Why buy a caravan? Frankly I don't really know as they aren't my style of entertainment but with almost a million people within the UK owning caravans or going on caravan holidays each year creating a 3 billion pound industry maybe I'm missing something. So maybe caravans are a bit under estimated but they are now normally made out of aluminium making them a lot more durable and with modern technology most of its accessories and functions are a lot more compact and reliable creating more spacious and modern caravans than previously thought. Another great aspect of them is that with holidays becoming more expensive and the carbon foot print flying causes, internal holidays are coming back in popularity and how more retro can you get then a caravan holiday.

So if you're thinking of getting a caravan what would you need to know? Well terminology is a great place to start because everyone knows what kind of aesthetics' they like but when it comes to the knitty gritty it's good to know a few key words so you sound like you know what you're talking about so not to get hood winked.

A Frame - This is the triangular frame that is at the front end of the caravan. It is usually covered by a piece of moulded plastic. It also houses the handbrake and the electrical leads.

Aquaroll - A roll-along container for fresh water that connects to your caravan water inlet using a submersible pump.

Awning/Awning rail - A three-sided tent which attaches to your caravan through the awning rail, located on the side of the caravan. Awnings range from either a full awning, running the whole length of the caravan, to a simple porch awning which fits over the caravan door.

Butane Gas - Sold in blue cylinders. It burns at a slightly slower rate so it is a more efficient heat provider, which usually makes it the preferred choice of Caravanners.

CaSSOA - Caravan Storage Site Owners Association - using a CaSSOA recognised site will often get you discounts on your caravan insurance policy.

Delamination - When the adhesive bonding the caravan floor layers become unstuck it allows the floor layers to start to become spongy and creak.

Full Service Pitch - A pitch which has water and electricity supply, aerial as well as a connection to a waste system; it can also be known as a multi-service pitch.

GRP - Glass Reinforced Plastic used in the construction of the caravan panels (not used on newer models).

Hitch Lock - The hitch lock is a metal lock which fits over the caravan coupling head, therefore preventing the caravan from being stolen. This is an essential for most insurance policies.

MTPLM - 'Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass' - This is the manufacturer's top limit for what a caravan can weigh when it is fully loaded with all your caravanning gear.

Outfit - The car and caravan are known together as an 'outfit'.

Supermule - A safety and security device which is wound down from the caravan's floor when you are parked which will prevent the caravan being stolen or towed away, the more the caravan is pulled the more it digs in to the ground.

Twin Axle - A caravan that has two sets of wheels.

Just a few terminologies that can help you get your head round the buying experience so you can get yourself a caravan and start going on your green reduced carbon foot print internal retro styled holidays.