RV Terms Glossary: Letter "A"

ADD-A-ROOM

A structure consisting of three walls that can be attached to an RV awning to create an additional room. They are sometimes available in hard-walled versions called "Florida rooms".

ADJUSTABLE BALL MOUNT

Allows the ball to be raised, lowered and tilted in small increments to allow fine tuning of the spring bar setup and to compensate for tow vehicle ”squat”, which occurs after the trailer coupler is lowered onto the ball.

French: Boule de remorquage amovible

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 only in steel water heater tanks.

French: Barre anode

ARCTIC PACKAGE

An RV that has been equipped with extra insulation and heat pads for holding tanks during winter time use.

French: Arctic forfait

AWNING

The canvas or aluminum shade which is mounted on an RV. They may be automatic, in which case the awning is installed on a spring-loaded roll-up, or they may be manually propped up by a pole.

French: Auvent

AWD

All-wheel drive.

French: Transmission intégrale

AWR

Axle Weight Rating

AXLE RATIO

The ratio between the pinion and ring gears in the differential that multiply the torque provided by the engine. It is the number of driveline revolutions required to turn the axle one time.

French: Rapport de pont