Hitting the road in a campervan is an exciting adventure, but the terminology can sometimes feel like a foreign language!
Whether you’re a seasoned campervanner or a curious first-timer, this guide will ensure you navigate the world of campervans with confidence.
Starting your epic campervan adventure in Ireland?
When it comes to campervan hire near Dublin (or anywhere else on the Emerald Isle!), the term to remember is Craic N Campers!
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
L
M
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
A
A-class
The largest and most luxurious type of motorhome, typically with a bus-style chassis and a cab over engine design.
A-frame
A triangular campervan design with sloping sides for standing room.
Alcove
A sleeping area in a Class C motorhome located above the driver’s cabin.
AL-KO ATC
An automatic trailer stability control system for campervan trailers.
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)
The maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow, including the campervan or RV.
Awning
A retractable fabric canopy attached to the side of a campervan or RV, providing shade and outdoor living space.
B
Back-in site
A campsite where you reverse your campervan or RV into the parking space.
Barn doors
Large double doors at the rear of a campervan, often used for cargo access.
Belted seats
Seats in a campervan or RV equipped with seatbelts for passenger safety while driving.
Berths
The number of sleeping spaces available in a campervan or RV.
Black water
Wastewater from toilets in a campervan or RV, requiring a designated disposal tank.
Boondocking (also Dry Camping, Off-grid Camping)
Camping without access to electrical hookups, often in remote locations. Campervans and RVs with solar panels or generators are well-suited for boondocking.
Bulli
Nickname for the Volkswagen Type 2 van, a popular platform for campervan conversions.
C
Calor
Brand name for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commonly used for cooking and heating in campervans and RVs in the UK.
Camper
Brand name for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commonly used for cooking and heating in campervans and RVs in the UK.
Campground/Campsite
Designated areas for camping, often with amenities like toilets, showers, and hookups for campervans and RVs.
Cassette Toilet
A portable toilet with a removable waste cassette for campervans and RVs with limited bathroom space.
CDP (Concentrated Designation Place)
A designation for unincorporated communities with a sizeable population, some of which may have campgrounds suitable for campervans and RVs.
Coachbuilt
Describes a motorhome where the living area is built on a separate chassis from the cab.
The driver's area in a campervan or motorhome.
Describes a motorhome where the living area is built on a separate chassis from the cab.
Coupler
The connection point between a tow vehicle and a trailer.
Cowboy Camping
Camping without a designated campsite, often done by experienced campervanners.
D
Dinette
A convertible seating and table area in a campervan or RV, often used for dining or socializing.
Draining Down
Winterizing a campervan or RV by removing water from the plumbing system to prevent freezing.
Dry Bath
A bathroom in a campervan or RV with a separate toilet and shower stall, often with no sink.
E
Elevating Roof
A roof on a campervan that can be raised to create additional headroom.
F
Full Hookup (FHU)
A campsite with access to all three utility connections: electricity, water, and sewer.
G
Gas (LPG)
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, used for cooking and heating in many campervans and RVs.
Grey Water
Wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing in a campervan or RV, typically requiring a separate disposal tank from black water.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The maximum permissible weight of a fully loaded campervan or RV.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The maximum permissible weight for each axle of a campervan or RV.
H
Hula Skirt
The maximum permissible weight for each axle of a campervan or RV.
Hookups
Electrical, water, and sewer connections available at some campsites for campervans and RVs.
L
Laundry Facilities
Amenities offered by some campgrounds for washing clothes, useful for extended RV trips.
LPG
M
MiRO Mass in Running Order
The weight of a campervan or RV without passengers, cargo, or full fluid tanks.
Motorhome (RV)
A self-propelled vehicle designed for living and travelling, combining driving capabilities with living space.
MTPLM (Maximum Total Payload Mass)
The maximum weight a campervan or caravan can legally carry after accounting for its MiRO.
O
Off-grid Camping
Outfitter
A company that sells camping gear and supplies, including equipment for campervans and RVs.
Overcab
A sleeping area in a Class C motorhome located above the driver’s cabin.
P
Pop-up Tent
A collapsible trailer with a canvas top that unfolds to create a tent-like living space.
R
Reefer
Slang term for a refrigerator in a campervan or RV.
Rig
Slang term for a campervan or RV.
RV Park
S
Self-contained
Describes a campervan or RV with built-in features for living off the grid, such as a toilet, water tanks, and a cooking area.
Service Pitch
Shore Power
An electrical connection from a campsite pedestal to power your campervan or RV.
Slide-out
An expandable room section in a campervan or RV that creates additional living space when extended.
Snowbirds
People who travel south in their RVs during the winter to escape colder climates.
T
Toy Hauler
A specialized RV with a large cargo area designed for transporting recreational vehicles like motorcycles or ATVs.
U
Underbelly
The underside of a campervan or RV, often where plumbing and storage compartments are located.
V
Van Conversion
A van that has been modified for living and travelling, creating a campervan.
Van Life
The lifestyle of living full-time in a campervan or RV.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
A unique code that identifies a specific campervan or RV.
W
Wagonmaster
The leader of a group of campervans or RVs travelling together.
Westy
Nickname for the Mercedes-Benz T1 van, another popular platform for campervan conversions.
Wet locker
A compartment in a campervan or RV for storing wet or dirty gear.
Wild Camping
Camping outside of designated campgrounds, following local regulations regarding dispersed camping.
Winterizing
Preparing a campervan or RV for storage during the winter by draining water from the plumbing system and taking steps to prevent freezing and damage.
