Hello, I have just joined the forum as a newbie looking for our first caravan. Having spent a long time looking at Automotive Leisure we have decided on the Triton 420 which is similar in layout to an old Autosleeper Clubman camper van we used to own. Anyone thinking of selling a Triton 420 in nearly new condition?

Also, a few questions:
1. Sprung mattresses are an option in the more recent Eribas. Do they make for better comfort?
2. Having been used to filling the water tank externally, I assume there are no downsides to having the 30L tank with external filling cap as an option?
3. Again, having been used to hot water, I assume that's a worthwhile option?
4. Are there any downsides to having a mover? Although both fit, my wife suffers from a bad back, so I assume there would be circumstances when it could come in useful.
5. We like this one at AL, but seems expensive given the age although has some nice extras. Any thoughts? Maybe it's a special edition paint job https://www.automotiveleisure.co.uk/prod...iba-triton-420/.

Any other suggestions/tips gratefully received.

Hi and molar

Tom and Margaret

Can’t agree about the onboard tank.
Takes up useful space. You have to bring water to it so might as well use an aquaroll.
Has to be emptied before travel. Aquaroll travels easily in 420 bathroom. Etc

We bought a 2015 Triton 420 last year from Automotive Leisure. We also went for this layout as it was similar to our old campervan.
This was fairly loaded by the first owners so have the onboard 30L tank, a 10 L truma gas/electric heater, mover, towball on drawbar for bike rack, etc. Here are
We tend not to use the hot water as we are usually on a site with facilities but suppose it is handy to have.
What we would have liked is the electric element for the Truma gas heater (Ultraheat). I would suggest that this is the most useful upgrade (although fairly expensive).
When filling the water tank, I usually use a 10L portable container with a tap, which sits nicely on the tank to fill it rather than feeding it in from the outside filler as we are never close to a tap.

Don't see that emptying the onboard tank is a problem though. Just open up the drain plug and it empties pretty quickly. Presumably you still have to empty an aquaroll. We don't find space a problem (even with one seat filled with the water heater, tank and battery) . There is loads of room in a 420.

Also, re AL, although they are premium prices, the Eribas that they have prepared for sale are in exceptional condition (at least the ones we looked at).

Oh and the freestanding table supplied with the 420 isn't great. Most people seem to give up of them. We have a fold up aluminium table instead, and have made a clip on table for outside. The Eriba table makes a very good sewing machine table at home though.

to Eribafolk and a for the mover. We couldn't do without ours.

Congratulations on deciding to go for a Triton.
We bought our Triton 420 new in late 2017 and it came with most, if not all, the bells and whistles.
To answer your questions first

1. We have sprung mattresses but have added thick Duvaley toppers which are arguably more comfortable than our bed at home. We use two singles (which can be used as singles or pushed together as a double). One benefit to this is the option of a full, zip-up, fitted sheet which makes for easy storage - just roll the mattress up and throw it in the back of the car. Chuck a duvet on top in the evening and the bed is made.

2. We did not use the water tank for the first few months but since we started to fill it we would not be without it. We carry a fold-flat 10m hose in the gas locker and stop at a water tap on the way to the pitch to fill up. We also carry a watering can for top-ups. The voice of experience here - when you are filling up switch on the 12v system and turn on the hot tap to prime the hot water tank. This avoids air-locks.

3. Hot water in the van is a boon especially if you intend to travel all year and want to avoid that hike to the washing area in the snow and rain after breakfast. We have a 25 litre waste container rather than the traditional 40 litre option and it is plenty big enough.

4. A motor mover is essential for us. Although we could probably manoeuvre the van by hand on site, you need to consider your storage site access. It also did not occur to me at first, but the mover is a really easy way to position the van on ramps if you are on an uneven site. You can drive up a ramp and chock the wheels before you release the mover. The only downside is that on a late 420, a Reich mover is fitted behind the wheels and there have been comments about the mechanism being subject to spray from the wheels. However, we have travelled every month for 24 months with no problems.

If you need some bedtime reading mention awnings on the forum and wait for the deluge of opinion. We tend to use an Isabella sun canopy which keeps the sun/rain at bay. We do have a Kampa Pop-air pro but Mrs C recons it spoils the look of the van so it generally lives in the shed.

The only other must-haves for us are two comfortable sun loungers (Isabella again) and a table for the wine bottle and glasses!

Happy holidays

Kevin and Sarah

Hi
There appear to be a Trident 420GT at North Walsham, Norfolk. £17,995. Adv. on Pre-loved web site.
I have no more info unfortunately because they charge you a fiver for a reply to ads facility.

Hope its of help

If I am not mistaken, when we were looking, vans on pre-loved in North Walsham Norfolk tended to be ads by Dom Fox.

You can normaly reply to PreLoved adverts at no charge when they are older ads. On principle I would never pay.

Yes we have an Eriba Triton 420GT year 2001, it was refurbished by Automotive last year. It has many extras including a good mover, we are looking for around £8,000. If you want to discuss it please e-mail bobnewby@hotmail.co.uk. Newby 1949

Wow! So many useful replies... what a great forum! Thank you all. Yes we are aware of Dom Fox and I have spoken to him about that one. The downside is the distance from where we are in Bournemouth. Yes AL would be most convenient but they don't have quite what we want at the moment. Thanks @Newby1949 - I've emailed you.