RV Terms Glossary: Letter "F"

FAN SWITCH

A normally open switch that closes at a preset temperature, causes the furnace to run for a short time after the thermostat opens, allowing the furnace to cool down.

FIFTH WHEEL

These trailers are equipped the same as a travel trailer, but are constructed with a raised forward section that allows a two-level floor plan. They are designed to be affixed and towed by a pickup equipped with a special hitch in the truck bed.

French: Caravane à sellette

FIFTH WHEEL HITCH

A class 5 hitch that mounts in the bed of pickup truck which uses a plate in the bed of the truck and a pin on the trailer.

French: Sellette d'attelage

FILON

Fiberglass sheeting used in RVs with fiberglass sidewall construction.

FINAL DRIVE RATIO

Same as Axle ratio.

French: Rapport de port

FIVER

Another name for a fifth-wheel RV.

FIXED TONGUE HITCH

A hitch with an integral ball platform (tongue) that cannot be removed.

FLORIDA ROOM

The enclosed room created when walls are added to an awning.

French:

FMCA

Family Motor Coach Association.

FOLDING CAMPING TRAILERS

A lightweight RV unit with sides, usually made of canvas, that collapse for towing and storage. They are also known as pop-up trailers. These are the smallest of the RVs that do not have an engine, and are easy to tow. The camping trailer combines the experience of tent camping with the comforts found in other RVs. When set up, they provide kitchen, dining and sleeping facilities for up to eight people.

French: Caravane pliante

FRAME

The part of a vehicle which all other parts attach to. Frame usually refers to a non-unibody chassis.

FRAME-MOUNT HITCH

Class II and higher hitches are designed to be bolted to the vehicle frame or cross members. This type of hitch may have a permanent ball-mount, or may have a square-tube receiver into which a removable hitch bar or shank is installed.

FRESH WATER TANK

One of two filling ports which feeds the fresh water system of the RV. One port has a hose connecting the RV to the water hookup; the other port is used as a funnel to fill the water tank for travelling.

French: Réservoir à eau

FULL HOOKUP

The ability to connect to all three of the campground’s facilities: electric, water and sewer.

FULL-TIMERS OR FULL-TIMUNG

The term used for people who live in their RV full time, or at least the vast majority of their time.

FURNACE IGNITION CONTROL BOARD

When powered, initiates gas valve opening and spark sequence which lasts approximately 7 seconds. Older models are 1 try, thermostat must be cycled off for at least 10 seconds before another ignition cycle is attempted. Newer boards are 3 try, will attempt to ignite 3 times at approximately 60 second intervals.

FWD

Front Wheel Drive.

French: Traction avant