behind a large RV.

Basement: the storage under the main living area.

Stinky Slinky: the flexible sewer hose connecting to the RV waste tanks at a dump station.

Chucking: a back and forth motion, sometimes violent, experienced during towing and usually caused by an unbalanced trailer or uneven roadway.

Batwing: a standard TV antenna resembling a pair of wings.

Puller: a motorhome with the diesel engine mounted in the front of the vehicle.

Pusher: a motorhome with the diesel engine mounted in the rear of the vehicle.

Blue Boy: a portable wheeled plastic tote used to transport waste tank sewage from the RV to the dump station and is usually towed at slow speed by the tow vehicle.

Fiver: refers to a fifth wheel trailer.

RBR: really big rig.

Newbies: people new to the RV world.

Part-Timers: people living in their RV for more than a few weekends, but less than a year.

Full-Timers: people who live in their RV full time or the majority of the year.

Sticks ‘n' Bricks: refers to by RVers as a regular type of house.

Hula Skirt: refers to the brush-like flap hanging down from the back end of RVs and gives the appearance of sweeping the road.

Reefer: term used for the RVs LP gas/electric refrigerator.

Wallydock: describes overnighting on the Walmart parking lot in your RV.

Cockpit: area where the driver sits.

VBR: very big rig.

Genset: refers to a motorhome's electric generator.

Boondocking or Dry Camping: camping without hooking up to any electric, sewer or water facilities.  

So, based on our brief crash course on RV slang, you'll now understand that you'll need to hook up the toad to your VBR or taker your fiver, make sure your basement isn't too full, avoid chucking at all costs. When it's your turn in the cockpit, waive at passersbys admiring your hula skirt and, remember, that there's always the option of wallydocking or boondocking on the way to your final destination.

Also, don't forget to stock your reefer, bring your stinky slinky, batwings and genset, and lock up your bricks ‘n' sticks before you set off on your new journey. If you're a newbie, or know one, share this post on Facebook or Twitter and give them the skinny on these basic RV slang terms. Good luck, be safe, and happy RVing!