The Park: Camping Tips & Product News — terminology

Are you new to the world of trailer camping? If so, welcome! We’re glad to see that you’ve discovered this fabulous pastime.

Whether you’re still in the process of searching for the perfect recreational vehicle, or you’ve been camping for a number of years, you’ll find that there is a lot of specific (and somewhat confusing) terminology linked to the hobby. And if you don’t understand the basic – though sometimes subtle – difference between these technical terms, you may get a little lost while researching the best tips and products for your situation.

Even amongst our expert staff, many of whom have been towing and camping in trailers for decades, we find that these terms can get mixed up and misused. So don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense to you just yet! We’re here to help.

Hitch vs Coupler

Perhaps the most common and confusing mix-up is the use of the term “hitch” vs “coupler.” You’re probably most familiar with the word “hitch” because it tends to get thrown around a lot when talking about trailers.

The hitch refers to the connection point on your vehicle used to hook up a trailer for towing. In most cases, the hitch is a bar or frame piece that is mounted under the car/truck and has a hitch ball on a protruding arm for the trailer to connect to. (Although other hitch types may be mounted in the bed of a truck, for example: fifth wheels.)

What makes the word “hitch” so truly confusing is that many people tend to use it as a blanket term for any part of a trailer-to-tow vehicle connection, including the part on the trailer; this piece is actually known as the “coupler.”

Couplers are often welded on or connected to the trailer frame. The most common type of couplers are those that connect to a hitch ball, and all of these feature some kind of locking mechanism to keep the ball securely attached during towing.

So, to keep them straight, just remember: hitches go on your tow vehicle, and couplers come on trailers.

Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. In some cases, trailer owners may opt to use one of a variety of specialty hitches meant to prevent sway, balance trailer weight, and provide a smoother ride. Many of these hitches are designed to stay attached to the trailer coupler, requiring only a few simple steps to connect them to the hitch bar on the back of the tow vehicle.

RV vs Trailer vs Motorhome

Another set of commonly exchanged terms are “RV” and “trailer.” These terms do have some overlap, but their meanings are distinct.

RV (short for “recreational vehicle”) is actually a broad term that refers to any trailer, camper van, or motorhome that offers a place to live, cook, and rest while traveling.

A trailer, on the other hand, is an unpowered vehicle that must be hooked up to another vehicle in order to be towed. There are many kinds of trailers for transporting and storing goods, vehicles, and animals, as well as for camping.

Camping trailers can be anything from a small pop-up tent trailer or a teardrop to a massive fifth wheel trailer. Thus, all camping trailers are recreational vehicles (RVs), but not all RVs are trailers.

Recreational vehicles that are motorized and do not require a tow vehicle might also be called “motorhomes” to distinguish them from trailers. They are simply another category of recreational vehicle.

Hookups

Depending on the type of trailer you have, you may hear about “hookups” a lot (and we don’t mean the romantic kind).

Hookups are connections to campsite services such as electricity, water, and sewer. Many trailer parks and campgrounds with trailer spots offer one or more of these services, allowing you to experience all the comforts and conveniences of your mobile home.

Always be sure to have the proper equipment for the available hookups, and know what you need to do in case there aren’t any.

Boondocking

Camping without any hookups is called “boondocking,” “dry camping,” or “wild camping.”

Boondocking means no electricity, no water hookup, and no sewage disposal. You may be able to add some comfort and convenience to your stay by pre-filling your water tank, installing an alternative energy source (for example, solar panels), and limiting your sewage usage until you can dump it properly. However, boondocking is not the kind of luxury camping experience that you’d generally find in a trailer park.

Often, this kind of camping is done on public lands where dispersed camping is allowed – as long as you do your best not to leave behind too much evidence of your stay.

Other camping areas offer designated dry camping spots, and some private landowners will even offer an official boondocking spot on their properties. You can find lots of boondocking sites for booking through companies like Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts.

The best part about boondocking? It’s usually free!

BONUS term: If a friend or family member offers to let you stay on their property with this kind of setup, it is sometimes referred to as “moochdocking.”

Slide-out

Looking for more space without adding length to your trailer? Search for recreational vehicles with slide-outs.

Slide-outs are expandable sections of your living space that can be pushed out while parked so that your family has more room to sleep, eat, or watch TV on a rainy day. These can then be retracted for more convenient travel.

Most are controlled with electronic or hydraulic systems, so they add very little extra effort to your setup, but provide a whole lot more room to breathe (and move around). After all, when you’re sharing a small living space, you need as much room as you can get.

And there you have it! A beginner’s guide to common (and frequently misused) trailer terminology.

Have more questions? Learn more about towing and trailer camping by checking out the rest of our blogs.

For people seeking a peaceful escape from today’s busy world...

Now is the perfect time to invest in an RV trailer and venture into the great outdoors. Just hook an RV trailer to your SUV and enjoy the ride — easy enough, right?

Well, not quite. While acquiring an RV is not as straightforward as many people think, there’s no need to worry, as this guide will prepare you for your RV trailer’s essentials. There are many variables like price, size, features, and much more than a first-time buyer may not have considered. Without further ado, here’s what you should consider before choosing the motorhome of your dreams.

Terminology: Speak Like an RV Pro

If this is your first time sorting through an RV listing, we've got you covered. If things are looking more complicated than they should, here’s a small glossary of the most important terms you'll need to keep in mind to make reading through those listings as easy as hitting the open road.

• Pop-up trailer: These models are the pinnacle of portable, affordable and easy-to-tow RVs. They can fold and collapse with ease, saving space both while traveling and when in storage.

• Travel trailers: These usually comes to mind when you think of the traditional RV. They’re the most popular models on the market, and they come with many different price tags depending on the features they incorporate. These are probably the most widely available trailers you’ll find on major listings.

• Fifth-wheel: Usually grouped and confused with travel trailers, fifth-wheels tend to have much more space than other RVs. Their defining characteristic is that they’re designed to be towed with a mechanism called a fifth-wheel hitch.

• Toy hauler: Here’s where the lines blur a little bit. Toy haulers can technically be either fifth wheels, pop-up, or travel trailers, with the main difference being that they have a ramp door in the back. They’re designed to offer easy access to the trailer, but aside from that, their operation is almost identical to their counterparts.

Evaluate your needs 

You may already have an idea in your mind about the type of RV you want to acquire. However, it’s time to set realistic expectations and explore your needs.

You should consider size first and foremost; there’s no need to acquire the biggest fifth wheeler on the market if you’re traveling by yourself. Also, where are you going to park it? Size should not only be determined by the number of people that could use the trailer, but also by how much storage space you’ll need.

There’s a difference between the features that you need versus the add-ons you want. More often than not, RV-ers can make do without certain items that will impact the price but not their experiences. For example, do you need an integrated grill if you can bring a separate one?

Budget 

After determining the type of RV that would suit you, it’s time to explore budgets concerning new or used RVs, and their pros and cons. Trailers are not as expensive as motorhomes. However, they are not cheap by any means.

You may be tempted to go for a used model because of the price, and sometimes used is the better option. However, if you’re inexperienced, upkeep and inspection could become a hassle. Your biggest priority when acquiring a used RV should be its reliability and condition. Please consider that trailers require extensive maintenance to stay in top condition, especially if they’re used.

For used models, be sure to check the roof sealant, gutter railing, and rear cap sealant. Any crack could lead to moisture damage and have an impact on the power generators. Consider paying for an RV mechanic to come with you and inspect your favorite offers. This could save you from costly repairs in the future.

There are many different types of trailers designed to fit your travel lifestyle. While the list of things to consider before buying sounds extensive, with a little bit of planning and time, you can find a model perfectly suited to your next outdoor adventure. For more information about our outdoor-related products and camping tips, please visit our blog.

 
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