Caravan n00bie - tips and advice

[JFReturns]

Hi PH'ers,

SWMBO and I are serial campers but want to 'upgrade' to a caravan in time for our wedding in Cornwall next Spring. However, we know pretty much NOTHING about caravanning so I would really appreciate any tips or sources of information about everything from towing to making sure the gas is safe and caravan recommendations.

I guess some requirements would help!

- £5k budget
- Needs to sleep two adults and a big, smelly chocolate lab
- Ideally space for an little 'un in the future
- Needs to have an awning attachment thingy
- Fridge and hob would be ideal
- Somewhere for a midnight wee a bonus, but no shower required
- Mains power
- Compact and 'cool'

To tow we'll be using my 156 2.0 TS which off the top of my head is around 1300 kilos.

So far we really love the look of Eribas! They seem to be well made and hold their price?

Many thanks,

Robert

[JFReturns]

Hi chaps,

Thank you very much for the replies, much appreciated. I've ordered the Caravan Handbook (£2.80 delivered, bargain!) and will start to have a nosy round the dealers to get a feel for them as suggested. I'll also be extra wary of damp and will look into buying or borrowing a dampmeter.

As for the kerb weight, yes you're right Hornetrider, we're looking at Eribas because they are compact, light and easy to tow. In fact the original was designed to be pulled by a VW Beetle so my Alfa should be fine. I don't know why, but I really like the retro looks of Eribas - I just think they look so much cooler than normal 90's and 2000's caravans in my budget.





The other consideration for me is storage. I've got a feeling the smallest Eriba (the Puck) would fit into a standard garage which would be really useful for keeping it dry and clean. Appreciate they are weeny but we'd only be using it for sleeping and a cuppa and would use an awning for eating and general storage.

What do you think of Eribas then fellas?

Thanks,

Robert

[JFReturns]

Eeeesh, I'm not keen! I could have bought one from a colleague recently but feel it's a bit of a half way house and would rather go the whole hog and get a caravan

[JFReturns]

Pot Bellied Fool (sure you're not that) - I never replied to thank you for your useful post! So, four months later - thank you!

Bit of an update; we have put a deposit down today on a 1993 Eriba Puck! For us it was tiny, cool, practical enough, and cool. Did I mention cool? We loved it the moment we saw it!

Pick it up in two weeks after its been fully prepped, waxoiled and gas cert'd. Can't wait! Here are some terrible pictures, I'll get more when we use it in anger:








p.s. Name has been chosen - "What The Puck". Blame my old man for that one!

[JFReturns]

Hah cheers Andy, I know what you mean! When camping I would often wake with a hairy brown labrador nice and comfy on the bed whilst I'd been pushed onto the floor.... we have a big old doggy travel cot which we zip him into, and he loves it - often goes in himself! So he'll only be allowed in the puck when its bed time

Number plate ordered anyway, just need to get some extended mirrors and we're good to pick up!

[JFReturns]

And here she is!

I was a bit nervous towing but had no problems at all - steady as a rock and really didn't notice a huge difference in performance, even with three passengers. Can't wait for April and our first trip

Edited by JFReturns on Monday 7th March 21:49

[JFReturns]

Thanks and will do! Mirrors were fitted just after the pictures were taken the 'van is so small they're not really needed but I've read it's a legal requirement so bought some. Tbh they were useful.

[JFReturns]

Here safe and half way in we're loving the Puck! No teething issues so far touch wood. Next test is Friday where we've got a forecast of heavy rain all day but I'm sure she'll be fine.