Camper Talk Made Easy: Terms to Know

So, you’ve booked your campervan, the open road is calling, and adventure awaits… but what’s the difference between a grey water tank and a cassette toilet? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back!

Whether you’re new to vanlife travel or just need a little refresher, here’s a quick and friendly guide to the camper terms you’ll want to know before you roll out.

 

Vehicle Basics

• Motorhome vs Campervan: A motorhome is usually larger, is fully equipped with a kitchen, has a shower and toilet and is more luxurious. A campervan is a bit smaller and compact, has a smaller kitchen and may or may not have a bathroom.
• Overhead Bed: Some motorhomes have an overhead bed, or a bed located directly above the driver’s cabin. This is a permanent bed that can be accessed by a supplied ladder. You’ll find those beds in our GoCheap Henty and Derwent.
• Dinette Bed: Most campervans and motorhomes have at least one dinette bed on board. The dinette bed is a living area that can be converted to a bed at night by removing the tabletop to form the base of a bed and using the seating cushions to complete the mattress.
• 3-Way Fridge: A 3-way fridge is a cooling system that operates in three ways: via LP Gas, 12-volt power, and mains power.
• Water Pump:The water pump in the motorhome allows the water to be raised and circulated and can be turned on via an onboard switch. Water can be found in the motorhome via the kitchen and bathroom taps and the shower.
• Water Heater: Before hot water can be accessed in the shower, the water heater must be activated. Two different types of water heaters can be found in your campervan, known as either the ‘Suburban’ or ‘Truma’

 

Image: Campervan parked by the river

 

Power Basics

• 12-Volt Battery:Motorhomes and campers have two types of batteries. The first is the 12-volt battery that provides electricity to start the engine and ignite the fuel. It operates the onboard lights, fridge, windshield wiper, water pump, television and water heater.
• 240-Volt Battery/Mains Type Voltage: All campervans and motorhomes must be connected to a powered site at least every second night to charge the 240-volt battery. This charges the house battery and allows you to use the on-board heater system, microwave and power points. You must connect to this type of site to ensure the battery does not go flat.
• 12-Volt Switch:This refers to a switch that must be in the ‘on’ position to work the 12-volt battery appliances (including the lights, fridge, water pump, water heater and television).
• LPG:LP gas are gases that are used as fuel in heating appliances and cooking All campers come equipped with at least 1 LP gas bottle secured in an outside compartment. This gas bottle needs to be turned on before using the hot water system and gas stove.

 

Image: Travel with your best mates made easy with a camper

 

Bathroom Features

• Grey Water:Grey water refers to the water waste that results from sinks and showers. All campers come with a kitchen sink, and most with a shower.
• Grey Water Outlet:The grey water outlet refers to the point on the motorhome where the grey water tank is emptied. All motorhomes are supplied with a grey water hose to attach to this outlet to empty the tank into grey water waste facilities at selected campgrounds.
• Black Water:Black water refers to the wastewater from toilets. Most of our GoCheap campervans have an onboard toilet for convenience. The black water from the toilet cassette must be emptied into a black water dump point at every available opportunity.
• Toilet Cassette: A removable toilet system with a waste cassette you can empty at designated dump points.
• Dump Point: A designated area at campgrounds or rest stops to empty grey and black water tanks safely.

 

Image: Enjoy an ensuite bathroom in our larger vehicles

 

Outdoor Features

• Awning: Selected motorhomes have an attached awning (or sunshade) to provide shade. This feature is attached to the side of the motorhome and should only be used in fine weather conditions (not to be used in rainy or windy conditions).
• Powered Campsite:This refers to a camping site that offers electricity that allows you to power the 240-volt battery in your motorhome. We recommend that all campervans and motorhomes connect to a powered site at least every second night.

 

Image: Home is where you park it

 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you pick up your campervan – the team will walk you through everything. Once you’re on the road, it all becomes second nature.

 

Welcome To Vanlife!

Vanlife isn’t just a trend – it’s a lifestyle where people live, travel, and explore in a van or motorhome – either full-time or part-time. It’s all about freedom, minimalism, and waking up to a new view whenever you choose.

We’re here to make your vanlife journey easy, comfortable, and unforgettable. With fully equipped vehicles, helpful support, and all the freedom to explore, you’re ready to hit the road with confidence.

So, what do you say? Ready to hit the road?

Start exploring today! Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!