Hi

At the Caravan show yesterday we put our deposit down for a New Eriba GT Troll 530. We hope to pick up from Automotive Leisure sometime in May.

We've been caravanning for about 10 years and always had reasonably large vans but a house move a few years ago mean we no longer have the space to store a large van. We tried storing the van at a local caravan place but found we've been using it less and less due to the hassle of fetching and packing etc.

We started looking for a new van that could fit on our drive. We looked at the Hymer Feeling in Dusseldorf last year and really liked them but unfortunately they don't sell the new ones in the UK. We looked at one of the really small Eribas at the show but didn't consider them due to not having a bathroom.

We decided to take another look at the NEC show to see if there was something to meet our requirements and that's were we fell for the Eriba 530.

I was wondering if anyone has put together a list of things to check when picking up the new van. I've done a quick search but didn't find anything.

Mike

Congratulations on your choice and purchase.
At the time of collection it is all too easy to be carried away with excitement and pay up and drive away.
I would strongly urge that you do not pay until you have been over the van carefully.
It is general practice at hand over for the vendors to say 'let's just complete the paper work and payment then go and see the van.'
I would suggest that you POLITELY INSIST on seeing the van before agreeing the payment.
Then slowly and carefully look at everything.
Such as.....
Check the woodwork bed frame by lifting up each bed and seeing that it locks in the raised position easily and lowers easily without distorting the joints.
Check the door opens and closes easily and securely.
Open and close every locker and cupboard testing the security.
Run a finger around the awning channel to feel for excess sealant.
Check the entry points of the awning channel and skirting channel for sharp edges that would damage your awning beading.
Ask to have the water system proved in front of you.
Pay special attention to how the washroom door closes and locks.
Operate all the external locks to your satisfaction (gas locker and under red locker).
Operate the pop up roof on your own.
Check the rubber sealing strip around the wheel arches.
Try to get an understanding of the powers supply system!
If AL are fitting a water supply make sure the 12v supply is not connected straight to the battery. It should come from the Schaudt power supply.
Etc.
Etc.
You may be travelling a long way to collect the caravan and it is wise to be thoroughly thorough at collection to avoid unnecessary returns to AL.
TonyP

In addition to the points already covered it's worthwhile noting that when you get on the open road the road worthiness of your rig is now your responsibility.

So make sure the road lights are working correctly and that the breakaway cable is attached according to the type of tow hook fitted to your car.

I would also advise taking a torque wrench with you to check the wheel bolts after the first 20 or 30 miles (if you'd rather not get involved with checking the wheel bolts yourself you could ask the dealer to check them before setting off).

The van should have had a PDI (pre delivery inspection) before you pick it up, if it is new they should also go through the van with you to explain how everything works and show it working, If they don't insist they do .I got mine from Lowdhams and this is what they did.
Be aware that with some cars the LED high level brakes light will be dim unless the engine is running, it's not a fault you just need to have your engine on....😊

Thanks everyone especially Frantone, that's a great list. I'll be doing a thorough check as it's a few hours drive for us.

PDI ❗❗❗❗❗

Dealers interpret that as 'customer finds the faults and brings the faults back if they can be bothered!'