Eriba Touring 820 2022

The Eriba brand has been well known in Europe for many years, but has never sold in the UK in big numbers. Although price and weight might initially deter some UK buyers, Eribas do offer good resale values. So could a new model in this year’s line-up, the 8m-long twin-axle Eriba Touring 820, make a difference?

Pitch and set-up

The big Eriba is instantly recognisable, with its smart silver exterior and contemporary interior. Large wraparound windows and the V-shaped front add a distinctive look.

The gas locker offers useful extra storage, and there is an auto-levelling system and heavy-duty corner steadies.

Reflective triangles are placed just above the rear bumper, while the road lights are neatly designed in a smart moulded unit with the Eriba name proudly displayed.

On the door side (unfortunately not the ‘right’ side for the UK), there is a locker and the cassette access hatch. The door itself has an illuminated electric step. Our test model came with the optional Thule roll-out awning.

Lounge in the Eriba Touring 820

Fully tinted privacy windows and a large panoramic sunroof let natural light flood into the lounge, while for night-time, there is plenty of ambient and individual LED lighting throughout, as well as a pair of sensibly positioned reading lights.

Leather upholstery adds to the luxury feel, and you get a fold-down coffee table and a sturdy freestanding table (should you need something bigger), making this area very comfortable.

There are blinds and flyscreens, but no curtains on the opening windows. On the other side of the door is a drinks cabinet, a spot for a caravan TV, and a coffee machine.

The overall fit and finish are as excellent, as you would expect at this price level.

Kitchen in the Eriba Touring 820

The nautical influence in the interior becomes more apparent in the kitchen, with its curved overhead locker and porthole window. However, the limited amount of work surface might be a bit off-putting for keen caravan cooks.

That worktop only includes a two-burner hob, although it does look smart. No grill or oven is fitted, not even a microwave, and the socket above the three large drawers might have been better on the wall.

The sink has no drainer, but clever design touches include two cubbyholes in the side panel, and a concealed pull-down locker for the coffee machine.

Next to the kitchen is a Thetford fridge with a separate freezer. There’s an extractor fan here, and an Electrolux air-con unit.

Beds in the Eriba Touring 820

Although this is classed as a 4 berth caravan, it is probably more of a couples’ tourer. The lounge can make up a double bed, but the main feature is the extremely comfortable king-size double at the rear. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and the roof vent has integral LEDs.

Washroom in the Eriba Touring 820

You might be expecting a very large washroom in such a big tourer, but this one, opposite the kitchen, is quite compact – although its design is very efficient.

The separate shower cubicle has folding doors and houses the handbasin. There is no window, but you do get a roof vent here, allowing ventilation and natural light and, as with the rest of the caravan, the LED lighting is very good.

A large mirror above the handbasin has storage space underneath. The toilet is the Thetford fixed design, which is possibly the only way the designers could have made this washroom work in practical terms.

Storage in the Eriba Touring 820

You do get storage below the settees in the lounge, but there’s just the one overhead locker here, and no shelving on either side.

The overhead lockers in the kitchen are not especially generous. Fortunately, though, there is some useful shelving above the space for the TV, and you also get a cupboard underneath the drinks cabinet.

By contrast, the overhead lockers in the bedroom are excellent; although here, it’s the storage under the bed that is a bit limited, due to various plumbing and electrical works being housed.

The wardrobe is quite small, given the size of the caravan, but should offer enough space if there are just the two of you on tour.

Storage in the washroom is more ample, with one spacious cupboard on the wall and a second below the handbasin.

Verdict

Underfloor heating, excellent lighting choices, a self-levelling system and a strong build are just some of the many things that buyers will like about this smart tourer.

Other kit fitted as standard includes a 50-litre on-board fresh-water tank and a waste-water container, as well as remote heating settings. But it would be good if some of the cost options – such as an alloy spare wheel, ATC and the Thule pull-out awning – were also included as standard.

Still after some more couples’ tourer inspiration? Then be sure to check out our best caravans for couples round-up, where we share our top picks currently on the market.

Things we like:

Exceptional build and contemporary interior

Things we don’t like:

No microwave, wardrobe is a bit tight on space, very heavy

Technical specs

• Price: £78,980 (as reviewed)
• Berths: 4
• MTPLM: 2500kg
• MiRO: 2050kg
• Payload: 450kg
• Shipping length: 8.48m
• Interior length: 6.88m
• Overall width: 2.36m

Spec list

• Alde heating
• Fridge/freezer
• Flyscreens and blinds
• AKS hitch
• Alloys
• Underfloor heating
• Heavy-duty self-levelling corner steadies
• Al-Ko chassis
• 95A battery/charger
• Loose-fit carpets
• Leather upholstery
• Coffee machine
• 50-litre fresh-water tank and waste-water container

Or you could try…

• Marquis Majestic 304: This dealer special is lightweight, compact and easy to tow.
• Swift Challenger X 860: This is a comfortable single-axle tourer that makes the most of its 8ft width.
• Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto: This family-friendly caravan comes with a stunning washroom.

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