An icon of the caravan world arrived in Britain last year in a new guise, in two stunning colourways, with a strong purpose: to sing out the message that caravanning is cool.

These are the Eriba Ocean Drive and Eriba Rockabilly. They are two very special versions of the Eriba Touring, a caravan that has changed little in shape for generations and is widely regarded as a cult caravan equivalent of the VW camper. Selected UK retailers sell the Ocean Drives and Rockabillys.

Extra caravan equipment

Their arrival came shortly after Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer became part of the Erwin Hymer Group, which makes Eribas. These are special versions of the Eriba Touring 530, a model with a double bed at the rear, a combined shower-toilet room in the centre, opposite the kitchen, and a dining area at the front. Their special-edition status brings not just bright colours – sea-blue for the Ocean Drive and bright 'American Diner' red for the Rockabilly – but a raft of extra equipment.

This includes practicalities: a 30-litre water tank, a spare wheel, a stone deflector at the front, an exterior locker leading into space under the double bed and an insect guard mesh panel on the inside of the door.

Retro styling

More noticeable, though, is the stunning retro-styling, with interior décor featuring the same bright colours that define the exteriors of each of the models.

In the case of the Ocean Drive, the curtains are sea turquoise; the same colour edges the kitchen worktop and the cream Leather-effect seating – and appears also on a cream Leather-effect panel where the name Ocean Drive is embroidered in script.

Rockabilly colours are bang on trend, with rich red retro detailing throughout, creating a joyous caravan. It's not just the colour that grabs your attention, the moment you step inside these compact caravans, the quality is obvious.

Build quality

There are positive catches on top lockers that close with a resounding 'clunk', rounded edges on everything, and fine voile curtains. There's a shoe cupboard by the door and a pop-up roof mechanism that rises and falls easily with four reassuringly firm catches.

This brings the headroom from 1.72m to 1.95m. The roof is made of GRP; the sides are Aluminium. The extra equipment that distinguishes these models from the standard Eriba Touring range includes a long-pile carpet, plus a sink cover which, when you turn it over, becomes a chopping board.

Both caravans are 4.71m in body length. Both are three-berth; the dining area making a one-metre-wide, 1.95m long single bed. The fixed bed is 1.95m long and 1.36m wide.

Specification
Price from £21,880 Layout Double bed, central kitchen, front dining area Berths 3 MIRO 1073kg MTPLM 1399kg	Erwin Hymer Group UK Limited Delves Lane, Consett DH8 7PE eriba.com 01207 699000