Activity

A Frame – It is the triangular frame that is at the front end end of the caravan. It is usually covered by a bit 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, located on the side of the caravan. Awnings range between the full awning, which runs the complete amount of the caravan, to a porch awning which fits on the caravan door.

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

Berths – The number of people the caravan will sleep.

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

Butane Gas – The gas sold in blue cylinders. It burns at a slightly slower rate so it’s a far more efficient heat provider, which often 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 – utilizing 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 UK.

Delamination – Once the adhesive bonding the caravan floor layers become unstuck, allowing the ground layers to start out to creak and become spongy.

Full Service Pitch – A pitch which includes water and electricity supply, as well as a link with the waste system. You may even have a direct TV aerial connection. Can also be referred to as a multi-service pitch.

Garage – Part of the caravan, usually bunks which fold up you should definitely in use, that opens from the outside so as to devote 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 shouldn’t be exceeded.

GRP – Glass Reinforced Plastic useful for the construction of the caravan panels (not used on newer caravans).

Hitch Head Stabiliser – Works by applying friction to the tow ball, therefore stabilising the caravan.

Hitch Lock – The hitch lock is a metal lock which fits on the caravan coupling head, therefore avoiding the caravan from being stolen. That 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 used for maneuvering the caravan and which supports leading end.

Maximum Towing Weight – The maximum weight that the maker will allow the automobile to tow under any circumstances and which must NEVER be exceeded.

MIRO – Means “Mass in Running Order” – This is actually the weight of the caravan when equipped to the manufacturer’s standard specification (before being packed with all your equipment).

MTPLM – “Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass” – This can be the manufacturer’s top limit for just what a caravan can weigh when it’s fully loaded with all your caravanning gear.

Motor Mover – A power device which is fixed to the caravan which allows the caravan to be moved when not hitched up. It runs on the remote control to go the caravan and works using the caravan battery.

Noseweight – The maximum amount of downward force that your car manufacturer allows to be exerted on the towball.

Outfit – The car and caravan are known together as an “outfit”.

Roof Light – A window in the roof which can be opened.

Single Axle – A caravan with just one single group of wheels, usually an inferior caravan.

Stabiliser – A stabiliser helps to keep the caravan stable when being towed. It uses friction to damp down movement around the tow ball and can help correct any excess movement. Usually do not depend on Sited Caravans High Casterton to help keep the caravan stable – you must still load the caravan correctly and keep carefully the caravan tyres in good shape.

Steady Locks – These lock the caravan steadies (legs) in the down position, that 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 avoid the caravan being towed away, as 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 need to empty it at a service point on site. It connects to your caravan’s waste water outlet, and can slide under your caravan.

Wheel clamps – They fit around the caravan tyres and wheels to prevent the wheel rotating, which therefore prevents the caravan being stolen.