Looking for an ERIBA Dealer After Adventure Leisure Vehicles? United British Caravans Can Help

For many years, Adventure Leisure Vehicles at Tebay in Cumbria was a familiar name to ERIBA owners and customers looking to buy an ERIBA Touring caravan.

Following the closure of Adventure Leisure Vehicles, existing ERIBA owners and prospective buyers across Cumbria, the North East of England and southern Scotland may now be wondering where they can view new ERIBA caravans, obtain knowledgeable advice or discuss changing their current caravan.

United British Caravans is an authorised ERIBA dealer based in North Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, and we're here to help.

ERIBA Caravans at United British Caravans

ERIBA has built an exceptionally loyal following over the years, with the distinctive ERIBA Touring being one of the most recognisable caravans on the road.

At United British Caravans, we understand that buying an ERIBA can be rather different from buying a conventional caravan.

Owners are often attracted by the distinctive design, compact dimensions, pop-top roof, excellent build quality and the character that has made ERIBA Touring caravans so popular throughout the UK and Europe.

Our team can help customers understand the different models and layouts available and find the ERIBA that best suits the way they intend to travel.

Previously an Adventure Leisure Vehicles Customer?

If you previously purchased an ERIBA from Adventure Leisure Vehicles in Tebay, or visited them when considering an ERIBA, you are very welcome to speak to us.

We appreciate that many ERIBA customers build a relationship with their supplying dealer and may have travelled considerable distances to find a dealership with genuine knowledge of the brand.

With Adventure Leisure Vehicles no longer trading, customers throughout Cumbria, Northumberland, County Durham, Newcastle, the wider North East and Scotland may be looking for another established ERIBA dealer.

United British Caravans would be delighted to introduce you to our dealership and our ERIBA range.

ERIBA Dealer for Cumbria and the North East

Our dealership is located at Sandy Lane, North Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, making United British Caravans accessible to customers travelling from across the North East and further afield.

We regularly welcome customers who travel considerable distances to find the right caravan, and ERIBA customers in particular are often prepared to travel to visit a specialist dealer and see the models they are considering.

For customers travelling from Cumbria, including Carlisle, Penrith and surrounding areas, or travelling south from Scotland, we would be pleased to discuss available ERIBA models before you make the journey.

Simply contact us beforehand and our sales team can confirm what we currently have available to view.

Looking for a New ERIBA Touring?

The ERIBA Touring remains at the heart of the ERIBA range.

Its combination of distinctive styling, compact dimensions and clever use of interior space has created generations of enthusiastic owners.

Different Touring layouts provide solutions for couples, individual travellers and customers wanting additional sleeping or living space while retaining the characteristics that make an ERIBA so distinctive.

If you're considering an ERIBA Touring, our team can talk you through the available layouts, specifications and options and help you decide which model best suits your requirements.

Already Own an ERIBA?

We'd also like to hear from existing ERIBA owners.

Perhaps you've owned your Touring for many years and are thinking about moving to a newer model. You may have bought your caravan from Adventure Leisure Vehicles or another ERIBA dealer and are now considering your next caravan.

Your existing ERIBA may also have considerable part-exchange appeal.

Talk to the United British Caravans team about your current caravan and the ERIBA models you are considering. We can discuss part exchange and help you explore the options available.

Used ERIBA Caravans

The strong following for ERIBA means good used examples can be particularly sought after.

Our used stock changes regularly, so customers searching for a used ERIBA Touring for sale should keep an eye on our latest used caravans or contact us to discuss what they are looking for.

Existing ERIBA owners considering changing their caravan are also encouraged to speak to us, as your current ERIBA may be of interest for part exchange.

More Than Just ERIBA Caravans

United British Caravans has been involved in caravanning for many years and offers considerably more than simply caravan sales.

At our North Gosforth dealership you'll also find our extensive leisure shop, with caravan accessories, awnings, outdoor equipment and products for touring and camping.

That means an ERIBA customer can talk to us not only about their next caravan, but also about many of the accessories and equipment required to enjoy it.

A New ERIBA Dealer Relationship

Losing a familiar dealership can be frustrating, particularly for owners of a specialist caravan such as an ERIBA.

If you previously dealt with Adventure Leisure Vehicles, there is absolutely no obligation to be an existing United British Caravans customer to contact us.

Come and meet the team, take a look around the dealership and see what we can offer.

Whether you're looking for your first ERIBA Touring, considering changing an existing ERIBA or simply looking for a knowledgeable ERIBA dealer serving the North East, Cumbria and beyond, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Visit United British Caravans

United British Caravans
Sandy Lane
North Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne

Telephone: 0191 236 3156

Looking for an ERIBA? Contact our sales team or visit us in North Gosforth to discover the latest ERIBA caravans available from United British Caravans.

Campervan vs Motorhome – What’s the Difference and Which Should You Buy?

If you're thinking about buying a leisure vehicle, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to choose a campervan or a motorhome.

Both give you the freedom to travel with your accommodation wherever you go, but they can offer very different experiences. A compact campervan may be ideal for spontaneous weekends away and everyday driving, while a larger motorhome can provide considerably more living space and facilities for longer trips.

So which is right for you?

At United British Caravans in North Gosforth, Newcastle, we sell both campervans and motorhomes, so we've put together this straightforward guide to the main differences.

What Is a Campervan?

Campervans are generally more compact than motorhomes and are commonly based around a panel van or similar vehicle.

Modern campervans can pack an impressive amount into a relatively small space, with layouts potentially including beds, cooking facilities, storage, seating and, depending on the model, washroom facilities.

Some campervans also feature a pop-top roof, providing additional headroom and, on certain models, extra sleeping accommodation.

Their relatively compact dimensions make campervans particularly attractive to people who want a leisure vehicle that remains easy to drive and can potentially be used for much more than holidays.

What Is a Motorhome?

A motorhome is generally larger and designed to provide more dedicated living accommodation.

Many motorhomes are coachbuilt, with the living area constructed behind the cab specifically for touring.

This additional size creates opportunities for larger lounges, permanent beds, separate washrooms, bigger kitchens, increased storage and more generous living areas.

For customers planning longer holidays or extended touring, the additional space and facilities of a motorhome can make a considerable difference.

Campervan vs Motorhome: Size

One of the most obvious differences is size.

A campervan will usually be narrower, shorter and more compact, which can make driving through towns, country roads and smaller campsites easier.

A motorhome will generally require more consideration when parking and manoeuvring, although modern motorhomes are designed with touring in mind and many drivers quickly become comfortable with their size.

Think about where you intend to travel.

If exploring villages, cities and remote locations is important, the compact nature of a campervan may appeal.

If your priority is having more space once you arrive at your destination, a motorhome could be the better choice.

Which Is Easier to Drive?

For somebody moving from a normal car into their first leisure vehicle, a campervan can often feel more familiar.

Its dimensions are usually closer to those of a commercial van than a large coachbuilt motorhome.

Campervans can therefore work particularly well for owners who want to use their vehicle regularly rather than keeping it primarily for holidays.

A motorhome is larger, but the elevated driving position, good visibility and modern driver-assistance equipment available on many models can make them surprisingly straightforward to drive.

We always recommend considering the actual dimensions of an individual vehicle rather than choosing purely on whether it is described as a campervan or motorhome.

Living Space

This is where the motorhome generally has the advantage.

The larger body provides manufacturers with considerably more freedom when designing the interior.

Depending on the model, a motorhome might provide:

• Permanent fixed beds

• Island beds

• Twin single beds

• Drop-down beds

• Larger lounges

• Separate shower facilities

• Larger kitchens

• Greater wardrobe and storage capacity

• Garage storage for outdoor equipment

Campervan designers have less space available, so clever design becomes particularly important.

Seats and lounges may convert into beds, tables can be removable and storage areas are carefully integrated throughout the vehicle.

For some owners, this compact simplicity is exactly the attraction.

Sleeping Arrangements

Don't assume that a larger vehicle automatically means more berths.

Both campervans and motorhomes are available with different sleeping arrangements.

Some campervans feature pop-top roofs providing additional sleeping accommodation, making a relatively compact vehicle practical for couples or families.

Motorhomes offer an even wider variety of sleeping arrangements, including fixed rear beds, twin beds, island beds, overcab beds and electrically operated drop-down beds.

The important question isn't simply “How many people can it sleep?”

Think about how those people will actually use the vehicle.

Having to make and dismantle a bed every day might be perfectly acceptable for occasional weekends away but less appealing during a three-week European tour.

Kitchens and Washrooms

Motorhomes will generally provide more comprehensive kitchen and washroom facilities because there is simply more room available.

Depending on the model, this can include larger refrigerators, ovens, additional preparation space and separate shower areas.

Campervans vary considerably.

Some provide surprisingly comprehensive facilities, while others deliberately prioritise flexibility and compact dimensions.

This makes it particularly important to view different layouts before deciding.

Storage

If you travel with bikes, outdoor furniture, an awning and lots of touring equipment, storage can become an important consideration.

Larger motorhomes can offer substantial storage, particularly models incorporating rear garages.

Campervans require owners to be a little more disciplined about what they carry, although manufacturers have become extremely clever at using otherwise wasted space.

Consider what you genuinely take away with you rather than simply looking at the number of cupboards.

Everyday Use

This can be one of the strongest arguments for choosing a campervan.

Some owners use their campervan throughout the year for:

• Days out

• Weekends away

• Sporting activities

• Festivals

• Cycling trips

• Walking holidays

• Visiting friends and family

• Everyday transport

A larger motorhome is more likely to be primarily a leisure vehicle, although this obviously depends on the individual vehicle and owner.

If replacing a car with your leisure vehicle is part of the plan, dimensions and practicality deserve particularly careful consideration.

Longer Touring

For extended holidays, a motorhome's additional living space can become increasingly valuable.

Having a permanent bed, larger washroom and more storage might not seem essential during a weekend away, but these features can become much more important during several weeks of touring.

Couples planning extensive UK or European travel may therefore prefer the comfort offered by a larger motorhome.

That doesn't mean campervans aren't capable of serious touring. Many owners travel extensively in them precisely because they enjoy their simplicity and flexibility.

It ultimately comes down to how much space you need.

Campervan or Motorhome for Couples?

Both can be excellent.

For a couple wanting spontaneous weekends, days out and a vehicle that is relatively easy to drive, a campervan can be extremely appealing.

For couples planning longer trips who value a permanent bed, generous washroom and additional storage, a motorhome may suit them better.

This is why looking at layouts is often more useful than deciding on vehicle type first.

Campervan or Motorhome for Families?

Again, layout is crucial.

A campervan with additional sleeping accommodation in a pop-top can provide a clever family solution without requiring a large vehicle.

A larger motorhome can provide more separation between sleeping and living areas and considerably more storage.

Think particularly about what happens when everyone is inside the vehicle at the same time.

A layout that looks perfect on a sunny afternoon can feel very different when four people are inside during a wet British evening.

What About Running Costs?

There isn't a simple rule that applies to every campervan and motorhome.

Purchase price, fuel consumption, insurance, servicing, storage and other costs depend heavily on the particular vehicle.

A smaller campervan may use less fuel than a larger motorhome, but specifications and engines vary considerably.

When comparing vehicles, look at the complete ownership proposition rather than assuming that one category will automatically be cheaper.

Do I Need a Special Driving Licence?

Licence requirements depend primarily on the vehicle's Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) and your driving licence entitlement rather than simply whether it is called a campervan or motorhome.

Many leisure vehicles fall within the standard 3,500kg category, but larger motorhomes can exceed this.

Always check the weight of the specific vehicle you're considering and confirm that your driving licence provides the necessary entitlement.

Campervan vs Motorhome – Quick Comparison

Choose a campervan if you prioritise:

• Compact dimensions

• Easier everyday driving

• Spontaneous weekends and short trips

• Greater flexibility

• Potential everyday use

• Access to smaller roads and parking spaces

• Clever use of a smaller interior

Choose a motorhome if you prioritise:

• More interior living space

• Larger kitchens and washrooms

• Permanent bed options

• Greater storage capacity

• Longer touring

• More separation between living and sleeping areas

• Additional home-from-home comfort

The Best Way to Decide? See Both

Specifications and photographs are useful, but nothing replaces actually stepping inside different vehicles.

Sit in the lounge.

Lie on the bed.

Stand in the shower.

Open the cupboards.

Imagine where your clothes, outdoor furniture and holiday equipment would go.

Then think about where you intend to travel and how long you normally spend away.

Quite often, the vehicle that works best in real life isn't the one you originally expected to buy.

Campervans and Motorhomes at United British Caravans

At United British Caravans, we offer both campervans and motorhomes, giving customers the opportunity to compare different approaches before making a decision.

Our campervan ranges include models from manufacturers such as Bailey, Coachman, ERIBA, Etrusco and ACE, while our motorhome selection includes ranges from Bailey, Etrusco and ACE, alongside changing used stock.

Our team can help you compare layouts, dimensions and specifications without assuming that one type of vehicle is automatically right for everyone.

Visit United British Caravans in Newcastle

If you're still deciding between a campervan and motorhome, come and see us.

Seeing several different vehicles side by side is one of the easiest ways to discover how much space you really need and which type of layout works for you.

United British Caravans
Sandy Lane
North Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne

Telephone: 0191 236 3156

Whether your next adventure calls for a compact campervan or a spacious motorhome, our team will be happy to help you find the right vehicle.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan?

If you're thinking about buying a caravan, motorhome or campervan, you might be wondering whether there is a best time of year to buy.

Should you wait until winter? Buy before the summer season? Look for end-of-season deals? Or buy when the latest models arrive?

The answer depends on what matters most to you.

The best time to buy isn't necessarily when the lowest-priced vehicle appears. Choice, availability, part exchange, new model launches and how soon you want to start travelling can all be just as important.

At United British Caravans in North Gosforth, Newcastle, we sell new and used caravans, motorhomes and campervans throughout the year. Here's our guide to deciding when the time is right to buy.

Is Autumn a Good Time to Buy a Caravan?

Autumn can be an excellent time to start looking.

As the main summer touring season draws to a close, dealerships begin preparing for the next model year and new vehicles start arriving.

That can create an interesting period where customers may be able to compare remaining current-model stock with newly introduced models.

For some buyers, a new model with the latest specification will be the priority.

For others, an available vehicle from the previous model year may represent an attractive opportunity.

The important thing is to compare the actual specification and price rather than assuming that newer automatically means better for your particular requirements.

End-of-Season Caravan Deals

The phrase “end-of-season sale” can make it sound as though caravanning simply stops when summer ends.

It doesn't.

Many people tour throughout autumn and winter, but the traditional summer season does influence buying patterns.

Dealers may want to make space for incoming models, which can result in offers on selected vehicles.

This can make autumn particularly interesting if you are flexible about specification, colour or layout.

However, heavily discounted vehicles that genuinely suit your requirements can sell quickly. Waiting indefinitely for a further reduction can sometimes mean losing the vehicle altogether.

New Model Year Arrivals

One of the most exciting times to buy is when manufacturers introduce their latest ranges.

New model years can bring changes to:

• Interior design

• Upholstery

• Exterior styling

• Equipment levels

• Technology

• Layouts

• Optional equipment

• Construction

• Weights and specifications

For buyers who like having the latest specification, this can be the ideal time to order or purchase.

United British Caravans represents a range of leading manufacturers, including Bailey, Coachman, ERIBA, Etrusco and ACE, giving customers the opportunity to compare very different approaches to leisure vehicle design.

Should I Buy Before Spring?

Spring is naturally a popular time to think about caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

The days are getting longer, holidays are being planned and many people suddenly decide that this is the year they're going touring.

The advantage of buying before the season starts is obvious: your vehicle is ready when you want to use it.

The disadvantage is that popular models and layouts may attract increased demand.

If you already know that you want to be touring next spring or summer, starting your search during autumn or winter can give you more time to find the right vehicle without feeling pressured into making a quick decision.

Is Winter a Good Time to Buy?

Absolutely.

Winter is often overlooked by first-time buyers, but it can be a very sensible time to visit a dealership.

You can take your time looking at layouts, comparing models and deciding exactly what you need before the main touring season begins.

It is also an excellent opportunity to think beyond the vehicle itself.

If you're buying your first caravan, for example, you may also need to consider an awning, security equipment, water and waste equipment, towing accessories and other touring essentials.

Getting everything organised before spring means your first trip doesn't have to begin with a frantic shopping list.

What About Buying in Summer?

There is nothing wrong with buying during summer.

In fact, there's one enormous advantage:

you can start using your new vehicle immediately.

If you've found the right caravan, motorhome or campervan and it's available, waiting several months purely because somebody says another season is “better” may make little sense.

A summer purchase can potentially give you several months of touring before winter.

For many customers, the value of actually using and enjoying their vehicle outweighs waiting for a theoretical future deal.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Caravan?

Used caravans are slightly different because every vehicle is individual.

You cannot necessarily wait for another identical one to arrive.

The specification, condition, age, history and layout of a particular used caravan can make it difficult to replace.

Good used examples of desirable layouts can attract considerable interest.

If you find the right used caravan at a price you're comfortable with, the best time to buy may simply be when you find it.

This is particularly true if you have very specific requirements.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Motorhome or Campervan?

The same principle applies.

Used motorhomes and campervans vary enormously in mileage, specification, condition and equipment.

A particularly desirable model with the right layout and specification may not be easily replaced once sold.

Rather than trying to predict the cheapest month of the year, we'd recommend deciding:

What do I actually want?

Once you know that, you can recognise a good opportunity when it appears.

Buying When New Models Are Released

The arrival of a new model year can create opportunities at both ends of the market.

Some customers immediately want the latest model.

Others deliberately look for the outgoing version.

Neither approach is wrong.

An outgoing model can sometimes offer excellent value, particularly where the differences between model years aren't important to you.

Equally, a new model may include changes that make it significantly better suited to your needs.

Compare them rather than simply looking at the year printed on the specification sheet.

When Should I Part Exchange My Current Caravan or Motorhome?

If you're changing an existing leisure vehicle, your part exchange forms part of the overall deal.

Don't focus exclusively on the advertised price of the vehicle you're buying.

The important figure is effectively the cost to change.

A seemingly large discount may be less attractive if accompanied by a lower part-exchange valuation.

Likewise, another deal may initially appear more expensive but produce a better overall changeover figure.

At United British Caravans, we're happy to discuss your existing caravan, motorhome or campervan as part of your next purchase.

Should I Wait for a Sale?

Sales and promotions can provide genuine opportunities, particularly on selected stock.

But we'd be cautious about choosing the wrong vehicle simply because it has the biggest discount.

Imagine saving money on a layout you don't really like and then spending every holiday wishing you'd bought the other one.

The right vehicle at a fair price is usually a better purchase than the wrong vehicle at an enormous discount.

Look at the complete package:

• Purchase price

• Specification

• Layout

• Condition

• Warranty

• Part-exchange value

• Dealer support

• Availability

• How well the vehicle suits you

When Is the Best Time for a First-Time Buyer?

For a first-time buyer, we'd suggest allowing yourself plenty of time.

You have more decisions to make because you haven't yet discovered which features genuinely matter to you.

Visit dealerships.

Walk through different layouts.

Sit in the lounges.

Try the beds.

Look at the kitchens and washrooms.

Think about where everything you take on holiday will actually go.

If you're buying a caravan, consider your tow car and the relevant weights.

If you're looking at motorhomes or campervans, think about where you'll store and park the vehicle as well as how you'll use it.

Starting early gives you the luxury of making those decisions without rushing.

Don't Forget the Cost of Waiting

Waiting for the perfect deal has a cost that doesn't appear on an invoice:

holidays you could have been enjoying.

If you've found the right vehicle, can comfortably afford it and are happy with the deal, waiting another six months in the hope of saving a little more isn't automatically the best decision.

A caravan, motorhome or campervan is ultimately something you buy to use.

For many owners, some of their favourite memories come from spontaneous weekends away rather than carefully planned summer holidays.

So, When Is the Best Time to Buy?

There isn't one month that is perfect for everybody.

Autumn can be excellent for outgoing-model opportunities and seeing new ranges arrive.

Winter gives you time to research and prepare before the next season.

Spring puts you in position for a full season of touring.

Summer lets you buy and start enjoying your vehicle immediat