New Caravanners Glossary: The Ultimate Guide to Must-Know Terms

A

• A-Frame: The triangular section at the front of the caravan chassis where the coupling and jockey wheel are attached.
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Prevents the wheels from locking during braking, enhancing control.
• AC (Alternating Current): Standard household electrical current (240V in Australia).
• AGM Battery (Absorbent Glass Mat): A type of deep-cycle battery commonly used in caravans for its durability and maintenance-free operation.
• Annexe: An enclosed extension attached to the side of a caravan, providing additional living space.
• ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The total weight of the caravan when fully loaded, including water, gas, and personal items.

B

• Ball Weight (Tow Ball Weight): The downward force exerted on the tow ball by the caravan.
• Battery Monitor: A device that displays the charge level and health of your caravan’s battery.
• Berth: A sleeping space; a 4-berth caravan sleeps four people.
• Black Water: Waste water from the toilet system.
• Breakaway Cable: A safety device that activates the caravan’s brakes if it becomes detached from the tow vehicle.

C

• Camper Trailer: A compact, towable trailer that unfolds into a tent-like structure.
• Cassette Toilet: A toilet with a removable waste tank for easy disposal.
• Chassis: The caravan’s frame, providing structural support.
• Corner Steadies: Adjustable legs at each corner of the caravan used to stabilize it when parked.
• Coupling: The mechanism that connects the caravan to the tow vehicle’s tow ball.

D

• DC (Direct Current): Electrical current from a battery, typically 12V in caravans.
• Dinette: A seating area with a table, often convertible into a bed.
• Drop-Down Bed: A bed that can be folded away when not in use to save space.
• Dual Axle: A caravan with two axles, offering greater stability and load capacity.

E

• EHU (Electric Hook-Up): Connecting the caravan to mains electricity at a campsite.
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control): A system that helps prevent caravan sway during towing.
• Ensuite: A private bathroom within the caravan, typically including a toilet and shower.

F

• Fresh Water Tank: A tank that stores clean water for use in the caravan.
• Fridge-Freezer: An appliance for keeping food and drinks cold; can be powered by 12V, 240V, or gas.
• Full Off-Road Caravan: Designed for rugged terrain with reinforced chassis and suspension.

G

• GCM (Gross Combination Mass): The total permissible combined mass of the tow vehicle and caravan.
• GTM (Gross Trailer Mass): The weight of the fully loaded caravan, excluding the tow ball weight.
• Grey Water: Waste water from sinks and showers.
• Grey Water Tank: A tank that stores grey water until it can be disposed of properly.

H

• Hitch: The device that connects the caravan to the tow vehicle.
• Hot Water System: Provides hot water for showers and sinks, powered by gas or electricity.

I

• Inverter: Converts 12V DC power from the battery to 240V AC power for household appliances.
• Island Bed: A bed accessible from both sides, similar to a standard bed at home.

J

• Jockey Wheel: A small wheel at the front of the caravan used to maneuver it when not attached to the tow vehicle.

K

• Kerb Weight: The weight of the tow vehicle with a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment, but no passengers or cargo.

L

• Layout: The internal arrangement of the caravan’s living spaces.
• Leisure Battery: A battery that powers the caravan’s 12V systems when not connected to mains electricity.
• Levelling Ramps: Used to level the caravan on uneven ground.

M

• MiRO (Mass in Running Order): The weight of the caravan as it leaves the factory, including standard equipment and fluids.
• Motor Mover: A device that allows you to move the caravan remotely without a tow vehicle.
• MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass): The maximum weight the caravan is allowed to be when fully loaded.

N

• Nose Weight: The downward force the caravan exerts on the tow ball.

O

• Off-Grid: Camping without access to mains electricity or water; requires self-sufficiency.
• Off-Road Caravan: Built for rough terrain with features like reinforced chassis and higher ground clearance.

P

• Payload: The weight of personal items and equipment you can add to the caravan without exceeding the MTPLM.
• Pop Top: A caravan with a roof section that can be raised for extra headroom.
• Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): A thorough check performed before handing over the caravan to the customer.

Q

• Quick Connect Fittings: Simple push-in style connectors used for gas or water hookups at camp.
• Quarter Panel: The front or rear side panel of a caravan—important for storage or access compartments.

R

• Reversing Camera: A rear-mounted camera for safer manoeuvring—common in modern caravans.
• Ridge Pole: A structural beam in soft-floor campers that supports the tent roof.
• Roof Vent: An opening on the roof to improve airflow—many include built-in fans.
• Rollout Awning: A manually extended sunshade attached to the side of your caravan.

S

• Safety Chain: A backup chain connecting the caravan to the tow vehicle in case of coupling failure.
• Satellite Dish: Enables TV reception even in remote areas—can be fixed or portable.
• Self-Contained: A caravan equipped with grey water storage, fresh water, and a toilet—essential for national park camping.
• Shock Absorbers: Suspension components that improve ride comfort—standard in most in all Jayco Outback products
• Single Axle: A caravan with one axle, easier to tow and manoeuvre than a dual-axle.
• Slide-Out: A powered or manual section that expands the interior living space—common in luxury models.
• Solar Blanket: A portable fold-out solar panel used to supplement fixed rooftop panels.
• Stabiliser Bars: Towing accessories that reduce sway and improve handling.
• Step: A fold-out or fixed step for easy caravan entry.

T

• Tandem Axle: See “Dual Axle.”
• TARE Weight: The weight of the caravan as manufactured, with no payload or water.
• Tent Pegs: Used to secure annexes or awnings in windy conditions.
• Three-Way Fridge: A fridge that runs on 12V, 240V, or gas.
• Toilet Cassette: The removable container that holds black water from a built-in toilet.
• Tow Vehicle: The car, SUV, or ute used to tow your caravan.
• Towbar: A structural fixture mounted to your vehicle for towing.
• Track Width: The width between tyres on the same axle—important for off-road stability.
• Trailer Plug: The electrical plug that connects van lights and brakes to the tow vehicle.
• Tread Plate: Aluminium plating used to protect corners and steps from wear and impact.

U

• Underbody Protection: Reinforced sheeting to protect wiring, plumbing, and tanks—standard on Jayco off-grid models.
• USB Charging Port: Built-in ports for charging devices via the 12V system.

V

• Vanity Unit: A compact sink and storage area found in some ensuites.
• Vehicle Weight Ratings: Includes TARE, ATM, GVM, GCM—each relevant to safety and compliance.
• Ventilation Hatch: Roof-mounted hatch to promote airflow and reduce condensation.

W

• Water Filter: Removes sediment and contaminants—ideal for remote or bore water use.
• Water Gauge: Monitors levels in fresh and grey water tanks.
• Weight Distribution Hitch: A towing accessory to balance weight and reduce rear sag.
• Wet Area: A fully waterproofed space, usually the shower area.
• Wheel Chocks: Wedges placed behind wheels to prevent rolling on inclines.
• Wind-Out Window: A caravan window that opens with a winding mechanism.
• Wiring Loom: The bundled cables connecting all electrical components inside your van.

X, Y, Z (Bonus Picks)

• X-Factor: What makes your van truly yours—whether it’s an outdoor kitchen, a luxury layout, or serious off-road ability.
• Y-Connector: A plumbing or gas fitting that splits a single hose into two outlets.
• Zinc-Plated: Protective metal treatment used on screws and fittings for corrosion resistance.

Ready to Speak Fluent Caravan?

Whether you’re browsing camper trailers, pop tops, or off-grid-ready caravans, knowing the lingo empowers you to ask smart questions, spot quality features, and feel confident on the road.