Caravanning is a fantastic way to explore and embrace the freedom of the open road. However, it comes with its own set of terms and jargon that can be confusing for both beginners and experienced travellers.

This A to Z guide will help you understand common caravan terms, making your trips easier and more enjoyable.

A

Awning

A shelter or extension that can be attached to the side of a caravan, providing additional living space and protection from the elements. It typically consists of a fabric or material stretched over a lightweight frame and is secured to the caravan.

Axle

A rod or spindle passing through the centre of the wheels, supporting the weight of the caravan and allowing the wheels to rotate.

A-frame

The A-frame is a crucial part of the caravan’s structure. It supports the weight of the caravan and provides a connection point for towing.

Annexe

Annexes act as an extension of your caravan and are completely enclosed – providing you with maximum privacy as well as weather protection.

Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)

Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the maximum allowable weight of a fully loaded trailer, as determined by the manufacturer. This includes not only the base weight of the caravan but also any accessories or options fitted by the manufacturer and any personal belongings, water, or other items loaded into the caravan before towing.

B

Battery

A power source that stores electricity to run lights, appliances, and other electrical devices in the caravan when not connected to an external power source.

Brake Controller

A device installed in the towing vehicle that controls the caravan’s electric brakes, ensuring safe stopping.

Breakaway System

A safety system that automatically applies the caravan’s brakes if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle.

C

Chassis

The base frame of the caravan to which the wheels and body are attached.

Converter

A device that converts alternating current (AC) from an external power source to direct current (DC) to power the caravan’s appliances and charge the battery.

Coupling

Coupling refers to the mechanism that connects the caravan to the tow vehicle, allowing them to be towed together. The coupling ensures a secure attachment between the caravan and the tow vehicle, allowing for safe and controlled towing.

Chassis number

Your chassis number is normally made up of letters and numbers and can be found towards the top of your A-frame.

Composite construction

Composite construction in caravans involves using a blend of lightweight materials like fibreglass and foam to create a strong and durable structure. This approach offers benefits such as improved fuel efficiency, resistance to moisture and rot, and enhanced insulation properties for greater comfort in varying climates.

Control panels

Panels of switches inside the caravan which control features such as mains power, 12v power, water pumps, water heaters and air conditioners/heaters.

D

Drawbar

The part of the caravan’s frame that extends forward to connect to the towing vehicle’s hitch.

Dual Axle

A caravan with two sets of wheels on each side, providing better stability and weight distribution.

F

Fresh Water Tank

A tank that holds clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing in the caravan.

G

Grey Water Tank

A tank that collects used water from the caravan’s sinks and showers.

Gas Bottle

A cylinder filled with propane or butane gas used to power the caravan’s stove, heater, and sometimes the fridge.

Gross Combination Mass (GCM)

Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is the total weight of both the vehicle and its caravan when fully loaded. In simpler terms, it represents the maximum weight that a towing vehicle and its attached caravan can have together without compromising safety and performance.

Gross Trailer Mass (GTM)

Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the maximum weight of a fully loaded trailer as determined by the manufacturer. It includes the weight supported by the trailer’s wheels, which is the total mass that can be safely carried by the trailer’s axle or axles. Unlike Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM), GTM does not include a portion of the weight carried by the Tow Ball.

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including its own mass. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, fuel, and any cargo.

H

Hitch

The part of the towing vehicle that connects to the caravan’s coupling, allowing it to be towed.

Hot Water System

A system that heats water for showers and washing, often using gas or electricity.

Hook-up

This refers to being “hooked up” to the mains electricity supply.

I

Inverter

A device that converts the caravan’s DC battery power to AC power to run standard household appliances.

Insulation

Material used in the caravan’s walls, roof, and floor to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.

J

Jack

A tool used to lift the caravan to change a tire or to level it when parked.

Jockey wheel

The jockey wheel holds up the front of the caravan when uncoupled from the towing vehicle. When your caravan is unhitched, jockey wheels keep it level and provide necessary stability when you’re loading.

L

Leisure Battery

A secondary battery that provides power for the caravan’s electrical systems when not connected to an external power source.

Levelling Blocks

Ramps or blocks used to level the caravan when parked on uneven ground.

M

Mains Hook-Up

A cable that connects the caravan to an external 240V electricity supply at campsites to power appliances and charge the battery.

P

Payload

Payload refers to the maximum weight capacity a vehicle can carry safely, including passengers, cargo and any additional loads. It is the difference between the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and its Tare Mass (empty weight). It represents the total weight of the items, goods or passengers that can be added into the vehicle without exceeding its designated weight limits.

S

Solar Panel

A panel that converts sunlight into electricity to charge the caravan’s battery and power appliances.

Stabiliser

A device that reduces the swaying motion of the caravan while being towed.

T

Toilet cassette

A removable container that collects waste from the caravan’s toilet, which can be emptied at designated disposal points.

Towing mirrors

Extended mirrors attached to the towing vehicle to provide a better view around the caravan while driving.

Towball

The ball-shaped part of the towing hitch that connects to the caravan’s coupling.

Tare

Tare refers to the weight of a vehicle when it is empty or unladen, without any load, passengers, or additional cargo. It serves as a baseline measurement for calculating payload capacity and ensuring that the vehicle is loaded within its specified weight limits.

Tow Ball Mass

Tow Ball Mass, also known as hitch weight, is the downward force exerted on the tow ball by the caravan or trailer when it is hitched to a tow vehicle. It’s an important factor in ensuring proper weight distribution for safe and stable towing conditions. It helps prevent issues such as swaying or fishtailing and contributes to overall towing performance and safety.

Trailer sway

Trailer sway, also known as fishtailing, refers to a dangerous motion of a caravan or trailer while being towed. This motion can cause the trailer to move from side to side, leading to instability and making it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle.

U

UHF Radio

An ultra-high frequency radio commonly used for caravanners for communications.

V

VIN number

The VIN is a unique 17-character serial number used to identify a vehicle.

W

Water Pump

A device that moves water from the caravan’s fresh water tank to the taps and shower.

Waste Water Tank

A tank that collects used water from the caravan’s sinks and shower, similar to a grey water tank.

Wheel Chocks

Wedges placed against the caravan’s wheels to prevent it from moving when parked.

Wheel Lock

A security device that immobilises the caravan’s wheel to prevent theft.

Water ingress

Refers to water infiltrating the body of a caravan.

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12v

12-volt systems are powered from an onboard battery. The 12v system runs everything that uses low wattage, allowing you to keep your lights on and still use your water pump.

240v

240 volt refers to a system or device that operates on a voltage of 240 volts. It is often used when the caravan is connected to a mains power supply at a caravan park or campground, allowing travellers to use appliances and devices designed for higher voltage like kitchen appliances and air conditioners.