Used Caravan of the Week: 1982 Eriba Puck

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by Marcus Dubois

Last week we launched a brand new feature on Caravan Times, where we scour the classifieds to pick our “Used Caravan of the Week”. Often we find ourselves debating which caravan we’d buy with a fixed budget – and so each week we’ll share with you the best of the bunch.

After the space-age fantasy of last week, our latest pick may seem humble in comparison. Yet this week’s offering has its own unique charms and an enviable heritage. This 1982 Eriba Puck is currently listed on eBay for £2,899.

Click here to see photos of the 1982 Eriba Puck for sale

The Eriba Puck is one of a select few caravans that could be considered a bonafide classic. After the Second World War caravan manufacturers began to see an increase in demand again, and former aircraft designer Eric Bachem developed a lightweight trailer in the late 1950s.

He named the brand Eriba, and the most iconic of his trailers was the futuristic looking Eriba Puck. First manufactured in 1958, the models soon became renowned for their light weight at only 230 kg.

Back then a small car could easily tow the Puck without difficulty, a trait which continued throughout the decades as the baby Eriba gained more refinements. And despite its diminutive size the Eriba Puck offered a surprising number of interior appointments.

Unsurprisingly this 1982 model is well preserved – Eriba Pucks can last a lifetime if well cared for. This is due to a tubular skeleton which gives the caravan strength and helps keep it watertight. Complete with its original pop-top roof, the Puck also comes with an awning and skirt throw in for free.

History: According to the sellers this 1982 Eriba Puck is in “tip-top condition”, though some of the detailed pin striping on the bodywork has come off in a few small areas. The owner still has the original maintenance booklet present.

Kit & caboodle: For a caravan that’s over 30 years old, there’s still a few refinements on the Eriba. The caravan comes with 12V and 240v lighting as well as a decent cooker. Double glazing was also fitted to the Puck for good sound insulation, and there is also a TV aerial and mains hookup.

  • Price: £2,899.00
  • MTPLM: 790kg
  • Width: 1.65m
  • Length: 3.20m
  • Berth: 2
  • Axle: Single

Get the 1982 Eriba Puck while it’s hot on ebay.co.uk

Caravan site operator Park Resorts in drive for Internet expansion

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by Marcus Dubois

Once upon a time (and not so long ago) a caravanner looking for a good site or park to visit would make a quick telephone call to order a brochure. And whether ordering your brochure from the park itself or their caravan club, the only way of scoping out a site in advance was to read a leaflet or site handbook.

Yet the inexorable rise of the Internet has led to site operators and caravan clubs constructing the online equivalent of park brochures. For many, the quickest and easiest way to assess a potential site for holidaying is to type that site’s name into a search engine. Search engines also give caravanners the power of comparison – and crucially the ability to search for parks in a region of Britain and stumble upon a new site.

With this in mind, leading caravan site operator Park Resorts has today announced a new initiative to increase its visibility on the Internet. The firm hopes to move beyond online advertising and instead bring new people to the website through search engines. And to help achieve this, Park Resorts has appointed marketing agency Greenlight to grow traffic to its website.

A decade of caravan experiences

Park Resorts has provided caravan holidays for 10 years, and boasts a portfolio of 39 coastal holiday parks in the UK. Guests can currently select from a range of accommodation including chalets, apartments, bungalows and Lodges. In addition there are fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes, as well as pitches available for camping.

The firm also offers new and used static caravans for sale, while holiday homes are available at all of the park locations around the UK.

Protect against UV rays on your caravan holiday with a sun canopy

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by Holly Tribe

Caravanners planning a holiday this summer should take suitable precautions against potential sun damage.

A worrying report from the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) has revealed skin cancer related deaths are on the rise in Scotland.

Over exposure to the sun’s rays is a known cause of skin cancer, and according to GROS, 194 Scots died from the disease in 2010.

People who spend a lot of time enjoying outdoor pursuits, such as caravan and motorhome enthusiasts would be well advised to take appropriate safety measures against over exposure to the sun on holiday.

The SunSmart campaign recommends using of SPF15 sunscreen and staying in the shade to help minimise sun damage.

Caravan sun canopies are useful devices for creating shade, particularly when the sun is at it’s highest around midday. Affixed to the awning channel of the caravan, they create an outside space to relax in out of direct sunlight.

For more information about skin cancer and how to be sun smart head to sunsmart.org.uk .

Caravan Club publishes new Sites Directory and Handbook

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning a visit to one of the Caravan Club’s UK sites will find all the information they need in the new Sites Directory and Handbook.

The 2011-12 edition has now been published and is available exclusively for club members making their holiday plans for the coming year.

Sponsored by leisure products provider Dometic Group, the guide contains site photos and 2011 fees for touring caravan pitches.
It is also slim and light, making it ideal for caravanners to take with them on their trips away.

Once 2012 fees are available, a supplement will be produced and mailed to Caravan Club members alongside the group’s official magazine later in the year.

Tim Shaw, managing director of Dometic Group, said his company is proud to be sponsoring the Caravan Club’s latest Sites Directory and Handbook.

“There is a close synergy between the club’s, and Dometic’s, values and beliefs when it comes to caravanning,” he remarked.

Dometic Group provides a wide range of products for the leisure caravan industry, including generators, refrigerators, rooflights and ventilation systems.

Charity caravan destroyed by arson in Devon

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by Gemma Roskell

A caravan used by a charity as a mobile headquarters has been destroyed by arsonists in the town of Brixham in Devon.

According to the Herald Express newspaper, the vehicle was used by the Brixham Lions charitable trust during several events, including the Dartmouth Regatta.

President John Hulme explained that the caravan often acted as a base for tea and coffee making facilities, and to provide shelter for volunteers.

The fire occurred in the early hours of Friday March 11th behind Central Garage on Milton Street. Firefighters were called to the scene after reports of an explosion. A Ford Transit van was also destroyed in the blaze.

Police are treating the incident as arson and have arrested a 17-year-old male on suspicion of starting the fire.

Mr Hulme said Brixham Lions will be looking to purchase a new caravan in time for this year’s Dartmouth Regatta.

“If we can’t find another caravan closer to the summer we might have to hire something,” he remarked. “That would cost £100 to £150, which is quite expensive.”

VIDEO: Take a tour of the 2011 Lunar Caravans range

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by Marcus Dubois

At Boat and Caravan 2011 one of the star attractions was Lunar Caravans who launched two new lightweight models – the Lexon 550 and the Quasar 464.

Both continue in Lunar’s tradition of keenly priced models with family-friendly layouts. The Lexon 550 is a 5-berth caravan which offers a huge amount of storage with two full-sized double wardrobes.

Meanwhile the Quasar 464 is a smaller 4 berth caravan which can either be used by smaller younger families, or a useful layout for couples if they entertain from time to time.

Holly Tribe caught up with Martin Henderson of Lunar to find out more about the Lexon and Quasar.

‘Community feel’ a big draw for caravanners

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by Gemma Roskell

There are many things that attract people to caravanning, but the community feel of staying on a dedicated touring site is a major draw, according to the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Spokesman Jon Dale said many caravanners actually opt to stay on sites close to home, as they see a caravan break as an opportunity to get together with the family, rather than a chance to take a holiday somewhere new.

“Nowadays people work in different parts of the country and when you are at work every day you don’t get that time to spend with the family,” he explained.

“So when people stay, there is this real community feel about it. People come together when they go on a caravan holiday and embrace the concept.”

The Camping and Caravanning Club owns more than 100 holiday parks across the UK, as well as 1,400 small, privately-run certified sites housing just five caravans, which are available to members only.

Caravan Park manager mulling co-operative model for Scottish site

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by Gemma Roskell

The general manager of a caravan park in Scotland is looking at plans for a buyout by the local community.

According to the Press and Journal, Grant Kerr intends to set up a co-operative through which caravan owners and local people could buy shares in the site.

He believes a community buyout would help the Silver Sands Holiday Park, in the Moray town of Lossiemouth, return to profit.

Mr Kerr said the site has “huge potential” and is confident that his plans, which he claimed are in keeping with David Cameron’s Big Society, will help fulfil it.

He also suggested that a successful buyout may encourage similar business models for other holiday parks, leading to major improvements in their operation.

Silver Sands Holiday Park offers fully-serviced and non-serviced pitches for touring caravans and its facilities include a laundry and a toilet and shower block.

The site also boasts an adventure play park and sports arena, a cafe and chip shop and an on-site mini market.

Caravan to play a leading role in tackling anti-social behaviour

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by Holly Tribe

A caravan has been turned into a multi-use activity centre to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Bradford.

The touring caravan has been modified to feature a cinema, DJ mixing desks, a games station plus a beauty chair for a trained beautician.

According to the Telegraph & Argus, the scheme is being funded by West Yorkshire police and the church funded Eden Project. Located in an area of Bradford which is well known for its problems with drug and anti-social behaviour problems, it will tour the local estate and engage with local young people helping to provide access to new opportunities.

Police Community Support Officer Samia Arif said: “The caravan will provide a way to break down any perceived barriers with young people on the estate and to engage them in a fun and interesting environment.

“By using the caravan as a hub and working from the centre of Buttershaw we can also develop our relationship with the young people of the estate which I am confident will transfer back into the neighbourhoods we police on a daily basis.”

The caravan was launched at the Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College in Bradford this Saturday.

Freedom North East 2000 Caravan Club launch Duck Race for Alzheimers Society

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by Marcus Dubois

Freedom North East 2000 Caravan Club has revealed the date of its popular Freedom Duck Race will be Saturday 4th June 2011, with all funds donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

The annual event takes place on the River Wear at Stanhope Showground, and brings together hundreds of caravanners for the day’s activities.

For the main event rubber ducks are released into the river, with each duck costing just £1 to sponsor. The owner of the first placed duck wins £100, while the runner up receives £25. And the winner of third place will take home a box of 12 vanilla cupcakes and 12 flapjacks courtesy of local baker Rosie’s Delight. A host of other prizes will be announced nearer the date of the race.

Soak the chairman

A wide range of activities will take place during Duck Day, making the event especially popular with families. Typical fete attractions on offer include tin can alley and hook a duck, while fans of TV show Play Your Cards Right will enjoy “Higher or Lower”.

Yet the standout attraction for some will be “Soak the Chairman”, where Freedom 2000 Club Chairman Neville Simmons will allow members to throw wet sponges and buckets of water at him.

How to attend

Duck Day takes place at Unthank Park in Stanhope (also known as Stanhope Showground) and starts at 11.30am. There is free parking for all visitors, and refreshments are available on the day.

Tickets are available from all Committee members of Freedom 2000 North East Caravan Club. Alternatively you can complete the form available at freedomduckrace.co.uk

Airstream travel trailer embarks on European tour

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by Gemma Roskell

The Airstream Caravan proved its worth recently when a marketing company took the vehicle on an ambitious promotional tour across Europe.

Samuelson Wylie Associates embarked on a gruelling journey that took in 15 cities and covered more than 10,000 miles.

They staged customer and media events along the way on behalf of a US medical company, using the trailer and its awning as their exhibition unit.

Inside, they installed a treatment room as well as luxurious meeting facilities entertaining more than 300 VIPs along the way.

To tow the modified trailer, they chose a Land Rover Discovery 4, insisting that the two vehicles looked “stunning” together and performed “faultlessly”.

During the 59-day journey, the team battled with driving snow, ferocious heat and poorly maintained infrastructure.

“From mountain passes to the atrocious roads between the Finnish border and St Petersburg, the extraordinary engineering and fine build quality of both car and trailer shone through, mile after mile after mile,” they said.

New five-star caravan site planned in Shropshire

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by Gemma Roskell

Plans for a five-star touring caravan site in Shropshire worth around £3 million have been submitted to the local council.

According to Shropshire Live, Morris Leisure is looking to develop the 20-acre site on the outskirts of Ludlow.

If given the go-ahead, the park will be home to 135 touring pitches. Council approval would pave the way for building work to begin this summer.

Morris Leisure, which owns a number of luxury caravan parks in Shropshire and Snowdonia, said the Ludlow development could generate up to £1 million a year for the local economy.

“There is enormous potential for a five star touring park in this area,” said Edward Goddard, managing director of Morris Leisure.

“The riverside location is ideal because it is well screened and peaceful, yet has good access to the old A49 and is within walking distance of the town.”

Morris Leisure has already held a public meeting to communicate its proposals to local people, as well as a two-day exhibition of its plans.