Hi Steve

People seem to have different experiences of dealers - for everyone that is happy you can also find someone who isn't.

We have used ALV since we got our Troll new from Automotive Leisure. We had great service from Cameron at AL when we ordered our 540 and he was excellent with us as newbies to caravanning when we picked it up. However the drive from Lancashire to Poole for servicing every year was out of the question.

We spoke to ALV at the Manchester Show about servicing our van and they were really helpful. We have had all our servicing done by them and are really happy. Mike the director usually has a friendly pop at us about not buying from them but the service team have been very good. We have booked our next service in for late August.

We usually book in for the C & C C site in Kendal for a few nights and take the van the short drive to Tebay the next morning, although this year we have booked for the C & MC Meathop Fell site near Grange.

MikeT.

Hi Geoff

Yes we have the same issue about leaving the bed up. When we take one of our awnings we put the large table outside and eat in the awning. In fact we do a lot of cooking with our Ramoska on the little front table that we move into the outside railing. When we ordered our Troll we had them put an outside socket on the awning side for cooking. This means that we often don't cook in the van at on the gas rings, using a low voltage toaster and a kettle for breakfast.

If we are staying for just a couple of nights and not taking an awning we put the bed down for the day and use the lounge for eating. It takes us under 10 minutes to get the bed out and make it up ready for sleeping, so it is not too much hassle.

One of the reasons we cook outside a lot is that I do the cooking and tend to make things with lots of spices and garlic, and this way the sleeping area doesn't smell like a takeaway.................!!!

Have a successful search

MikeT

Wenn Sie hier auf Links zu eBay klicken und einen Kauf tätigen, kann dies dazu führen, dass diese Website eine Provision erhält.

Hi, we're also moving from a camper to an Eriba-in our case a Troll which we pick up next Tuesday from the very helpful team at Tebay. We too had no response from Red Lion whereas AL have been great. Very excited.
Mike and Ceri

Welcome to the Forum Mike & Ceri that's great news. Can still remember the sense of excitement we felt when we picked up our Troll five years ago - and to be honest a few butterflies as well as we were total caravan novices.

Which model are you getting and are you staying over on a site first night?

We have found the guys at ALV to be a good hearted bunch and they will look after you.

Enjoy your Troll as they are a brilliant van.

MikeT

Hiya Mike, We are collecting our Troll 540GT from Tebay end of June start of July which Troll model have you chosen?
Morphy (Bev & Steve)

Hello everybody and thank you for all your comments. An especially big thank you to Colin for mentioning the Facebook Post by Red Lion I eventually found it and contacted Red Lion. There was indeed a 420, that arrived Tuesday, we managed to get through on the phone and arranged for me and the wife (or is it the wife and I) rushed through Wednesday afternoon. There were no salesman working and all other staff were busy, but a very pleasant young lady from the office showed us round. It was still packaged as from the manufacturer but I managed to try the bed out which was just big enough for my 6ft build. I said I would go through to ALV and compare it with the 540 and make my decision. I checked with ALV before setting off and was told they had no Eribas in stock as there had been a run on what they had and couldn't get any more untill the end of June and possibly we'll into July. This concentrated our minds and pleased the wife no end as the 420 was her favourite. So first thing this morning we rushed through. We our now the proud owners of an Eriba Touring 420 GT, or will be once its fitted with a caravan mover and external water supplies and pump.
But that's only half the story, tomorrow we now have to go looking for a suitable car and have tow bar fitted. We'll get there eventually but the hardest part is now done. Thank you once again Colin.
Regards to all.
Geoff

Sorry-thanks for the welcome

We've been seduced by the Ocean Drive. As will all customers at ALV we were offered and have accepted a night at Pennine View just to find our feet before venturing over to Lincolnshire for a few nights to see family. Can't wait.....

Now, now Colin we know you are generous to a fault where your lovely wife is concerned....!

That's brilliant news Geoff I'm sure you will both love it and have some fun times in it. You don't do things by half do you - new van and changing your car. Thankfully cars will be easier to source ay the minute than a 420.

MikeT