Maintenance & Restoration

tractors1 · 05-07-2014, 12:52 PM

Kinda gotta mush the cushions together to fit a 59 inch "mattress" into a trailer that is 58 inches wide (according to specs.) Have to use really thin sheets.

Charlie Y

Timber Wolf · 05-07-2014, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tractors1

Kinda gotta mush the cushions together to fit a 59 inch "mattress" into a trailer that is 58 inches wide (according to specs.) Have to use really thin sheets.

Charlie Y

That is funny right there, I don't care who you are!

I was wondering with all this "efficiency" in a small package why it does not have a squared off or rectangular sink. Seems like one would be more useful and not take up any more space than the round one does. Unless I am missing something underneath.

Bob Miller · 05-07-2014, 01:54 PM

Actually that's not "Outside the Box" at all, it's how Eriba has been building kitchens for about 30 years

Jon in AZ · 05-07-2014, 02:21 PM

I caught the resemblance to the old Eribas right away, but wasn't familiar with their construction. So the top is fiberglass and the sides are aluminum…

Now I'm curious: are the sides framed (wood, aluminum?) with an aluminum skin, or is it some kind of laminate?

Wallo · 05-07-2014, 03:49 PM

Although I am a convert to fiberglass trailers, it would be nice if these guys could get a mold and make these in FG. May have to take a trip to see the S or CS/bathroom in person. They were mfgd. by another company pre 2009, but now Little Guy has taken over and is said to have better quality. Check out the brochure.
http://tab-rv.com/wp/wp-content/uplo...g-Small.pdfeck out the brochure.

Francesca Knowles · 05-07-2014, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laura June

Mike; this is a dealer that sells all the different brands. It threw me also, thought Little Guy had finally got the message of what some of us with smaller tow vehicles are looking for.
Something you can stand up in, that tows easily and is not full of stuff we don't need, just the basics. No tanks to empty. Don't have to go outside to fix a meal in bad weather. You set a water container under the sink and there is a hand pump to pump it up. Use a camp stove either inside or outside. If it stops working, just go buy a new one. All you really need to do is keep the water bottle filled and empty the porta potty. Sounds great for a person who likes to boondock.

Exactly!
I really like this trailer, and have no qualms about the aluminum construction. It's got a full fiberglass cap. The roof being the part most prone to both leaks/hail damage, the use of fiberglass up there makes a lot of sense, while aluminum sides help keep weight down. I'm curious as to gauge of the walls- if it's anything like that of the aluminum on my 1956 Shasta, I can say with some confidence that it won't be subject to being easily dented.

Thanks again for the heads up, Laura!

Jack Walter · 05-08-2014, 09:08 PM

I just bought an Eriba Puck this week - 1989 model - it weighs around 750 lbs.

Francesca Knowles · 05-08-2014, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Walter

I just bought an Eriba Puck this week - 1989 model - it weighs around 750 lbs.

Sad smiley face is because I didn't get there before you...wait...
Make that this smiley face:

Just kiddin'- a little. Looks really good for a 1989, or even one a lot newer. So much for the fragility of the aluminum sides, eh?

Donna D. · 05-09-2014, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulw

Eriba Puck revived?

Sure looks like it doesn't it.

havingfunnow · 05-09-2014, 07:49 AM

What a cute little trailer! I've never seen photos of a Puck before. This new one does seem a lot like it.

Bob Miller · 05-09-2014, 08:21 AM

The original Eriba Puck was designed to be towed by the 36hp VW Beetle.

The trailer hitch used on the Beetle, like most other trailer hitches in Europe, had to be approved by a government agency to be used. Creative hitch builders are not allowed to run rampant over mfg specs, in fact they are not allowed at all.....

Maybe that's a small part of the reason why European tow specs are higher.

David Tilston · 05-09-2014, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

The original Eriba Puck was designed to be towed by the 36hp VW Beetle.

The trailer hitch used on the Beetle, like most other trailer hitches in Europe, had to be approved by a government agency to be used. Creative hitch builders are not allowed to run rampant over mfg specs, in fact they are not allowed at all.....

Maybe that's a small part of the reason why European tow specs are higher.

Careful Bob, you are almost rationalizing going over tow specs in North America.

Bob Miller · 05-09-2014, 12:12 PM

Actually I thought that I was pointing out why the specs might be different, careful governmental control of safety, no Mickey Mouse hitches etc., etc. You can't even build a duplicate of an accepted hitch, only the company that made the approved hitch can make them. When I was in Germany about 10 years ago, a factory hitch, the only approved hitch, for a VW Type 181 (called a 1973-74 THING here) was selling for close to $1000.

And yes there are other reasons, this is just one of many.

Donna D. · 05-10-2014, 01:22 PM

I've been over on Samba.com over the years and see the Eriba come up for sale occasionally. Cute is right, but the aluminum skin... not so cute when damaged. Just like there are those that would love to own an Airstream and fear hail, there are those with all molded towbles that kind shrug at the thought of hail or small rocks, etc. It depends on your level of comfort when owning an asset, ability to make repairs and where you live and tow.

Francesca Knowles · 05-10-2014, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna D.

...snip.. Just like there are those that would love to own an Airstream and fear hail, there are those with all molded towbles that kind shrug at the thought of hail or small rocks, etc....snip... .

Too true- but those who do care about the inevitable road rash that develops mostly on the front of molded trailers often cover it up or even prevent it by use of a front-end "bra" or similar covering.

No reason why the same couldn't be done on an aluminum trailer, though it's been my observation that such "rashes" are less common on that type. Depending on the quality of the aluminum, of course.

Jon in AZ · 05-10-2014, 02:29 PM

Just thought I'd throw my question back out since I really am curious…
How is the Eriba/MeerKat supported, structurally?

Is there a frame of some kind under the aluminum skin, or is the skin bonded to some kind of laminate-type shell?

Bobbie Mayer · 05-10-2014, 03:55 PM

I see a big plus- the poptop is back. If this one does well maybe some of the fiberglass manufacturers will do one. Storage is expensive- being able to garage is pretty valuable.

As for aluminum- lots of people love it so it can't be all bad. I like Airstreams (just don't want to drive anything big enough to pull one.)

Darrell in Al · 05-10-2014, 04:34 PM

Great choice for fast weekend getaway. I'd be hard pressed to be stuck in one in the rainy season. Good for visible and mileage though.

Bob Miller · 05-10-2014, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Just thought I'd throw my question back out since I really am curious…
How is the Eriba/MeerKat supported, structurally?

Is there a frame of some kind under the aluminum skin, or is the skin bonded to some kind of laminate-type shell?

If you Google "Eriba Puck Image" and scroll down you will see a number of pic of Pucks being restored. Here is a pic of a bare frame showing the supports for the skin.

TheSamba.com :: Gallery - Eriba Puck