Whichever model you start off with, we are pleased to offer an exciting range of 'Starter Packs' which include the essentials such as water carriers, steps and wheel clamps and prices start from as little as £175.00
Below is a list of everyday terms used in the Caravan industry which we hope you find useful
A-FRAME
The triangular frame at the front of the caravan.
ABS
The plastic normally used to make caravan panels.
ACTUAL LADEN WEIGHT
The total weight of a caravan and its contents when being towed. Must not exceed the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM).
BREAKAWAY CABLE
A thin steel cable which links the caravan handbrake to the tow ball, providing a secondary coupling to apply the caravan brake in an emergency.
CARVER
A brand of heaters found in caravans; Carver made water and space heaters until their takeover by Truma in 1999.
CORNER STEADY
The jack built into the corner of a caravan, which is used to stabilise it while in use.
CRIS
The Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme, which registers caravans in a similar way that cars are registered with the DVLA.
DINETTE
A seating area consisting of a pair (or more) of facing seats, with a (usually removable) table in between.
EX-WORKS WEIGHT
The weight of the caravan as new with standard fixtures and fittings. Also known as unladen weight; more recent ‘vans use the term Mass in Running Order (MRO).
GROSS TRAIN WEIGHT
Also known as ‘combined weight’. This is the total laden weight of the car AND caravan, or ‘outfit’. Should not exceed the sum of the caravan’s MTPLM and towcar’s Gross Vehicle Weight (see below).
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
The weight of the vehicle laden to its maximum, as laid down by the vehicle manufacturer.
HITCH LOCK
A security device which prevents the caravan hitch being connected to (or removed from) a tow ball.
HOOK-UP
A facility on pitch to connect a caravan to the mains electric supply.
JOCKEY WHEEL
Small wheel at the front of a caravan used to support the forward end of the caravan and assist manoeuvring while it is not hitched up.
LEAF SPRING STABILISER
An add-on device which can help prevent instability by controlling the ease with which the caravan hitch can pivot about the tow ball. Usually consists of a large spring connected between the tow bar and the caravan A-frame, and a friction pad.
MANUFACTURER’S BRAKED TOWING LIMIT
The maximum weight of braked trailer a vehicle will tow, when restarting on a gradient of 1 in 8; as laid down by the car’s maker.
MANUFACTURER’S UNBRAKED TOWING LIMIT
The maximum weight of unbraked trailer a vehicle is permitted to tow; as laid down by the car’s maker.
MASS IN RUNNING ORDER (MRO)
The total weight of a caravan equipped to the manufacturer’s standard specification - it doesn’t include any part of the user payload. From 2011, the MRO may include an allowance for essential equipment.
MAXIMUM AUTHORISED WEIGHT
The maximum weight for which a caravan is designed when being used on a road fully laden. Sometimes also known as maximum gross weight and usually applied to older models - more recent ones use the term Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) instead.
MOTOR MOVER
An electric device for manoeuvring a caravan when it is not hitched up. Although it’s a trade name, it’s often used as a generic term.
NATIONAL CARAVAN COUNCIL
The trade association for manufacturers, suppliers and dealers. Responsible for certifying that new caravans comply with European and relevant standards. Golden Castle are long-established Members.
NOSEWEIGHT
The part of a caravan’s weight which is supported by the rear of the towing vehicle via the tow ball. Also known as the static vertical load.
NOSEWEIGHT LIMIT
The value of noseweight which must not be exceeded. Towing vehicles, tow bars and caravan hitches usually have noseweight limits, and the lowest figure from any given combination is the limiting factor.
OUTFIT
A caravan and its towing vehicle considered as a unit.
OUTFIT WEIGHT RATIO
The laden weight of a caravan expressed as a percentage of the kerbweight of the towing vehicle.
STABILISER
A safety device which helps prevent instability by controlling the ease with which the caravan hitch can pivot about the tow ball.
USER PAYLOAD
The weight of personal effects that a caravan can stow.
WATER CARRIER
A barrel with a handle attached, used to transport water.