Glossary
MRO (Mass in Running Order)
The empty, or unladen, weight of the caravan, motorhome or campervan plus allowances for:
- Caravans – This is the calculated weight of the vehicle as it would leave the factory. Note that as this is a calculated figure, due to usual variation in the production process the weight of your vehicle may vary from this but by no more than +/- 5% of the declared value
- Motorhomes and Campervans – This is the calculated weight of the vehicle as it would leave the factory with no options fitted, 90% fuel, 10kg for gas and a 75kg driver. Note that as this is a calculated figure, due to usual variation in the production process the weight of your vehicle may vary from this, but by no more than +/- 5% of the declared value
MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass)
This is the maximum weight the vehicle can be loaded to on the road.
Payload
This is the amount of additional weight that can be loaded into the vehicle in use, calculated by the difference between the Actual Mass (MRO + factory fit option mass) of your vehicle and the MTPLM
Hitch
The bit at the very front of the caravan that connects to the towing vehicle.
Jockey Wheel
Located next to the hitch, the jockey wheel is lowered into position when the caravan is detached from your tow vehicle but raised and made secure when the caravan is being towed.
Noseweight
The weight, or downward force, of the caravan’s hitch on your vehicle’s tow ball.
Pitch peg
Usually marked with your pitch number, the peg indicates where the off-side rear of your caravan or motorhome needs to be when pitched to make sure everyone on the campsite is equally spaced out.
Corner Steadies
Fitted to each corner, the steadies wind down to keep your caravan level when it’s not attached to your tow vehicle.
Breakaway cable
Should your car and caravan become separated while towing, the breakaway cable is designed to apply the caravan brakes to stop it running away.
Aquaroll
A large roll along, fresh water carrier to supply your caravan or motorhome with running water. Usually around 40L in capacity.
Grey water collector
A container that sits under the drain pipe outside of your caravan or motorhome and collects the waste water from sinks, showers and basins.
EHU (Electric Hook Up)
A 240-volt electric point that connects to your caravan or motorhome via a heavy duty orange cable that provides mains electricity.
Stabiliser
A friction device inside the hitch that helps to stabilise the caravan whilst towing and increase safety.