Equipped with all amenities found in a home, recreational vehicles (RV) are great way to see the world! No wonder, more than nine million US households now own an RV. Many of them in fact keep swapping their vehicles for newer and better models. If you, too, are lured by that brand new, gorgeous rig sitting pretty in the showroom, first make a space for the pretty lady, which means you will have to sell off the existing one. If you do not have a clue about how to sell an RV, we have a useful tip for you – go brush up on some RV glossary.

How does being conversant with the RV glossary help? Well, while you may have had a great stint vacationing in your RV, you may not be aware of all the technicalities pertaining to a home on wheels. However, when you are out there intending to sell your used vehicle, do not assume that the buyer is uninformed about such details, too. Buyers may question you on specific aspects and terms concerning your RV. Familiarity with common RV terms will be your face-saver on such occasions. A little research will enable you to highlight the best technical features of your rig, and also answer any question that the buyer puts forth. Here are a few common RV features you must take note of on the run up to a sale:

Awning

A roll-out awning is attached to the side where the door lies in majority of the RV models. They should be about 75 percent of the length of your RV. Awnings can be operated manually or electrically.

Battery Disconnect

Motor homes are equipped with two disconnect systems —one for the house batteries (the 12 volt DC batteries dedicated to operating lights, appliances, etc, within the living) and one for the engine batteries. When you turn off one of the ‘disconnects’, there will be no power supply to the other circuit as well. Battery disconnect switches not only ensure safety, but also help prevent theft.

Blackwater Tank

This tank collects blackwater. When the tank reaches its full capacity, the sewer hose from the tank is to be connected to a suitable sewer connection at a camp site or a dump station. The dirty water in the tanks must be emptied all at once, followed always by the gray water.

Blackwater Tank Flush

These systems help flush solids from the holding tank at a dump site. It is used in conjunction with a back-flow preventer on the end of the hose to prevent sewage from getting mixed with the potable water system.

Slide-out

This part of the RV can be expanded outwards from the side of the rig, thereby adding to the interior space. Larger motor homes can have as many as three slide-outs: one in the kitchen, one in the living room and one in the bedroom.

Slide-topper

Some RVs come equipped with fixed awning, which pops up on top of a slide-out, every time you expand it. The idea is to prevent dry leaves and snow from accumulating on the roof of the expanded room.

Solar Photovoltaic Panel

Mounted on the roof of the RV, these 24x36 inches solar cells can produce approximately 100 to 120 watts power, which can be used to charge the RV’s house batteries, when it is not hooked up to a campsite power station or in the absence of a generator.

Tag Axle

Larger motor homes are equipped with two rear axles – a drive axle and a weight-bearing, tag axle. The presence of a tag axle indicates that the rig is equipped with an array of expensive features such as solid wood cabinetry and stone floors.

Winterization of RV

It refers to those maintenance measures that have been taken to protect RV's water system from damage during winter months. Some newer models are equipped with automatic winterization systems. You have to do it manually for RVs that lack this feature. Manual process involves flushing out all water from the hoses and tanks using compressed air pressure and adding non-toxic antifreeze to the system.

RV sales can be a simple process, if you are aware of the technical details of your rig. The RV glossary can be the ultimate answer to many questions, including how to sell an RV? Now that you have brushed up on major aspects and terms of RV, you will be able to face prospective buyers with confidence.