A caravan glossary N-Z
Here, in the second part of the glossary of caravanning terms from second hand caravans dealer Albion Caravans (http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk/), find out some of the terms it’s handy to know between the letters N and Z.
Noseweight – This is another name for ‘static vertical load’, which is the weight of the caravan which is supported by the rear of the towing vehicle.
Noseweight limit – A caravan cannot exceed the noseweight limit, which is found individually on towing caravans, tow bars and caravan hitches. Whichever value is lowest is the noseweight limit of the entire caravan.
Outfit – A term for a caravan on its own, a motor caravan or a caravan plus towing vehicle. Generally, if asked for the ‘length of outfit’, the ‘outfit’ will refer to the size of the caravan including A frame but not the car, or to the complete length of a motor caravan.
Outfit weight ratio – The actual laden weight of the caravan as a percentage of the kerbweight (empty weight).
Pigtail – A spiral of metal (which looks like the tail of a pig) which can be found on a tow bar and which breakaway cables are attached to.
Pop Top – Caravans which have an elevated roof which provides extra headroom when ‘popped up’.
Propane – The type of liquefied petroleum gas used in caravans which can be used at lower temperatures than the other main type of gas: butane.
Regulator – This is a safety device which is fitted between the gas system of the caravan and the gas cylinder.
Residual Current Device – Another safety device, this time a device which cuts off the electricity supply when there is an earth leakage.
Secondary Coupling – Another safety device, this one prevents the caravan becoming detached from the towing vehicle. These are used in lightweight caravans only; heavier ones use breakaway cables. All caravans must legally have one or the other.
Snake – A term for severe instability of a caravan where it moves from side to side and which the driver cannot control.
Torque – The turning force produced by the engine when towing a caravan. The higher the torque output at low engine revs, the better the vehicle can tow.
Towing mirrors – Additional mirrors which allow the driver of a towing vehicle to see past the caravan to its rear.
User Payload – This is the difference between the maximum permissible laden mass and the mass in running order.
Vehicle Identification Number – A caravan’s unique serial number as stated by the manufacturer.
Ventilation – It’s important that caravans of all sizes have adequate ventilation for its occupants. All roof and floor vents must be unobstructed at all times.
Waste water – Waste water from the caravan’s kitchen and bathroom is collected in an internal tank or external container (more common) for disposal at a later date.
Water pump – Because water tanks and containers in caravans are naturally kept at a low level, a water pump is used to move the water around the system.
Yaw – The term for the pivotal movement the caravan makes horizontally around the hitch.
Zig Unit – This is the brand name (now used as a generic term for all makes) of the electrical control panel which is used in most caravans.
The world of caravanning is an expansive one, and therefore there are hundreds, even thousands of terms you will come across when buying, running and selling caravans, but we hope our glossary of just some of them will be of use. And if there’s still something you would like help with, or if you are looking for used caravans for sale, then why not check out the Albion Caravans site at http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk/ or call us on 01274 611 867.
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