I was camping at the start of April in Scotland
in my tent. I was cold, very cold at night however had a great time.There was an Eriba pop up caravan at the
site, the kind owner giving an invitation to come over for a drink (and a
heat).I’ve never been interested in
caravans before, however I must say I was impressed by how compact and well
built the Eriba was.So, was it the gin,
or is this a good van?I’ve tried to
find and agent in Scotland
so I could see one again and examine in more detail.I did a 150 mile round trip yesterday to see
one, however the information is not accurate on the Eriba web site and saw
nothing.I’d be grateful for any
information as to where to see this type of caravan as close to Glasgow
as possible.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Hi blueepox, yes that was one of two places I visited. The one on your link was a yard which stored caravans beside a church and a building site. That was the address on factoryweb site. The other place close by only support Hymer.although factory web site suggests different.
It looks like you will have to travel South then, I'm affraid. Lovely little vans, looked inside one at Culzean one year.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
That's very odd. I always understood Jandi to be Scotland's Eriba caravan dealer and their website clearly says they have some in stock. I presume you actually spoke to someone? Anyway very odd, and disappointing for you.
As far as I'm aware the only dealer down here is AutomotiveLesiure in Poole, which is a long way for you to go. They used to only deal in secondhand stock but now that the Eriba UK dealer has gone out of business they seem to have taken on the UK dealership for new stock. If you see any reference still to Eriba UK (in Lechlade or Farringdon or wherever it was in Oxfordshire) it's out of date info as I understand they went out of business. There was an Eriba owners forum (Eriba Amiga) a while back but I've just been to look at it and it's no longer there. It might be worth doing a google to see if it's got a new website or something. Edit - just done that and it's called Eriba Forum now with a new website.
Otherwise for some opinions on Eribas do a search here on UKCS - there's been several discussions about the merits of Eribas.
Jandi isn't the tidiest looking place, but it is open for business, the staff are great. Yes it is next to an old church, doesn't open very early in the day.
Passed today and there was certainly cars about.
------------- 2020 Volvo XC60 B5 R Design Geartronic / 2018 Swift Elegance 580
Eribas are insanely overpriced at moment but if you get a good one its the last caravan you will ever need to buy. Even 80s 'vans are fetching £2.5k or more but some of this age are in almost perfect condition so probably worth it if you intend to keep it for a long while.
You need to check underside very carefully to ensure rust has not got into square tube chassis members, you want nothing more than bit of surface rust or leave well alone as repairs are difficult.
If you're thinking of an Eriba, also have a look at the Trigano Silver range. These too are pop-ups, but the roof lifts over the whole walking area of the van, and the roof sides are solid insulated panels so ideal in winter.
Very light, last for ages and very well equipped. Your nearest dealer would be in Wolsingham co Durham.
The Trigano can also sneak under the French toll 2 meter height restrictions saving the 50% addition on the Autoroute Peages. Not as pretty as the Eriba (in my mind) but feel a bit more roomy inside.
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"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Also take a look at the Rapido and Fleurette pop top caravans, similar to the Triganos. I agree with Tentz, the Eribas are very expensive, but very good if you get a good one.
Thanks to everyone for their time and advice, much
appreciated.Yes Jandi was one of the
two places I visited, it was deserted and looked like a storage yard. Gate shut
no one about etc.I’m encouraged by the
comments made regarding this company and may venture through at another time,
phoning first this time as suggested. I naively thought that a place retailing
caravans would be open, the other dealer which only dealt in Hymer was bouncing
with customers, car park almost full.
I did get the impression that this was an expensive vehicle,
however whole life costs can be less in my experience as long as looked after
and serviced well.Thanks for the
suggestions regarding other caravans, I shall check them out also, however it
was the style and build of the Eriba that caught my attention.
Of course, come the sun etc I’ll not doubt convince myself
that the tent is the best option for me but one never knows, I could just go
for one on impulse.
We had a disastrous visit to the Isle of Wight a few years ago in our Cabanon trailer tent. Our neighbours were German and had this unique pop-up van and became interested Eriba's ever since. We bought a Familia 320GT from AL in Poole last year. AL are a very professional outfit with tons of Eriba experience. Yes they are expensive compared to UK vans but we will never have to buy another one, thanks to the Hymer design. We were on Exmoor at Easter, minus 5 overnight and had to turn the heating down as we were so warm! We love our Eriba, so compact and everything you need for four season camping!
Marie, thanks for your information. I'd written to Hymer/Eriba in Germany and got a nice reply from their UK agent who informed me that they are looking to appoint more Eriba dealers in the UK, one of which is Airstream Europe based in Tebay about two hours drive from me. Airstream have already been in touch to tell me that they are having a launch event at the end of May so think I'll pop down.
Great Norman. We heard that Hymer are rebranding all their vans Eriba Touring, which will open up more distributors for the UK market.. We are adamant to continue camping (not caravanning) and our Eriba fits the bill and hasn't disappointed yet!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Eriba caravan - opinion please
