Frequently Used Terms in the Caravan World

Frequently Used Terms in the Caravan World

The caravan world contains many terms, especially for beginners. Here are some terms frequently used by motorhome users:

1. AGM Battery: AGM battery, known by the abbreviation Absorbent Glass Mat (Absorbent Glass Material), is a specially designed lead acid battery housed in a sealed casing. It is used as a power source in caravans.
2. Anka Lift: It is a jack mounted on the side of the caravan. Used to adjust the height of the caravan or stabilize the caravan.
3. Btu: It is the heat energy measurement unit. It is used to measure the thermal efficiency of devices such as air conditioners, ovens, heaters and water heaters used for caravans.
4. BTW: Short for “By The Way”. It is used on digital platforms such as forums and social media.
5. Dometic: It is a brand that produces many equipment for caravans. Dometic manufactures many appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, kettles, ovens and microwaves.
6. Dual-Fuel: Dual-fuel systems are a system used to heat caravans and provide hot water. These systems use both electricity and fuels such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or gasoline.
7. Fresh Water: It is the name given to the water in the fresh water tank of the caravan. It includes water from taps, showers and toilets.
8. Gray Water: It is the name given to the used water in the gray water tank of the trailer. It includes water from places such as the bathroom, sink, and kitchen.
9. Hitch Lock: A device used to lock the trailer’s tow hook. It is used to deter those trying to steal the trailer.
10. Payload: It is the carrying capacity of the caravan. In other words, it is the maximum amount of load that the caravan can carry after its own weight.
11. Porch Awning: A type of awning or cover attached to the side of the trailer. It blocks the sun’s rays and creates a seating area outside the caravan.
12. Swivel Seat: Driver and passenger seats are seats that can rotate around a base. These seats make more effective use of the space inside the caravan.
13. Thetford: A brand that manufactures chemical toilet and cleaning products for caravans. Thetford also offers products for toilets outside of caravans.
14. Truma: A brand that produces heaters, hot water and air conditioning systems for caravans. Truma is very popular with caravan users.
15. Waste Water: It is the name given to the waste water in the black water tank of the caravan. It includes wastewater from the toilet.
16. Whale: A brand that produces water pumps and water systems for caravans. Whale is known for Rapid Heat, a system that produces hot water.
17. WOF: Abbreviation for “Warrant Of Fitness”. It is a certificate that shows that the caravans comply with certain standards. Used in New Zealand.
18. Solar Panel: Solar panels recharge the caravan’s batteries by converting solar energy into electrical energy. This is becoming more and more popular with caravan users.
19. Leisure Battery: It is the electrical energy source of the caravan. These batteries are necessary for the devices in the caravan (refrigerator, lighting, television, etc.) to work.
20. Jockey Wheel: A jack that is mounted on the front of the trailer. These jacks are used to move or maneuver the caravan

Besides these terms, there are many other terms used in the caravan world. However, the above terms provide basic information about caravan use for beginners. Knowing the meaning of these terms when using a caravan can make driving a caravan easier and more enjoyable.