Caravan Jargon Buster

Awning – a covered area similar to a tent that attaches to the outside of your caravan or motorhome, perfect for adding extra space.

Berth – a designated sleeping area. So, a two-berth caravan sleeps 2, a four-berth caravan sleeps 4 and so on.

Breakaway cable – a steel cable that would halt your caravan if it somehow became unhitched.

Corner steady - the stabilising legs built into the corners of a caravan.

Drawbar – a solid coupling that holds your caravan away from your car and prevents pitch and sway by compressing and extending when you brake or accelerate. It can be found at the tow bar hitch.

Hitch – the part of the caravan that attaches to the tow ball of your car.

Hook-up – a term used to refer to connecting your caravan or motorhome to the mains electrics, also known as EHU (Electric Hook Up).

Jockey wheel – a wheel-based mechanical system located on the front of a caravan, usually through its A-frame, for steering or guidance. It’s helpful when manoeuvring the caravan, and can raise the nose of the caravan to help you hitch up to your vehicle’s tow ball.

Kerb weight – the total weight of your car with all necessary fluids, including a full tank of fuel, and any equipment that comes as standard. It doesn’t include the weight of the driver, passengers, or any added load.

Leisure battery – the power source for any 12v appliances and equipment in your caravan or motorhome. It provides a steady flow of power and can be charged up when it’s coupled to the electric hook up.

MAM (maximum authorised mass) – the weight of a vehicle or trailer, including the maximum load that can be safely carried when it’s on the road.

Noseweight – the weight at the point where your caravan connects to your car. The maximum noseweight differs per car, and it’s usually measured with a noseweight gauge.

Pitch – a dedicated slot on a site to park your caravan or motorhome.

Tow ball - the bare metal fastening on the back of your car that directly connects to your caravan, allowing you to tow.