The camper world has its own jargon, and when you start out it can leave your head spinning: the MAM, the boiler, the B2B... So you don't get lost, we've gathered the most common terms explained simply, each in one sentence. Save it as a cheat sheet for whenever you come across a word you don't recognise.
Vehicle and weights
- MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass): the legal maximum weight of the loaded vehicle; it decides which licence you need and how much you can carry (see the weight).
- Kerb weight: what the empty vehicle weighs.
- Payload: the difference between the MAM and the kerb weight; what you can load without going over.
- Coachbuilt, alcove, A-class, camper van: the body types (see camper vs. motorhome).
- Overhang: the part sticking out behind the rear axle; it matters on ramps and bends.
Water and bathroom
- Fresh water: the drinking water in your tank.
- Grey water: what comes out of the sink and shower (see grey water).
- Black water: from the toilet.
- Cassette: the removable tank of the chemical toilet (see the toilet).
- Boiler: the water heater.
Power (the part that raises the most questions)
- Leisure battery (or auxiliary battery): the one powering the "living area", separate from the starter battery (see starter vs. leisure).
- LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate): the lithium battery chemistry most used in campers for its safety and lifespan.
- DoD (depth of discharge): how much of the battery you can use; lithium allows far more than lead-acid.
- Cycles: the charge and discharge cycles a battery can handle; it defines its lifespan.
- B2B (battery-to-battery booster/charger): charges the leisure battery optimally while the engine is running.
- MPPT: the most efficient solar regulator, which makes better use of your panels (see the MPPT regulator).
- Inverter: converts the 12V from the battery into 230V for household sockets.
- Shunt: a sensor that precisely measures the energy flowing in and out of the battery (which lets you know the true state of charge).
- Cut-off switch: stops consumption to prevent deep discharge; some, like the one on the Upcyon app, are operated remotely (see the app).
Overnighting and daily life
- Overnighting: spending the night; different from "camping" (setting up furniture etc.), which is more restricted.
- Motorhome aire/service point: a space set up for overnighting and services (see aires).
- Aire (France): the French service areas, very plentiful.
- CEE hook-up: the standard campsite electrical connector.
- Levelling ramps: wedges used to level the camper.
In short
Knowing the camper jargon (MAM, payload, cassette, boiler, LiFePO4, DoD, B2B, MPPT, shunt...) helps you understand your vehicle and make better decisions. The step to take today: save this glossary as a cheat sheet and check it whenever you come across a new term; and if your questions are about the electrics (the trickiest part), lean on the calculator and a technical team that explains it clearly. Pair it with the camper world myths.