Jargon buster

When you are new to something, there can be a whole lingo of terms and acronyms that you are unfamiliar with.

Caravan definitions

Firstly, lets talk different types of caravans etc.

Caravan – a blanket term referring to many different styles of caravans, which can range anywhere between 3m to more than 10m long!

Pop-top – as the name implies, the pop-top has a soft-top fabric section that can be popped up when on site to provide extra headroom. When you’re on the road, their lower profile can make them lighter and easier to tow. At home, they may be easier to store in a garage.

Camper trailer – A more compressed version than a pop-top. A cross between a caravan and a tent that can transform from a small, towable trailer to a larger expandable camper on site. There is usually significant set up involved with camper trailers and they typically have a wind-up roof and put-out bed sections.

Motorhomes - sometimes called RVs, these hard-shell structures combine the dwelling and vehicle in one unit. They generally feature all the same interior elements of a caravan including toilets, showers, and more – but are permanently attached to the vehicle.

Campervan – smaller than a motorhome, the campervan is made with camping trips in mind. They may have a slightly higher roof for headroom and include basic sleeping and living facilities. Some may have cooking and a fridge inside.

Slide on campers – these slide onto the tray of a ute to transform into an RV. They come in many shapes and sizes.

5th wheeler – these are generally large units that connect to a vehicle via a turntable (or fifth wheel) that allows for greater movement on the road.

Glossary of terms

Here is a list of terms and acronyms related to caravans, towing, and caravanning in general.

If you have any more, please make a comment below!

Note: we’ve listed in alphabetical order

12v – 12 volt battery power

240v – 240 volt mains power

2 way fridge – A fridge that can run on two (2) different power sources, for example 12v and 240v.

3 way fridge – A fridge that can run on three (3) different power sources, for example 12v, 240v, and gas. A 3 way fridge uses ammonia and is an absorption fridge while a compressor fridge uses refrigerant gas much like your house fridge.

A-frame – The triangular shaped section at the front of the caravan. Where the hitch, handbrake, electric cable and jockey wheel can be found.

Annexe – Often made of canvas, an outdoor room that attaches to the side of a touring caravan. It does not include a fixed rollout awning.

ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) – ATM is the maximum permissible weight of your caravan when loaded and without being hitched to your towing vehicle. This is specified by the caravan’s manufacturer and is found on the caravan’s compliance place (look in the door opening, or tunnel boot). This includes the weight of the caravan, any modifications made after its been built, water in the tanks, gas bottles, clothes, food etc.

Awning – a pull out or roll out section of canvas affixed to the side of the caravan. When in motion, the awning is stowed in the away position. When parked, it may be pulled out to provide cover from the rain and sun.

Body length – usually the inside length of the caravan at bed box height (also referred to as internal length). Many caravans are referred to in this way, for example 18ft, 22ft.

Cassette toilet – a toilet built into a caravan may have a separate cassette in which the deposits are collected.

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

Dual axle – A caravan with two (2) pairs of wheels on two (2) axles which are located close together. These are usually larger, heavier caravans, where the second axle help carry the weight more easily and makes longer caravans more stable to tow.

Dump point – a place where waste water, grey water tanks, or toilet cassettes are emptied. Usually a small concrete pad with a 3- to 4-inch fitting embedded into the concrete. The fitting accepts a sewer hose from a caravan or RV. Sewage dumped into the station goes to a sewer or septic system. Dump points are usually situated so that you can drive next to the station and they often have running water for rinsing pipes and cleaning the dump point. Warning – this water should not be used to fill potable water tanks. Etiquette for dump points demands that the user cleans up anything they spill and leaves the station clean for the next person.

Fittings – items that are fitted or permanently attached to or form part of your caravan, including

·         Awning

·         Fridge

·         Stove, Oven

·         Air conditioner

·         Beds and mattresses

·         Curtains and flyscreens

·         Gas cylinders

·         Hot water service

·         Shower, bath, sink or toilet

Fittings do not include an annexe.

GCM (Gross Combination Mass) – the total combined weight of your caravan and tow vehicle with everything loaded (including people) and hooked up. Think of this as how much your entire setup weighs when you are trundling down the highway on your first day of travel with the family – it includes EVERYTHING.

Grey water (or waste water) – Water that has been used in the kitchen or bathroom area (not the toilet). This may be collected in a tank or external container for later disposal at a designated emptying point. Some caravan parks have grey water hookups.

GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) – the actual weight of your loaded caravan, at any given point in time, when it is hitched to your tow vehicle. This is the weight that can be supported by the caravans wheels.

GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) – the maximum permissible weight of your tow vehicle when fully loaded. This is specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer and can usually be found on your vehicle’s weight plate (often in the driver’s door opening) or in the owner’s manual. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself, any modifications/accessories (e.g bull bar, roof racks), fuel, people, cargo, etc. If you are towing, this also includes the weight of your tow ball from your caravan/trailer.

Hitch – the device on the front of a caravan that attaches to the tow ball of a vehicle.

Jockey wheel – A small pivoting wheel located on the A frame of a caravan, used to support the A frame when the caravan is not connected to a tow vehicle. Can also allow the caravan to be manoeuvred by hand, or ‘jockeyed’ into position.

Kerb Weight – The weight of the tow vehicle at the time of manufacturer without any accessories, passengers, cargo, etc. This is specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

Payload – is the theoretical amount of weight you can add to the caravan (ATM – Tare = Payload). However, as discussed in Tare Weight below, this is theoretical as the Tare is rarely correct.

Slide Out – an addition that extends beyond the normal outside walls to expand the living, sleeping, dining, or kitchen area.

Single axle – A caravan with a single pair of wheels on one axle.

Solar panels – allow you to charge your batteries when camping without power.

Tare Weight – sometimes called unladed weight it is theoretically the weight of an empty caravan. However, very few caravans actually weigh their tare when empty because if your manufacturer has added any accessories (e.g. solar panels, bike rack, battery) or if you caravan has had modifications post-purchase – then these are not included in tare. Tare weight is the only weight you can not get in trouble for.

Tow Ball Weight (or Tow Ball Mass) – the maximum weight that your caravan can apply to your tow ball. This is specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer (as a guide it can be around 10% of your caravan weight – but this is not always the case).

UHF Radio (or CB Radio) – An ultra-high frequency radio commonly used by caravanners for communication with other caravanners and trucks.

VIN Number – a unique 17 character serial number used to identify a vehicle (including caravans). Its also usually on your registration paperwork.

Waste water – see Grey water.

Questions or comments

Got another jargon word or acronym that you don't understand or want to share? Feel free to ask any questions or make comments below.

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