Step onto a campsite for the first time and it can sound like everyone is speaking a different language. But don’t worry, most of the jargon is simple once you know what it means. Here’s a handy guide to the terms you’ll hear most often, from the pitch you park on to the weights you’ll need to keep an eye on.
Types of vehicle
- Tourer: A caravan designed to be towed behind a car and used for holidays on the move.
- Static caravan: A holiday home that stays in one place, usually on a holiday park.
- Twin-axle: A larger caravan with two axles, often offering extra space and stability.
- Coachbuilt: A motorhome with a separate living area built onto a cab chassis, often with a bed above the cab.
- A-class: A large, purpose-built motorhome with a wide windscreen and a cab that’s part of the living space.
- Campervan: A smaller, van-based motorhome, often with a pop-up roof and compact living space.
Around the pitch
- Pitch: The space you’re allocated on site for your caravan or motorhome.
- Hook-up: A main electricity supply at your pitch, connected with a special cable.
- Hardstanding: A firm gravel or concrete pitch that handles wet weather well.
- Serviced pitch: A pitch with a water supply and waste drainage alongside electric hook-up.
- Warden: The person who manages the site and can help with questions on arrival.
Water and waste
- Grey water: Waste water from sinks and showers, emptied at a designated point.
- Cassette toilet: A toilet with a removable tank, which you empty at a disposal point.
- Elsan point: The disposal point for toilet waste, named after a well-known brand.
Weights and towing
- MTPLM: Maximum technically permissible laden mass, the most your caravan can weigh when fully loaded.
- Payload: The weight of passengers, belongings and fluids you can safely carry.
- Motor mover: A remote-controlled device that helps you manoeuvre a caravan on site.
- Noseweight: The downward weight a caravan puts on your car’s towball.
Kit and care
- Leisure battery: A separate battery that powers lights and appliances when you’re off-grid.
- Corner steadies: Legs lowered at each corner of a caravan to keep it stable.
- Habitation check: An annual inspection of the living area, covering gas, electrics and damp.
- Awning: A canopy that attaches to the side of your van for extra living space.
- Gas locker: The compartment where your gas bottles are stored.
Keep this guide handy on your first few trips and the jargon will soon feel like second nature.
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