Caravan Terminology - Guide For Buyers

A Frame - Here is the triangular frame that is at the front end end of the caravan. It is almost always covered by a piece of moulded plastic. In addition, it houses the handbrake and the electrical leads.

ABS - Most caravans are actually built using ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) since it is light, shiny and repairable.

Aquaroll - A roll-along container for fresh water which connects to your caravan water inlet utilizing a submersible pump.

Awning - Similar to a three-sided tent which attaches to your caravan through the awning rail, on the side of the caravan. Awnings range from the full awning, which runs the complete amount of the caravan, to a porch awning which fits over the caravan door.

Awning Rail - The rail on which the awning threads into which runs across the sides and the surface of the caravan.

Berths - The quantity of people the caravan will sleep.

Breakaway Cable - A steel cable that is permanently fixed to the low end of the handbrake lever with a clip on the other end which attaches to your towbar. This cable would apply the caravan brakes if, for instance, the caravan became unattached from the car.

Butane Gas - The gas sold in blue cylinders. It burns at a slightly slower rate so it is a more efficient heat provider, which usually makes it the most well-liked choice of Caravanners. It cannot be used in freezing temperatures and is heavier than propane. If you switch from propane to butane you will have to switch regulators.

CaSSOA - Caravan Storage Site Owners Association - using a CaSSOA recognised site will most likely get you discounts on your own caravan insurance policy.

Corner Steadies - The legs which wind down from the corners of the caravan which ensure the stability of the caravan when pitched.

Coupling Head - Generally known as the "hitch" - the area of the caravan which couples to the towball on your car and locks on.

CRIS - Means "Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme" and may be the national sign up for touring caravans in the united kingdom.

Delamination - Once the adhesive bonding the caravan floor layers become unstuck, allowing the floor layers to start to creak and be spongy.

Full Service Pitch - A pitch which includes water and electricity supply, as well as a link with the waste system. You may also have a direct TV aerial connection. Can be referred to as a multi-service pitch.
Get more info - The main caravan, usually bunks which fold up when not used, that opens from the exterior so that you can put in large items for storage, e.g. bikes.

Gross Train Weight - The combined maximum allowable weight of the loaded caravan and car, which the law states should not be exceeded.

GRP - Glass Reinforced Plastic used for the construction of the caravan panels (not applied to newer caravans).

Hitch Head Stabiliser - Functions by applying friction to the tow ball, therefore stabilising the caravan.

Hitch Lock - The hitch lock is a metal lock which fits over the caravan coupling head, therefore avoiding the caravan from being stolen. This is essential to most plans.

Hook-Up Lead - The lead which connects the caravan to the site mains electrical supply.

Jockey Wheel - The small wheel at the front of the caravan 'A' frame which you can use for maneuvering the caravan and which supports leading end.

Maximum Towing Weight - The utmost weight that the maker will allow the car to tow under any circumstances and which must NEVER be exceeded.

MIRO - Stands for "Mass in Running Order" - This is actually the weight of the caravan when equipped to the manufacturer's standard specification (before being loaded with all your equipment).

MTPLM - "Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass" - This is the manufacturer's top limit for what a caravan can weigh when it's fully loaded with all of your caravanning gear.

Motor Mover - A power device that is fixed to the caravan which allows the caravan to be moved you should definitely hitched up. It runs on the remote control to move the caravan and works utilizing the caravan battery.

Noseweight - The most of downward force which the car manufacturer will allow to be exerted on the towball.

Outfit - The automobile and caravan are known together being an "outfit".

Roof Light - A window in the roof which may be opened.

Single Axle - A caravan with just one single group of wheels, usually a smaller caravan.

Stabiliser - A stabiliser keeps the caravan stable when being towed. It uses friction to damp down movement around the tow ball and can help to correct any excess movement. Usually do not rely on a stabiliser alone to keep the caravan stable - you need to still load the caravan correctly and keep carefully the caravan tyres in good condition.

Steady Locks - These lock the caravan steadies (legs) in the down position, which makes it difficult to tow the caravan away.

Supermule - A safety device which is wound down from the caravan's floor if you are parked which will prevent the caravan being towed away, because the more the caravan is pulled the more the Supermule digs in to the ground.

Twin Axle - A caravan that has two sets of wheels.

User Payload - The full total weight of the accessories it is possible to carry in the caravan.

Wastemaster (or Waste Carrier) - A container with wheels which holds your waste water until you have to empty it at something point on site. It connects to your caravan's waste water outlet, and can slide under your caravan.

Wheel clamps - They fit round the caravan tyres and wheels to avoid the wheel rotating, which therefore prevents the caravan being stolen.