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AC ELECTRICITY — Alternating current also known as shoreline power. For purposes of this manual, it refers to
120-volt AC (abbreviated 120 VAC).
AMP — Short for ampere, the electric current unit of measure. RV sites with electric hookup will specify the maxi-
mum amps supported, which generally come in units of 20, 30, or 50 amps. The RV power connector must match the
various plugs of the site amp rating.
ANODE ROD — An anode rod, when used in a water heater, attracts corrosion causing products in the water.
These products attack the anode rod instead of the metal tank itself. The anode rod should be inspected yearly
and changed when it is reduced to about 1/4 of its original size. The rods are used in steel water heater tanks — an
aluminum tank has an inner ayer of anode metal to accomplish the same thing. Anode rods should not be installed
in aluminum tanks!
AUXILIARY BATTERY — For purposes of this manual, the term refers to the 12-volt DC group 27 deep cycle
battery (customer purchased) that should be installed in your RV.
AWNING — A roof-like structure made of canvas or other artificial materials which extends from the RV body
to provide shade. Awnings are generally paced over entrances. Some extend and stow manually while others are
operated electrically.
BLACK WATER — Term associated with the sewage holding tank. The toilet drains directly into this tank.
BLUE BOY — Also known as a honey pot. Refers to a portable waste holding tank that has wheels on one end.
These tanks often are manufactured out of blue pastic, hence the nickname.
BOON DOCKING — Also known as dry camping. Camping without electrical and water hookups.
BREAKAWAY SWITCH — An electrical switch on trailers designed to engage the breaks in case the trailer breaks
away from the tow vehicle. The switch is connected by a cable to the tow vehicle. Breakaway is detected when the
switch cable is pulled out during vehicle separation.
BRAKE CONTROLLER — A device (customer supplied) mounted under the dash of a towing vehicle to control
the braking system of the RV. Most brake actuators are based on a time deay application; the longer the brakes are
applied tighter the trailer brakes react
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU) — Measurement of heat that is the quantity required to raise the temperature
of one pound of water 1°F. RV air-conditioners and furnaces are BTU-rated.
CAMBER (WHEEL ALIGNMENT) — The number of degrees each wheel is off of vertical. Looking from the front,
tops of wheels farther apart than bottoms means "positive camber". As the load pushes the front end down, or the
springs get weak, camber would go from positive to none to negative (bottoms of wheels farther apart than tops).
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
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