Buying a static caravan means stepping into a world full of terms and abbreviations that aren’t always clear. From licence agreements to pitch fees, knowing the language helps you understand your contract, avoid mistakes, and feel confident when talking with park operators or dealers.

Here’s your A–Z jargon buster of common static caravan terminology. Bookmark this page and refer back whenever you need clarity.

A

Account – The account you hold with a park, used for billing site fees, utilities, and services. Not the same as a bank account.

Axle Stands – Supports used to secure a static caravan once sited.

B

Booking – When your caravan is let out to holidaymakers (if subletting is allowed).


Chassis – The metal frame underneath the caravan. Older models often use mild steel; newer ones may have galvanised steel for durability. Always check its condition on resale.

Connections – Setting up utilities such as water, electricity, and gas when siting your caravan.

Council Rates – Similar to council tax but usually paid to the site operator for local services.


D

Decking/Verandah – Raised area outside your caravan, often in UPVC or timber. Can improve access and add outdoor living space.

Drain Down – Process of emptying water systems to prevent freezing in winter. Parks may offer paid services to handle this for you.

F

Finance/Funding – Loan options to spread the cost of buying a caravan. Parks may offer finance, but interest rates are often higher than independent lenders.

Fleet/Holiday Fleet – Caravans owned by the park and rented out to holidaymakers. Sometimes these are resold to private buyers.

Fold-Out Bed – A sofa or lounge seating that converts into an extra bed.

Fixed vs Freestanding Furniture – Built-in furniture (fixed) versus removable/rearrangeable (freestanding).


Guaranteed Let – An arrangement where a park guarantees you income for letting out your caravan for agreed dates. Useful for offsetting fees and peace of mind, though not always the most profitable option.

You can view parks offering Guaranteed Letting here

H

Holiday Licence – Licence restricting caravans to holiday use only. You cannot live in a caravan on a holiday park full-time.

HARPA - Holiday and Residential Parks Association. An industry body representing holiday parks and setting standards for owners.

I

Insurance – Mandatory for most parks. Covers your caravan for damage, theft, and liability (extra cover needed if subletting). Find out more about caravan, lodge or park home insurance here.

L

Licence Agreement (Pitch Licence Agreement) – The legal contract between you and the park, setting out rights, rules, fees, and responsibilities. Always review carefully.

Lodge – Larger, often higher-spec units built to BS3632 standards, suitable for residential use if sited on a licensed residential park. Find lodges for sale here.

N

NCC (National Caravan Council) – Industry body that accredits parks and manufacturers, giving buyers confidence in standards.

O

Owner – You, as the legal owner of the static caravan. Distinguishes from “holidaymaker” (temporary guest).


Park Home – A residential-standard property, different from a static caravan, designed for permanent living. Find park homes for sale here.

Pitch – The plot where your caravan sits. Can vary in size, views, and price.

Pitch Fees / Site Fees / Ground Rent – Annual charges for keeping your caravan on the pitch. Cover site facilities and access.


R

Ramtech – Alarm system with motion sensors, sometimes reducing insurance premiums.

Rates – Payments to the park for local services, similar to council tax.

Residential Licence – Allows permanent living in a park home or lodge. Different from a holiday licence.

S

Season – The time of year the park is open. Holiday parks often operate 8–11 months. View holiday parks with a 12 month season here.

​Skirting – Panels fitted around the base of your caravan for insulation and appearance.

Static Caravan – A caravan designed to stay in one location, larger and more equipped than a touring caravan. View static caravans for sale here.

Subletting – Renting your caravan out to holidaymakers. Rules vary by park.

T

Tourer / Touring Caravan – A towable caravan designed for travel rather than permanent siting.


If we've missed a term or you've heard terms that you don't understand, let us know in the comments and we will add them to the list!