A Frame - This can be a triangular frame that's at the front end of the caravan. It is usually covered by a piece of moulded plastic. In addition, it houses the handbrake and the electrical leads.
ABS - Most caravans are now 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 using 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 either a full awning, which runs the complete amount of the caravan, to a porch awning which fits over the caravan door.
Awning Rail - The rail which the awning threads into which runs along the sides and the surface of the caravan.
Berths - The number of people the caravan will sleep.
Breakaway Cable - A steel cable which is permanently fixed to the low 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 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's a far more efficient heat provider, which often makes it the most well-liked selection of Caravanners. It cannot be used in freezing temperatures and is heavier than propane. If you switch from propane to butane you will need to switch regulators.
CaSSOA - Caravan Storage Site Owners Association - using a CaSSOA recognised site will most likely get you discounts on your 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 own car and locks on.
CRIS - Means "Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme" and is the national sign up for touring caravans in the UK.
Delamination - When the adhesive bonding the caravan floor layers become unstuck, allowing the ground layers to start out to creak and be spongy.
Full Service Pitch - A pitch which has water and electricity supply, as well as a connection to the waste system. You may also have a direct TV aerial connection. Can also be known as a multi-service pitch.
Garage - Portion of the caravan, usually bunks which fold up when not used, that opens from the outside to enable you to put in large items for storage, e.g. bikes.
Gross Train Weight - The combined maximum allowable weight of the loaded caravan and car, that your law states should not be exceeded.
GRP - Glass Reinforced Plastic used for the construction of the caravan panels (not used on 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 on the caravan coupling head, therefore preventing the caravan from being stolen. That is essential to most plans.
Hook-Up Lead - The lead which connects the caravan to the website mains electrical supply.
Jockey Wheel - The small wheel at the front end of the caravan 'A' frame used for maneuvering the caravan and which supports leading end.
Maximum Towing Weight - The utmost weight that the manufacturer will allow the automobile to tow under any circumstances and which must NEVER be exceeded.
MIRO - Stands for "Mass in Running Order" - This is 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" - It is the manufacturer's top limit for just what a caravan can weigh when it is fully loaded with all your caravanning gear.
Motor Mover - A power device which is fixed to the caravan that allows the caravan to be moved you should definitely hitched up. Get more info uses a remote control to move the caravan and works utilizing the caravan battery.
Noseweight - The most of downward force that your car manufacturer will allow to be exerted on the towball.
Outfit - The automobile 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 set of wheels, usually a smaller 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 will help correct any excess movement. Usually do not depend on a stabiliser alone to help keep the caravan stable - you need to still load the caravan correctly and keep 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 when you are parked which will avoid the caravan being towed away, because the more the caravan is pulled the more the Supermule digs into 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 and soon you need 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.