Hello everyone

By GeePee Date 31-05-2016 13:19

I've been caravanning for some time - my/our first 'van was a Sprite Alpine near the end of the 1950's and my wife and I went through a series of different models over the years until just before I retired in 1993. Out travels had become more extensive across Europe and we felt that our itchy feet needed a motor-home. We bought an Eldiss which served us until we moved up to a new CI Carioca in 2002, about the same time as we got a job inspecting camp sites in mainly Eastern Europe with the Caravan Club which lasted us until our job ended in 2014. Sadly my wife died that year, but I carried on driving in Europe and visiting all our old places until I decided that I was getting too old, so sold the camper last September. What a mistake! I am now looking for something smaller, but the Romahomes and like, although near enough ideal, are very expensive, so have decided to go back to caravanning via an Eriba. Here is where I hope to find owners and experts who will guide me with this purchase.

By b2nun Date 31-05-2016 19:00

Hi GeePee
You certainly instantly took me back to my early years of the 1970's, when I had a Sprite 400 then an Alpine, towed by a Vauxhall 101, Oh those gas mantles were forever disintergrating!!!
Having fairly recently joined this forum I've gleaned a lot of answers to questions I had re Eribas. I've also noticed that when on a camp site it's more a sense of being part of
an "Eriba Family" rather than being a fellow "caravaner".. ..However, my eriba has been one of the best purchase's of my life!!!
Welcome and ENJOY

By GeePee Date 01-06-2016 13:53

Thank you so much for the welcome. Looking forward to the days when I too can be an Eriba owner.

By Jimny (£) Date 31-05-2016 22:15

Hi Geepee, it sound more like we can gleem lots of caravan tips from you with your extensive experience, Eribas are a great little van and you won't be disappointed. Let's us know what your after e.g. beds, toilet wether you have limited room on your drive or what your car can pull and we can all help you with your choice and what to look for... :grin:

By GeePee Date 01-06-2016 14:06

Jimny:

> Hi Geepee, it sound more like we can gleem lots of
> caravan tips from you with your extensive
> experience, Eribas are a great little van and you
> won't be disappointed. Let's us know what your
> after e.g. beds, toilet wether you have limited
> room on your drive or what your car can pull and we
> can all help you with your choice and what to look
> for...

I have narrowed my search down to the Eriba Puck. I need a bed (!), fridge, two or three burner cooker, somewhere to work/eat ie the table, prefer to have some form of heating and water to the sink if possible. A PortaPottie would be a bonus! I have noticed an ideal one at around £4900 popping up on various web sites, such as Ebay, Preloved etc and am now getting suspicious about it because the poster does not respond and the contact phone number varies on each site, but it is certainly the same advert. I have set my limit at about £6000. Yes, I have plenty of room on my drive and have yet to have a towbar fitted to my car (A Kia Rio2 2011 Diesel which has an 1100kg max towing weight) which should be adequate. I will be the only traveller, unless I lend it to my daughter with two very young boys.
I don't really need an awning, although a simple sunshade type would be useful. If the tyres are not new, then I would probably have new ones fitted and also have the underside waxed - is it called WaxOil?
I would really like to get one soon as then I can use it this summer and perhaps in the autumn do some serious travelling in Europe - if we are still allowed in after the referendum.
:cool:

By fenman Date 05-06-2016 00:23

Hello Geepee. I have a Puck L which is slightly larger than a Puck, with a very similar layout. I would suggest you view a Puck in the flesh and sit in it and lay on the beds which I found to be too narrow to be used as single beds, also I found that when sitting down my head hit the pelmet forcing me into a bent position. My own Puck L is just that bit bigger all round which does make a difference. I should point out that I am 5'11" tall and a rotund.
There is also the 320 which would give you a lot more space and a washroom with a toilet for little extra weight too. I think the Puck weighs in at 700 kg and the 320 at 850kg, so your car should be a good match. Whatever you buy I am sure you will enjoy it and make many new friends on site, as they are conversation magnets.

By GeePee Date 09-06-2016 21:10

Well, I have done it and bought a Puck L Super. Just had a towbar fitted today and took a long drive locally to get used to having a van once more after a long gap. Must improve my reversing skills but that will come with use. 21 years old but still in great condition with an excess of extras.
I shall probably be on this forum from time to time for information.
Similarly, if anyone wants advice on travelling in Eastern Europe I would be glad to try and advise.
GeePee

By Pollywolly (£) Date 26-06-2016 03:09

wow.....that was quick....have a happy time travelling.

By GeePee Date 03-07-2016 11:22

Yes, I don't hang about. Its just that I spotted this on Gumtree and, whilst being old - 21 years old - it had lots of extras and when I saw it, it was just what I wanted and within my price range. Have booked a holiday with my daughter and grandsons later this month, in North Wales, then if everything goes well, maybe Switzerland in late August. Amazing condition for its age.

By Trolltrio (£) Date 04-07-2016 06:16

North Wales is gorgeous and it will get you in training for the Swiss Alps!