"pop-top" what's the choice?

[Bob_374302597]

I have an old ABI 2 berth which I use solo most of the time, occasionally with the wife! Probably going to replace with a newer van this year, as mine is now 16 years old. Probably a 8-10 year old model.

I sometimes have to tow long distance, and storage is a problem now we live in a flat. I have seached on the forum, but see no discussion of pro's and con's of pop tops, eg ERIBA.

I like shower, toilet. etc so does this discount most of them? Do the benefits outway the costs? Are they good for long term living - 6 weeks+? What about heat-loss through roof in colder weather?

 

[rob_jax]

Bob,

There are two Eriba model ranges with the pop-top:

The traditional Eriba Touring models - the cute small caravans with the curved front and rear, in other words what most people would know as an Eriba. Available in a range of sizes from the "Puck" small 2 berth, through the Familia either 2 berth with wash-room or 3-berth without, then the Triton 3 berth with or without wash-room, to the Troll 4 berth always with wash-room.

And the newer Eriba Feeling models - think traditional caravan shape with a pop-top - and roughly the same space as a Triton or Troll

Can you live in one for 6 weeks plus - yes - two Eriba owners were featured a year or so ago in one of the magazines who had gone off for a year around Europe (one had been away almost two years and had worn out an awning...)

The coldest we've experienced (with the roof up) is -5

 

[rob_jax]

Bob,

And aside from the Eriba - the other quality make in low-height caravans is the Dutch KIP company.

The KIP Kompakt Variotop and the Kip Vision are the two models with a pop-top... or hefdak (lift-roof) as my Dutch friends call that design.

But finding a KIP in the UK will be an issue, as indeed will be finding an Eriba - they are popular and are likely to grow in popularity considering the cost of fuel - when one appears it is usually sold immediately - and quite a few people who want an Eriba or a KIP will go to Holland and buy pre-owned there. It's easy to do - and there's a story of how someone did just that on the www.eriba-amiga.co.uk web-site

Robert

 

[Bob_374302597]

Bob,

And aside from the Eriba - the other quality make in low-height caravans is the Dutch KIP company.

The KIP Kompakt Variotop and the Kip Vision are the two models with a pop-top... or hefdak (lift-roof) as my Dutch friends call that design.

But finding a KIP in the UK will be an issue, as indeed will be finding an Eriba - they are popular and are likely to grow in popularity considering the cost of fuel - when one appears it is usually sold immediately - and quite a few people who want an Eriba or a KIP will go to Holland and buy pre-owned there. It's easy to do - and there's a story of how someone did just that on the www.eriba-amiga.co.uk web-site

Robert

Thanks Rob_Jax, very useful comments.

Just back from couple of days in Galloway, and other half has tossed idea into the ring - "what about a fixed bed?" I'm not keen as I think they waste space, I know ERIBA do one, but the cost is a bit steep.

My cousin lives in Holland, and his dad used to have a small van, I'm sure it wasn't an ERIBA, possibly the make you mention - but I'll email him and see if he can help.

Anyone have experience of the French models. (caravans I mean, of course)

 

[popupJohn]

Trigano is yet another maker of popups. Ours suits my wife and I perfectly.

The Trigano Rubis 420 (4 berth) can be bought with either a fixed bed or a double dinette