Hello Philip and welcome to Eribafolk. We hope you'll enjoy your visits and please, ask as many questions as you like.
Regarding the purchase of an Eriba, it largely depends on whether you are looking for a modern one or a classic. The cheapest route to go is to buy privately but that can be so frustrating because they are not on the market for that long before they get snapped up.
There's always a premium to be paid if you buy through a dealership but normally the van would have undergone a complete health check before it is put on the market.
These are my comments to another new member yesterday:-
"Depends where you wish to shop and what you expect to give for one. If you wish to purchase from a dealer then there's a list of UK dealers in the Links section below. All are very helpful and some of the smaller suppliers specialise in the classic models. It's worth dropping them a line now. Have you thought of buying one from abroad? The Netherlands or Belgium? There are a few folk who've gone that route and have had good deals. Dubdayz for instance, has just picked up a Puck from Belgium.
If you don't fancy a trip abroad yourself, there is a guy who specialises in importing vans for you. He's Dom Fox and has a good reputation. I'm sure someone will come along soon and give you a link to him."

The big problem with buying a caravan from the Benelux countries is that they don't often come with a battery pack and in view of the fact that you would like to use your van off 12V personally I would look for a van with the system already fitted.
Randa