Each to his own but I just don't understand the rally mentality. Can anything be more buttock-clenchingly grim than the pictures of Caravan Club members 'having fun' at their centre rallies?

This is an unfair and, despite your disclaimer, critical view of what some people do.
Are you just being tongue in cheek provocative?
TonyP

"Like minded" was my phrase which was maybe not too accurate?
What they actually say is

Zitat

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sharing a common interest in Eriba caravanning.

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Which is more accurate............

While we cannot assume that by owning a certain make of caravan this makes us all "like-minded", I like to think that it does signify that we do tend to think in a more practical way about our purchases than is usual. I imagine we buy Eribas because they give us what we seek: something that tows superbly; is large enough for our needs but not too large; is extremely durable with a construction which is light but strong and so on.
It may be that we have less regard for well-established, high-status brands, but will choose those that happen to meet our particular needs and if these happen to be a little quirky in some way, then that's all to the good. To park your tiny Puck right next to a monster that tows its own car and not feel even a little abashed, does speak of a certain independence of mind.

"in a Nutshell" :)

Quote: Aaron Calder wrote in post #22

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Mutual Eriba ownership merely provides an initial ice-breaker with which to initiate a conversation.

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due to weather changing being tent campers and a close call with an intruder on site, we looked at caravans but to be honest didn't like the boxy shape, (my first caravan towing experience was an empty wobble box, that basically did everything but jack knife, it was a experience that put me off caravans.)
(other caravan,mh holiday experiences were in childhood)

happened across an eriba on a website and thought that's it (I don't know why something just clicked it wasn't the mouse) and less than 12hours later bought, towed eriba home. the aero dynamics and other things were noticed afterwards.


the forum is a resource for information which is probably the main reason folk join.
but its a nice friendly place to visit to chill out pass time and share, but try not to become too jealous at all the lovely holiday photos and blogs..
all in all a great place to be

It was love at first sight with Doo-Dah, we had seen Eribas on ebay and just happened to pop to lowdhams, Huddersfield where we saw our Familia. I had to have him, Mark thought I meant that I loved Eribas and we were going to buy a troll as we really should have a bigger Eriba. After 2 weeks of hard haggling which I thoroughly enjoy we picked up.our Familia. The rest is history, we both adore Doo-Dah and still need a troll. We knew nothing about the aerodynamic shape, lightweight yet strong construction and all the other goodies Eribas posess we just knew we loved them, simples.

@Aaron Calder
"This is rather a sweeping and I think simplistic statement. What about all the people who simply fell in love with the look of an Eriba and after that 'just had to have one'? In such cases it was a decision of the heart rather than a logical evaluation of relative merits and specifications. It would be equally valid to make the same statement about people who buy the same model of car, dishwasher or three-piece suite as you - but is that a reason for wanting to spend time in their company? "

Nothing in my post excludes those people who bought because of the "look" of the Eriba and I can find nothing there which speaks of this being "...a reason for wanting to spend time in their company". I spoke of a "type" of person who may be biased towards the more practical aspects of any purchase rather than the image presented by the seller of the product. When speaking in general terms, it does rather presume that there will be exceptions and such comments do tend to be "sweeping" by their very nature, but .. "simplistic" ....more like the opposite I would say.

"I would suggest that these are reasons that owners might give to justify their purchase after the event but not before."

Yes, thank you for that, but I'm already aware of the concept of "cognitive dissonance" and of the consequences of this, but I seriously doubt that this is the case with Eriba buyers who in my opinion are more likely to do their research, that is if the evidence in this forum and others is anything to go by.

As to Eriba owners being seen as intrinsically "nice", I'm aware that having a common interest and indeed a common liking for something, does tend to favourably predispose people to others of the same bent.....nothing new there.

@Aaron Calder
"While I would love to engage further with you and all who have opinions on the subject of one-make caravan rallying, it has been hinted that by robustly defending my opinions I might alienate readers of a more sensitive and easily excitable nature."

Not at all.

It would be wearisome if we all agreed and we need those who oppose mainstream opinion, such challenges are essential if public attitudes are to change to meet current conditions and those who do so perform a valuable service. You should stay, square your shoulders and to those who object, present a single, raised digit.

Mind you....that doesn't mean that those who do disagree aren't bloody troublemakers.