In this section we provide definitions for some of the caravan-specific terminology you may encounter on this website.
Click on the letters below to jump straight to the section you need:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
A-Class - A type of motor caravan, where both the cab and habitation area bodywork are integrated, and have been constructed by the converter, not by the base vehicle manufacturer.
A-Frame - The triangular part at the front of a caravan's chassis, in between the main body and the hitch. Usually covered by a moulded fairing on modern caravans. Usually the location for the gas bottle locker. Can also be used to describe a separate framework used to enable a small car to be towed behind a motor caravan. Note that this practice is widely considered to be illegal both in the UK and in Europe.
ABS - May refer to the 'anti-lock braking system' on motor vehicles, but can also mean 'acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene', which is a type of plastic sometimes used for exterior body panels on caravans and motor caravans.
Actual Laden Weight - The total weight of the caravan or motor caravan and its contents when being towed. A very difficult figure to estimate, the only reliable way to determine this is on a weighbridge.
ALW - Abbreviation of 'actual laden weight' as above.
Approved Workshop - A caravan or motor caravan service agent and repairer who has been assessed and approved under the terms of the Approved Workshop Scheme, a joint venture administered by The Caravan Club, the Camping and Caravanning Club and the National Caravan Council.
Aquaroll - A proprietary design of fresh water container. Basically a barrel with a handle to allow it to be pulled along the ground, rather than needing to be carried. Often used as a generic term for such devices.
Auxiliary Battery - See Leisure Battery.
Awning - A tent-like structure of fabric over a supporting framework, which can be attached to the side of a caravan or motor caravan. Provides shade, as well as additional living, sleeping or storage space. Caravan awnings may be full length or less commonly 'porch' (i.e. covering only the area surrounding the door) and are not free-standing. Motor caravan awnings are usually either retractable into a container attached permanently to the side of the vehicle (rather like a large roller blind) or are free-standing (like a tent) to allow the vehicle to leave the awning on site while out for the day.
Awning Carpet - A term used to describe the groundsheet in an awning – usually referring to those which are porous, and hence less damaging to the underlying grass.
Awning Channel - See awning rail.
Awning Length - The dimension which determines the size of awning required to fit a particular caravan. Usually stated as the total length of the roof and the sides, as measured around the awning rail, and not simply the horizontal length of the structure.
Awning Rail - The slot around the periphery of the caravan side into which the awning is threaded to provide its main attachment to the body.
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B
B + E Driving Licence - The category of driving licence required to tow large caravan outfits.
Ball-acting Stabiliser - See hitch head stabiliser.
Base Vehicle - The vehicle used as the platform on which a motor caravan is built (usually a panel van or chassis cab truck).
Battery Charger - Required to keep a leisure battery charged. Most caravans and motor caravans include a charging facility which operates from via the mains hook-up, and also have the ability to recharge from the motor caravan's or towcar's alternator while travelling. Less commonly, solar panels, portable generators or even small windmills are used to provide power for recharging.
Berth - A sleeping place. Usually used in the context of 'number of berths' e.g. 'this is a four berth caravan' means a caravan which provides sleeping accommodation for 4 people.
Blade-type Stabiliser - See leaf spring stabiliser.
Blown Air Heating - A type of heating found on more recent caravans and motor caravans. Warm air is circulated through ducting to all parts of the habitation area by a fan.
Brake Horse Power - The actual or useful horsepower of an engine, usually determined from the force exerted on a friction brake or dynamometer connected to the drive shaft. In practice, an engine with more BHP will generally mean a better towcar, or a more enjoyable-to-drive motor caravan, albeit at the expense of greater fuel consumption.
Braked Towing Limit - See manufacturer's braked towing limit.
Breakaway Cable - The type of secondary coupling usually found on caravans. This is a thin steel cable which links the caravan handbrake to the tow bar. In the event of the caravan becoming detached for the car, this cable will operate the caravan handbrake before the cable breaks, thus bringing the caravan to a rapid halt. Both the fitment and use of this device is a legal requirement on modern braked trailers.
Bunk - A sleeping place, usually higher up than a conventional bed. Often (but not always) this can be folded or removed to provide additional living space.
Butane - A type of liquefied petroleum gas commonly used in caravans and motor caravans. Usually stored in blue gas cylinders.
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C
Camper Van - See Motor Caravan.
Caravan - A trailer for living in! Must meet the requirements for construction and use of road vehicles, so that it can legally be towed on public roads. Also known as touring caravan, trailer caravan, tourer or 'van. Since The Caravan Club includes members with motor caravans and trailer tents as well, we often tend to use 'caravan' as a general term for all these categories of vehicle.
Caravan Club - We are Europe's premier club for touring caravanners, motor caravanners and trailer tenters. We offer an unrivalled range of services to over 800,000 caravanners, and Caravan Club Sites make up the largest private sites network in the UK.
Caravan Club Magazine - The largest circulating caravanning magazine in the UK, supplied to every Caravan Club member free as part of their Membership each month.
Caravan Club Site - Over 200 high quality places to stay, in a wide variety of locations all over the UK.
Caravan Holiday Home - A form of caravan which is transportable, but which does not meet the requirements for construction and use of road vehicles, and which cannot therefore be towed on public roads. Usually rather bigger than a touring caravan, and intended for seasonal or long-term accommodation. Also known as static caravan or mobile home. These caravans are outside of the scope of activities of The Caravan Club. Contact instead the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (Opens in a new window).
Caravanning - When we talk about caravanning, we usually mean the activity associated with a touring holiday, although the vehicle you stay in could be a motor caravan or trailer tent, and not just a touring caravan. We don't generally mean holidays based in static caravans, nor tent camping.
Carver - Manufacturer of very commonly-used water heaters and space heaters until their takeover by Truma in 1999. Their name is therefore often used as a generic term for heating appliances.
Cassette Blind - A roller blind which is fitted as part of the window assembly, often along with a flyscreen, thus giving a neat installation.
Cassette Toilet - A form of chemical toilet where the waste holding tank can be accessed from outside the caravan, and can be removed for emptying without having to transport the whole toilet to the emptying point. The most popular form of toilet on modern caravans.
Certificated Location - The Caravan Club has the right to grant a certificate to small, privately-owned caravan sites to licence them for use exclusively by Club members. These are low-cost, often (but not always) lower facilities than regular Club Sites, and are limited to a maximum of 5 caravans at any one time. Many have a very informal atmosphere, perhaps being located in the grounds of a farm, pub, country house or even a castle!
Chassis - The structural frame on top of which the habitation area of a caravan or motor caravan is built.
Chassis Cab - A common type of base vehicle on which a motor caravan may be built. The vehicle manufacturer builds a complete, driveable chassis with enclosed cab area, but no bodywork behind the cab. The converter then adds a habitation area to this.
Chemical Toilet - A self-contained toilet, where the waste material is held in a sealed tank for periodic emptying. Special chemical fluid added to the tank helps to break down the waste, and keeps the system free of unpleasant odours. Modern examples are far more acceptable to use than the infamous 'bucket-and-chuck-it' systems of years past….
CL - Abbreviation of Certificated Location.
Coachbuilt - When referring to caravans, coachbuilt usually indicates the form of body manufacture which preceded the adoption of sandwich construction – i.e. the body panels are made up of wooden frames, faced with aluminium or plastic (exterior) and wood (interior) panels, with the void between the two packed with insulation material. For motor caravans, coachbuilt tends to indicate any form of construction (i.e. coachbuilt as above, or sandwich), where the habitation area is built onto a chassis cab.
Combined Weight - See gross train weight.
Construction and Use - The law which determines how road vehicles (including caravans, motor caravans, trailer tents etc) must be built in order to be legal for use on our roads is largely determined by 'The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986' and the many subsequent amendments to that document. See also Lighting Regulations.
Converter - The manufacturer who constructs a motor caravan from a base vehicle.
Corner Steady - The jack built into the corner of a caravan, which is used to stabilise the body of the vehicle once you're set up on a pitch. This helps the structure withstand the weight of people moving around inside, and helps prevent it rocking in the wind.
Coupling Head - See hitch.
CRiS - The Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme. A voluntary scheme which registers caravans in a similar manner to how motor vehicles are registered. Allows you to check the legitimate right to ownership of the seller of a secondhand caravan, and helps in the recovery of stolen caravans. A similar scheme called MINDER operates for motor caravans.
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D
Damp - See water ingress.
Damp Meter - A device which measures the moisture content of materials, and thus allows leaks to be detected.
Delamination - The separation of the bonded layers of material making up a sandwich construction panel, usually due to poor binding during manufacture, or as a result of water ingress.
Design & Drive - A competition for new motor caravan models, held annually by The Caravan Club. Results are published in The Caravan Club Magazine, and are reproduced on this website.
Dinette - A seating area consisting of a pair (or more) of facing seats, with a (usually removable) table in between. Usually convertible to a bed at night.
Drinking Water - Fresh water for drinking and washing etc is stored in an internal tank or external container. Most touring caravans use external containers (usually an Aquaroll), while most motor caravans use internal tanks, although there are exceptions to this.
Driving Licence - A full car licence is normally all that is required to drive a motor caravan or to tow a caravan. Certain restrictions apply to those drivers who have received licences since 1 January 1997, however.
Drop Plate - A fixture which allows the height of tow ball to be lowered to improve compatibility with the caravan hitch height.
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E
Earth leakage circuit breaker - See residual current device.
ELCB - Earth leakage circuit breaker as above (residual current device).
Elevating Roof - A feature of some smaller motor caravans and pop-top caravans. Provides greater headroom when on site, but gives a lower profile to the roof when travelling, thus improving fuel economy, access to parking, and ease of storage.
Essential Habitation Equipment - Those items and fluids required for the safe and proper functioning of the equipment for habitation as defined by the manufacturer of the caravan or motor caravan. This includes items such as the leisure battery and gas cylinders, plus water contained in the water heater etc.
European Norm - A standard controlling the design and construction of particular aspects of caravans and motor caravans – e.g. payloads requirements, ventilation or gas systems. While it is not usually a legal requirement for a manufacturer to follow such standards, they would generally be considered to represent 'best practice'. Often abbreviated to 'EN'. The relevant standards have been adopted by the UK as British Standards, or 'BS ENs'.
European Standard - See European Norm above.
Ex-works Weight - The weight of the caravan or motor caravan as new with standard fixtures and fittings as stated by the caravan manufacturer. Also known as unladen weight. Usually applied to older models – more recent ones use the term mass in running order instead.
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F
Fanmaster - Trade name for a specific type of blown air heating. Sometimes used as a generic term for such systems.
Fibre Glass - A form of plastic material commonly used for exterior body panels. Also known as GRP or glass reinforced plastic.
Fifth Wheel Trailer - A form of caravan which is connected to its towing vehicle by means of a fifth wheel coupling (similar to those used on articulated lorries). Uncommon in the UK, but seen frequently in North America.
Filter - See water filter.
Flame Failure Device - Gas-powered appliances in caravans should be equipped with such a device, which minimises the escape of unburnt gas into the habitation area, should the flame accidentally go out.
Flyscreen - A mesh screen which can be placed across the door, windows or roof light to help prevent insects getting in.
Folding Camper - Similar to a trailer tent, but with a more sophisticated folding mechanism which requires no guy lines to tension the fabric, and is hence easier and faster to erect.
Folding Caravan - A caravan where the upper parts of the walls can be folded flat and the roof lowered to give a trailer which is easier to tow and to store. Also known as rigid folding caravan. See also pop-top, folding camper and trailer tent.
Fridge - All modern caravans and all but the smallest trailer tents contain a refrigerator which can usually run off mains electric, 12V electric or gas.
Full Service Pitch - A pitch which has individual provision for fresh water supply and waste water disposal, in addition to mains electricity and sometimes television aerial connection.
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G
Gas - See Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Gas-assisted Handbrake - A caravan handbrake which has a degree of power-assisted application through the use of a gas strut.
Gas Bottle - See gas cylinder.
Gas Cylinder - Pressurised container for the storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Gas Bottle Locker - Compartment for the storage of gas cylinders. Usually sealed from the habitation area (although not always on some motor caravans).
Gas Drop Out Holes - Part of the ventilation. LPG is heavier than air, so holes through the floor below gas-powered appliances allow any leakage of gas to exit the habitation area.
Generator - Some caravanners use a small portable generator to provide mains electricity, particularly if frequently using sites without hook-ups.
Glass Reinforced Plastic - See fibre glass.
Grey Water - See waste water.
Gross Train Weight - Also known as combined weight. The maximum permitted weight of the outfit. This is often the sum of the gross vehicle weight and manufacturer's braked towing limit, but can be less.
Gross Vehicle Weight - The weight of the vehicle laden to its maximum, as defined by the vehicle manufacturer.
Groundsheet - A lining for the base of a tent or awning which shields the occupants from the ground. See also awning carpet.
GRP - Abbreviation of Glass Reinforced Plastic. See fibre glass.
GVW - Abbreviation of gross vehicle weight.
Guy lines - Cords attached to the outside of an awning or trailer tent to stabilise and tension the fabric.
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H
Habitation Area - That part of the caravan which comprises the living space, as opposed to the external-access gas lockers, or a motor caravan cab, for instance.
Hardstanding - A pitch which has a hard surface made of gravel, asphalt, concrete etc instead of being grass.
High-Top - A form of motor caravan where the base vehicle manufacturer or converter has added a (fixed) raised-height roof to a panel van as part of a van conversion.
Hitch - The mechanism which allows a caravan to be attached to a tow ball.
Hitch Head Stabiliser - A form of stabiliser which is built into the caravan hitch, and which works by applying friction directly to the tow ball.
Hitch Lock - A security device which prevents the caravan hitch being connected to (or in some cases, removed from ) a tow ball.
Hook-up - A facility on pitch to connect a caravan or motor caravan to the mains electric supply.
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I
Instability - The tendency of a (generally) poorly set-up outfit to sway or even snake, instead of towing smoothly.
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J
Jack - A device for raising the vehicle so that a wheel can be changed, for instance. Not to be confused with corner steadies, which although they are sometimes referred to as 'corner jacks' are steadying, not lifting devices.
Jockey Wheel - Small wheel at the front of a caravan used to support the forward end of the caravan while it is not hitched up. Allows the caravan to be manoeuvred by hand, or 'jockeyed' into position.
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K
Kerbweight - The empty weight of a motor vehicle as defined by its manufacturer.
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L
Layout - The arrangement of furniture and fittings within the habitation area.
Leaf Spring Stabiliser - An add-on device which can help prevent instability by controlling the ease with which the caravan hitch can pivot about the tow ball. Usually consists of a large spring connected between the tow bar and the caravan A-frame, and a friction pad.
Leisure Accommodation Vehicle - A general term which includes caravans, motor caravans and trailer tents. Usually used in European Norms and legislation.
Leisure Battery - A 12V battery, similar, but not identical to a car battery, which powers the 12V lighting, water pump(s) etc in the caravan.
Levelling - The process of ensuring that a caravan or motor caravan is level when set up on a pitch. Important for comfort, and also to ensure the correct functioning of the drinking water and waste water systems.
Lighting Regulations - The law which determines the requirements for road lights and reflectors on road vehicles (including caravans, motor caravans, trailer tents etc is described in 'The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989' and the subsequent amendments to that document. Includes requirements for number of lights, and reflectors, colour, position etc. See also construction and use.
Lights - In addition to road lights on the outside, most caravans and motor caravans have 12V and mains lighting in the habitation area.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas - The fuel used to power the fridge, water heater and space heater in most caravans, when mains electricity is not available, and battery power is not sufficient. Two types are commonly used – butane and propane. Usually abbreviated to LPG.
Load Index - A number marked on the sidewall of tyres which indicates their maximum load carrying capacity.
Low-Profile - A form of coachbuilt motor caravan which does not have an overcab bed.
Low-Profile Tyres - Increasingly used as a description for the tyres fitted to new caravans. These are tyres which are comparatively shallow in cross-section compared to their width, and are thus usually fitted to relatively large-diameter wheels. The term is relative however – 'low-profile' tyres on caravans are a great deal higher in profile than tyres described as such for cars.
LPG - See Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Luton - A term originally applied to lorries with a payload area above the cab, this term is also used to describe motor caravans which have a bed above the cab.
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M
Mains Electricity - Most modern caravans have the facility to connect to the normal mains, to enable lights, fridge, television etc to be run without using up your limited stores of LPG or leisure battery power. Virtually all Caravan Club Sites have electrical hook-ups available for this purpose, as do many of the Certificated Locations.
Manufacturer's Braked Towing Limit - A statement by the manufacturer giving the maximum weight of braked trailer the vehicle will tow, when restarting on a gradient of, usually, 1 in 8.
Manufacturer's Unbraked Towing Limit - A statement by the manufacturer giving the maximum weight of unbraked trailer the vehicle will tow is permitted to tow.
Mass In Running Order - Mass of the caravan or motor caravan equipped to the manufacturer's standard specification. i.e. The condition in which it leaves the factory. Note that this does not include any part of the user payload, including the essential habitation equipment.
MAW - Abbreviation of maximum authorised weight.
Maximum Authorised Weight - The maximum weight for which the caravan or motor caravan is designed for normal use when being used on a road fully laden. This must never be exceeded. Sometimes also known as maximum gross weight. Usually applied to older models – more recent ones use the term maximum technically permissible laden mass instead.
Maximum Gross Weight - See maximum authorised weight.
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass - As stated by the vehicle manufacturer. This mass takes into account specific operating conditions including factors such as the strength of materials, loading capacity of the tyres etc. As such, it is the heaviest condition at which the vehicle should ever be operated.
MCB - Abbreviation of miniature circuit breaker.
Miniature Circuit Breaker - A resettable fuse used to protect the mains electric circuits.
MINDER - See CRiS.
MIRO - See mass in running order.
Mobile Home - See caravan holiday home.
MOT - The annual test required for motor vehicles. Caravans do not currently require an MOT. Motor caravans require the same MOT as a car ('Class IV'), although their size and weight can sometimes mean that this has to be done in a test bay for commercial vehicles.
Motor Caravan - A self-propelled caravan, which meets the requirements for construction and use of vehicles, and can thus be driven on public roads. Most motor caravans are based on commercial vehicles. To separate motor caravans from commercial variants of the same basic vehicle, a further definition is that the vehicle is permanently converted for the purposes of leisure accommodation, and contains at least seats and table, sleeping accommodation (which may be converted from the seats), cooking facilities and storage facilities. Also known as motorcaravan, motorhome, or camper van.
Motor Caravan Service Point - A facility on a caravan site where a motor caravan can have the onboard drinking water tank filled, and the onboard waste water tank emptied.
Motorhome - See motor caravan.
Motor Mover - The tradename of a particular type of electric device for manoeuvring a caravan when it is not hitched up. Often used as a generic term for all similar devices.
MPTLM - Abbreviation of maximum technically permissible laden mass.
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N
National Caravan Council - The trade association for manufacturers, suppliers and dealers. Responsible for certifying that new caravans comply with European Norms and other relevant standards.
Noseweight - Also known as static vertical load. That part of the weight of the caravan which is supported by the rear of the towing vehicle via the tow ball.
Noseweight Gauge - A device for measuring noseweight.
Noseweight Limit - The value of noseweight which must not be exceeded. Towing vehicles, tow bars and caravan hitches all have noseweight limits, and the lowest figure from any given combination is the one which is the limiting factor.
Number Plate - Trailers, including caravans and trailer tents, must display a legal number plate showing the same registration mark as their towing vehicle.
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O
Optional Equipment Payload - Items made available by the manufacturer over and above the standard specification for the caravan or motor caravan.
Outfit - The caravan and its towing vehicle considered as a unit. Sometimes also used as a generic term for a car/caravan or for a motor caravan.
Outfit Weight Ratio - The actual laden weight of the caravan expressed as a percentage of the kerbweight of the towing vehicle. If unsure of the actual laden weight, use maximum technically permissible laden mass instead.
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P
Payload - See user payload.
PDI - See pre-delivery inspection.
Personal Effects Payload - Those items which a user can choose to carry in a caravan or motor caravan and which are not included as essential habitation equipment or optional equipment.
Pigtail - A fixture sometimes found on a tow bar which comprises a spiral of metal, intended as an attachment point for a breakaway cable.
Pitch - A designated area of a caravan site allocated for the use of one outfit. Most sites will be arranged with defied pitches, while many CLs (particularly those without mains hook-ups) are not. Also the natural tendency for a caravan (especially a single axle one) to rock about its axle, particularly when towed along an undulating road.
Pop Top - A caravan with an elevating roof, thus giving a reduced profile for better economy when towing, and easier storage.
Porta-Potti - Tradename of a particular make of chemical toilet. Often used as a generic term for such products.
Pre-delivery Inspection - The inspection carried out by a dealer to (hopefully) ensure that any problems with the vehicle are identified prior to delivery to the customer.
Private Heavy Goods Vehicle - A vehicle excise duty classification which applies to motor caravans with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 3,500kg. Currently slightly higher than the duty for cars and lighter motor caravans.
Propane - A type of Liquefied Petroleum Gas commonly used in caravans and motor caravans. Usually stored in red gas cylinders. Preferred for all year round use, since it can be used at lower temperatures than butane.
Pusher - A term for large (usually American) A-class motor caravans which are built on a bus or coach chassis, with a rear-mounted engine which pushes the vehicle along.
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Q
Quality & Reliability Survey - An exercise carried out periodically by The Caravan Club to assess the standards of design and manufacture of caravans and motor caravans. Club Members' views are surveyed, and the results published in The Club Magazine, and on this website.
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R
RCCB - Residual current circuit breaker – see residual current device.
RCD - Abbreviation of residual current device.
Rear Suspension Aids - Additional or enhanced suspension components which may be required to assist the standard suspension of a towing vehicle. Not commonly required for modern cars.
Refrigerator - See fridge.
Regulator - Safety device fitted between the gas cylinder and the gas system of a caravan or motor caravan, which controls the pressure of gas being released from the cylinder.
Residual Current Circuit Breaker - See residual current device.
Residual Current Device - Safety device which disconnects the mains electricity supply in the event of an earth leakage fault. Also known as residual current circuit breaker or earth leakage circuit breaker.
Rigid Folding Caravan - See folding caravan.
Road Lights - The external lights used while the vehicle is travelling.
Road Tax - More correctly known as vehicle excise duty. Caravans do not currently pay road tax. Motor caravans below 3,500kg gross vehicle weight are taxed at the same rates as cars, while those over 3,500kg are taxed as private heavy goods vehicles.
Roof Light - A transparent panel in the roof which can be opened to provide additional ventilation.
Roof Vent - A feature which provides fixed (i.e. permanent) ventilation at a high level in the caravan.
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S
Sandwich Construction - A method of making body panels where the inner and outer skins are bonded to a core of insulating foam, to form a light and rigid structure. Used for most side and floor panels on caravans and coachbuilt motor caravans.
Seasonal Pitch - A pitch reserved on a Caravan Club Site for the exclusive use of a Club Member for a set period. Only limited number of seasonal pitches are available on selected sites.
Secondary Coupling - A safety device which acts in the event of the caravan or trailer tent becoming inadvertently detached from its towing vehicle. Smaller trailers, including lighter trailer tents and especially those without brakes, may use a sturdy chain which keeps the trailer attached and under control. Heavier trailers, including almost all caravans use a breakaway cable instead. The fitment and use of a secondary coupling or breakaway cable is a legal requirement on all modern trailers.
Self-Build - A motor caravan which is not a proprietary conversion, but is instead converted by its owner. The Caravan Club welcomes such vehicles providing that they meet acceptable standards of safety and legal compliance.
Self-levelling Suspension - A feature sometimes found on cars (usually larger estate cars or 4x4s, plus some Citroens and others) which prevents the rear of the car sinking under heavy loads, such as might otherwise occur when towing with the car laden with full holiday paraphernalia. Useful as an aid to towing, but not essential, and often an expensive option.
Service Description - The designation of a tyre which includes its size (e.g. '165R13'), its load index (e.g. '82') and its speed rating (e.g. 'T'). This information will be found marked on the tyre's sidewall.
Serviced Pitch - See full service pitch.
Sidewall - The part of a tyre in between the tread and the wheel rim.
Single Axle - A caravan with a single pair of wheels on one axle. See also twin axle.
Sites Directory & Handbook - The Caravan Club member's bible! Not merely a listing of every Caravan Club Site and Certificated Location, but also a wealth of advice and information.
Snake - A severe form of instability, such that the lateral motion of the caravan is not easily controllable by driver actions.
Speed Rating - The maximum speed at which a tyre may be used, as marked on its sidewall.
Space Heater - A (usually) gas-powered appliance to heat the habitation area of a caravan or motor caravan.
Spare Wheel - Motor caravans are supplied with a spare wheel as standard, but for caravans this is often an optional extra, although strongly recommended.
Stabiliser - A safety device which helps prevent instability by controlling the ease with which the caravan hitch can pivot about the tow ball.
Static Caravan - See caravan holiday home.
Static Vertical Load - See noseweight.
Steadies - See corner steady.
Steady Winder - A handle for operating the corner steadies.
Storage Site - A facility where caravans and motor caravans may be stored when not in use.
Superpitch - Tradename for a particular type of full service pitch. Sometimes used as a generic term for such facilities.
Sway - A more mild more of instability than a snake, and one which is usually readily controllable by driver action.
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T
Television - Seldom included as standard equipment (other than in high-specification motor caravans), a television is nevertheless a very common 'extra' added by caravanners. A model which runs on 12V as well as mains is most versatile.
Television Aerial - May be permanently fixed to the caravan, or detachable for travelling. Directional types require adjustment to point towards the nearest transmitter. Omni-directional types receive signals from all directions, and are thus convenient, but tend to have more limited performance in poorer signal areas.
Tell-tale - A system used to show the satisfactory function (or not) of the direction indicators on a caravan. May be audible or visual.
Torque - Technically, the turning force produced by an engine. In practical terms, this equates to the engine's ability to maintain speed under the increased load of climbing a gradient, say, or its ability to manage a hill start – its 'pulling power', therefore. A high torque output will give relaxed driving characteristics (with fewer gear changes required), and better towing performance. Note, however, that the ideal is a high torque output at low engine revs, since this gives good pulling power in the higher gears (and hence relaxed cruising) plus a better ability to pull away from standstill without undue risk of wheelspin (good for hill starts).
Torque Wrench - A form of spanner used to set nuts and bolts to a specified degree of tightness. Recommended for adjustment of wheel fixings on caravans.
Tow Ball - That part of the tow bar to which the hitch attaches.
Tow Bar - The framework added to a towing vehicle to support the tow ball, and to distribute the loads resulting from towing safely throughout the towing vehicle's structure.
Towcar of the Year - A competition for new car models, held annually by The Caravan Club. Results are published in The Caravan Club Magazine and on this website.
Towing Bracket - See tow bar.
Towing Limit - See manufacturer's braked towing limit and manufacturer's unbraked towing limit.
Towing Mirrors - Additional rear vision mirrors added to a towing vehicle to provide a greater width of view to see past a caravan.
Tourer - See caravan.
Touring Caravan - See caravan.
Tracking Device - A security device which enables a vehicle to be located in the event of it being stolen.
Trailer - A road vehicle designed to be towing behind another vehicle. Caravans and trailer tents are both legally considered to be 'light trailers', and as such have to meet the legal requirements for such vehicles as defined in the construction & use regulations and Lighting Regulations.
Trailer Caravan - See caravan.
Trailer Tent - A hybrid between a caravan and a tent. Most consist of a rigid base unit, similar to the lower part of a caravan, with an upper structure made partially of fabric. This unfolds from its travelling position of being stored in the trailer part, to give a vastly increased living space, once some assembly and setting up is carried out. Generally lighter (and cheaper) than most caravans, and hence ideal for those with a smaller car, or who are trying caravanning for the first time. See also folding camper.
Travelling Seat - A seat in a motor caravan which is suitable for use when the vehicle is in motion. For recent motor caravan at least, this will tend to be a seat which is quite robust, and which is fitted with a seat belt.
Tread - The part of a tyre which contacts the road surface.
Twin Axle - A caravan with two pairs of wheels, on two axles which are located close together. These are usually the larger, heavier caravans, where the second axle helps carry the greater weight more easily, and also makes a longer caravan more stable to tow. See also single axle.
Type Approval - A legal process of ensuring design and construction standards are met. Cars and tow bars are currently type approved. Motor caravans and caravans are not at present, although many of their individual components may be.
Tyres - It's a common misconception that caravans run on special types of tyre. In fact, they use either standard car tyres or light commercial vehicle tyres, depending on how heavy the caravan is, and how many axles it has. Motor caravans usually run on light commercial vehicle tyres too, although the smallest might use car tyres, and the largest need heavy goods vehicle ones. Some use a special 'camping car' grade of light commercial tyre, which is optimised for such use.
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U
Unbraked Towing Limit - See manufacturer's unbraked towing limit.
Unladen Weight - See ex-works weight.
User Payload - The difference between the maximum technically permissible laden mass and the mass in running order. Payload includes essential habitation equipment, personal effects and optional equipment.
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V
'Van - An abbreviation of caravan. Often used to refer to both caravans and motor caravans.
Van Conversion - A type of motor caravan based on a panel van.
Vehicle Excise Duty - See road tax.
Vehicle Identification Number - The manufacturer's unique serial number for an individual vehicle. Cars and motor caravans should carry a VIN. Caravans are not obliged to, but most of those sold in recent years in the UK do as a result of the CRiS voluntary registration scheme.
Ventilation - All forms of caravan must have adequate ventilation in order to be safe for their occupants. Both high level (i.e. roof vents) and low level (floor vents and gas drop out holes) should be present, and must be kept clear of obstructions.
VIN - Abbreviation of vehicle identification number.
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W
Warden - The Caravan Club employee (and Club member!) who is in charge of an individual Caravan Club Site.
Waste Water - Water which has been used in the kitchen or bathroom area. This should be collected in an internal tank or external container for later disposal at a designated emptying point on the site. Most caravans use external containers, while most motor caravans use internal tanks, although there are exceptions to this.
Water Heater - Gas and/or electrically powered device to provide hot water for washing etc.
Water Ingress - The penetration of damp from the outside into the structure and interior of a caravan or motor caravan. One of the main reasons to ensure an annual service is carried out which includes a damp check, as rectifying problems can be expensive.
Water Filter - A device to remove impurities from the water system of the caravan or motor caravan.
Water Pump - Since caravan and motor caravan water tanks and containers are kept at a low level, a pump must be used to circulate water around the system.
Weighbridge - A device capable of weighing a vehicle. Frequently operated by local authorities.
Wheelbase - The separation between the front and rear axles of a vehicle. Motor caravans are sometimes available with a choice of wheelbase options to give different interior layouts.
Wheelclamp - A security device intended to stop one of the road wheels rotating.
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X
Xenon - Type of headlight found on some modern cars. Required to have automatic self-levelling facility, which makes them handy when towing, but can be expensive to buy and maintain.
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Y
Yaw - The tendency of a caravan to pivot horizontally about its hitch.
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Z
Zig Unit - The tradename of a popular brand of electrical control panel often fitted to caravans. Sometimes used as a generic terms for all such devices, irrespective of actual make.
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