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quoteThe most in-demand caravan in the Elddis line-up? It’s right here. The company says its tiny Xplore 304 caravan generates more sales leads than any other model. Hardly surprising, then, that the 2022 version boasts new trim, a general smartening up and some extra kit.
Little…with lots to like
It might be the baby of the four-model budget range, but it packs enough punch to make it perennially popular. That single front window might be an instant indicator that here’s a caravan that’s going to keep your costs down, but it also boasts the same bodywork construction as every other tourer going down the Elddis production line – it’s fully bonded, including a GRP underskin that’s impervious to whatever the road throws up at it.
Like its stablemates, going all the way up to the Buccaneer flagships, the Xplore 304 gets the backing of a 10-year bodywork warranty.
There’s also a stable-type door with full flyscreen. And believe it or not, the Xplore 304 caravan is designed for anything up to four-berth duties. It’s amazing what you can get into an interior space some 20cm short of 4m – and yet there’s an L-shaped lounge at the front, whilst space towards the back is shared between a double dinette with table, and a washroom that veers towards the compact, but nevertheless offers showering, toileting and handwashing facilities.
You can’t fail to miss the latest snazzy scatter cushions and curtains (called Maluku), but note also the lift-up shelf; plus sockets for TV; to the offside picture window; which, like the other double-glazed units, has a roller blind with flyscreen fitting.
The kitchen takes up the mid-‘van zone of the Xplore 304, with the main unit on the nearside and a fridge – a new Dometic 10 series model for 2022 – on the offside, set beneath a full-sized wardrobe. The front lounge’s free-standing table storing at the back of the wardrobe for travel is not such a great idea by the time you have a full complement of clothing on board.
In that main kitchen unit, there are the levels of facilities you’d expect in a much larger caravan. A three-ring gas hob is accompanied by a sink in matching black enamel.
There’s a Thetford Duplex combined oven and grill. Plus, a short section of worktop extension. Storage here includes three drawers, two floor-level lockers and two overhead. There are even two mains sockets close to hand.
When it comes to night time in the Xplore 304 caravan, the main bed’s dimensions are bigger than they’ve any right to be in such a confined setting, but for the record – it’s a double only from the front seating, and it’s a commendable 2.01m x 1.33m.
At the back, the dinette converts to a 1.80m x 0.90m single, over which you can pull out a bunk bed some 1.79m x 0.56m, with a wooden ladder (so much kinder on the feet than metal) for access and boards to stop any accidental rolling out. A curtain provides some extra privacy for those sleeping at the back.
Like the kitchen, the washroom isn’t short on essential kit, starting with a swivel-bowl toilet and countertop white plastic basin with swan-neck tap.
Pull a curtain around two sides if you want to shower in here, with the bonus of an Ecocamel showerhead and the full adjustability of a rise bar. The deep tray underfoot has just the one waste outlet, but details elsewhere haven’t been forgotten – there’s a mirror and a high-level locker, toothbrush mug, hanging rail and two hooks.
Elddis certainly scores with its Whale heating and hot water systems. The main units for these are fitted under the caravan, freeing up vital interior storage space. Every little helps, but there’s actually, rather good storage throughout the Xplore 304, with access to the under-settee areas, that large wardrobe and a good spread of overhead lockers.
It all adds up to quite the bargain. But you will want the optional SE Pack which includes alloy wheels, Al-Ko AKS stabilisers, spare wheel and stereo system, and is only going to set you back an extra £500.
In this video, we take a look around the tiny Xplore 304 caravan.
Verdict: Light, but not so basic (now)
Plus: Low weight, packs a lot in
Minus: Space will always be at a premium
In-a-nutshell: Tow me closer, tiny tourer
There’s more information on the Xplore range on the Elddis website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Sprite Compact, Bailey Discovery D4-2
Elddis Xplore 304 factfile
| Model | Elddis Xplore 304 |
| Dimensions | 5.54m L, 2.18m W, 2.65m H |
| Internal length | 3.80m |
| Berths | Four |
| MTPLM | 1,043kg (upgradeable to 1,100kg) |
| Payload | 135kg |
| RRP | from £16,444 on the road |
| Safety & security | Al-Ko stabiliser, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, CRiS |
| Key options | SE Pack (£479), alternative upholsteries (£275), Al-Ko Secure Wheel Lock (£259), tracking system with first year subscription (£280), Al-Ko ATC (£475), additional locker shelving (£42), PIR alarm (£340), exterior mains socket (£66), exterior gas point (£105), microwave oven (£212), Omnivent rooflight (£225), exterior access locker (£77), mobile internet/wi-fi (£tbc) – 2021 prices |
Does the new 304 have the same old weaker ABS plastic front and rear panels that can crack after 2-3 years? If so I would run a mile……especially as customer service at Elddis is worst of the bunch..
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Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve had with your Elddis. All Elddis caravans are built using their SoLiD construction, which is fully bonded.
We have had our Xplore 304 since February , and had several breaks away in it. We think it is wonderful .We are mature and seasoned caravan owners , lightweight , compact and perfect for us 2.
Thanks for sharing Julie and Richard
To many Pricey add ons that should be standard.. i wont buy one in its present format….