You’re considering your first campervan holiday, you’ve had a quick look at our website and you’re now planning to rent a motorhome from us for your first adventure.
Maybe you’ll holiday in Cornwall, maybe Scotland, heck, maybe you’ll drive your hire motorhome across to Spain for a couple of weeks. You love the idea of hitting the open road. The trouble is, you’ve no idea what all these motorhome terms mean.
Why on earth would you take your garage with you? Should you listen to 80s music in your cassette toilet? Isn’t it a bit rude to talk about a hook-up and inverter? And what on earth is homologation all about?
We’re here to give you a complete A – Z list of motorhome terminology and key definitions
We’re all about the nerdy motorhome terms and, actually, many of our customers have never heard of a lot of them.
More to the point, plenty of salesroom staff seem to delight in making first-time buyers feel small by blasting them with jargon. We can’t bare it and there’s no way you should stand for it.
So, here’s a head start for when you take that first step inside a motorhome showroom or you’re in search for a motorhome to hire.
We’ve put together our very own motorhome glossary to explain all the important terminology and features you might hear or read during your hire journey.
The Ultimate A- Z Motorhome Glossary
A is for…
Adria – A motorhome manufacturer from Slovenia (they build them around a Fiat, Renault and Citroen chassis). They’re so good! We’ve made videos about their vehicles with Matt’s kids, we wear their branded gear and Matt has even been a guest of theirs on a few occasions at their head office and factory in Slovenia. Get him!
ALDE – A heating system found in higher-spec motorhomes and caravans. It used liquid-filled radiators creating a convection based heating system rather than a blown air system. The end result is a warmer interior with fewer cold spots.
AL-KO – A chassis manufacturer often used on caravans and motorhomes. Renown for rigidity, safety and stability.
Awning – The tent-like flappy thing that hangs off the side of some motorhomes, allowing you to barbecue outside (if you don’t have a separate gazebo) even when it’s raining. Based on experience (not ours, but believe us, we’ve seen the results on several occasions) ALWAYS check that you’ve folded it away BEFORE driving off.
B is for…
Bailey – Bristol-based (our home city) motorhome and caravan manufacturer.
Belted seats – Yup, they’re seats that can be used for travelling with a seat belt.
Berth – A confusing term that often refers to the number of people who can sleep in a motorhome, NOT the number of seatbelts and therefore the number of people who can travel in a motorhome.
Books – Don’t leave home without them! As Cicero wrote, A room without books is like a body without a soul. There’s an even better quote about books by the great film director, John Waters, but it’s too rude to include here.
C is for…
Cathargo – German manufacturer of motorhomes now sold in the UK. Great build quality and known for lightweight vehicles giving maximum payload.
Cassette toilet – That little box underneath the toilet where yesterday’s food ended its journey? Yup, that’s the cassette. You fill it, remove it, empty it responsibly, clean it and replace it.
CCC (Camping & Caravanning Club) – A fantastic organisation through which you can book over 110 motorhome-friendly sites across the UK. When you hire with us, you’ll receive membership of the CCC’s Motorhome Hire Scheme, giving you access to hundreds of sites across the UK.
Coachbuilt – A term used to describe the body of the motorhome. Usually, they are wider than the driving cab and offer more living space in the rear.
Calor – The most popular choice of gas bottle in a motorhome or caravan. LPG is always recommended as it has a much lower freezing point. Calor make a wide range of bottles for the leisure market including their Calor Lite bottle that is lighter in weight and holds 6kg of gas. They also come with a level gauge which is very useful. The Calor Lite bottle is being phased out and news of a replacement is yet to be released at the time of writing.
Captains Chair – the term used for a drivers or passenger seat that swivels to form part of the lounge – usually with arm rests for maximum comfort.
D is for…
Dethleffs – German manufacturer of motorhomes sold in the UK. Prestige product, German build quality and a very loyal following. Owned by Hymer Group (as are many these days).
Dinette – A lounge layout featuring a forward and rear-facing seat with a table between. Often they have seatbelts and they are ideal for maximising the number of travelling seats and for eating.
Double floor – Some motorhomes are fitted with a floor containing heating, resulting in underfloor heating. A double floor results in a warmer living and sleeping environment.
Drop-down bed – A double bed that’s stored in the ceiling and that drops down electronically with the press of a button (or occasionally pulled down by hand). It maximises space and keeps the motorhome more aerodynamic. Though they don’t suit everyone, they remove the need to ‘build’ a bed every evening without losing living space during the day.
E is for…
Electric hookup – OMD wrote a song about it, you’ll need it, and we use batteries to store it. When on a fully equipped campsite, you can plug into the hook-up to power all your electric sockets for the kettle, microwave, TV…
Elddis – British manufacturer of caravans and motorhomes.
Elsan – Manufacturer of toilet chemicals and other products. Very popular with caravanners so much so the toilet emptying points on campsites is often referred to as the Elsan point. A little like ‘Hoover the house’
E-Scooter and E-Bike – The latest must-have gadget for your motorhome adventure. They are portable (many fold in half), easy to use and getting ever more affordable.
F is for…
Farside – The offside of the motorhome i.e. the side opposite the entrance door. It’s also the world created by Matt’s favourite cartoonist, Gary Larson.
Ferries – You’ll need to check height and weight restrictions first, but ferries open up many of the UK’s islands – as well as Europe – for your motorhome holiday adventure.
Fiamma – A manufacture of awnings, bike racks and more. A company based in Italy. Often pronounced Flamma. Or Fimmia. Always makes us chuckle.
FIAT – The van chassis that around 88% of motorhomes are built on. Why? They are affordable, offer a good base for motorhome manufacturers to work with and understand the needs of the market.
FORD – Not nearly as popular a chassis for motorhomes as their Italian competitor FIAT, but nonetheless built on by a number of Italian manufacturers including Roller Team.
French Bed – A double bed set off to one side at the rear of the motorhome, usually with the corner slightly cut off to allow for easy access to the bathroom at the rear or in the rear corner. So named as a popular design with the french market. (So we’re told!)
G is for…
Globecar – Another of our favourite motorhome manufacturers from Germany. They build brilliant van conversions often referred to as a campervan.
Garage – That big, empty area at the rear of the motorhome usually under the bed. It can be used for storing bikes, chairs, table, kayaks etc. And children. It’s like a naughty step. But darker!
NB: There is a weight limit on what can go in the garage and it must be offset with any bikes on a rear rack or weight on a tow bar if fitted and in use. The limit is typically 150kg – 200kg.
Grey water – Don’t drink it! It’s what you pour down the plughole after washing up and showering. The grey water tank is under the motorhome and you can empty it in the UK in any gutter or drain. Grey water can start to smell after a few hot days. It commonly contains soap and body fat from hand washing and showering, food waste and liquid waste, so it’s advisable to empty the grey waste regularly.
Some people do drive with the drain tap open allowing the dirty water to empty on the ground whilst moving, though it’s not pleasant for those in the vicinity and is not permitted in France and some other European countries.
Gross weight – The total weight of the motorhome i.e. the maximum weight the vehicle may weigh when loaded with people and equipment. Usually, this is in the region of 3500kg.
Gaslow – A manufacturer of refillable gas bottles popular with many motorhome owners choosing to travel to the continent from the UK. They can be refilled at any AutoGas refill point
H is for…
Habitation area – The living area of the motorhome, which makes the habitation door the term used for the rear entrance door or caravan door.
Homologation – The process a motorhome goes through prior to registration when new. It determines the number of seats for travelling and number of seatbelts. No relation to hobgoblins, which are far more exciting.
Hook-up – A term used when plugging the motorhome into the mains electricity. Doing so allows the batteries to charge, the sockets to work and the appliances to use electricity rather than gas. You’ll need it if you want a quiet night in front of the box.
Hobby – Yet another German manufacturer of quality motorhomes and caravans.
Hymer – The worlds most famous manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans. Known for their A-Class bus like windscreen models but makers of so much more.
Hi-Viz Jackets – an essential accessory for travelling on the continent and a sensible one to carry anywhere.
I is for…
IH Motorhomes – A British manufacturer of renown. Named after its founder Ian Hartley. A lovely chap if you get to meet him. Quality motorhomes at a higher than average price point. Lots of design innovation from this independently-owned business. Well done Ian. Keep it up.
Insects – It’s estimated that there are 10,000,000,000,000,000,000 insects in the world and over 24,000 species in the UK alone. We haven’t personally counted them, and most of them don’t have names. We’re only mentioning them because mosquitoes and midges are amongst our least favourite. Fortunately, most new motorhomes are fitted with insect screens to stop the buggers from getting in.
Inverter – A unit that allows the 12v batteries to power a 240v appliance e.g. powering a hairdryer from a battery. So interesting that we were forced to add the insect listing above.
Isofix – Relatively recent appearance in motorhomes. (If you have children and use a car you will know what this term means.) A fixed metal seat fixture below the seat cushion to allow specialist fitting for a car seat.
Island Bed – The rear double bed design where the bed is centre to the motorhome with a gap on either side. Always felt it should be called a peninsula bed really.
J is for…
Jumper – You’ll need one on chilly nights outside your motorhome. With the heating on you won’t need multiple jumpers on inside, however.
Jean Michel Jarre – Yes, the French multi-electronic instrumentalist with the laser harp and other funky instruments. He has a vast catalogue to suit your mood, but we recommend all 47 minutes of Waiting for Cousteau if you’re looking for something peacefully mesmerising and the sounds of nature aren’t cutting it for you.
Jump leads – leave your motorhome standing too long and you’ll need a set of these.
John Guest – Manufacturer of leisure vehicle plastic pipe push-fit connectors and more. Did you know they also make drinks dispensing machines, pneumatics, compressed air systems, water purification, drinks vending machines and much more. John died in 1983 and his family continue to run the acclaimed, now international business.
K is for…
Karma – The spiritual principle of cause and effect. Smile and people smile back. Drive your motorhome like a tank and somebody will drive their tank like you drive your motorhome. Okay, we have to admit we’re struggling with K.
Knaus – Manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans from… Yup, Germany!
L is for…
Laika – One of our favourite manufacturers of motorhomes based in the hills of Tuscany, Italy. Beautiful design, old fashioned traditions in their build methods and great people to work with. We know, Matt’s been there several times to visit. Whilst building their new state of the art factory they discover remains of a Roman villa. So, they stop building, excavate, relay the remains and continue with the factory build years later with a shrug. Typically Italian!
LPG – The type of gas used in the motorhomes. If you’re familiar with Calor Gas, LPG is in a red bottle and has a lower freezing point than the blue bottles, which contain butane. LPG smells better, too, but we don’t recommend sniffing it. Don’t worry about accidentally fitting the wrong type; the gas valves are different for each type of bottle.
Levelling ramps – Also known as chocks, these are plastic ramps that allow you to drive on and achieve a level motorhome. Very useful to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep, that the sinks drain properly and that you don’t spill the wine!
M is for…
Motorhome Holiday Company – Of course. What else? Our team rock, we’re all deeply proud of the company, and we’re delighted to be here for all your motorhome holiday adventures.
MHC Storage – our motorhome, caravan, boat secure storage business. (Couldn’t resist giving it a plug).
MOT & habitation checks – As with a car, you must MOT your motorhome annually. The habitation check is essentially the MOT for the habitation area. Not every garage offers the service (many don’t have the entrance height for a start), but if you’re stuck, drop us a line and we can see if we can advise you on where to go locally.
McLouis – Italian manufacturer of motorhomes often at the cheaper end of the market.
N is for…
Nearside – The opposite of farside and, alas, nothing to do with the great Gary Larson.
Niessman Bischoff – Guess where these guys are based? Top-notch, top price wonderful motorhomes. Some models from the 2010 era now look a little dated with their trend for orange interiors but nonetheless quality build. Often seen in an A-Class shape.
O is for…
Overcab – The bed over the cab (see what they did there?). Often referred to as a Luton-style layout.
Oyster – Manufacturers of Satellite TV systems for motorhomes.
P is for…
Panel van – A motorhome or campervan where the original van body on which it is built is retained. The body is therefore all the original metal. Usually features a sliding door on the side(s).
Payload – This is the gross weight (see above) less the net weight e.g. a motorhome with a gross weight of 3500kg and a net weight of 2900kg has a payload of 600kg. The net weight usually includes the chassis, a driver, tank of water, tank of diesel and a bottle of gas. A vehicle’s gross weight is usually printed under the bonnet on the crash bar at the front.
Pilote – A motorhome manufacturer based in… France. Lovely motorhomes with great design features. Usually at the higher end of the price band.
PortaPotti – A must-have if you are in a campervan with no loo.
Propane – A popular choice of gas type for all motorhome and caravan users.
Push-Fit – the type of connectors used throughout motorhomes in the water system.
Q is for…
Quality – It’s what we’re all about at Motorhome Holiday Company.
Quandary – What else do we list for Q? We considered quantum physics, questing and quoits, but then there was Quentin Crisp, quadding and quaggas but it made us terribly, ahem, quonfused. In the end, we had no qualms over quitting and quaffing wine instead. We just hope we don’t feel queasy afterwards.
Questions – Lots. Ask away. Hopefully you’ve found a few answers in here.
R is for…
Rubbernecking – the ‘art’ of creating huge traffic jams because you’ve slowed down to gawp at the accident on the other side of the motorway. Please don’t do it. It’s one of our pet hates along with hogging the middle lane and using your phone whilst driving.
Roller Team – Italian motorhome manufacturer with a lower price tag. Popular across Europe and in the UK. Often seen on hire fleets as considered a well built good value motorhome.
Reich – A popular choice of tap manufacturer for many motorhomes and caravans
Rear lounge – a popular British layout with a rear U-shaped lounge. Spacious and comfortable particularly when sat inside on a wet day. A layout hailing from caravans. The compromise is an often uncomfortable bed made from seat cushions and a lack of storage lockers accessible from the outside.
Reversing Camera – A great addition for any motorhome (or caravan) especially when going um, backwards.
S is for…
Swivel seat – In many motorhome layouts, the front driver and/or passenger seat rotate to face backwards. These are known as swivel seats. They must NOT be rotated whilst driving. Save the fun for when you’ve stopped.
Servicing – It’s what we do to all our motorhomes on a regular basis so that they take good care of you on your road trip.
Swift – British manufacturer of caravans, motorhomes, static homes and more.
T is for…
Three-way (3-way) fridge – This refers to the power sources the fridge can operate on i.e. electricity, gas and alternator 12v.
Transverse bed – a rear double bed across the rear of the motorhome. Usually up high to allow for the garage underneath. The upside of this layout is either a shorter motorhome or more living area, whilst the downside is one of you has to climb over the other to get in and out.
Thule – (Pronounced: toolay.) Italian manufacturer of bike racks and awnings, roof racks and top boxes. Plus many more items. Popular with some manufacturers of motorhomes.
That Leisure Shop – Have you been? Great little shop in North Somerset selling everything you need for your motorhome, caravan or campervan trip including chemicals, gas, levelling ramps, eBikes, eScooters, outdoor furniture and more.
Thetford – The manufacturers of many accessories in most motorhomes – toilets, ovens, grills and fridges. They also make toilet chemical. Massive European business with an HQ in the UK too.
Trigano – Huge French manufacturer of motorhomes across Europe and the UK. Owners of manufactures Autotrail, Adria and many many more.
Timberland – British manufacturer of van conversions. And boots. But that’s a different company.
Twin bed – A term used to describe twin single beds to the rear of the motorhome – either up high and linked together by a small section to make a double or low down midway back in the motorhome. In the latter layout, the bathroom is across the rear.
U is for…
Underfloor heating – Absolute luxury on four wheels. Most motorhomes don’t have this and it comes at a price, but oh my is it worth it, especially if you want to continue your road trips through the autumn and winter.
Universal Bulb Kit – a handy accessory for the glove box in case you blow one.
Undergarments – Always.
V is for…
Vernacular – The language, the jargon, the nerdy terms motorhomers use, which inspired this A to Z of Motorhomes. Okay, we’re a tad stumped on V, too.
Volkswagen (VW) – The most popular choice for campervan with models like the California being the most copied. The pop-top roof go-to van conversion.
W is for…
Water – It’s important you know which water you can drink and which you can’t. If it’s grey or stored in the cassette, don’t touch it. If it pours out of the taps with a sparkle, it’s good to go.
Weinsberg – Pronounced with a V. German, quality, enough said.
W4 – a wide range of clips, widgets, fuses, stickers, catches, knobs etc etc. Often sold in camping shops.
X is for…
Xenium – A gift given by the ancient Greeks or Romans to a guest or stranger, especially a foreign ambassador. We think we deserve one after compiling this A to Z of Motorhomes. Whose idea was it anyway? Alternatively, explore your xenomania with a motorhome that can travel the world and, while you’re about it, we’re rather partial to xylocarps if you happen to find any on your travels.
Xenon – headlights, bright and often a blue hue. Annoying for other drivers but great if you’re at the wheel at night
Y is for…
Yes – It’s our favourite word. You: Do you have a motorhome available to take us away on our next big adventure? Me: YES!
NB: Yup will also suffice.
Yodelling – Yes, we struggled with Y. Please don’t do this.
Yacht – Couldn’t afford one so bought a motorhome
Young – a trend of people starting to discover motorhome holidays for the first time
Z is for…
Zapper – Oh boy, this was a really bad idea. Okay, a zapper is an essential part of motorhoming if you have a TV installed and can’t be bothered to stand up, walk over and change the channel. Also known as a remote control.
Zapper is also a term used for the grill ignitor that you hold filled with gas. AKA the gas lighter. Or was that just us?
Zazen – Zen meditation (from the Japanese for ‘sitting’). Motorhome adventures don’t need to be full of adventure. Why not drive away to a peaceful location, overlooking a mountain range or a calm lake and practice the art of meditation whilst seated upright and with your legs crossed?
Found other terms not included in the motorhome glossary?
We hope you had as much fun reading our motorhome definitions as we did compiling them! If you reckon you can do better, you know something we’ve missed off, or you’re not sure of any other terms, send us an email at team@motorhomeholidaycompany.com and we’ll add them to our motorhome glossary!
Interested in availability?
Check your dates or find out more about how we can give you a great motorhome experience, simply enquire through the website here. Or you can get in touch with our team today!
+44 (0)117 290 9000
team@motorhomeholidaycompany.com
A370, Hewish, Bristol, BS24 6RT
The Motorhome Holiday Company; your (technically correct) adventure starts here.