Eriba Man

Another Eriba has joined my family. Not 'my' family of caravans, but my brother now owns an Eriba. My brother had been looking out for a suitable Eriba, and we'd both been keeping an eye on the various online sources on a regular basis. I subscribe to an Eriba forum, and I noticed an attractive sounding Puck in the 'For Sale' section. I quite fancied another Puck, but this one looked like the ideal caravan for my brother. He's never towed before, and he hasn't owned a caravan. A Puck would be his ideal starter. I contacted the seller, and arranged to visit to see the van. So, on Friday, 18th Jan 2019, we set off at 0400 for a planned 6hr drive to Derbyshire to view the van. For winter, the drive was perfect. No hold up's, good weather, and we arrived almost bang on our predicted arrival time. The van was a cracker. A 2003 Puck 120GT, one owner, always garaged, and virtually unmarked. The bodywork and, more importantly, the chassis were both in grea...

Probably a bit of 'out of season' indulgence, but it was time to consider my in-van entertainment. I carry a tiny 9" TV in the van, but I do prefer radio and music. My father is a great fan of radio, and I was brought up in a house full of radios, one in every room. I do really enjoy the immersive experience of radio, and for many years I have taken a Roberts world radio wherever I went in the van. A good FM radio, with dodgy MW and even dodgier 'world radio' SW bands. When I was in Berwick Upon Tweed last year, I bought a DAB Radio, a Pure branded one which was good but, again, a very modern plasticky affair. I admit it had a good signal strength, but a rather thin, tinny sound. Good enough, but I am a sucker for upgrades! Browsing possibilities on Amazon, I came across the Roberts Revival RD70. I had one of these years ago, although it was FM/AM only, no DAB.  This new, modern version had FM, DAB, and also Bluetooth. The Bluetooth was imp...

This is now January 2019. My last night away in the van was 30th Oct 2018, and since mid November the van has been undercover. not in a building, but covered in a storage cover on my drive. With the number of days I tour, winter can be a long period of short days, cold weather, and filling my days with jobs and chores around the house. Early on in this 'out of season' period, I planned to carry out some upgrades which I wouldn't have undertaken in the touring season or little jobs I'd put on the 'back burner' until the van was off road. I wanted to redesign the interior colours and fabrics. I had seen a lovely scheme on a new 'Airstream' which really impressed me. Leather seats, tartan curtains, and natural cushions was what I was after. First, I contacted a local upholsterer, chose some fabric, removed the seats and took them to Brechin to be recovered. I have a good sewing machine, so I then bought some fabric, new inserts, and went about makin...