Caravan Jargon Glossary: 50+ Terms Every Traveller Should Know

Caravanning is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Australia, whether you’re chasing the horizon in a luxury caravan or going fully off-grid in the outback. But if you’re new to the caravanning lifestyle, all the terminology—especially around off-road or off-grid setups—can quickly get overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created this clear, practical glossary of caravan terms. It’s designed to help you feel more confident when researching, purchasing, and hitting the road. Whether you’re planning remote work from a full off-grid caravan setup, looking for the best compact caravan for solo travel, or diving into the world of luxury caravans in Australia, this guide has you covered.

Caravan Weights & Measurements: Tare, ATM, GVM & More

ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) – The maximum legal weight of your caravan when fully loaded with water, gas, and gear. Calculated as Tare + Payload, this limit must not be exceeded. It’s a critical figure when matching your van to a compatible tow vehicle.

Ball Weight – The downward force that your caravan’s hitch or coupling applies to the tow ball of your tow vehicle. This figure is critical for maintaining towing stability, vehicle handling, and compliance with legal towing regulations. It’s an important specification when comparing the best cars for towing a caravan

GCM (Gross Combination Mass) – The maximum combined weight of your tow vehicle and caravan when hitched and fully loaded. Staying within your vehicle’s GCM rating is essential for safe towing and avoiding mechanical strain.

GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) – The maximum allowable weight of your tow vehicle when fully loaded with passengers, fuel, and cargo. Exceeding the GVM can affect performance, braking, and compliance with road regulations.

Payload – The total amount of gear, water, gas, and personal items you can legally carry in your caravan without exceeding the ATM.
Payload = ATM – Tare. This figure is essential for safe loading and correct weight distribution.

Tare – The unloaded weight of your caravan as it leaves the factory, excluding passengers, water, gas, or personal items. Understanding your caravan’s tare weight is essential for calculating payload capacity and selecting a suitable tow vehicle to ensure safe, legal towing.

Towing Capacity – The maximum weight your vehicle is legally rated to tow. It’s a key factor in choosing the right caravan and tow vehicle combination, especially when travelling off-road or fully loaded for long-haul touring.

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Power & Batteries

AGM Battery – A type of sealed lead-acid battery known for its durability, low maintenance, and reliable performance in caravan battery systems. Common in off-grid battery storage setups, although often being replaced by lithium in newer builds.

Battery Management System (BMS) – Controls and monitors your caravan’s 12V and 240V power systems. It manages battery charge levels, solar input, and power distribution while protecting against overcharge and over-discharge. A critical component in modern off-grid caravans with advanced power setups.

DC-DC Charger – A smart charging device that allows your caravan batteries to recharge while you drive by drawing power from your tow vehicle. Essential for maintaining battery health in off-grid power systems, especially when solar input is limited.

Inverter – Converts 12V DC battery power into 240V AC to run household-style appliances off-grid. A must-have for powering devices like coffee machines, microwaves, or air fryers in self-sufficient caravans.

Lithium Battery – A lightweight, long-lasting, and high-efficiency battery option ideal for off-grid caravanning. Lithium systems pair perfectly with solar power and offer faster charging, deeper discharge, and reduced weight compared to AGM batteries.

Rooftop Solar Panels – Fixed solar panels mounted to the caravan roof that generate electricity to charge your battery bank. Essential for travellers who want to stay off-grid longer without needing powered sites.

Solar Blanket – A portable solar solution that unfolds to collect energy and recharge your caravan batteries. Offers flexible positioning and easy storage—ideal for off-grid travel or as a backup to rooftop panels.

Chassis, Suspension & Towing

Airbag Suspension – A premium suspension upgrade that uses adjustable airbags instead of traditional coil or leaf springs. It allows you to raise or lower your caravan’s ride height for better ground clearance, improved ride comfort, and more even weight distribution—especially useful for off-road caravans, heavy loads, and remote travel where terrain can vary dramatically. 

Chassis – The structural underframe of your caravan, supporting its entire build. High-end off-road caravans use galvanised or reinforced chassis to handle rugged tracks and improve long-term durability.

Dual Axle – A caravan with two axles for improved stability, weight distribution, and load-carrying capacity. Common in luxury caravans and essential for off-road towing performance.

Hitch / Coupling – The caravan-side connection that attaches to your vehicle’s tow ball or pin. Many off-road caravans use articulating couplings like the DO35 or DO45, which offer greater flexibility and articulation on uneven terrain—ideal for off-grid and off-road travel.

Independent Suspension – A suspension system that allows each wheel to move independently, providing better stability, smoother rides, and improved handling on rough terrain. Common in offroad caravans and luxury caravans designed for comfort and rugged adventures.

Jockey Wheel – A swivelling, adjustable wheel at the front of the caravan that allows you to manoeuvre it while unhitched. Essential for easy positioning on site.

Levelling Ramps – Used to level your caravan when parked on uneven ground. A practical upgrade for ensuring proper fridge performance, water drainage, and caravan comfort—especially useful for caravanning beginners.

Self-Levelling Airbag Suspension – A high-tech feature that automatically adjusts the height of your airbag suspension system to maintain a level caravan, regardless of weight changes or terrain. Perfect for those who want hassle-free setup and consistently smooth towing performance.

Single Axle – A lighter, more compact design with one axle. Common in compact caravans for couples, offering better manoeuvrability for smaller vehicles.

Stabiliser Legs – Extendable legs that keep your caravan steady and secure when parked. Useful on uneven surfaces and windy conditions.

Suspension System – A reliable caravan suspension setup is crucial for both off-road and off-grid caravanning. It protects your gear, cushions impacts from rough terrain, and ensures a more comfortable ride.

Tow Ball – The steel connection point on your tow vehicle that links to the caravan’s hitch or coupling. It must be rated correctly for your caravan’s ATM and match the style of your coupling—such as the DO35 or DO45— to ensure safe towing.

Tow Vehicle – The car, SUV, or ute used to tow your caravan. It’s important to choose a tow vehicle with suitable towing capacity, engine type, and weight compatibility for your caravan setup—especially for off-road and off-grid travel.

Tripod Stand – A lightweight, collapsible stand used to support portable solar panels, annexes, or temporary shade setups.

Undercarriage Protection – A reinforced protective plate fitted to the undercarriage of an off-road caravan. It shields key components like the suspension system, water tanks, and plumbing from rocks, debris, and rough terrain. Essential for serious off-road caravanning.

Safety Features

Breakaway System – A critical caravan safety feature that automatically applies the brakes if your caravan becomes detached from the tow vehicle during travel. Required by law in many Australian states for heavier caravans.

Reverse Camera – A camera mounted at the back of your caravan to assist with reversing, parking, and hitching, it’s especially useful for larger luxury caravans and for safer manoeuvring in tight spots.

Sway Control – A caravan-mounted safety system that reduces dangerous side-to-side trailer movement while towing. Systems like Tuson Sway Control detect sway and automatically apply the caravan’s brakes to bring it back under control—especially important at highway speeds or in windy conditions. This feature greatly improves towing safety, particularly for off-road caravans and larger van setups.

Appliances & Fixtures

Sirocco Fan – A 12V caravan fan popular in off-grid caravans and compact layouts. The Sirocco fan is known for its ultra-low power consumption, quiet operation, and 360° directional airflow. Ideal for keeping air circulating in energy-efficient caravans, especially during hot Australian summers or when free camping.

2-Way Compressor Fridge – A high-performance caravan fridge that runs on both 12V battery power and 240V mains. The 2-way compressor fridge is ideal for solar and lithium battery setups in off-grid caravans, offering fast cooling, reliable operation in extreme heat, and lower power draw compared to 3-way fridges—making it a top choice for modern off-road caravans.

3-Way Fridge – A flexible fridge option in many caravans, capable of operating on 12V, 240V, or LPG gas. While 3-way fridges are valued for their ability to run silently on gas when mains power or solar isn’t available, they’re often less efficient in hot climates. Still popular in some hybrid caravans or when off-grid power systems are limited.

Diesel Heater – A reliable, fuel-efficient heating system that runs on diesel, making it ideal for off-grid caravans where power is limited. Diesel heaters are popular in both off-road and luxury caravans for providing consistent warmth during cold weather travel, with low power usage and quiet operation. A must-have for winter touring or alpine camping.

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Comfort & Layout Features

Annexe – An add-on canvas or vinyl room that extends your caravan’s living space, often used for extra shade or sleeping areas.

Awning – A retractable or fixed cover that extends from the side of your caravan to provide shade and shelter—perfect for creating an outdoor living space at your campsite.

Compact Caravan – Small, lightweight caravans designed for easy towing and manoeuvrability. Ideal for solo travellers or couples seeking a simple, nimble setup.

Drop-Down Table – A table that lowers to convert a lounge area into an extra bed. Common in compact caravans where space efficiency is key.

Ensuite – A private internal bathroom with shower and toilet. A must-have in most high-end caravans for sale.

Gas Struts – Hydraulic arms that assist with lifting beds, storage lids, or overhead cabinets.

Gas Struts – Hydraulic lift supports used to hold open overhead cupboards, storage lids, and bed bases – making access easier and safer. Common in both compact and luxury caravans for added convenience and functionality.

Niches – Built-in recessed shelves or storage spaces within the caravan’s interior – commonly found beside. A clever design feature in many luxury caravans to maximise space and convenience.

Pop-Top – A caravan with a roof that lifts for more headroom when parked and lowers when towing.

Remote Work Setup – A workspace layout with power systems suited to working off-grid, including Wi-Fi boosters, solar, and comfortable ergonomic workstations.

Rear View (Reverse) Camera – A camera mounted at the rear of the caravan to assist with reversing, hitching, and maintaining visibility of what’s behind you while driving. Particularly useful for longer vans and off-road setups where rear visibility is limited.

Self-Contained Caravan – Equipped with toilet, water storage, and cooking facilities. Ideal for off-grid travel and long-term touring.

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Lounge Configurations

Bench Lounge – A straight or parallel seating layout positioned along one or both sides of the caravan. It offers a minimalist, open-plan feel and can often double as a daybed or be paired with a removable table for flexible use of space.

Café Dinette – A face-to-face seating layout with a central tri-fold table, commonly found in caravans. It offers a comfortable dining space with efficient use of layout and storage.

Club Lounge – A U-shaped seating arrangement typically positioned in the centre of the caravan, also known as a centre club lounge. It provides a spacious, comfortable area for dining or relaxing, and is often paired with a swivel or telescopic table that can be lowered to create an extra bed when required.

L-Shaped Lounge – An angled seating arrangement that fits neatly into a corner of the caravan, offering a stylish and space-efficient layout. Often paired with a drop-down table that can convert the area into an extra bed when needed.

Rear Club Lounge – A spacious, wraparound seating area located at the rear of the caravan. It creates a luxurious and social space for entertaining, dining, or relaxing, and is a standout feature in many 22ft off-road and luxury vans. Often paired with large windows and telescopic table, it can also convert into a guest bed if required.

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Water & Waste

Black Water – Waste from your caravan’s toilet system.

Cassette Toilet – A compact, self-contained toilet system commonly used in caravans. Waste is held in a removable cassette, which can be easily emptied at a designated dump point. This type of caravan toilet is ideal for both off-grid caravanning and travel in areas without access to public amenities.

Fresh Water Tank – Stores clean water for use in your caravan’s taps, shower, and appliances. While commonly used for drinking, it depends on your water source and filtration setup. Essential for staying off-grid longer.

Grey Water – Waste water from your caravan’s kitchen sink and shower. Storing it in a dedicated grey water tank is essential for environmentally responsible caravan travel, especially when free camping or staying in national parks, where ground water discharge is not permitted. Proper grey water management is a key part of off-grid caravanning.

Water Pump – A 12V water pump that draws water from your caravan’s fresh water tank to supply taps, sinks, and showers. An essential part of your caravan plumbing system, especially for off-grid caravanning, it provides reliable pressure for everyday use—even when you’re far from powered sites.

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Connectivity & Entertainment

Coaxial Points – Connection ports on your caravan that allow you to plug into an external TV antenna or satellite dish, helping ensure strong TV signal reception—even in remote areas. These are especially useful for powering a Smart TV setup when staying at caravan parks or enhancing in-van entertainment in luxury caravans.

RV WiFi – A dedicated caravan Wi-Fi system designed to boost internet connectivity while travelling. RV WiFi units typically include an external antenna and internal router to enhance mobile signal reception and create a local Wi-Fi network inside your van. Ideal for remote work, streaming on your Smart TV, or staying connected during off-grid caravanning.

Smart TV – A television that connects to Wi-Fi to access streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Stan. A common feature in luxury caravans, Smart TVs provide high-quality in-van entertainment whether you’re staying at a caravan park or travelling remotely using Starlink or RV Wi-Fi. Ideal for relaxing during off-grid caravanning, especially when paired with a reliable power setup.

Starlink – A satellite internet system that provides fast, reliable internet access in remote areas—ideal for off-grid caravanning and perfect for digital nomads working remotely from their caravan, even in the most isolated locations.

TV Antenna – A roof- or pole-mounted antenna that picks up free-to-air TV signals for your caravan’s entertainment system. Essential for watching local channels while travelling, especially when staying at a caravan park or setting up a reliable in-van entertainment system in off-grid caravans.

Wi-Fi Booster – A device that improves reception of weak Wi-Fi signals from external sources, such as caravan parks or public hotspots. Useful when staying in semi-remote areas where connectivity exists but is unstable—perfect for off-grid caravanning and remote work setups.

Storage & Exterior

Checkerplate – A durable, textured aluminium sheeting commonly used on the lower exterior panels and storage boxes of caravans. It offers essential protection against rocks, gravel, and debris—making it a standard feature on many off-road caravans, including high-spec and luxury caravan models designed for rugged Australian conditions.

Decals – Decorative vinyl graphics applied to the exterior of a caravan, often used for branding, striping, or custom styling. Decals add personality and visual appeal, and are a signature design element on many luxury caravans and off-road caravan models.

Tunnel Boot – A large through-access storage compartment built into the front of the caravan. It’s ideal for storing bulky gear like hoses, camp chairs, or outdoor equipment, and is a standard inclusion in many off-road caravans and touring caravan setups.

Travel Lingo & Lifestyle

Bush Packing – Preparing and packing caravan gear with rugged terrain and remote conditions in mind. A must for travellers planning off-road caravanning or off-grid adventures where durability, reliability, and efficient storage are essential.

Caravan Park – A campground with powered sites and shared facilities like toilets, showers, and BBQ areas. Ideal for beginner caravanners, families, or those easing into the van life lifestyle before going fully off-grid. A great base when travelling between remote camping spots.

Off-Grid Caravanning – A style of travel that avoids reliance on powered sites or caravan parks, using solar power, lithium batteries, and fresh water storage to stay self-sufficient. Popular with digital nomads, remote workers, and those seeking freedom to camp anywhere in their off-grid caravan.

Van Life – A lifestyle centred around full-time or part-time caravan travel, often with a focus on off-grid living, remote work, and exploring Australia’s vast landscapes. A movement embraced by couples, solo travellers, and families seeking freedom on the road in everything from compact caravans to luxury off-road setups.

Ready to Hit the Road with Salute?

From the basics of towing to the tech behind off-grid living, understanding these key caravan terms can help you make informed decisions —whether you’re buying your first van or upgrading to a high-spec Salute luxury caravan.

This glossary is your go-to guide for confident, well-equipped travel!

Got questions? Chat with the team at Salute Caravans – we’re here to help you find the perfect caravan, whether you’re going compact, off-road, or fully off-grid.