Going for gold

Rob McCabe explains why this sturdy, chic caravan remains a surefire winner

You rarely see the phrase ‘cult status’ alongside the word ‘caravan’ – unless the caravan in question is an Eriba Touring, part of a now-iconic pop-top range that has been in continual production for an astonishing 67 years.

So, what has given this German-made tourer its long lifespan? And can it still cut it in the face of fierce competition from more conventional rivals in this third decade of the 21st century?

To help us answer these questions, we’re getting up close and personal with the very latest incarnation of the three-berth Touring 530, the biggest-selling layout in the 11-model line-up.

Build quality – 98%

Classic look at the rear includes retro-chic tail lights

To a very large extent, the quality of the build is what has made these caravans so beloved by so many. Borrowing heavily from aeronautical design techniques, the Touring’s skin – aluminium exterior and a plywood inner, sandwiched with a thick layer of insulation – is attached to a steel skeleton that gives the whole structure great integrity.

The talking point is of course the pop-top roof. When it’s lowered, just tug on the four securing hooks to release it and push up on the big handles at either end. It’s beautifully simple and excellently engineered. Well-thought-out, heavy-duty engineering is much in evidence elsewhere, too. Take the front gas locker hatch, which pivots forward and up on two sturdy steel brackets; and then peruse the built-in, retractable step under the entrance door that is equally as durable.

The model we’re studying here is the gorgeous Nugget Gold Colour Edition (Tango Red and Harbour Blue are also available). These editions carry a £3,270 premium, which includes a stone guard on the front to protect all that prettiness, plus alloy wheels, lots of chrome detailing and a stainless steel bumper that you will absolutely want to keep polished.

Almost uniquely for a caravan, the exquisitely retro-look rear is just as beautiful as the rest of the body. This thing is a work of art on wheels.   

Towing – 97%

This is where being able to lower the roof pays big dividends. It has a height of approximately 7ft 5in ready for the road (that’s a foot less than most conventional caravans) – equating to a much more aerodynamic experience on the move. And the classic-aeroplane-style pointy front end is also very adept at cutting through the air. When you then consider the proven stability of the elongated A-frame, you’ve got yourself a proper little towing show-off.

The one thing it can’t boast about is an especially light weight – although, given that this is largely due to that super-rigid steel frame, it’s a modest price worth paying.

Daytime – 91%

Kitchen and lounge with roof raised

The entrance door is on the opposite side to that on most caravans sold in the UK so, when you step inside, the front lounge is over on your right. Actually, ‘lounge’ is maybe overdoing it a bit because this isn’t a ‘kick off your shoes and put your feet up for a crafty afternoon snooze’ type of caravan.

That said, the seats are very comfortable – if you add a couple of big cushions to lean into, it’s a pleasant place to be and, with the signature two-section bay window, nice and bright as well. The usefully big clip-on table simply slides from left to right to make access to either seat a breeze – and if the weather’s nice enough to have lunch outside, it attaches to a bespoke rail just behind the right-hand wheel arch.

That’s clever – and so is Eriba’s trick of giving you storage pockets and cubby holes in places you didn’t even know were places. Your challenge on board this one is to remember where you’ve put everything.

Such is the mind-boggling choice of packages and individual extras, it’s highly unlikely that any two Eriba Tourings will be the same. To keep things as straightforward as possible, the price we’ve quoted here is for the specific caravan we’re reviewing. That means it comes with lots of niceties over and above the base spec, including enhanced lighting, a good sprinkling of mains sockets, a door wastebin, sink cover/chopping board, door flyscreen, pleated blinds throughout and leisure battery/charger.

Warmth is courtesy of a gas-only Truma space heater, although you can specify the electric Ultraheat function as a cost option (or just bring along a compact fan heater if you want to preserve gas stocks). Oh, and if you’re really keen on that afternoon snooze, just go and lie on the bed! 

Night-time – 93%

Comfy mattress for the double bed

Whether for those forty winks or your full eight hours, the transverse double bed is delightful: Eriba’s own-brand mattress is superbly comfortable and supportive. Whoever is on the side nearer the window has to do without anywhere to keep overnight paraphernalia – which, given the plethora of stowage options elsewhere, is surprising. Even a little pouch on the wall for a water bottle and specs would be enough to make a difference.

Up front, dropping the table to its knees and placing the seat backrests upon it gives another excellent, full adult-sized bed.

On the mornings when dawn arrives long before most of us are intending to wake up, the section between the sidewall and the elevated roof can be covered by zip-up panels, although that’ll still let too much 5am light in for some folks’ liking. Plus it may also sound as though the early-rising blackbirds have come inside to join you…

The easy solution: just pull the roof down when you go to bed. Yes, when you’re not lying in bed you may have to stoop slightly, depending on how lofty you are, but it’s really not a big problem. Indeed, some owners keep the roof lowered all the time if they’re touring in the colder months.           

Kitchen – 85%

Three-burner hob

A three-burner gas hob is all you get for cooking – if a dual-fuel hob, full-size oven, separate grill and microwave are at or near the top of your must-haves list, this caravan is probably not for you. But it’s fine if you plan your menus accordingly and the weather plays ball should you fire up the barbie every now and then. The kitchen is a decent facility, given that obvious limitation: the hob itself is spark-ignited, the modest work surface is increased by way of a fold-up extension, and you’ve got a kettle- and toaster-friendly mains socket. Storage is abundant, and the fridge door panel is nicely colour-co-ordinated with the rest of the furniture.

Washroom – 87%

Washroom featuring fixed bench toilet and detachable mixer tap for showering

The dealer tells me that some visitors to the showroom are surprised to see that a caravan this size even has a loo – never mind one that accommodates a shower too, if you don’t mind detaching the mixer tap from the wash basin and using that. Again, storage space is maximised – and who could fail to love the mirror that raises and lowers itself in harmony with the roof?

Lighting – 94%

Lounge with portable lamp

In terms of illumination, the little Touring is a big performer. The headline act is the trio of USB-chargeable portable, dimmable lamps that you either attach magnetically to their ceiling spheres (two in the bedroom, one in the lounge) or place wherever you wish, inside or out. They’re great.

A flick of a switch (either by the door or next to the bed) brings on over-locker ambient lighting and the four lamps that sit flush on the wall in each corner. There’s a touch-operated ceiling light in the lounge too, although you’re getting on for overkill if you have this on at the same time as everything else.

Two under-locker strips serve the kitchen well enough if not exactly brilliantly, while the washroom is excellently illuminated by two powerful flush-fitting lamps. In the evening, the awning light allows you to impress passers-by by putting your sidewall-attached clip-on table in the spotlight.

Verdict – 92%

It’s made from girders (almost literally), it’s lovely inside, it’s achingly beautiful, it tows like a dream and it has a charm all of its own. I’m not at all surprised that owners soon become besotted by them.