11 replies to this topic

[campervan]

Thought I better start a new thread rather than bumping onto another one as I did.

Since I have been pointed towards the Eriba range of two and three man vans etc I have looked at the Eriba Troll. Now the question is before I go searching one out: what is it like and are there others on the market that would fit my bill as a mobile base for my outdoor lifestyle.

[Barry J]

There is an Eriba forum which might be of use.
I believe the Troll has a fold-down roof - did you want that ?

You don't say what your budget is, but it might also be worth considering the Adria Action or one of the Freedom range (www.freedomcaravans.com).

[campervan]

Budget is not the problem. Coming from the campervan and having to take it with me always I now need something small I can leave behind while I set off in the car. But it has to carry my outdoor equipment and a bike.

[Trekker]

What about these then?http://www.springbankleisure.com/index2.html

[olderbutnotwiser]

rob_jax is the man to talk to about Eribas.

[rob_jax]

Thought I better start a new thread rather than bumping onto another one as I did.

Since I have been pointed towards the Eriba range of two and three man vans etc I have looked at the Eriba Troll. Now the question is before I go searching one out: what is it like and are there others on the market that would fit my bill as a mobile base for my outdoor lifestyle.

What's an Eriba Troll like?

It's (currently) the largest of the Eriba Touring range of caravans - and it depends if you are planning to buy a new Eriba or try the pre-owned market. All Trolls are 4 berth, integral wash room toilet, blown air heating, 3-way fridge and 3 ring gas hob.

Construction
Unlike other caravans, every Eriba Touring is built on a tubular steel cage frame sat on top of a dedicated AL-KO tubular steel chassis. The designer, Erich Bachem, designed aircraft in a previous job and his caravans are built in the same style.

This has enormous benefits - the caravan is very strong, lightweight, and aerodynamic. The body panels and joints don't flex like a conventional (softwood frame) caravan, so water ingress and damp, wood rot, etc., just isn't an issue - life expectancy is 2 or 3 times that of a conventional caravan (plenty of 30 and 40 year old Eriba around) - and second hand prices are also strong.

Sleeping
The beds are typical German - firm, supportive and comfortable - and the original owners may have selected either multi-density foam or the same foam with internal springing. Sleeping is flexible, the beds can be made up as an enormous double (King size) or twin singles with a walkway between.

Insulation
Like all German (designed) caravans the insulation is seriously good, and designed for winter use in cold conditions - even with the pop-top up.

Towing
The various body widths of the Eriba Touring range are 1m80 (Puck or Puck L), 2m for the Familia, Triton and some Trolls, or 2m20 for the new Troll variants. Length also increases from the petite Puck to the Troll

Depending on the exact model, most family cars will tow an Eriba without mirror extensions. The pop-top and the aerodynamic shape reduces fuel consumption and buffeting as you pass other traffic.

Weights
Like most things when they reach 50, they start to put on a bit of weight and a new Troll typically has a MiRO (unladen) weight in the range 800 to 900 kg, and MTPLM (maximum weight) in the range 1200 to 1300 kg. Earlier generations of the Troll (and all other Eribae) were somewhat lighter - the last major design change in 2000 notably switching from an external gas locker to an integrated internal locker added around 100 kg

Bicycles
Easy - there is a dedicated Eriba bike rack from both Omnistor and Fiamma that screws into the tubular steel frame

Interior Space
Just like the bike rack - all of the interior cupboards and fitments are screwed to the tubular steel frame - so what comes as a surprise to most UK caravan owners is the amount of space and storage inside - there's no need for floor to ceiling chipboard units to support everything - the steel frame does that job

Buying
There are a limited number of Eriba dealers in the UK, but it's probably best to first visit Eriba UK - where they display each of the variants.

Buying new allows you to choose from pages of close typed options - extra lockers - interior and exterior designs - autonomy packs for wild camping.

Don't expect a discount. Second-hand prices are strong. Buying in Belgium or Holland is a possibility.

Robert

[campervan]

Robert, what a great reply. That's why I came to this website.

[boff]

I think there are other small caravans,  but there is nothing really to compare to an Eriba.

[Evans of Sprot]

I thought a piccie might be nice.
For many years I looked at Eribas and finally went inside one.
Canvas is all I can say.

It's (currently) the largest of the Eriba Touring range of caravans - and it depends if you are planning to buy a new Eriba or try the pre-owned market.

Is that the same as second hand?

[rob_jax]

It's (currently) the largest of the Eriba Touring range of caravans - and it depends if you are planning to buy a new Eriba or try the pre-owned market.

Is that the same as second hand?

No, second hand only applies to the UK caravan market

[Jeremy Cook]

Bicycles
Easy - there is a dedicated Eriba bike rack from both Omnistor and Fiamma that screws into the tubular steel frame

I was wondering exactly which models of Omnistor and Fiamma were appropriate. It isn't obvious from their product lists.

[rob_jax]

Bicycles
Easy - there is a dedicated Eriba bike rack from both Omnistor and Fiamma that screws into the tubular steel frame

I was wondering exactly which models of Omnistor and Fiamma were appropriate. It isn't obvious from their product lists.

Hi,

There's a discussion thread on this on the Eriba Forum - and some photos from a bike rack added to a Triton (I think) - The awning rail around the rear window carries most of the weight, and then the lower rail bolts into the tubular steel frame. But before you buy, speak with Eriba UK or a knowledgeable Omnistor / Fiamma dealer.

What you don't want is the generic bike rack - and a couple of bolt holes through the caravan skin - and failing to pick up on the steel frame.

Robert