Hello all, we're a family of tent campers but as our children grow we would eventually like a small eriba for when it's just us two, anyway we've started a saving plan. I put my plans as a question about changing to a van on the camping under canvas part of the forum, well I was surprised at all the negativity, the main saying stay away from vans, one said all the problems caravaners have outweigh the good. Any one on here changed from a tent and never looked back? Not looking for nothing huge, just a small east to tow eriba and a small awning, thanks, gaz
------------- "sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy"
Hi Gaz, We too changed from canvas to a small van some years back
and in doing so, it opened up a whole new area of where we could go. Now we could camp in some pretty wild and windy places and not worry about getting blown away through the night.
Wildcamping with a small caravan in the Highlands is just superb.
Whether you canvas camp or tin/glass fibre camp, depends a lot on size and what you want from camping.
We have had, in the past, tents, trailer tents, caravans, motorhomes, folding campers and we are now on a 4 berth caravan.
Each type of unit means different ways of camping and each brings with it advantages and disadvantages.
We started off with 2 man mountain tents and camped in the wilds of Glencoe, Cairngorms, etc but as our tents got bigger, we became more restricted to where we could pitch.
Then we took up Classic Car ownership and got ourselves a TT.
This introduced us to "joys & luxuries" proper cookers and beds and we Morris Minored and TTed our way all over England, Ireland and Scotland.
We then reversed the role and putting the cart before the horse, started A-framing the Morris behind a campervan and continued touring all over the UK.
Now, as our health is beginning to fail, we are in need of a more comfortable and less stressful form of camping and so we are embarking on our future years with a more practical caravan.
Every unit we have had has given us the pleasure of the type of holiday best suited to that type of accommodation.
We wouldn't use a mountain tent in a caravan park, but we could.
We wouldn't use a 4 berth caravan for wildcamping, but we could.
Get your Eriba and plan how best to use it and it will give you years of fantastic holidays.
Hi Gaz, we used to camp. We now have a little Freedom caravan (cheaper than Eribas). We love it! Its nice to have a bit of comfort. Freedom caravans are made different. The body is made of grp and in one piece, so no chance of leaks in the seams.
Go for it, you won't regret it!!!
------------- Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!
Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 03/5/2014
Hi Gaz, We too changed from canvas to a small van some years back
and in doing so, it opened up a whole new area of where we could go. Now we could camp in some pretty wild and windy places and not worry about getting blown away through the night.
Wildcamping with a small caravan in the Highlands is just superb.
I LOVE this caravan! I can't read the make - what is it?
What suits one person may not suit another. Even husband and wife sometimes have vastly different opinions on what they want.
As long as you weigh up the pro's and con's for yourself then. Is it what you want and more importanly need?
Cheap holidays, There are cheaper options. But it does give freedom. But again some will say how can you have freedom with a box stuck to the back of the car.
I can do tents or caravans. As long as im enjoying myself.
Have you thought about a Trigano Silver?
You can see ours in my gallery. We changed from a folding camper (not a success, we grew to hate it ) and have loved the Trigano from day 1.
------------- Harvey 15.8.1995 - 18.11.2010. Run free, sweet boy x
Hi Weegmack, That was a Sprintaway Lux, made by Wheelhome.
They are no longer made. Indeed I think they only made 30 or 40 of them. Ours was numbered about 21.
They were way too expensive and while the units that were fitted into them were good, as was the design, the workmanship that the company put into the vans was not as good as the costs suggested.
In the end they priced themselves out of the market and if I was going for another small van, I would be looking at a tried and tested company like Eriba, Trigano or Freedom.
Quote: Originally posted by gaz32at on 03/5/2014
Hello all, we're a family of tent campers but as our children grow we would eventually like a small eriba for when it's just us two, anyway we've started a saving plan. I put my plans as a question about changing to a van on the camping under canvas part of the forum, well I was surprised at all the negativity, the main saying stay away from vans, one said all the problems caravaners have outweigh the good. Any one on here changed from a tent and never looked back? Not looking for nothing huge, just a small east to tow eriba and a small awning, thanks, gaz
We enjoyed tent camping, but there were parts of it we just didn`t like. However, we also felt there were many parts of caravaning we didn't like too. We were offered the chance to buy an Esterel folding caravan, and haven't looked back. You have a quick set up time, fixed cooker, fridge & sink. As well as somewhere to eat and sleep. With the awning up it doubles the space. We call it posh camping as there is no loo/shower, but it has the comfort/refinement(?) of a caravan. I say go for it.
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: Saving for small eriba
) and have loved the Trigano from day 1. 
