The Vanagon Dictionary
Get to know your Volkswagen.
Look up Vanagon, EuroVan and Volkswagen Bus terms, then follow the definitions to their sources.
About the Dictionary and its data
Definitions and source records come from the shared Dictionary, which remains available at dictionary.vanagon.com.
API and data detailsResults for “Main”
175 public entries · page 8 of 8
Bailing Wire
Tools and maintenance terminologyEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A type of wire used to hold or secure items, often used in place of tape or ties.
- wire
- fastener
- hold
Ridiculously Large Standard Screwdriver
Tools and maintenance terminologyEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A large, flat-bladed screwdriver used for various tasks such as prying, chiseling, and breaking.
- screwdriver
- tool
- pry
Electrolyte level
Electrical systemsEnglish · machine-assisted draft
The height of the liquid electrolyte relative to the plates in a serviceable flooded lead-acid battery. It describes liquid quantity, not state of charge or specific gravity. Gerry’s battery FAQ discusses accessible cells; this term must not be read as an instruction to open a sealed battery.
- batteries
- maintenance
Constant current charger
Electrical systemsEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A charger that regulates its output to maintain a selected charging current during that operating stage. This differs from holding voltage constant. Gerry’s 1995 FAQ uses the term for automotive lead-acid charging; its historical settings are not a charging program for every modern camper battery.
- battery
- charger
Hydrometer
Tools and maintenance terminologyEnglish · machine-assisted draft
An instrument that measures a liquid’s specific gravity. In Gerry’s battery FAQ it is used with electrolyte from accessible cells of a flooded lead-acid battery, helping compare cells and estimate charge. It does not measure voltage and is not a general-purpose tester for sealed or lithium camper batteries.
- batteries
- hydrometer
- testing
State-of-charge
Electrical systemsEnglish · machine-assisted draft
An estimate of how much charge remains in a battery, commonly expressed as a percentage of full charge. It differs from battery health: a worn battery can be fully charged yet store little usable energy. The voltage and electrolyte-density table in Gerry’s 1995 FAQ concerns lead-acid batteries, not a universal camper-battery gauge.
- batteries
- maintenance
Shock absorber
Brakes and suspensionEnglish · machine-assisted draft
A suspension damper that controls spring oscillation after the wheels cross a bump and helps maintain tire contact and road control. Paruzzi’s front oil-filled listing is for Vanagon/T25 except Syncro, and the catalog lists Syncro dampers separately. “Shock absorber” describes a function, not a complete fitment; front/rear position and Syncro configuration matter.
- suspension
- vanagon
- t25