Policies and Procedures

RVing has its own terminology and procedures. For instance, at home when you flush hopefully after that the sewer becomes someone else's issue. In an RV, the muck goes into a holding tank and remains there until you "dump".

There are actually several holding tanks on an RV. One is for fresh water so you can shower, wash, have cooking water and even drinking water.
The next holding tank is the grey eater tank - that is where the sink and shower water go. Finally, there is the black water tank where the toilet proceeds are maintained.

Outside the RV is a hose clamp that you can attach a sewer hose to and dump.

Campgrounds with a "full" hookup have water, sewer and electric services, otherwise you have just water and electric. Electric comes in the form of 30 amp service or 50 amp. Smaller RVs can get along with 30 amp but larger units that have more than one air conditioner use 50 amp service.

If you don't have any hookup you might use a generator. Kenny has one in the back of his pickup that can and has supplied all three units at lunches and for boon docking.

Campgrounds operate much like hotels. Many RVers keep a directory handy so they can call in a reservation ahead or you can just drop in and hope they have space for you. Since we are traveling with three RVs we have made a practice of having advanced reservations.

To keep your food cold while on the road RV refrigerators operate on both lp gas and electric. That way if you are not plugged in you can still keep your milk cold. Refrigerators and cupboards generally have extra latches on them to keep them from falling open while going down the road. Also TVs and other electronics are bolted down for the same reason.

Storage is cleverly crafted in an RV. Under the bed is often a storage area. Under the living spaces are storage areas in the motor homes and 5th wheels.

Each RV has special hitches designed for pulling. The 5th wheel has a special hitch that is mounted in the bed of the pickup that pulls it. The trailer hitch is mounted on the back of the pickup. Motorhomes have hitched installed so they can pull their cars along. (called their "tow").

Many RVs have "inverters" that allow you to convert battery power into electric.

Most modern RVs have "slides" that allow you to expand your RV. The slides allow you extra width and make the RV much more spacious and livable.

Other than that RV living is pretty much like home. Once you try it, it is hard to give it up.