>18
Jul
![](https://www.getcarfinancehere.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/white-and-green-caravan-on-brown-grass-in-the-countryside.jpg)
18
Jul
If you’re new to caravanning, there can be a lot of jargon that’s difficult to understand, which can make buying a caravan a little overwhelming. To make the process easier, we put together this handy guide to help you understand caravan terminology, from technical terms to towing essentials.
Refers to the triangle-shaped section at the front of the caravan, where the hitch head attaches.
Also known as Assistant Trailer Control, this is an electronic emergency control system that prevents the caravan from snaking when it is being towed.
A tented structure that fixes to the side of the caravan to create extra shelter or living space.
The central shaft between the wheels – caravans have either a single axle (typically for lighter caravans) or a twin axle (typically for heavier caravans).
An additional driving test that will be needed if your vehicle and caravan have a total weight that exceeds 3,500kg and if you passed your standard driving test after January 1997.
Refers to the storage space underneath the seats inside the caravan, typically where water tanks and heaters are installed.
The amount of people that can sleep in the caravan, i.e. a four-berth caravan can sleep four people.
A type of heating system found in modern caravans that distributes warm air throughout the cabin.
The internal length of the caravan.
A safety device that will apply the brakes to the caravan if it becomes disconnected from the car whilst towing.
Also known as a motor mover, this is an electronic device that remotely moves the caravan whilst it is not connected to a vehicle.
A type of toilet found in many modern caravans which can be emptied from the outside.
Stands for Central Registration and Identification Scheme. It’s the national organisation in the UK that holds a register for UK manufactured caravans and their owners.
Also referred to as a serial number, VIN number, and chassis number, this is a unique series of 17 numbers and letters assigned to UK manufactured caravans as part of the national database. Usually found on the corner on the inside of the front window of the caravan.
Also known as stabiliser legs, every caravan has one on each corner which wind up and down and keeps the caravan steady when it’s pitched.
A dining table and seats inside the caravan that can be converted to a bed.
Stands for Electric Hook Up. Refers to the cable that will connect to an electric hook up post and generate power into the caravan.
When a caravan is near to the maximum allowed width of 2.55m.
A double bed that is permanently set up in the caravan, usually against a wall.
The lockers that will be situated at the front of a caravan.
Handles positioned on each corner of the caravan, used to help maneuver it by hand to be pitched or stored.
Also referred to as hitch head coupling, refers to the mechanism on the front of the caravan that attaches the caravan to the car.
A security device attached to a caravan to prevent theft.
A double bed with space on three sides, away from the walls.
A small, height-adjustable wheel at the front of the car that helps to connect the hitch to the towball and vice versa by lifting the nose of the caravan up and down.
The weight of the tow car without passengers or luggage.
The maximum weight of the caravan when fully loaded, also referred to as MTPLM – maximum technical permissible laden mass.
Also known as an auxiliary battery, this provides 12V power to the caravan’s electrical systems and appliances.
Stands for Mass in Running Order. Refers to the unladen weight of a caravan as per the manufacturer’s specification, i.e. before it has luggage, clothes etc.
The maximum weight of the caravan when fully loaded, also referred to as laden weight.
Stands for National Caravan Council, the UK trade body for caravans which represents the supply chain in the industry.
Refers to the passenger side of the caravan, i.e. the side of the caravan nearest the pavement when travelling on the road in the UK. Where the entrance doors are typically positioned on UK caravans.
The weight exerted onto the towball by a loaded caravan – towing vehicles will have a maximum noseweight they can accommodate, and your caravan’s noseweight can be measured by a special tool called a noseweight gauge.
Refers to the combination of your towing vehicle and the caravan.
The allowed weight for luggage in the caravan – it will amount to the difference between the MTPLM and the MiRO.
Stands for Pre Delivery Inspection. Refers to the safety checks undertaken by the manufacturer or dealership before a caravan leaves the premises to go to a new owner.
The total length of the caravan, including the A frame.
A safety device attached to the hitch head that helps to prevent the caravan snaking (drifting from side to side) or pitching (going up and down) whilst being towed.
The ball-shape at the end of the towing mechanism to attach the caravan to a towing vehicle.
The mechanism that attaches the caravan to the towing vehicle.
The maximum weight your vehicle can legally tow.
A permanent bed that has the headboard end against a side wall but can be traversed around the other three sides.
The weight of the caravan without luggage etc., also known as kerb weight or MiRO.
A container on the outside of the caravan that carries waste water from showers and sinks (also known as grey water) until it can be emptied.
Moves the water from the tank to the taps, shower, etc., in the caravan.
A type of heating system in a caravan that works similarly to radiators in a house.
An area specifically to store damp items, such as coats and boots, that can be accessed from outside the caravan.
Similar to wheel locks found on a car, that help prevent theft.
Poles used to keep the windows of the caravan open when pitched.
Are you new to caravanning and wondering how you can finance a caravan? GetCarFinanceHere can help you find the best caravan finance deals. Take a look at our showroom to see what we have available, apply for finance, or contact us for more information.
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