Looking for Puck Eriba to purchase

[hyrgrnd]

I am looking to buy a Puck Eriba...open to purchasing one that needs work but would prefer one in decent condition. I am in toronto but I will be traveling across the country U.S./Canada in June and can come and view and purchase one if along the way.

thanks

Hy

[AZSpyder]

I recently got lucky finding one local on Craigs List. It was also listed on www.thesambe.com. It is worth keeping an eye on The Samba but I suspect you already know about that one. I see there is someone Toronto already posted that they are looking for one. I see at the moment there are a few listed on Samba.
The Samba, Craigs List, E Bay and any local classifieds listing you can find. Keep your fingers crossed while you are at it.
Jerry

[hyrgrnd]

Jerry

Thanks a lot for the leads. I am a total neophyte around this stuff but I am keen on getting a light weight trailer like the Puck mainly because I like the fact that it is lightweight and has an aluminum outer shell. Maybe my research is not all that thorough but it seems to be the only one that has those features. I have a 2008 Jetta 2.5, 5 cylinder car which I believe I am told can tow about 1000 lbs safely. I would like to have one that has a w/c in it too. Thanks again

Hy

[AZSpyder]

I am very new at this too. I didn't know anything about the Puck until I became a owner, or till the night before when I did a bit of web surfing.

I think you should be able to pull one easy enough. The very early ones were 300 kilos/660 lbs. Mid 60's to sometime after my 71 they were a bit bigger and 350 kilos/770 lbs. I think this is the most common group. Andrew was kind enough to post the following link that explaned a lot:
http://www.oldiecaravan.de/Hersteller_A_-_Z/Eriba/eriba.html

I am not teribbly observant and even though the cabinets were out I missed a number of things. If you find one there are a few problem areas I have found on mine. The paint was missing on the top and pop up section. The UV erosion of the resin of the fiberglass did some damage to the top but just about destroyed the pop up section. I have a big challenge to rebuilt that part. Getting the edge right is a pain. Mine had leaks around the front window. There was the white powdery corrosion near the center screw strip below the window. If you see the skin corroded through near the screw strip you are going to find more under the strip. If you have to take it apart to fix it the skin would likely have to be replaced. For a quick fix to get by try sealing it with something. It will go down hill if you try pulling the skin loose.

Mine seemed to have had a few leaks. If the aluminum skin has been wet where it touches the steel frame you will find more corrosion there. Mine also had the steel frame rusted through around the front window, the bottom of the entrance and back bottom corners. Doing a permanent repair to any of those areas required lifting the skin and after corrosion had started it just crumbles away.

Mine may be the unusual but it is the only one I know. Hopefully not many are as bad as mine. I think it was left neglected outside for mother nature to give her best shot. If I had known it was that bad I think I would have passed it up. Now that I am working on it the work hasn't been that bad but I am going to be busy for a while. It is reparable and will live to camp again looking many years younger.

I don't want to scare you away. If you find one look it over good for leaks or corrosion then make a better educated decision then I did. It is the only rig I know of that is extremely light and nicely roomy. They have a reputation for towing well and long life. You could do worse.

Jerry

[hyrgrnd]

Jerry

Thanks again for the heads up. I think I got stuck on the Puck and dont want to stay stuck cuz I want to get something happening for a trip across the country come early june.

One thing I would really like to do is to strip off the paint and take it down to the aluminum then come up with some kind of coating to put on to protect it as much as i could from the elements.

Maybe I should be looking at a Teardrop...did you ever think of that? Alternatively I think I could get my hands on a Trillium cuz they are made here in Ontario. Any thoughts on these by comparison?

If I had the time I would consider trying to get one shipped from the U.K. but I want to leave early in June.

thanks

Hy

[AZSpyder]

I have thought very hard about the tear drops. That is what brought me to this web site. Many ideas and examples, and the vast amount of experience here. I liked the idea of something between the classic tear drop and a Cabin Car. There are a few ideas here to combine and make it my own. It would be awesome. Now if only the wife liked the idea....

She does however like the Puck and I think it has a cool factor. It is vintage, will tow real easy and usable. I may revisit the tear drop layout someday but for now I have an honest, straight forward little RV to save and use.

Jerry

[tearible]

I haven't seen an Eriba Puck or otherwise until this thread. Pretty cool looking, and lite! The newer ones look cool too.

[ATXKJ]

FYI - Delaware (rebuildable? )
http://delaware.craigslist.org/rvs/1165211774.html

[AZSpyder]

It's not a 1953. They didn't start bulding trailers until 1958. The first ones did't have a front window. Maybe 1963 or 1973. For that matter maybe even 1983. I don't think they ever changed much.

That one may not be too bad. I wonder if the markings under the front window are just water stains or if there isn't some corrosion there. The water fill on the right front isn't there along with the left side seat/bed. Gotta wonder what is included and what may be missing. I know where to get the rubber parts. So far haven't seen hardware like handles or hinges availble. Luckly mine are good. I think some parts could be some work to find.

Jerry

[hyrgrnd]

I am getting information on it and would consider refurbishing if I could get the right parts. Are there any special things to watch out for in buying this as in something that would be impossible or too expensive to replace or rebuild if it were missing or seriously damaged. Also, is there someone I could take it to to do the work in case I should decide I dont want to or dont have the time or expertise?

Thanks


Hy

[AZSpyder]

I have enjoyed lurking and reading up on the Teardrops. Now having ended up with the Puck that seems to fit into the TTT category but not a lot of information here I thought I would start a thread. There seems to be some interest and it gives me a way to contribute to the group.

Take a look at:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=28881&highlight=

Hopefully the link works over time, or do a search for Eriba Puck or posts by me. I added a post of what I know about parts so far.

Jerry