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quoteBlue is the colour
It’s derived from the Eriba Troll 530 caravan, along with sister model Rockabilly, which favours a red theme inside and out. For the Ocean Drive tourer though, it’s seaside blue all the way. But, if you think this is all-modern, consider this: these Eribas look can trace their roots all the way back to the 1950s.
That includes much of the way these iconic little tourers are made – constructed around a tubular steel frame topped off by a GRP roof that includes a canvas-sided elevating section. Note, also, other hallmark Eriba caravan features – the stone deflector panels at a two-windowed front that’s angled for better towing aerodynamics. And, like everything else that comes out of parent company Hymer’s main factory HQ in southern Germany, this tiny tourer oozes quality.
Everything else about this cheeky chap of a caravan is mini. The floorplan comprises a dinette at the front and transverse fixed double bed at the back.
A perfunctory washroom and kitchen are squeezed in, too. As you can see, the blue theme continues throughout the interior, with soft furnishings and other trimwork highlights.
Nominally a three-berth – the front seating can convert to a single bed – most buyers will surely view this as a tourer for two who don’t mind having things a bit compact. That bed, however, is a decent enough 1.98m x 1.40m at its maximum.
The front dinette features faux leather upholstery with high backrests, designed to take you right back to the days of the American diner.
The kitchen is confined to a two-ring hob and separate sink in stainless steel, but there’s still space for a cutlery drawer and a worktop extension, plus the sink cover can be used as a chopping board. The fridge has a 70-litre capacity.
The washroom has a bench toilet and an inset fixed sink, with pull-out shower and wrap-around curtain. Space might be at a premium but storage is good, and there’s an opaque window for ventilation.
There’s also sufficient room for a decent-sized wardrobe, set over a (gas-only) Truma heater.
There’s also a huge roll-call of extra equipment over that on the standard Troll model on which it’s based. Steel hubcaps enhance the retro look, plus there’s a handy exterior-access locker. You also get a 30-litre water tank, an unusual flyscreen at the main door, reading lights over the bed, even a couple of storage bags. Overall comfort gets an uplift, too, with extra scatter cushions, floor carpet and a bedspread.
So, red Rockabilly or blue Ocean Drive? Either represents a latter-day classic gone retro for current times. If nothing else it proves one thing – caravanning has always been cool!
Verdict: Modern-day classic, 70 years young
Plus: Classic caravan with extra bells and whistles, quality build, easy towing
Minus: Interior space will always be at a premium
In-a-nutshell: Iconic
There’s more information on the Eriba Touring Ocean Drive range on the Eriba website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Adria Action, Bailey Discovery D4-3, Knaus Sport & Fun, Swift Basecamp, T@B 320 RS
Eriba Ocean Drive 530 factfile
| Model | Eriba Ocean Drive 530 |
| Dimensions | 5.79m L, 2.10m W, 2.26m H |
| Internal length | 4.66m |
| Berths | Three |
| MTPLM | 1,300-1,400kg |
| MIRO | 965kg |
| Payload | From 335kg |
| RRP | from £22,790 on the road |
| Safety & security | Al-Ko AKS stabiliser, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, automatic brake adjustment |
| Key options | Dealer-fits only |
We have a Troll which this is based, 1 year old. It tows like a dream and has the advantage of being able to sit and eat at either end. So when parked up doesn’t matter which way you have to park. You always have a view.
I love these little articles. So interesting, informative and informal.