Specifications

GRP
Glass-reinforced plastic, but more
commonly known as glass fibre (not
fibreglass, which is a trade name).
HANDBOOK
Owners manual, a guide to the workings
of your caravan.
HARDSTANDING
A pitch which has a hard surface made of
gravel, asphalt, concrete etc, instead of
grass.
HITCH
The mechanism which allows a caravan
to be attached to a tow ball.
HITCH LOCK
A security device that prevents the
caravan hitch being used.
HOOK-UP
A facility on a pitch for connection to
mains electricity.
INGRESS
Usually meaning water ingress, a
possible problem where water seeps in at
the joins, usually as a result of worn
sealant.
JACK
A device for raising the vehicle so that a
wheel can be changed, for instance. Not
to be confused with corner steadies,
which although they are sometimes
referred to as ‘corner jacks’ are steadying,
not lifting devices.
JOCKEY WHEEL
The small front wheel attached to the
caravan A-frame used to support the
forward end of the caravan, when
detached from the towing vehicle.
KERB WEIGHT
The empty weight of a motor vehicle as
defined by the manufacturer.
LAYOUT
Interior design. Where furniture units are
placed in relation to each other.
LEISURE BATTERY
Sometimes termed auxiliary battery.
Supplies the power for the caravan
electrical systems.
LEVEL
The process of ensuring that a caravan is
level when sited on a pitch. Important for
comfort and also to ensure the correct
functioning of the fridge and water
systems.
LPG
Liquid Petroleum Gas, i.e. butane or
propane.
L-SHAPED
A term where the seating area of a
caravan is indeed L-shaped.
MAINS HOOK-UP
A campsite facility where you can plug
into a mains electricity supply.
MAXIMUM HITCH HEIGHT
The maximium height at which the hitch
should be connected to a towing vehicle
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE TOWING
WEIGHT
The maximum weight that the towing
vehicle is allowed to tow.
MAXIMUM USER PAYLOAD
The maximium payload available for the
user inculding essential habitional
equipment.
MIRO - MASS IN RUNNING ORDER
Weight of the caravan equipped to the
manufacturer’s standard specification.
i.e. the condition in which it leaves the
factory. Note that this does not include
any part of the user payload, including the
essential habitation equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Explorer Group 2005 Touring Caravan Handbook
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