| ext">A Frame - This is the triangular frame that | | | | newer caravans). |
| is at the front end of the caravan. It is usually | | | | Hitch Head Stabiliser - Works by applying friction |
| covered by a piece of moulded plastic. It also | | | | to the tow ball, therefore stabilising the caravan. |
| houses the handbrake and the electrical leads. | | | | Hitch Lock - The hitch lock is a metal lock which |
| ABS - Most caravans are now built using ABS | | | | fits over the caravan coupling head, therefore |
| (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) as it is light, shiny | | | | preventing the caravan from being stolen. This is |
| and repairable. | | | | essential to most insurance policies. |
| Aquaroll - A roll-along container for fresh water | | | | Hook-Up Lead - The lead which connects the |
| which connects to your caravan water inlet using | | | | caravan to the site mains electrical supply. |
| a submersible pump. | | | | Jockey Wheel - The small wheel at the front of |
| Awning - Similar to a three-sided tent which | | | | the caravan 'A' frame which you can use for |
| attaches to your caravan through the awning rail, | | | | maneuvering the caravan and which supports the |
| located on the side of the caravan. Awnings range | | | | front end. |
| from either a full awning, which runs the whole | | | | Maximum Towing Weight - The maximum weight |
| length of the caravan, to a porch awning which | | | | that the manufacturer will allow the car to tow |
| fits over the caravan door. | | | | under any circumstances and which must NEVER |
| Awning Rail - The rail on which the awning threads | | | | be exceeded. |
| into which runs along the sides and top of the | | | | MIRO - Stands for "Mass in Running Order" - This |
| caravan. | | | | is the weight of the caravan when equipped to |
| Berths - The number of people the caravan will | | | | the manufacturer's standard specification (before |
| sleep. | | | | being loaded with all your equipment). |
| Breakaway Cable - A steel cable which is | | | | MTPLM - "Maximum Technically Permissible Laden |
| permanently fixed to the lower end of the | | | | Mass" - This is the manufacturer's top limit for |
| handbrake lever with a clip on the other end | | | | what a caravan can weigh when it is fully loaded |
| which attaches to your towbar. This cable would | | | | with all your caravanning gear. |
| apply the caravan brakes if, for instance, the | | | | Motor Mover - An electric device which is fixed to |
| caravan became unattached from the car. | | | | the caravan which allows the caravan to be |
| Butane Gas - The gas sold in blue cylinders. It | | | | moved when not hitched up. It uses a remote |
| burns at a slightly slower rate so it is a more | | | | control to move the caravan and works using the |
| efficient heat provider, which usually makes it the | | | | caravan battery. |
| preferred choice of Caravanners. It cannot be | | | | Noseweight - The maximum amount of |
| used in freezing temperatures and is heavier than | | | | downward force which the car manufacturer will |
| propane. If you switch from propane to butane | | | | allow to be exerted on the towball. |
| you will need to switch regulators. | | | | Outfit - The car and caravan are known together |
| CaSSOA - Caravan Storage Site Owners | | | | as an "outfit". |
| Association — using a CaSSOA recognised | | | | Roof Light - A window in the roof which can be |
| site will often get you discounts on your caravan | | | | opened. |
| insurance policy. | | | | Single Axle - A caravan with just one set of |
| Corner Steadies - The legs which wind down | | | | wheels, usually a smaller caravan. |
| from the corners of the caravan which ensure | | | | Stabiliser - A stabiliser helps to keep the caravan |
| the stability of the caravan when pitched. | | | | stable when being towed. It uses friction to damp |
| Coupling Head - Also referred to as the "hitch" - | | | | down movement around the tow ball and will help |
| the part of the caravan which couples to the | | | | to correct any excess movement. Do not rely on |
| towball on your car and locks on. | | | | a stabiliser alone to keep the caravan stable - you |
| CRIS - Stands for "Caravan Registration and | | | | must still load the caravan correctly and keep the |
| Identification Scheme" and is the national register | | | | caravan tyres in good condition. |
| for touring caravans in the UK. | | | | Steady Locks - These lock the caravan steadies |
| Delamination - When the adhesive bonding the | | | | (legs) in the down position, which makes it difficult |
| caravan floor layers become unstuck, allowing the | | | | to tow the caravan away. |
| floor layers to start to creak and become spongy. | | | | Supermule - A safety device which is wound |
| Full Service Pitch - A pitch which has water and | | | | down from the caravan's floor when you are |
| electricity supply, as well as a connection to the | | | | parked which will prevent the caravan being |
| waste system. You may also have a direct TV | | | | towed away, as the more the caravan is pulled |
| aerial connection. Can also be known as a | | | | the more the Supermule digs in to the ground. |
| multi-service pitch. | | | | Twin Axle - A caravan that has two sets of |
| Garage - Part of the caravan, usually bunks which | | | | wheels. |
| fold up when not in use, that opens from the | | | | User Payload - The total weight of the |
| outside so that you can put in large items for | | | | accessories you can carry in the caravan. |
| storage, e.g. bikes. | | | | Wastemaster (or Waste Carrier) - A container |
| Gross Train Weight - The combined maximum | | | | with wheels which holds your waste water until |
| allowable weight of the loaded caravan and car, | | | | you need to empty it at a service point on site. It |
| which the law states should not be exceeded. | | | | connects to your caravan's waste water outlet, |
| GRP - Glass Reinforced Plastic used for the | | | | and will slide under your caravan. |
| construction of the caravan panels (not used on | | | | |