Caravanning 101 basic terminology

So you want to get out on the road and enjoy our beautiful country and you're thinking a caravan is the way to go. We understand why - it’s cost effective especially if you already have the tow vehicle. It allows you not only to explore our stunning country but for some it’s a great lifestyle choice, whether you are full time traveling or live permanently onsite near family and friends. 

If you haven’t had one before and you want to make a well informed purchase decision, a great starting point is understanding the terminology.

 

 

If after reading this you still need help be sure to: 

 

 

Terminology	Description
Alu-tech 5 part construction	Impact resistant fiberglass body panels, bonded and bolted to a unique interlocking Aluminium external frame and fixed to a 44mm thick floor. Benefit is that it has unrivalled strength yet it's light weight. Weighs up to 500kg less than other similar comparisons.
ATC	An electronic stability device that can be fitted to caravans to help prevent snaking (Assisted Trailer Control).
Awning	A structure that fits to the side of a caravan so to extend the living space of the caravan. This can be a fully removable room or a permanent shade awning attached to the caravan.
Awning rail	The rail on the side of the caravan onto which the full awning slides.
Awning skirt	A long piece of plastic/material that is used as a draft protector between the base of the caravan and the awning.
Berth	This refers to the amount of people that a caravan can sleep.
Body length	The inside length of the caravan. Also referred to as internal length.
Breakaway cable	A thin steel wire normally coated in a coloured plastic that attaches to the caravan and then to the car. It helps in the event of the caravan detaching from a car as towing the breakaway cable will apply the caravan's brakes. This piece of equipment is a legal requirement.
Caravan mover	A remotely controlled device used to manoeuvre caravans while not attached to a vehicle, also know as a motor mover.
Caravan Needs Assessment	A free, no obligation service offered by specialists in the industry to assist in getting you clear on your non-negotiables. Ensures you buy once and buy right by focusing on your needs rather than features and benefits of a product.
Cassette toilet	A toilet built into a caravan that has a separate cassette in which holds the toilet waste. A spare cassette can be a worthwhile investment.
Control panels	Panels of switches that control various features within the caravan such as; mains power, 12V power, water pump, water heater and heater etc.
Dinette	A combination of seats that allow people to dine in the caravan, these can normally be converted into a bed.
Fresh water roll away tank	A container positioned outside the caravan from which fresh water is drawn to supply a caravan’s taps and shower.
Fresh water fitted water tank with monitoring	Fresh water storage attached under the caravan with a display to see volume held.
Front locker	Refers to the locker outside at the very front.
Gas BBQ point	An externally mounted point of a caravan into which you can connect a gas BBQ that will run off of the caravan’s gas supply.
Grab handles	Located on all four corners of a caravan and used to manually manoeuvre it.
Hitch head	The device on the front of a caravan that attaches to the towball of a car, also referred to as hitch head coupling.
Hitch lock	A security device that is used to lock onto the hitch head of a caravan to help prevent theft.
Hookup	This refers to being “hooked up” to the mains electricity supply.
Jockey wheel	The small pivoting wheel located through the A frame of a caravan.
Laden weight	The maximum loaded weight of a caravan, also referred to as the Gross Vehicle Mass.
Leisure battery	12V supply battery. Battery capacity can vary so an important discussion point.
NZMCA	New Zealand Motorhome and Caravan Association - a body that will represent you and support you with information, publications, discounts and subsidised camping areas.
Noseweight (caravan)	The weight of the caravan on the tow bar.
Payload	The weight allowance the user has to work with when packing a caravan. The weight difference between the unladen (unloaded without water) and GVM of the caravan.
Pitch	The space in which you park your caravan on a site.
Porch awning	A tent like structure that attaches to the side of a caravan. Unlike a standard awning, a porch awning covers only part of the caravan.
Shipping length	The maximum external length of the caravan, also referred to as external overall length.
Stabiliser	A device fitted either to the hitch head of a caravan or to the A frame cover that helps to minimise snaking while towing.
Stabiliser legs	Each caravan is fitted with 4 stabiliser legs, one on each corner, they wind down to steady the caravan when pitched up and are also referred to as corner steadies.
Satellite dishes	Can be portable, manual or automatic - allows you to watch free to air TV.
Solar panels	Allow you to change your batteries when self-contained freedom camping.
Unladen weight	The empty weight of a caravan.
Vehicles towing capacity	The maximum recommended tow weight the vehicle manufacturer has set for the vehicle.
Waste Grey water roll away tank	A container positioned outside of a caravan that stores all waste water (or grey water as it’s also known).
Waste water fitted tank	A fitted tank under the caravan to store waste water.
Waste water hose	To transfer waste water into a dump station.
Water ingress	Refers to water infiltrating the body of a caravan.
Wheel lock	A security device that is used to lock onto the wheel of a caravan to help prevent theft.
Window stays	Catches or telescopic poles that are used to hold a caravan window open.