The nomad world is riddled with so many new and strange terms. As you read my blog you may come across some words that you’re just not sure what the hell I’m talking about. No worries, I got you covered.
These are terms I use often as an RV Nomad and my definitions of them. Of course, at one time I too searched for them or learned from other RVers their meaning.
These are in no particular order, I’m too lazy to alphabetize but they should be somewhat categorized.
>>>>To quickly find a term do CTRL+F and type in the word.
Boondocking – camping or staying somewhere as a self-self contained vehicle. This means you will not need facilities like a toilet, electricity, water or propane. Your host, which could be someone’s home to a National Forest expects that you’ll simply park and then leave the site in the same condition.
Dry-camping – camping with no amenities. Basically boondocking.
Dispersed Camping – generally camping in public lands. You’ll find that there are camp sites yet they are undeveloped and rarely numbered. They tend to be first come first serve
Free Camping – Like it says, it’s free overnight stay. A great resource was written by Campendium.
Black tank – where your poo goes to be held until you properly dump it at an RV dump facility.
Gray tank – holds your used water from your sinks and shower. Like the black tank, it should be held until you can reach a dump facility.
Fresh water tank – where you keep the potable water. This is clean water that you can drink, usually after you filter it.
Potable water – water you can drink
Dump station – a place you can dump your tanks with the proper tools and hoses, which are usually not provided. Also here you can possibly find potable water and if you’re really lucky you’ll find a place that can also fill your propane tank.
Full Hookups – the opposite of boondocking, RV camping bougie style. I’m just kidding. It can be fancy with a clubhouse and special features but it can also exist at campgrounds like KOA or state park. It means you can literally hook up your dump tanks, electrical line and fresh water line right at your camp site.
Partial Hookup – when you meet someone at a bar and only make out. I know, you want to know the definition in RV life. It’s when you have some hookups like only fresh water and electricity but no dump at your camp site or any combination of the 3 listed above.
Generator – the powerhouse for your RV coach. Without it and if not connected to electricity you won’t be able to run your air conditioner, microwave, blow dryer, toaster and any other electricity sucking device. Your generator powers the 110 sockets in your RV.
Cab – the area where you drive. Contains the steering wheel, driver’s seat, passenger seat, gadgets and gizmos for driver fun, radio and your dog navigator.
Coach – the back behind the cab, usually where you doing your living; the RV living space.
Skoolie – a school bus that has been converted into a mobile living space
This list is constantly growing as I remember what I’m talking about. If there’s something missing, and I’m sure there is, please contact me to add that term on my contact page.
