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Glossary
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Select an RV term below for more detail.
AC Power 110-120 VoltsAC (alternating current) Power is the same power type used in your home (110 to 120 volts of 60 cycle/hertz alternating current). AC power for an RV is also referred to as Shore Power - a term also used in a Marine environment. In your RV, several items are powered exclusively from AC Power. Such as: - Air Conditioner
- Ceiling Fan
- Fireplace
- Microwave Oven
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Washer/Dryer
Anode RodFor Suburban brand water heaters:
Suburban water heaters feature an anode rod. The anode equalizes aggressive water action, providing cathodic protection for the tank. All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank. Under normal use, the anode rod will deteriorate. Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%. Water with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase the rate of deterioration. To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever the RV is not being used. Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in the tank.
Suburban website
BatteriesA 12 volt DC (direct current) battery is required for all coaches. Heartland supplies a battery with some coaches while the dealer supplies the battery for other coaches.
12 volt DC power us used in your coach for such things as lights, furnace fan, refrigerator control, vent fans, water pump, brakes etc.
When you are connected to shore power, the power converter in the coach supplies power to the 12 volts items in the coach and it charges your battery.
Black WaterBlack water is a term that describes the waste water/contents of the commode/toilet system. Black water should always be very carefully conveyed into a legitimate septic or sewage system.
CondensationCondensation is a result of warm moisture-laden air contacting cold window glass. Keeping a roof vent open helps to reduce the humidity levels. Using the roof vent fan when showering or the stove vent fan when cooking also helps prevent excess moisture buildup. ConverterAll Heartland coaches contain a Power Converter. The converter converts 110 volts AC power into 12 volts DC power. The DC power is routed to the DC fuse panel and supplies power to DC items such as lights, furnace fan, refrigerator control, vent fans, water pump, brakes etc.
The converter also charges your coach batteries.
DC Power 12 VoltsDC (direct current) Power is the same power type used in your car or truck, as produced by your alternator and stored in your vehicle\'s battery. In your RV, there are two sources of DC power. The Power Converter in your RV converts AC or Shore Power into 12 Volts DC power. This DC power is used to charge your RV battery and to power DC items in your RV. There are many items powered from DC
Power in your RV. Such as: - Brakes
- Furnace fan
- Lights
- Refrigerator control
- Vent fans
- Water pump
Door-Side (DS)The Door-Side (DS) of an RV typically describes the opposite side of the RV that has the primary entry door. On most RVs, this would be on the road side or in the context of your tow vehicle, the driver side. Dual Pane WindowsMost RVs come standard with Single Pane windows. Single Pane windows have a single sheet of framed glass. An upgrade on many RVs are Dual Pane windows. Dual Pane windows have 2 sheets of glass with a dead air-space between them. This dead air space slows the transfer of air temperature between the inside and outside of the RV. It also provides more effective acoustical barrier to the outside.
RVers that RV in extremely hot or cold climates will usually want to have Dual Pane windows for an extra measure of climate comfort. And many RVers enjoy the the ability to attenuate a noisy camping environment by closing their Dual Pane windows.
Emergency ExitMost Heartland coaches are equipped with two emergency exits. They are both large windows. The emergency exit windows have a special easy open RED handle that allows you to open then push out the window for a fast exit. Typically, the emergency exit windows will be in the bedroom and in the rear cap. It is important that you try each of these windows to ensure you know how and are capable of operating them in emergency mode.
Filon ExteriorLike Gelcoat, a Filon exterior uses glass fibers for strength and resins for the final finish. Unlike Gelcoat, Filon, upon close inspection will have visible fibers in the finish. Filon is considered to be an upgraded exterior from aluminum.
Full-ProfileFull-Profile is typically used to describe a certain style (taller in height) 5th wheel RV. A 5th wheel such as the Heartland Big Country or Bighorn are Full-Profile products. This, compared to the Heartland Sundance which is shorter in height and is a Mid-Profile product.
Gelcoat ExteriorLike Filon, a Gelcoat exterior uses glass fibers for strength and
resins for the final finish. Unlike Filon, Gelcoat is very smooth and will have little to no visible fibers in the finish. Gelcoat is considered
to be a premium exterior and an upgrade from Filon.
Gray WaterGray water is a term that describes the waste water/contents of the sink, shower and laundry systems. Gray water should always be very carefully conveyed into a legitimate septic or sewage system.
HeartlandTruly the most value packed RV's available in the market today. Hitch WeightIn the context of a 5th Wheel RV, this is the same as Pin Weight.
The amount of your RV’s weight that is resting on your tow vehicle’s hitch.
For a 5th Wheel RV, this is typically 20% to 25% of your overall RV weight with the remainder of your RV’s weight being borne by the RV axle(s).
InverterAn inverter is an electronic device that inverts DC power from a battery bank into AC power. This allows you to power AC items (eg. TV, Coffee Maker, Microwave etc.) in your RV without being using a Generator or being hooked up to Shore Power. Island KitchenA cabinet that is typically fixed to the floor in the kitchen of an RV. The cabinet is typically 18” to 24” out from the side wall cabinets near the centerline of the RV floor. Some islands are walk-around style while others may form a T or other shape and connect or return back to the side wall of the RV. The Island counter may contain a sink.
JacksMost RVs are equipped with jacks of various types. On travel trailers, there will be a front jack on the A-frame. Also on travel trailers may be front and rear stabilizer jacks. 5th wheel RVs will always have front jacks (legs) and in most cases, rear stabilizer jacks.
King PinThe King Pin is the pin under a 5th wheel pin box, on the RV. This pin slides into and is captured by the 5th wheel hitch in your tow vehicle.
LaminatedDescribes a process in which Heartland builds some of our floor, wall and roof systems. The process is generally described as follows: A sandwich (layers) of structural frame members, wood sheathing, insulation, moisture barriers and exterior coverings. These layers are adhesive-bonded (glued) under pressure (pinch-rolled) and/or heated and/or air-evacuated (vacuum-bonded) to form a floor, wall or roof system that has high structual integrity and performs well thermally. LP GasLiquified Petroleum Gas (LP-G), known as Propane is used in your RV as a fuel source. LP Gas is stored in metal cylinder tanks in outside accessible compartments. Items in the RV that use LP Gas as a fuel source may include: - Furnace
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Oven
- Water Heater
- Generator
Mid-ProfileMid-Profile is typically used to describe a certain style (shorter in height) 5th wheel RV. A 5th wheel such as the Heartland Sundance is a Mid-Profile product. This, compared to the Heartland Big Country or Bighorn which are taller and are full profile products. MSRPManufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. This is a price list created by a manufacturer and given to the dealer network as a suggested selling price.
Net Carrying Capacity (NCC)The Net Carrying Capacity (NCC) of an RV is the maximum weight of fuel, water, propane, supplies and passengers that can be added to an RV without exceeding the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Off-Door-Side (ODS)The Off-Door-Side (ODS) of an RV typically describes the side of the RV that has the primary entry door. On most RVs, this would be on the curb side or in the context of your tow vehicle, the passenger side.
PexCross-linked polyethylene, commonly abbreviated PEX or XLPE, is a form of polyethylene with cross-links. It is formed into tubing. In an RV application, it is used primarily for hot and cold potable water distribution within the RV.
Pin WeightIn the context of a 5th Wheel RV, this is the same as Hitch Weight.
The amount of your RV’s weight that is resting on your tow vehicle’s hitch. This is typically 20% to 25% of your overall RV weight with the remainder of your RV’s weight being borne by the RV axle(s).
RigRig is slang to describe an RV or the combination of an RV and its tow vehicle. RVRV is an acronym for Recreational Vehicle. RVDARVDA is an acronym for the Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association. RVDA represents the interests of U.S. RV retailers through education, member services, industry leadership and marketing. RVIARVIA is an acronym for the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. The national trade association represents more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs manufactured in the U.S.
Safety ChainsA set of chains that are attached to the A-frame of a “tow-behind” travel trailer and are connected to the tow vehicle while towing. Safety chains are intended to keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle in the event of hitch failure, preventing the trailer from complete separation. Safety Chains should be installed using an X-pattern (criss-crossed) so the coupler is held off the road in the event of a separation. Shore PowerAC power (electricity) that is provided to the RV by an external source other than the RV battery (eg. a campground power pedestal, an outdoor outlet at your home etc.).
Street SideSee Door Side (DS)
TV (1)Television. A display device used to present or display moving images in color with sound form sources such as ground-based over-the-air broadcast television networks, satellite-based television networks and storage devices such as VCRs (video cassette recorders), DVDs (digital versatile discs), DVRs (digital video recorders) etc.
TV (2)Tow Vehicle. A vehicle, usually a truck with it’s own power plant, used to pull (tow) an RV (eg. Travel Trailer, 5th Wheel RV etc.).
TW (Tongue Weight)Tongue Weight (TW) isthe amount of weight borne by a “tow-behind” hitch when the trailer is attached. In the context of a travel trailer, this may also be referred to as \"hitch weight\". Tongue weight for a travel trailer is typically 10% - 15% of your overall RV weight with the remainder of your RV’s weight being borne by the RV axle(s).
UDCUniversal Docking Center (UDC). A centralized, enclosed area that is recessed into the off-door-side sidewall that contains most of the hookups used for RVing as well as the holding tank dump valve handles.
UnderbellyThe area under the floor of the RV and above the axles. In Heartland products, this area is enclosed, insulated and heated.
UVWUnloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) or Dry Weight is the weight of the RV without the weight of fuel, water, propane, supplies and passengers. The UVW also not include any dealer-added options, accessories or supplies.
Vacuum BreakerAn anti-siphon device that prevents the backflow of contaminated water into the water supply system. In an RV water system, these may be installed or built-into items such as the commode, the shower, the black tank flusher etc.
Vent StackThe upper portion of the soil stack above the topmost fixture through which gases and odors escape. In an RV, Vent Stacks are used for the holding tanks as well.
Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH)A Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) (also be referred to as an \"equalizing\" hitch) will tyically utilize spring bars between the hitch and the trailer’s A-frame, placed under tension to distribute a portion of the trailer\'s hitch weight to the tow vehicle\'s front axle and the trailer\'s axles.
FAQ's
Q: Water Heater - Not working on AC Power
A: If your Water Heater is not heating water when you are trying to use it on AC Power, check the following items:
- That your water heater actually has the electric power option
- That you have water in the tank (water is coming out of the hot water tap) - critical!
- That you have flipped the Hot Water Heater power switch ON, "inside" the RV. This is usually a residential style wall switch
- That you have removed the tiny cotter pin from and switched ON a small rocker switch on the "outside" of the water heater behind the removable panel on the side of the RV.
Q: Water Heater - Not working on LP Gas
A: If your Water Heater is not heating water when you are trying to use it on LP Gas, check the following items: - That you have gas in your LP Gas tanks
- That the valves are in the fully open position on all LP Gas tanks
- That you have water in the tank (water is coming out of the hot water tap) - critical!
- That you have switched ON, the red lighted switch on the white Monitor Panel that is marked Water Heater
- That you have given the water heater sufficient time (at least 15 minutes) for it to begin to heat and warm the water
- That you have check all outside showers and spray ports that have both hot and cold faucets that both faucets are fully closed
- That you have the water heater Bypass valves in the NOT bypassed position
Q: Television - Not getting reception using TV antenna
A: - Ensure that the antenna is deployed:
For roof-mounted TV antennas, in order to receive the strongest, most
usable signal on as many channels as possible, you will need to extend
and possibly rotate the antenna. Find the antenna crank and rotation
wheel. It will be mounted to the ceiling of your RV. Using the crank
handle, fully crank up (elevate) your antenna. Then, using the
rotation wheel, grasp it with your hand, pull it downward slightly and
rotate the handle to turn the antenna into the direction of the
location of the transmitting tower(s) of the TV stations you are trying
to pickup. A trial and error method may have to be used in terms of
antenna rotation and therefore direction in order to optimize your
received signal vs. the channels you want to pickup.
- Ensure that power is on to the antenna booster:
Most Heartland RVs use a roof-mounted crank-up style (bat-wing) TV
antenna. Most of these antennas connect to a 12 volt DC powered
"Signal Booster" (amplifier). These boosters are usually built onto
the back of a TV wall-plate. Usually in an area near the antenna. The
power supply for this booster must be turned on before a usable signal
will be available for use. On most classic (2005-2007) Landmarks,
there is a Winegard RF switcher in the coat closet. On the left side
of that switcher is a Power button. Switch that button ON to send 12
volts DC to the booster. On later model Landmarks and most other
Heartland brands, the power supply is built into the same wall-plate as
the booster. The power switch will be a thin red push button. Press
that button and a red power light will illuminate on the wall-plate
indicating that the power is ON.
- Setup your TV tuner to find and lock in area channels:
Today's television sets with electronic tuning (analog or digital broadcast) require that you seek/find and lock in the available local TV stations, each time you setup your RV at a new location as available channels will be different by area. Fortunately, these televisions will do most of this work for you. You will only need to put your set into the right mode. Do this by accessing the Menu on the TV set. Navigate to the TV Tuner section of the Menu and then set the tuner to AIR or OFF-AIR or OVER-THE-AIR. Do NOT set it to CABLE in order to use it for antenna channels. Then, usually in that same menu area, put your set into AUTO-SCAN mode so it will find and lock in all available antenna channels. Note: Only perform this step after steps 1 and 2 are complete.
Q: Washing Machine - How do I winterize it?
A: If you have the Splendide brand clothes washing machine, below are the steps required to winterize your unit.
Winterization
How To: If needed, follow these steps to winterize your washer-dryer.
- With the machine power OFF, pour ½ quart of RV-type antifreeze into the washer drum
- Close the door. Advance the Program Selector knob to a SPIN position
- Press ON/OFF Button (IN). Wait 1-2 minutes
- Press ON/OFF Button (OUT). Unplug the washer-dryer from the electrical outlet (or disconnect power)
- Turn the water supply faucets OFF. Disconnect the inlet hoses from the
faucets. Drain any remaining water from the hoses. Finished!
Optional RV Winterization: If you’re currently pumping antifreeze through the fresh water system, follow these steps to winterize:
- With the machine power OFF, turn the WASH TEMP knob to HOT
- Advance the Program Selector knob to REGULAR in Cotton Heavy Duty
- Press the ON/OFF button (IN) and let the machine fill until antifreeze is in the drum
- Advance Program Selector to a RESET. Wait 5 seconds (Status/Door Lock LED will blink)
- Advance Program Selector to a SPIN position. Let the antifreeze drain from the drum
- Advance Program Selector to RESET. Wait 5 seconds (Status/Door Lock LED will blink)
- Turn the WASH TEMP knob to COLD
- Advance the Program Selector knob to REGULAR in Cotton Heavy Duty
- Let the machine fill until you see antifreeze in the drum
- Advance the Program Selector knob to RESET. Wait 5 seconds (Status/Door Lock LED will blink)
- Advance the Program Selector knob to SPIN. Let the antifreeze drain from the drum
- Press the ON/OFF button (OUT). Finished!
To use again: Flush the water pipes, then
- Reconnect the water inlet hoses to the corresponding HOT/COLD faucets.
Turn the faucets ON. (NOTE: Check the water inlet hoses and pump
periodically. Refer to the “Use & Care Guide” that came with the
machine)
- Plug the washer-dryer into an appropriate electrical outlet (or reconnect power supply)
- With the ON/OFF button in the off (OUT) position, pour 1/2 TBSP. of
powder detergent (or liquid equiv.) into the ‘Detergent’ compartment
inside the Dispenser Drawer
- Advance the Program Selector knob to an EXPRESS cycle
- Press the ON/OFF button (IN) and allow the machine to run through the
complete cycle to clean out any remaining antifreeze. Finished!
Splendide Website
Q: Water Heater - How do I winterize it?
A: For the Suburban brand water heaters:
- If your water heater plumbing system is equipped
with a bypass kit, use it to close off the water heater.
- *Drain the
water heater completely and leave it closed off (out of the system) in
the bypass position, particularly if you are introducing **antifreeze
into the plumbing system.
Notes:
* See FAQ: Water Heater - How do I drain it?
** Antifreeze can be very corrosive to the anode
rod. The result will be accelerated deterioration of the rod and heavy
sediment in the tank. If the plumbing system is not equipped with a
bypass kit and you intend to winterize by adding antifreeze into the
system, remove the anode rod (storing it for the winter) and replace it
with a 3/4" drain plug.
Suburban website
Q: Water Heater - How do I drain it?
A: For Suburban brand water heaters:
If the RV is to be stored during winter months, the water heater must be drained to prevent damage from freezing.
- Turn off electrical power to the water heater either at the switch from the electric element or a breaker.
- Shut off the gas supply to the water heater.
- Turn off the pressure pump on the water system.
- Open both hot and cold water faucets.
- Remove the anode rod from the tank (see FAQ: Water Heater - How do I replace the anode rod). The water in the heater will drain from the anode rod hole.
- Continue to drain and winterize the balance of the coach's water system.
Suburban website
Q: Water Heater - What is the anode rod and when/how do I replace it?
A: For Suburban brand water heaters:
What is it?
Only Suburban water heaters feature an anode rod.
The anode equalizes aggressive water action, providing cathodic
protection for the tank. All
Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode
to prolong the life of the tank.
When should I remove it?
It is a very important factor in tank life and
should only be removed for inspection, draining or replacement.
How do I remove it?
It is
removable using a 1-1/16" socket.
When should I replace it?
Under
normal use, the anode rod will
deteriorate. Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or
when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%. Water
with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase the rate of
deterioration. To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever
the
RV is not being used. Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in
the tank. When replacing it, clean the inside threads
on anode rod hole in the water heater. Wrap the threads of the new
anode rod with Teflon tape. Insert and tighten to about 8 foot pounds
of torque.
Suburban website
Q: Refrigerator Ice Maker - How do I winterize it?
A: For the Dometic brand ice maker
Excerpted from Dometic REFRIGERATOR BULLETIN R69/2C JANUARY 2002 DON'T FORGET TO WINTERIZE YOUR ICE MAKER
WINTER OPERATION
Your refrigerator is equipped with a heater tape wrapped around the water solenoid valve and outlet water tube. During cold weather operation below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) the automatic temperature switch will turn the heater tape "ON" automatically. If the recreational vehicle is in storage and the DC power is turned "OFF" there will be no 12V DC present to operate the heat tape; therefore, it will be necessary to drain the ice maker. If temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C) the ice maker must be drained to prevent component damage and leaks.
HOW TO DRAIN THE ICE MAKER
Note: Water, compressed air and AC power are required to drain the ice maker. Draining of the ice maker must be done by a qualified service technician.
- If the RV will not be in use for an extended period of time or put into storage, the ice maker should be drained and dried. This will prevent water from freezing in the solenoid valve or becoming stale and producing bad tasting ice.
- Close the shutoff valve in the water supply line to the ice maker. See figure 1.
- Place a shallow pan under the water solenoid valve.
- The inlet fitting should be removed from the water solenoid valve. Drain water from the supply line. See figure 1.
- Remove the plastic nut and water line from the outlet side of the water solenoid valve. DO NOT LOSE METAL INSERT FROM PLASTIC WATER LINE! Drain water from line. See figure 1.
- *Connect compressed air onto the inlet fitting of the water solenoid valve. See figure 1. Apply AC power to the solenoid valve by forcing the ice maker mold assembly through several harvest cycles. Remove the plastic cover from the mold assembly. The bail arm must be in the down ("ON") position. Start the harvest cycle with a flat blade screw driver inserted into the center of the small gear. Turn the gear counterclockwise, when the hold switch closes, the mold assembly will continue to operate through the harvest cycle. See figure 2. During the water fill sequence of the harvest cycle the compressed air will blow out the water trapped in the solenoid valve. Repeat the harvest cycle operation several times.
- Reconnect the inlet and outlet water lines on the water solenoid valve. Metal insert MUST be installed in plastic water line going to outlet side of water solenoid. Leave the water supply turned off. See figure 1.
- Dry out the ice maker mold assembly with a soft cloth. Place bail arm in the "UP/OFF" position.
*Note: Up to 20 PSIG air pressure can be used to clear the solenoid valve. AC power can be applied to the solenoid valve for a maximum of 20 seconds.
 
Q: Covers (RV) – Should I cover my RV in the winter?
A: Storing your RV under a roof-type cover or within a building when the RV will not be used for an extended periord of time is always a good idea when this option is available to you.
When you must store your RV outdoors during periods of non-use, you also have the option of using a temporary cover that is draped over the RV, then fastened onto the RV tightly. Many of these covers have a Dupont Tyvek® top or roof panel and Polypropylene side panels.
Many RV owners prefer to cover their RVs with the drape-over style covers to protect the surfaces and finish from UV breakdown, dirt, leaves, birds and other airborne contaminants. On the other-hand, many RV owners feel that to cover an RV with the drape-over style covers may lead to chafing and that chafing can lead to rubbing of paint, decals and other finishes. This camp prefers the trade-off of the effects of a cover that may rub off their finishes to the need to work harder to restore the finish of an RV that is exposed to the elements during the period of non-use.
Q: Water Lines – To prepare for winter storage, do I need to winterize them and if so, how should I do it?
A: If you are planning to “store” your RV where the RV will be exposed to temperatures of 32 degrees or lower for a period greater than a few hours, you will need to winterize your RV.
While the PEX water lines used in most modern RVs can withstand freezing temperatures with water in them, the connectors, faucets, showers, pumps, solenoids and other items connected to the water system will generally not tolerate frrezing with water in them.
Methods: Three methods are generally used to winterize an RV’s water system.
1. Compressed Air:
Using a blow-out adapter plug at your city water connection on the RV, connecting compressed air at low pressure (15-20 PSI), then opening each water faucet one at a time and allowing all the water to be blown out – is one method. There are many more steps to this method. See a detailed process below.
2. RV Antifreeze:
Using your RV’s water-pump to suck RV Antifreeze and into your water system, then opening each water faucet one at a time allowing the water to be pushed out until antifreeze comes out – is another method. There are many more steps to this method. See a detailed process below.
3. Hybrid – Compressed Air / RV Antifreeze
A hybridized method using a combination of the Compressed Air process and the RV Antifreeze process is the ultimate method.
In climates where winter is mild with only a couple freeze events per season, the Compressed Air method is often used. In climates where winter is any harsher, the RV Antifreeze method is vital. To be doubly sure – the hybrid method may be used.
Detailed Process – Compressed Air Method
Process to be added soon...
Detailed Process – RV Antifreeze Method
Process to be added soon...
Detailed Process – Hybrid Method
Follow the entire detailed process for the Compressed Air method. Then follow the entire detailed process for the RV Antifreeze method.
Select a question from the left for more detail.
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