2018 Eriba Touring 310 60 Edition caravan

Best thing, small package

Okay, so you could have an “ordinary” caravan at this price. But, who wants ordinary? How about a classic that borders on iconic?

If you’re good enough, you’re young enough. It was in 1957 that the first Eriba caravan was built. No prizes, then, for guessing what “60 Edition” stands for.

It’s all celebrated here, with the 310 the smallest of four Touring models given the 60 Edition treatment. That means a whole raft of extra kit. It is, indeed, a significant list, adding just over £2,000 to the price of a standard 310, although the extra spec’ is calculated to be worth some £4,500 if you were to buy each item individually.

The silver-coloured lower bodywork and alloy wheels are immediate pointers that this is a special edition. The overall shape and method of manufacture remain the same as from Day One. Eriba’s are based around a tubular steel framework, with aluminium sides and a GRP top for Eriba’s signature canvas-sided elevating roof section, which increases the standing room on-site to 1.95m and is easy enough to operate.

With a starting weight of just over 700kg, almost any car that can take a towbar will be able to tow it without too many worries about economy. It’s not just its weight that makes it so easy to tow. That angled front and lower overall height make a big difference. Should you wish for more payload, the chassis can be uprated to 1,050kg. It’s all very solid, in the way we’ve come to expect from any caravan carrying the Eriba name.

Inside, the furniture, dubbed Grand Oak and featuring a gloss finish to the upper lockers, is exclusive to the 60 Edition. Featured here is Janeiro, the darker of two soft furnishings offerings.

Space is saved by not having any washroom (look to its three sister models if this is a specific need). Just bear in mind quite a few Eriba owners use their ‘vans with a motorhome as the tug.

What you do get – surprisingly – is a permanent bed across the back.

Bearing in mind the internal length of just 3.66m, having the comfort of a permanent double is some achievement. And it does leave room for living.

Up front is the shortest lounge you’ll ever get in any caravan, with single seats either side of a tabletop. These also convert into a third sleeping berth. Both of those front windows open, plus there are nearby cubby holes, whilst a floor locker just inside the door – which also has a full flyscreen – is ideal for stuffing your outdoor footwear.

Those seat bases are only ply. The main bed has the support and ventilation advantages of a slatted base. Occupants have windows and reading lights to two sides, includes a forward section that hinges up for access to a huge storage area, also accessible via an external hatch on the offside.

There’s also space on board for a relatively large wardrobe. It sits over a Truma fire that should prove more than capable of warming the whole caravan when things get chilly.

Nearside mid-‘van is a kitchen that limits itself to a two-burner hob with spark ignition. The circular sink next to it has a flush-fitting cover that flips over to offer a chopping board. Plus, there’s a small extension to the right and below is a Dometic fridge. Storage includes a relatively large cutlery drawer and a double-doored cupboard.

Despite its diminutive nature, this Eriba boasts a few features you won’t get on “big” caravans. There’s an electric slide-out step at the door, stain protection on the upholstery, stone deflector panels at the front, even an on-board 30-litre fresh water tank.

Do, however, check out optional extras, including prices and alternatives, with your supplying dealer.

Older? Better? Most definitely. It might just prove an investment, too.

Verdict: A true original, made a bit more special

Plus: Classic caravan with extra bells and whistles and a quality build

Minus: No washroom

In-a-nutshell: A modern-day icon, 60 years on

There’s more information on the Touring caravans on the Eriba website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page

Alternatives: Adria Action, Kaiser Teardrop, Knaus Sport & Fun, Swift Basecamp, T@B 320 RS