New member

By Joe Heddenohara Date 28-04-2024 15:28

Hello everyone.
My name is Joe and I'm hoping to buy an Eriba touring a bit later this year. I am a newbie to caravanning so I am hoping that you will be able to help me with some queries.
In fact, I will probably have lots of questions.
I have been researching for about a year as to which caravan would suit me best. I only need a small one as most of the time it will be just me and my dog and I want to store it on my driveway or in my garage ( I will need a bit of building work to make the entrance higher ) Occasionally my partner might come along so it needs to be a bit flexible.
I have an inclined driveway and will need a motor mover to get the caravan up it. I really love the design of the Eriba touring. It just looks so classy.
My dilemma is choosing between a 430, 420 and a 320 touring.
I would love to hear your views on these models and how you use them. It would really help make up my mind. Do you use grill to make toast or use a toaster ? Is having just a hob ok ? Do you solo users leave the front dinette made up as a single and use the rear dinette for lounging ? What is the heating like and is the bathroom cold ? These type of everyday ways you use your caravans would be so helpful.
I really look forward to hearing your views.
Many thanks

Joe

By eribaMotters (£) Date 28-04-2024 16:49

Hi Joe, I have to admit that I'm biased in my view as I've owned two Triton 430's. To us they were a very nice fit as it gave us a permanent bed, a dining area for two and the small loo. If you can fit one in on your driveway or in your garage, and your car can tow it then to me it's a no brainer. The price difference between models is not great and they are all easy to tow, so why not go for the model that offers the most.
Not having a grill or oven has not been in an issue in our 20 years of Eriba ownership. When we had the boys with us we used a small electric oven in the awning, but now use a Remoska. The heating in the vans is overkill. The gas fire really is suitable for a large white twin axle box. A 500 watt electric oil filled radiator will cope with your needs, so if the van of your choice does not have the optional Electric element then do not worry. The blown heating is useful in keeping the bathroom warm, but we got into the habit of leaving the door open to let heat circulate. As regards the bathroom, do not plan on having a shower in there, if your van has the optional hot water, it's near impossible.

Colin

By Joe Heddenohara Date 29-04-2024 16:37

Thanks Colin.
That's really helpful info. I went to a dealer and sat in a few ( 320, 420 and 430 ) I will definitely go again a few times to make sure as I still can't make up my mind on which layout I prefer. The thing I liked about the rear dinette is the view from the 2 side windows and rear window so on a drizzly day you would get a nicer view than from the smaller front windows, although that would mean making the bed every night. I suppose I could just sit on the bed ha ha.
Good idea about the Remoska but in reality I doubt i would do any cooking at all apart from the odd fry up for breakfast so not having an oven wouldn't bother me at all.
Thank you for all your other tips as well. It is food for thought.
Thanks again.
Joe

By grafo (£) Date 29-04-2024 08:29

If you want flexibility then the 430 is probably the van for you. We had a 420, with the end kitchen, which only has the one seating area. As with the 320 this involves making the bed up each night, not a biggie but a bit extra faff. We prefer having a separate dinette, we leave the lounge made up into the big bed and just use the little dinette for daytime seating. It’s horses for courses though, each model has its fans and they all work best for different people. My advice would be, go to a dealer and try out as many different models as you can. Either that or find an Eriba Meet and have a look there, people are always happy to show their vans off.
Good luck in finding your perfect Eriba.

By Joe Heddenohara Date 29-04-2024 16:42

Thank you for your advice. It is really helpful and will help me to choose when the time comes to buy one. I will have to change my car as well as it's a hybrid and can't tow anything so I'm a little way off yet.
Thanks again
Joe

By Amatt Date 11-07-2024 15:24

Hello
I've joined this forum (my first ever at the age of 50 :lol:

) as my wife and I are planning a long trip to the North of Europe in 2026. I'm rebuilding the engine of my 1981 Range Rover and when it's complete and tested, we aim to buy an Eriba. I love the design and the sense of community and camaraderie with these caravans and think it will suit the style of the car too. Other than that, I'm clueless :lol:

.

The loose plan is to drive to the Netherlands, the German Baltic coast, Sweden, and then right up to the North Cape of Norway before driving back down the west coast and home through Denmark. We aim to tour for 6 weeks. Neither of us have caravanned. Once the car build is complete, we will buy the Eriba. We both loved the Rockabilly but it's way out of budget.
Any advice would be appreciated. We live in South devon and hope to do some practice runs in our home and neighbouring counties later next year.
Happy summer!

By 430gt Date 18-07-2024 17:04

Hi Amat and Welcome!

Firstly I/we have never taken our Eriba North of Belgium as we always go Germany, Austria, ..... Italy and up into the Dolomite mountains.

Your Range Rover will easily be up to the job of towing an Eriba and most probably without additional mirrors (certainly in the UK with the 20m / 4m rear visual rules) but you will want to check these rules out for the countries you intend to visit.

The Eriba is an ideal touring choice. Stable and more importantly narrow. Venturing on a tour like you plan with unknown roads, passes, remote locations, etc. then "agility" (for want of a better word) it what is required.

A possible downside with an Eriba is that luggage and equipment space can be an issue for some. All depends and is often a very individual choice/matter but if it is just the two of you then with your Range Rover you will have spare capacity even with no roof rack.

Nordic, colder? wetter? wildlife, foxes ..... I personally don't know but one little tip is about boots and shoes. The entrance and floor space on an Eriba is limited. If you have no simple porch style awning (not a full awning) then foot ware over night can be a bit of a challenge. A simple plastic pirate style chest (with catch/padlock holes you can put a clip through) is a good idea to have just outside the door. Loose foot ware tucked under the caravan can go missing or get wet, even in the UK, foxes being a potentially common issue. You can even drill a couple of holes in the bottom to peg the chest down, or just put some other heavier items in if very windy conditions are expected.

I'm sure others will reply with plenty of good info for you. Stay tuned!