Hi everyone. Just introducing myself, on my second caravan forum of the day. If you’re on practical caravan, you’ll also see this post 😁
British expat fully settled in the Netherlands. Dutch hubby, Dutch Dachshund, looking to buy a German caravan, Eriba Touring Troll 550, in about a years time.
We currently have a tiny trailer tent, Raclet Solena, and have over the last few years of fantastic weekends and weeks camping, decide to upgrade to a less tiny but equally compact caravan.
I’ve been reading up on the tips and tricks of caravan ownership, watching a lot of YouTube videos, and trying to get a clue before we bite the bullet.
We fell in love with the look of the Eriba. Thought at first of going for the mini 310, as we didn’t need a bathroom, but a fixed bed is a must. But after going to the dealers, my Dutch hubby - at 6’4 - can’t sit down under the bench seats with cupboards above. So the 550 with carriage style seating it is! Also, the longer bed length is better for the extra long Dutchie.
Looking forward to picking your experienced brains!

Thanks for the advice Colin. He’s not really a “sit in bed” guy, but I’ll make sure he checks out that part before we buy.

I checked out the link. It has almost all the spec we want except for the fixed bed, plus a few extras, and comes to about €2500 less than a brand new one... Uk connectors would need changing but that’s not a hard job. Although being located in the south part of the Netherlands, we do have Dutch, German and Belgian dealers nearby, so lots of 2nd hand opportunities here too. We shall be buying end of this year or early next year, as we need to save up a bit first. These caravans really hold their value, hey? Good news

We’ll be in the uk this month for the show at the NEC, and to visit my family.

Wendy

Tom & Margaret

Hello Wendy
I just joined too and it seems like we are looking for the same thing -a 550. I'm impressed by the words of ERIBA devotees. I too was set on a fixed bed but the suggestion of opting for twin dinette and leaving the bed up might suit me. If i find in England then all good. I would like to look into buying abroad - second hand- so any advice from members is very welcome.

Robin & Pat

Hi Jim

Yes, I was also surprised about the comments regarding fixed bed. I discussed with the other half tho. We’re sticking with the 550 fixed bed. He doesn’t sit up in bed, certainly never upright. And we prefer a dedicated sleeping mattress rather than piecing the seats together. Even with a good topper, I’ll be disturbed by edges. I guess I’m like that princess and her pea

Anyway, we shall have a few more thorough checks before we buy

Welcome to the forum anyway, and I’ll look out for your pictures when you buy.

Welcome! I recognise many of your requirements - we're heavily pregnant and expecting a Troll 550 in about 1 and a half weeks time :)

Hi everyone again 😊
My account got disabled, I think, due to not logging in over the summer
Just wanted to say that hubby and I ordered our 550 yesterday. Expecting delivery in April/May
Really looking forward to being ERIBA owners!

Congratulations

back