Hello Eriba folk,
Thank you for welcoming us to the forum having been a member of the FB group for a few months.
We are about take our first trip in our ocean drive troll to Perthshire and would be grateful for any advice for us beginners.
We previously had a T6 transporter but wanted a little more room and flexibility that our set up will hopefully give.
We are reasonably competent?! but I'm sure we have an awful lot to learn and would be very grateful for any tips
Best wishes,
Diane

Once you’ve sorted out what you need make a list. Either keep it on your phone (that’s what I do) or print and laminate it. If you refer to it every time you go away you should have everything you need and not have the stuff you won’t ever use.
Awnings are a bone of contention, a real Marmite item. It depends on how you use your Eriba. Touring. moving every few days, it's a nuisance. If youre staying in place for a week or so its a really useful extra space.

We divided up the jobs and don't tend to speak to each other while we're going through the get ready to rock and roll phase so as not to distract us from our jobs. For example, I'm responsable for getting Betty to roll inside. I put everything away, make sure the windows are shut properly, lower and fasten the roof, pack the chairs etc away and get the mover ready. Yann does all the outside stuff - leccy, feet, car,

As for what to take, you're already expert at that.

The first trip is so exciting! Have fun.

I am not the originator of the idea, which is often mentioned on here, but I have a 'departure check list' which I go through every time. I am not proud to admit that it has prevented blushes as I drive away on more than one occasion. Check lists are a good thing, it is why pilots use them....

I think the original was first mooted by Aaron Calder, which just at the moment, I cannot locate. However, with slight blushes, I have added my own version (a slighlty modified form of Aaron's) to this post

Welcome to the site - your Ocean Drive is a great choice, as the Troll is a bit like a Tardis.

All the above information is really good and being a seasoned "vanner" you have lots of experience to draw on. Some random thoughts from our years of Eriba Troll ownership

Sounds daft but don't forget that you have the Troll on the back. They are so great to tow that you can have a temporary mind lapse that it is behind you, especially on a long pull

Colin's bit about how useful it is to have an Isabella Shadow is a good one, and then get an awning that suits you when you are ready. You may end up with several for different types of trip, like many of us do

Don't be too ambitious with your daily distances towing to start with. Nothing worse than ending up arriving on a site very late and totally shattered, and making a basic error

Finally accept that we all make mistakes all the time - so will you! so don't beat yourself up too much when you do. Kath & I could fill a book with all the daft things we have done and still do

Enjoy your lovely Ocean Drive.....................

MikeT