Hello, and thanks for accepting us!. We're just on the point of buying an ERIBA , but as it's our first time with a caravan, we have a load of queries which may influence the final purchase. if any of you kind folks could give us your views, we'd be really appreciative!

1. We've looked at an Eriba with hot water, mover, external power point. We like the older ones, because of the 2 tone finish. We understand the older ones are French built (prior to 2010). Is it ok to go old?

2. How much should we budget for insurance? Do owners go to a particular provider?

3. Any views on the best awning / sunshade?

4. Should we get a cover for the winter?

5. Any other essential things we should get at the time of purchase?

Sorry about all the questions, but it's a new world for us newbies and there are quite a few things to think about! We're intending to go to the Motorhome & Camping Show in Birmingham tomorrow to have a look around and speak to people.

Thanks very much!

Angela & Ron

to Eribafolk.

to answer some of your questions

Most eribas that have been imported in the past may or may not have a mover and hot water. These items would have been extras stipulated by the original purchaser. A mover in my opinion is worth its weight in gold. Eribas are small van compared to white boxes and easy to move when on flat tarmac but different matter on sloping area, grass or hard standing. Remember a Eriba Troll will weigh over a ton when loaded. You are correct about the pre 2010 being built in France whereas post 2010 are built in Germany. We have owned 3 Eribas which have all been 2001-2007 build dates. Have had only one instance of the washroom door detaching itself which happened on return of picking up our current 540 (three years ago) which upon fixing back on has not moved even over the rigours of french speed bumps and UK potholes
There are owners of vans that date back to the sixties which are still going strong !

Insurance it is best to shop around for the best deal. We had been with Saga for the past 5 years but changed to Towergate this year saving £70 on the premium.

Best Awning is a personal preference really. There are a lot on the market and it depends on what you need. We have a Unico Bologna full awning with sun canopy which we tend to use when our stay duration exceeds 5 days in general. Shorter breaks ie weekends tend to use either our Fiamma caravanstore with a windbreak or a recent acquisition Isabella Shadow or both.
If you are over wintering outside then it is advisable to acquire a cover. We bought a generic cover for ours although now it is kept in storage. You can buy specific covers for Eribas but tend to be expensive. Ventilation is all important when storing to prevent damp. Some folks remove upholstery but we have never had the need.
Hope this helps I'm sure you will get plenty of other advice from my fellow Eribanauts

I would recommend that you keep the van under cover if possible. We rent space in a barn where our Betty has a space divided by fencing that is well ventilated. This means that she spends the winter with the roof up and all the windows on vent. It costs us about 250E for the year. She's always been kept under cover, is 20 years old and in great shape. we've had her for 2 years. We've never used the water heater as, like Randa, we always stay on campsites. I love having a loo. Have fun and good luck finding yours.

Hi and
Tom & Margàret

Thanks to all for the helpful response. We'll shop around for insurance and make sure we have the plasters ready!

Kind regards

Angela & Ron

Hello to Eribafolk
Robin & Pat

Once you have your Eriba, use it before you buy all sorts of "necessary" items. You may well find you don't need them.
Only essentials are mirrors (to keep the law happy even if you think you don't need them) and a corkscrew.