Hi, firstly just joined this forum and having searched around I can see that Eribas certainly attract enthusiasts! Thanks for letting me join the forum :)
I am looking to buy an older Eriba, 2/3 berth, it needs to be around 700-800kg laden, as I will be towing with an MGB. I am pretty handy at DIY/mechanics but wanted to know if there's any particular hit list of things I should look for when viewing them? Any help or advice much appreciated. Thank you in advance. John

Hi from a Eriba and an MGB owner, Here are a few pointers if buying 2nd hand damp is not a big issue for an Eriba because of the way it is constructed, however that doesn't mean they don't get damp. Ideally you will need a damp meter but failing that look for water marks and use your nose, if it smells musty it's probably got damp somewhere. Check the belly band area especially where the handles are and the roof line of the awning rail as the mastic can become less flexible over the years. Window rubbers can be a problem on the older vans, especially the grey rubbers that were used, the UV rays perished them a lot quicker than the black and they will almost certainly need replacing, open all the windows as sometimes the rubber seals weld themselves to the perspex windows. Check that the poptop stays up when raised, it's not a big job to fix, only a couple of springs. Check the canvas in the poptop for tears and that the zips work, there should also be a fly screen. Check the subframe for rust as on the pre 2012 models the small box sections were not galvanised.
Sometimes the tables go missing or not original. Make sure the door fits in the gap as they can bend. If it is an older version it will have a fiberglass external gas box so check for cracks and also the hinges. Check that the draw bar will push in and come back out slowly, there should be a lot of resistance when pushing it in and it should come back out on its own slowly. A slack draw bar will make the brakes snatch. Check that all the gas appliances fire up and stay on including the fridge, look for condensation in the Windows, it can be sign the window has delaminated. If possible check the poptop roof, it's often overlooked it's rare but it has been know for the roof to separate and DIY jobs have been attempted to fix it. Check the age of the tyres including the spare, if they are more than 5 years old it is recommended to change them no matter how good they appear. If it is a Puck you are inspecting check the bed extender, they use a piano hinge which can pull out from the floor. Check that the floor isn't spongy as it may have delaminated

Thank you Poptop320! An absolute mine of information, I really appreciate it. As you also have an MGB, have you had any issues towing an Eriba? I mean in terms of weight etc? Thanks, John

Quote: johng2703 wrote in post #3

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Thank you Poptop320! An absolute mine of information, I really appreciate it. As you also have an MGB, have you had any issues towing an Eriba? I mean in terms of weight etc? Thanks, John

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Can't help with anything technical but to the Forum.

Thanks again Poptop320, will do some further investigations!
John

Hi hope that you get everything sorted and end up with one of these fabulous little caravans.
Tom & Margaret

A very warm

I've just read your PM.
I have towed a 2001 Puck L and also a Familia 310 with my MGB but now as we have a Troll 550 it's not possible.
As I have the V8 model it pulled really well and was best suited to A and B roads. I ventured onto motorways a few times but it did start to feel a little unnerving. You will have to be careful with the nose weight as it's quite low at 45kg. The Puck L was a really good match as it was only 750kg max and smaller frontal area. I wish I had kept the Puck L just for towing with the B to car shows as I do miss that.
It would be good to see some pictures of your B and especially with an Eriba in tow.
Martin
mg eriba.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

thanks a lot Martin, your advice much appreciated, I think a Puck L would suit us fine, so I am going to start looking for a good example. Noted regarding the nose weight as well. As soon as I have the Eriba I will post some pics with the MGB (which is undergoing renovation at the moment). I am very envious of your V8, looks like a beauty ! :)