I hope you like my gorgeous little caravan! I'm over the moon. In the next video I'll talk a little more about the heating and hot water, and about the effect that downsizing from the 1500kg Compass has had on the range when towing with the EV. Oh, and who's with me in that Elddis need to develop the Xplore 303? ;)
Congratulations on your and Dougal's new van. My wife and I, retired, in our mid 60's and new to caravanning bought a used 304 model as our first van end 2020 and just LOVE it and caravanning. For sleeping my wife uses the front couch as a single bed, and I just fit on the lower bunk. The wider base fits my CPAP machine. And my wife doesn't have to climb over me at night with the horizontal double bed. We use the opened top bunk to store bedding when we move pitch. I use a £1 battery LED reading light stuck on the bottom of the lower bunk. But I agree, a 303 would be better. We also love the large front single window, the L shape lounge and large offside portrait window. The design of this 304 van is clearly perfect because it has remained unchanged for over a decade, and yet still won the Caravan magazine award for Compact Van of the Year for 2023! Proof enough. Just discovered your channel and videos as we head off in March on our first long tour to Portugal, following your advice on crossing, route and route planning. Very much enjoying your style and quality of videos. Keep up the good work. And thank you.
Maybe someone can do a "dealer special", remove the bunk and use the already fitted bunk supports to support a locker unit? Come on Kimberley! If Elddis won't do it, YOU CAN!
I totally agree with your comment on making this a 3 berth instead of a 4. I've often said lockers above the rear dinette would offer more useful storage than the bunk, which is only adding weight. Lovely shot at the end of you and Dougal.
A ‘303’ makes a lot of sense. Great caravan and a hint at the future in my mind as mor people move to EVs. We have an Eriba Touring 530 and our ‘dinette’ end is exactly as you describe for your perfect ‘303’ - generous seats, table, lights, loads of lockers, huge windows and can convert to a single bed making it a 3 birth.
Loved the video. I have exactly the same van. Bought from Kimberley Notts. I had their demo. I paid just over £18k but don’t have to bike rack etc. It’s just me and my dog Molly too. I even have blue check blankets very similar at the front! I’ve removed all the stuff I don’t need like the bunk mattress, ladder, curtain, shower curtain etc. I’ve also bought some mats to fit as carpets. I don’t have the issue with the catches on the fridge you do. Moving the plug around 45 degrees at the back is a great idea. In terms of issues, I’ve just had niggles really, one of the catches on the bolts holding the top bunk up keeps coming off but I never use it anyway. There were some screw hiding stickers under the front lockers not on where they should be. I also have dirty marks on the floor but I guess it was a demo. They were sold out everywhere I tried, even dealer specials. I think a 303 would be a great idea. I’ve slept quite comfortably without pulling the bed out. Molly then sleeps in the space by the worktop extension. I loved the L shaped lounge, big side window and tv shelf, that’s what’s sold it to me. I tow with a Skoda Karoq 2.0 petrol 4x4 so barely notice the caravan there it’s so light. I will invest in an awning at some point. Anyway, love the caravan and wish you many happy trips in yours. I’m off up to North Wales to get Molly to the beach this weekend!
Beautiful caravan Andrew! Love it, it's just right for you and Dougs! I agree there should be a 303 model, I would say it's probably more like 10-15% use the bunk beds. Anyway enjoy your new baby!! I'm sure you'll have many adventures in her! Enjoy Dusseldorf, I look forward to seeing what's new over there! Say hello to Camper Tobi, Petra and Andi too! Sending hugs xxx 😘🐕🥰
We have just taken possession of our 304. I removed the bunk which left me a really useful shelf and it is so easy to tow which I also love. Clearly it is compact but the large lounge and separate dining area make it feel quite big. I also love this van👍👍
Yes! Elddis should definitely make a 303! As much as I really like the 'L' shaped lounge, my utter dislike for those types of bunk-beds really puts me off the Xplore 304 and why I gravitate towards the Bailey Discovery D4-2. That is despite seeing that the Xplore has some major winning features over the D4-2! The GRP underside being one of them!
I'd love a 303. We're a family of 4 but my eldest is at the point of using an awning annexe anyway. Totally agree with the 3 locker idea too. Do it Elddis! Great content Andrew 👍
Hi Andrew! Thanks so much for showing off the travel journal. It's so wonderful to see yourself and others gathering their memories within its pages 😁 Thank you also for showing us around your new caravan. I'm totally with you on the carpet runners over a fitted carpet, particularly with dogs and their muddy paws! I also like your idea for removing the bunk. Far too many caravans are built around family holidays, when in reality, a growing number are being used for long term travel and accommodation. We removed our side dinette bunk in favour of a long worktop many years ago and haven't needed nor missed it. Mind, come to think of it, it's so far from the original build, none of it recognisable from the plans! Looking forward to following your adventures closely this autumn! 🐕🐾
I think Dougal is simply overwhelmed by the sheer brilliance of the caravan he can’t muster the words. He is such a gorgeous pup 💕. Great review by the way 👍
Love your new van Andrew, wish you and Mr Dougal many happy nights out. Nice layout and totally agree about ditching the top bunk and putting lockers up there which would weigh less anyway and weight wise my C3 Picasso could tow it. Good luck on your new adventures and looking forward to the vids.
We do love the 304! Really goes back to "old" days where the aim was to pack in as much as possible into a short wheelbase, and some vans these days go to the other end of the spectrum. Cant wait to see what you get up to
Hi, we bought a used 304 at the beginning of the year after watching your review you done last year. We absolutely love it! It's really easy to tow and the layout is great. We wouldn't swap ours for any other caravan.
I agree about making a 303! That and putting a single piece wall board in the wash room to avoid needless extra maintenance. I love the L shaped lounge design and simple, modern upholstery. A brilliant little van!
Had our 304 2 years now love it We have removed the bunk matress and ladder and we store all our bedding in the gap that is left . 2 pillows the small ikea ones , a double sleeping bag, matress topper and 2 fleece blankets all fit in the gap. I also upgraded the front pull out piece of wood to a piece of teak any similar density would do. Ours split 1st time of use build error . Very easy to do
Glad you are enjoying it, the colour scheme of the wood, the floor, plugs and switches are the same as our 2022 Crusader, it seems you have been lucky on niggles, we haven’t been so lucky with ours and do have a few faults which have warranty claims put in for, however I will say none of the faults are due to Elddis these are all parts that are bought in for it. Enjoy your new caravan and look forward to more videos!
I went to view the 304 following your earlier review. I agree about needing a 303 in the range! That would be perfect for me as a 1-2 berth, without the bunk.
HI Andrew thank you for this video. Made me go to Kimberley Caravans and I bought an Xplore 2019. Salesman Richard was extremely helpful and helped with my trade in .. am a very happy customer 😊
Totally agree a 303 would be perfect for us as grandparents and one grandchild it would work so well. Lovely looking caravan Andrew well done look forward to your future videos.
Hi Andrew, I'm so pleased you love your New Caravan, it is Beautiful!! I love the 2 Part Door, nice to see a decent Catch for securing the Door when Open. Loving the L Shaped Lounge & the Long Side Window too! Dougal looks so at home sat there! I agree with You about the Dinette Area, it's ideal for when using a Laptop etc. but having the Small Window due to the Pull Down Bunk it's restricting the Light coming in! Wishing You & Dougal "Happy Travels", Thank You for sharing. Lots of Love to You & Dougal 💖 💜 XX XX
I agree with your ideas re the bunk bed,window and extra storage. I recently travelled around that there Engerland for nearly seven weeks and have to say I needed every bit of storage I had. So, yes ditch the bed. 👍🖖🏴🏴🏴
We had a 304 and loved it. As Becky of CaraVanOlogy mentioned we did remove our top bunk.The row of screw holes left behind were covered with those little round stick on covers that match the wood. This saved much weight and gave a very handy shelf for storing lots easy to get to things when pitched up. Then if you ever sell your van just screw the piano hinge back on and its back to standard. Hope your 304 Activ gives you as good a service and enjoyment as our 304 did.
Yes, it's a brilliant little van, the layout with two sitting/eating areas, central kitchen etc. I agree a three berth version with a bigger window and overhead lockers would sell really well. The other thing is that the wardrobe could be made one to two inches less wide, and meaning the bunks at the back could be 1-2 inches longer, and rather more accommodating taller caravaners.
I’m in the same position as you, single with a dog. Had decided on a TAB 400 until you threw a spanner in the works with this beautiful little van! More thinking to do! I only work April to October so want to see how many campsites are available in the winter. I haven’t caravanned since I was child in the seventies growing up in Germany. It’s going to take a lot of courage to get started but I keep watching your videos and they will help me to achieve my goal. Please keep the videos coming, they are an absolute godsend for a newbie and entertaining to boot. Thank you! Sharon and her Princess, Sasha!
Thanks Sharon! I have yet to try the heating in this caravan in the winter so I can't compare yet to the Truma heating in the T@b. I'm sure once you take the plunge you'll be fine - people on campsites are ALWAYS willing to help! Good luck.
I love the inside and out of your new caravan. Bright and airy. Your suggestion of the 303 model would be really nice I agree. Love the big lounge window too.
I am loving your new caravan, the corner sofa/bed is the best since it doesn’t take as much space as the U shape but you can still rest your back on it. Definitely one to consider. Thanks for the video.
Luv it! And yes, a 303 would be so perfect. Fingers crossed 🤞i wish you a happy and enjoyable time during the next weeks and can‘t wait to see your upcoming videos. Stay happy and healthy the two of you. 😊 greetings
We've just got our new elddis too with the same fridge and ours does that with the bottom latch. If you push it to the left a little bit more it clicks into place and doesn't re lock. Love your caravan. For being small it looks so spacious 👍
Chuffed for you MrD... and Dougal. That looks an impressive set up at a fair price. I wish you many happy miles of travel and, as always, look forwards to future vids. Cheers, 😊👍
Very nice indeed Andrew. Isn’t it amazing how the smaller caravans seem to offer so much useable space. I am sure you and Dougal will have many happy tours 😃 Trev n Sue
It's a very handsome caravan Andrew. I've always had a sneaky admiration for what was the 302 and of course your new 304. Perfect ! Love the portrait window and the L shaped lounge. I too would have problems with the light carpets. I'm a bit of a mucky pup !
We bought this as our first caravan..and did us it as a 4 birth...had a great time...would highly recommend the explore 304 for a first time.e caravaner
A couple of other things we have done to ours is in the cupboard next to the microwave removed the metalwork put 4 shelf pegs in the holes that are already there cut a piece of hardboard pvc wrapped it much more usable space . We fitted a privacy curtain across the double bed with a few hook/ clips command strip and an extendable net curtain rail no drilling no tension. Laminated small piece of cardboard taped to top of fridge flip down at night. All removable before service leaving no trace for warranty voids
Hi there you two...we absolutely agree about the dinette/bunk...we said the same regarding the bunk etc...the dealer special is So much better than the original...it is a super caravan..Happy travels to you both..x
Hi again Andrew... beautiful van.....really well styled... bit too small for us in real terms bit lovely none the less.....Dougal..well... he's hilarious lol.... cheers 'Paolo and Roger aka 'The Camp Caravanners'
We ordered a 2023 Xplore 304 earlier this month for delivery (hopefully) in Feb/Mar next year. We went for this model so we could take grandchildren away with us on occasional trips. We would only take one at a time. I totally agree with your comments on the top bunk bed. I would much rather that it was an option as I would rather not have it.
Dougal is such a good dog! There are time I feel the US manufacturers can learn much from the European caravans. Some of our brands are still stick built as we did 60 years ago! Wood frames, fiberglass insulation and corrugated aluminum siding. Dometic should build in an ambient light sensor for the indicator light brightness. Andrew, you have a beautiful caravan! I must confess to being envious!
Love your caravan Andrew very impressive…very happy for you both I’m very envious of your life style 😂 I have to go back to my office desk after 2 weeks off. Love to Dougal 🥰
We had an Xplore 302. Loved it, Loved it, Loved it. My favourite caravan ever. Brilliant. Sadly succumbed to uneconomic to fix damp. Still miss it. Why don’t they make it now. ( last made in 2013). Never mind a 303: go back to the 302. I would buy it again ( in spite of the damp).
For us (with 2 greyhounds, 1 of which is rather large admittedly 😅) the 304 is what we're looking at next, but the bunk is what is putting me off. Either a 303 or the option to spec it either as a 3 berth (with or without overhead lockers) or as a 4 berth with the bunk would be spot on for us. Anyway, great review and really helped us make our minds up as to what to aim for in the next van
Brilliant caravan. Much better width for towing. I remember going from a 7ft 2in to 7ft 6in and I was surprised how much of a difference it made for towing. Just a small thing but I'd prefer the door to be hinged on the left just in case it accidentally opens while moving.
Nice little caravan Andrew, just a note on the bed support/ edge, I’ve seen two examples where the build quality was not as it should be for a bed, when you go back to dealer get them to strengthen it before it breaks completely & you end up on the floor 🤔🤔🤔 other than that I hope you & Dougal have many happy trips with it.
Love this video congratulations to you and Doug all. I think that the single person caravan is an untapped market. Your comments re cupboards instead of bunks should be an option.
Fabulous review as ever! I love this caravan it’s a great size! I agree about the bunk and that would stop me buying it at present! Can you have it altered yourself. I expect that may cancel your warranty though? Thanks again and great to see you! Best wishes Peter ❤❤❤
I come a year late to this party, but I am now in the "research" stages for a light caravan to tow with my Tesla MY. Like you, single with 2 doggies, and I need some "office" as well as a bedroom. A 303 version would tick all my boxes. At the moment the Swift Sprite Alpine 4 seems to be in the lead for me with the fixed bed, but if Elddis could make this van's dinette area a bit better as suggested, I want one! I would definitely have the weight up plated as well.
Thank you Andrew for the review. I really like your new caravan but i totaly agree with you with the bunk bed some cupboards and some Light will be more convenient. Enjoy your new caravan Andrew 👍🥳🥳🥳
Brilliant, perfect for you both, love the airyness, L shape and the long side window :) Many happy travels PS I’m sure the bunk would come out easily, at the least, it could easily be unscrewed from the piano hinge leaving a “shelf” from the more structural bit and then you could have an LED strip run off the wiring for that lower bunk light and along the underside of the structural bit of the bunk left?
You can get an after market cover for the fridge, lots of people in the Basecamp ‘community’ use them to hide the light and to stop the fridge beeping at them every time they come within a foot of it! 😂 Noticed there was a BC in the next pitch along, great caravan and the one we chose after making our negotiable/non-negotiable list as per the previous video! 😃
Oh yes, the fridge beeping too! Lovely couple in the BC4 next door. It was brand new and she was due to release the occupant of the 3rd berth into the world the very next week :)
Loving your new little caravan 👍I can see why you are so made up with it ,loving the graphics too they are gorgeous 🥰 , love the L shaped lounge and lovely big windows , don't know how would affect your warranty but we took the bunk out of our bailey ranger as we don't use it ,the extra payload made room for an extra solar panel 😁
Looks like a lovely van, Andrew. There's a six year-old Xplore 586 with fixed rear bunks, an end washroom and separate shower currently for sale at a dealer local to me for a touch under £14k that would be ideal for us if we were in the market. Must say they're very stylish even in standard factory guise. And super-lightweight!
Great tour, twin! And when you were saying the dinette bed was a bit too short for you-I’m thinking, “But not for me!” Then you said it…” Would be fine for Shanna”. :)
Since Erwin Hymer have taken over Elddis group have they rectified cracking panels on the Xplore range because i had a brand new Explore 5 yrs ago and apart from water ingress around the front window after 3 yrs the rear panels started cracking of which Eldiss weren't interested consequently i got rid
I assume you mean elddis haven't rectified your panel cracking? - If so, I absolutely agree. We have 10 cracks +water ingress on our Xplore 304 but elddis is not interested (would cost us £9000 to repair!!). We had the front window ingress problem at 4 yrs old too - that was corrected. Elddis reneges on their major cracking faults; all I can say "it's dreadful treatment of customers." Elddis is under financial strain, maybe disgruntled customers are not coming back for more of the same!
Hi we sold the rot box on we were treated terribly by Eldiss..hymer and I wouldn't touch a Eldiss caravan with a barge pole sorry to hear about your problem it's heartbreaking when you spend all that money and get treated like yourself. Can't blv watchdog on the TV have never got involved.
@@philipvayro6293 Hi totally agree- Yes, it;s an absolute scandal -we've been equally badly treated as you. I think the word has finally got out to new customers. Elddis lost £4.5m last year; dealers are shunning elddis vans because customers are voting with their feet. About time too!!
I agree that the bunk should be an option or there should be a 303 model. The bunk makes me think of my first caravan: a sixties UK version Sprite 400 (another meaning to the expression suicide door using it in Holland :-)) This had a bunk made of two iron bars with a kind of textile hammock in between. Happy travels and enjoy your new caravan!
Brilliant van, so glad you love it. Agreed it would be perfect without the bunk but if you're going to leave it in place perhaps you could jazz it up with something. Maybe some peel and stick wallpaper or an IKEA pegboard that you could hook some storage containers to. Add some battery string lights and it could be really cosy :)
I hope you like my gorgeous little caravan! I'm over the moon. In the next video I'll talk a little more about the heating and hot water, and about the effect that downsizing from the 1500kg Compass has had on the range when towing with the EV. Oh, and who's with me in that Elddis need to develop the Xplore 303? ;)
Thank you Andrew and congratulations 🥳🥳🥳🥳😘
Yep, a 303 would be perfect. We use the top bunk for storage of bedding most of the time.
Have you a link to that update Andrew 😊 , water heating etc 😊
Congratulations on your and Dougal's new van. My wife and I, retired, in our mid 60's and new to caravanning bought a used 304 model as our first van end 2020 and just LOVE it and caravanning. For sleeping my wife uses the front couch as a single bed, and I just fit on the lower bunk. The wider base fits my CPAP machine. And my wife doesn't have to climb over me at night with the horizontal double bed. We use the opened top bunk to store bedding when we move pitch. I use a £1 battery LED reading light stuck on the bottom of the lower bunk. But I agree, a 303 would be better. We also love the large front single window, the L shape lounge and large offside portrait window. The design of this 304 van is clearly perfect because it has remained unchanged for over a decade, and yet still won the Caravan magazine award for Compact Van of the Year for 2023! Proof enough.
Just discovered your channel and videos as we head off in March on our first long tour to Portugal, following your advice on crossing, route and route planning. Very much enjoying your style and quality of videos. Keep up the good work. And thank you.
Excellent! Enjoy Portugal - wonderful country!
Love this caravan. It’s my favourite EXCEPT for that upper bunk that is not required. Totally agree with you about this!
Maybe someone can do a "dealer special", remove the bunk and use the already fitted bunk supports to support a locker unit? Come on Kimberley! If Elddis won't do it, YOU CAN!
I totally agree with your comment on making this a 3 berth instead of a 4. I've often said lockers above the rear dinette would offer more useful storage than the bunk, which is only adding weight. Lovely shot at the end of you and Dougal.
A ‘303’ makes a lot of sense. Great caravan and a hint at the future in my mind as mor people move to EVs. We have an Eriba Touring 530 and our ‘dinette’ end is exactly as you describe for your perfect ‘303’ - generous seats, table, lights, loads of lockers, huge windows and can convert to a single bed making it a 3 birth.
Loved the video. I have exactly the same van. Bought from Kimberley Notts. I had their demo. I paid just over £18k but don’t have to bike rack etc. It’s just me and my dog Molly too. I even have blue check blankets very similar at the front! I’ve removed all the stuff I don’t need like the bunk mattress, ladder, curtain, shower curtain etc. I’ve also bought some mats to fit as carpets. I don’t have the issue with the catches on the fridge you do. Moving the plug around 45 degrees at the back is a great idea. In terms of issues, I’ve just had niggles really, one of the catches on the bolts holding the top bunk up keeps coming off but I never use it anyway. There were some screw hiding stickers under the front lockers not on where they should be. I also have dirty marks on the floor but I guess it was a demo. They were sold out everywhere I tried, even dealer specials. I think a 303 would be a great idea. I’ve slept quite comfortably without pulling the bed out. Molly then sleeps in the space by the worktop extension. I loved the L shaped lounge, big side window and tv shelf, that’s what’s sold it to me. I tow with a Skoda Karoq 2.0 petrol 4x4 so barely notice the caravan there it’s so light. I will invest in an awning at some point. Anyway, love the caravan and wish you many happy trips in yours. I’m off up to North Wales to get Molly to the beach this weekend!
Great stuff Steve! Maybe we will see each other on site one day :)
Beautiful caravan Andrew! Love it, it's just right for you and Dougs! I agree there should be a 303 model, I would say it's probably more like 10-15% use the bunk beds. Anyway enjoy your new baby!! I'm sure you'll have many adventures in her! Enjoy Dusseldorf, I look forward to seeing what's new over there! Say hello to Camper Tobi, Petra and Andi too! Sending hugs xxx 😘🐕🥰
I will Anne, many thanks xx
We have just taken possession of our 304. I removed the bunk which left me a really useful shelf and it is so easy to tow which I also love. Clearly it is compact but the large lounge and separate dining area make it feel quite big. I also love this van👍👍
Excellent. Yes, it's definitely bigger inside than out. Cheers Kenny.
Yes! Elddis should definitely make a 303! As much as I really like the 'L' shaped lounge, my utter dislike for those types of bunk-beds really puts me off the Xplore 304 and why I gravitate towards the Bailey Discovery D4-2. That is despite seeing that the Xplore has some major winning features over the D4-2! The GRP underside being one of them!
I'd love a 303. We're a family of 4 but my eldest is at the point of using an awning annexe anyway. Totally agree with the 3 locker idea too. Do it Elddis! Great content Andrew 👍
Cheers!
Hi Andrew!
Thanks so much for showing off the travel journal. It's so wonderful to see yourself and others gathering their memories within its pages 😁
Thank you also for showing us around your new caravan. I'm totally with you on the carpet runners over a fitted carpet, particularly with dogs and their muddy paws! I also like your idea for removing the bunk. Far too many caravans are built around family holidays, when in reality, a growing number are being used for long term travel and accommodation. We removed our side dinette bunk in favour of a long worktop many years ago and haven't needed nor missed it. Mind, come to think of it, it's so far from the original build, none of it recognisable from the plans!
Looking forward to following your adventures closely this autumn!
🐕🐾
Thanks guys!
I think Dougal is simply overwhelmed by the sheer brilliance of the caravan he can’t muster the words. He is such a gorgeous pup 💕. Great review by the way 👍
Many thanks Kirstie!
Love your new van Andrew, wish you and Mr Dougal many happy nights out. Nice layout and totally agree about ditching the top bunk and putting lockers up there which would weigh less anyway and weight wise my C3 Picasso could tow it. Good luck on your new adventures and looking forward to the vids.
Many thanks Stephen!
I would like the fixed bed version. So glad your happy with it. I hope you have a great time in it. Xx stay safe xx
Hi Andrew. It looks lovely Caravan. I think the Bed Baton is a common fault. I hope make many happy memories. Thanks Phil:)
Cheers P&J!
I Upgraded bed baton to a piece of teak never going to split or break
We do love the 304! Really goes back to "old" days where the aim was to pack in as much as possible into a short wheelbase, and some vans these days go to the other end of the spectrum. Cant wait to see what you get up to
Hi, we bought a used 304 at the beginning of the year after watching your review you done last year. We absolutely love it! It's really easy to tow and the layout is great. We wouldn't swap ours for any other caravan.
Phew! That's great to hear Arthur!
I agree about making a 303! That and putting a single piece wall board in the wash room to avoid needless extra maintenance. I love the L shaped lounge design and simple, modern upholstery. A brilliant little van!
Completely agree about a 303 version, Elddis please take note. Lovely van for Dougal and you, enjoy.
Had our 304 2 years now love it
We have removed the bunk matress and ladder and we store all our bedding in the gap that is left . 2 pillows the small ikea ones , a double sleeping bag, matress topper and 2 fleece blankets all fit in the gap.
I also upgraded the front pull out piece of wood to a piece of teak any similar density would do. Ours split 1st time of use build error . Very easy to do
Top tip for the bunk, cheers Steve!
Looks wonderful! Especially the lounge is very cosy and perfect for the two of you ❤ Enjoy!!
Glad you are enjoying it, the colour scheme of the wood, the floor, plugs and switches are the same as our 2022 Crusader, it seems you have been lucky on niggles, we haven’t been so lucky with ours and do have a few faults which have warranty claims put in for, however I will say none of the faults are due to Elddis these are all parts that are bought in for it. Enjoy your new caravan and look forward to more videos!
Lovely caravan, agree it would be great as a 3berth with a bigger window. Looks right for you and Dougal, take care both and stay safe. x
I went to view the 304 following your earlier review. I agree about needing a 303 in the range! That would be perfect for me as a 1-2 berth, without the bunk.
You are spot on with the Eldis 303. I’d buy it for sure 😉
Andrew the van is lovely, whilst you chatted about the bunk I thought I’d take it out, 303 is a great idea. Hugs to Dougal ❤️🐕
Cheers Colin!
HI Andrew thank you for this video. Made me go to Kimberley Caravans and I bought an Xplore 2019. Salesman Richard was extremely helpful and helped with my trade in .. am a very happy customer 😊
Wowsers! Welcome to the Xplore Club! Glad you were looked after so well, but it doesn't surprise me given what lovely people they are.
Thank you for sharing your happy day. Great to see you enjoying your new second home. Best regards from me and my own Jack Russell Holly.
Cheers Anthony!
Totally agree a 303 would be perfect for us as grandparents and one grandchild it would work so well. Lovely looking caravan Andrew well done look forward to your future videos.
Hi Andrew, I'm so pleased you love your New Caravan, it is Beautiful!! I love the 2 Part Door, nice to see a decent Catch for securing the Door when Open. Loving the L Shaped Lounge & the Long Side Window too! Dougal looks so at home sat there! I agree with You about the Dinette Area, it's ideal for when using a Laptop etc. but having the Small Window due to the Pull Down Bunk it's restricting the Light coming in! Wishing You & Dougal "Happy Travels", Thank You for sharing. Lots of Love to You & Dougal 💖 💜 XX XX
Thanks Susan!
I agree with your ideas re the bunk bed,window and extra storage. I recently travelled around that there Engerland for nearly seven weeks and have to say I needed every bit of storage I had. So, yes ditch the bed. 👍🖖🏴🏴🏴
We had a 304 and loved it. As Becky of CaraVanOlogy mentioned we did remove our top bunk.The row of screw holes left behind were covered with those little round stick on covers that match the wood. This saved much weight and gave a very handy shelf for storing lots easy to get to things when pitched up. Then if you ever sell your van just screw the piano hinge back on and its back to standard. Hope your 304 Activ gives you as good a service and enjoyment as our 304 did.
Yes, it's a brilliant little van, the layout with two sitting/eating areas, central kitchen etc. I agree a three berth version with a bigger window and overhead lockers would sell really well. The other thing is that the wardrobe could be made one to two inches less wide, and meaning the bunks at the back could be 1-2 inches longer, and rather more accommodating taller caravaners.
Good idea, but I do wonder if they are constrained by the width of a standard fridge which is underneath? Cheers.
or have the same layout but in the 422 shell?
Definitely 303 would be a winner
Completely agree with building the 303 - Fab vlog and give Dougal a cuddle from me
Agree wholeheartedly re. the need for the bunkless version. A wasted storage opportunity if you have no need for that bunk. Great review 👍
Haha! Toffee ALWAYS does that, sits anywhere but where his blankets are! The complete outfit is awesome Andrew, congratulations.
Thanks so much Simon!
I’m in the same position as you, single with a dog. Had decided on a TAB 400 until you threw a spanner in the works with this beautiful little van! More thinking to do! I only work April to October so want to see how many campsites are available in the winter. I haven’t caravanned since I was child in the seventies growing up in Germany. It’s going to take a lot of courage to get started but I keep watching your videos and they will help me to achieve my goal. Please keep the videos coming, they are an absolute godsend for a newbie and entertaining to boot. Thank you! Sharon and her Princess, Sasha!
Thanks Sharon! I have yet to try the heating in this caravan in the winter so I can't compare yet to the Truma heating in the T@b. I'm sure once you take the plunge you'll be fine - people on campsites are ALWAYS willing to help! Good luck.
Great caravan choice. No other manufacturer makes such a well spec’d spacious and thought out van
I'm inclined to agree Jonathan, it does offer exceptional value.
I love the inside and out of your new caravan. Bright and airy. Your suggestion of the 303 model would be really nice I agree. Love the big lounge window too.
I am loving your new caravan, the corner sofa/bed is the best since it doesn’t take as much space as the U shape but you can still rest your back on it. Definitely one to consider. Thanks for the video.
Totally agree on the bunk bed. Great video!
Luv it! And yes, a 303 would be so perfect. Fingers crossed 🤞i wish you a happy and enjoyable time during the next weeks and can‘t wait to see your upcoming videos. Stay happy and healthy the two of you. 😊 greetings
Agree with you Andrew. A 303 three berth with a bigger window in the rear and three locker overhead would be perfect for me and the mrs.
We've just got our new elddis too with the same fridge and ours does that with the bottom latch. If you push it to the left a little bit more it clicks into place and doesn't re lock. Love your caravan. For being small it looks so spacious 👍
Thanks for the tip Heather!
Chuffed for you MrD... and Dougal. That looks an impressive set up at a fair price. I wish you many happy miles of travel and, as always, look forwards to future vids. Cheers, 😊👍
Many thanks Mo!
Fantastic review Mr Andrew Ditton I would love a 303,303, 303, 303, 303, 303, Mr Elddis.
Yes, a 303 version would be a really great idea!
It looks lovely and comfortable.
Very nice indeed Andrew. Isn’t it amazing how the smaller caravans seem to offer so much useable space. I am sure you and Dougal will have many happy tours 😃 Trev n Sue
It's a very handsome caravan Andrew.
I've always had a sneaky admiration for what was the 302 and of course your new 304.
Perfect !
Love the portrait window and the L shaped lounge.
I too would have problems with the light carpets. I'm a bit of a mucky pup !
Great review as always Andrew and i’m pleased you love your new Caravan, and yes Elddis - listen to Mr Ditton and make a 303
We bought this as our first caravan..and did us it as a 4 birth...had a great time...would highly recommend the explore 304 for a first time.e caravaner
As a couple with a large hound, we have removed the bunk, kept the useful shelf and have the perfect 3 berth....!
A couple of other things we have done to ours is in the cupboard next to the microwave removed the metalwork put 4 shelf pegs in the holes that are already there cut a piece of hardboard pvc wrapped it much more usable space .
We fitted a privacy curtain across the double bed with a few hook/ clips command strip and an extendable net curtain rail no drilling no tension.
Laminated small piece of cardboard taped to top of fridge flip down at night.
All removable before service leaving no trace for warranty voids
Excellent ideas, cheers Steve.
That’s lovely Andrew! So pleased for you 😊 xx
Thanks so much Mads! 😊
Hi there you two...we absolutely agree about the dinette/bunk...we said the same regarding the bunk etc...the dealer special is So much better than the original...it is a super caravan..Happy travels to you both..x
Hi again Andrew... beautiful van.....really well styled... bit too small for us in real terms bit lovely none the less.....Dougal..well... he's hilarious lol.... cheers 'Paolo and Roger aka 'The Camp Caravanners'
We ordered a 2023 Xplore 304 earlier this month for delivery (hopefully) in Feb/Mar next year. We went for this model so we could take grandchildren away with us on occasional trips. We would only take one at a time. I totally agree with your comments on the top bunk bed. I would much rather that it was an option as I would rather not have it.
Totally agree with Dometic light's. Have exactly the same problem.
Another very profesional video. Well done Andrew!
Many thanks Craig!
A perfect compact touring caravan 👍🏻
Great video on a great little caravan. We love ours and agree with a lot of your thoughts on it. We agree with the 303!
Love your little van🤩!! But absolutely agree, a 303 would be even more perfect👍
Dougal is such a good dog! There are time I feel the US manufacturers can learn much from the European caravans. Some of our brands are still stick built as we did 60 years ago! Wood frames, fiberglass insulation and corrugated aluminum siding. Dometic should build in an ambient light sensor for the indicator light brightness. Andrew, you have a beautiful caravan! I must confess to being envious!
Cheers Mark!
Love your caravan Andrew very impressive…very happy for you both I’m very envious of your life style 😂 I have to go back to my office desk after 2 weeks off. Love to Dougal 🥰
We had an Xplore 302. Loved it, Loved it, Loved it. My favourite caravan ever. Brilliant. Sadly succumbed to uneconomic to fix damp. Still miss it. Why don’t they make it now. ( last made in 2013). Never mind a 303: go back to the 302. I would buy it again ( in spite of the damp).
For us (with 2 greyhounds, 1 of which is rather large admittedly 😅) the 304 is what we're looking at next, but the bunk is what is putting me off. Either a 303 or the option to spec it either as a 3 berth (with or without overhead lockers) or as a 4 berth with the bunk would be spot on for us. Anyway, great review and really helped us make our minds up as to what to aim for in the next van
Andrew you got your self a very nice caravan, i hope you will make many videos with it because you do them so well 👍
Many thanks Jan!
Totally agree with you about the bunkbed enjoy
Yep... Dump the bunk!!! Cracking layout!!!
Hi Andrew I agree a 303 would be a great idea I have a explore 554 it's a great van look forward to watching you and Moore vloggs 🙂
Brilliant caravan. Much better width for towing. I remember going from a 7ft 2in to 7ft 6in and I was surprised how much of a difference it made for towing. Just a small thing but I'd prefer the door to be hinged on the left just in case it accidentally opens while moving.
Yes, I agree! But I guess they didn't want it opening into the kitchen window (although that could be made a sliding window).
Lucky man Andrew, your rig is awesome, happy travels! xx
Nice little caravan Andrew, just a note on the bed support/ edge, I’ve seen two examples where the build quality was not as it should be for a bed, when you go back to dealer get them to strengthen it before it breaks completely & you end up on the floor 🤔🤔🤔 other than that I hope you & Dougal have many happy trips with it.
No worries Pete, I'll be getting that done just as soon as I can. At the moment I'm being careful and avoiding the edge of the bed ;)
The 303 sounds like an upddated ABI adventurer. Great idea!
Yes! And the blue of the Activ even more so ;)
Love this video congratulations to you and Doug all. I think that the single person caravan is an untapped market. Your comments re cupboards instead of bunks should be an option.
Love it there, had a seasonal pitch many years ago, beautiful caravan
So agree with you Andrew about the bunks,they will not be used. As for the fridge LEDS put a plaster on them.
Fabulous review as ever! I love this caravan it’s a great size! I agree about the bunk and that would stop me buying it at present! Can you have it altered yourself. I expect that may cancel your warranty though?
Thanks again and great to see you!
Best wishes Peter ❤❤❤
Yes, I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to making any changes. Nice to hear from you again Peter.
I would definitely go for this if as suggested they ditched the bunk, it would be perfect for us then. Still Interested in the current design!
I come a year late to this party, but I am now in the "research" stages for a light caravan to tow with my Tesla MY. Like you, single with 2 doggies, and I need some "office" as well as a bedroom. A 303 version would tick all my boxes. At the moment the Swift Sprite Alpine 4 seems to be in the lead for me with the fixed bed, but if Elddis could make this van's dinette area a bit better as suggested, I want one! I would definitely have the weight up plated as well.
Thank you Andrew for the review.
I really like your new caravan but i totaly agree with you with the bunk bed some cupboards and some Light will be more convenient.
Enjoy your new caravan Andrew 👍🥳🥳🥳
Merci Gaëtan!
@@andrewjditton
De rien mon ami Andrew 😉
Awesome caravan. Enjoy it👍👍
Many thanks!
Brilliant, perfect for you both, love the airyness, L shape and the long side window :) Many happy travels PS I’m sure the bunk would come out easily, at the least, it could easily be unscrewed from the piano hinge leaving a “shelf” from the more structural bit and then you could have an LED strip run off the wiring for that lower bunk light and along the underside of the structural bit of the bunk left?
Yes, I might have to give it a go Becky. Unless Elddis can be persuaded... ;)
Thanks Andrew, brilliant review. Agree your idea of a 303 … would be perfect for couples/singles.
Lovely caravan, makes the most of a small space .
I would definitely buy a 303
Eldis please make that happen .Love the layout have the bunk and the small window.
303 would be an excellent idea.
You can get an after market cover for the fridge, lots of people in the Basecamp ‘community’ use them to hide the light and to stop the fridge beeping at them every time they come within a foot of it! 😂 Noticed there was a BC in the next pitch along, great caravan and the one we chose after making our negotiable/non-negotiable list as per the previous video! 😃
Oh yes, the fridge beeping too! Lovely couple in the BC4 next door. It was brand new and she was due to release the occupant of the 3rd berth into the world the very next week :)
Loving your new little caravan 👍I can see why you are so made up with it ,loving the graphics too they are gorgeous 🥰 , love the L shaped lounge and lovely big windows , don't know how would affect your warranty but we took the bunk out of our bailey ranger as we don't use it ,the extra payload made room for an extra solar panel 😁
Thanks Lynn, I'm not sure if it would look odd if I removed the bunk... we'll see.
Interesting to see campers there vs here in North America.
Cheers
Looks like a lovely van, Andrew. There's a six year-old Xplore 586 with fixed rear bunks, an end washroom and separate shower currently for sale at a dealer local to me for a touch under £14k that would be ideal for us if we were in the market. Must say they're very stylish even in standard factory guise. And super-lightweight!
Wow, they seem to be holding their value at the moment! Hope all good with you, chap.
Hi I agree a 3 berth would be a wonderful idea for reasons you mention.
Anna from Kawerau NZ
WHAT YOU SAY IS SO TRUE ,BETTER AS A TWO BIRTH WITH MORE SPACE
Great tour, twin! And when you were saying the dinette bed was a bit too short for you-I’m thinking, “But not for me!” Then you said it…” Would be fine for Shanna”. :)
It has your name on it, Twin! :)
Since Erwin Hymer have taken over Elddis group have they rectified cracking panels on the Xplore range because i had a brand new Explore 5 yrs ago and apart from water ingress around the front window after 3 yrs the rear panels started cracking of which Eldiss weren't interested consequently i got rid
I assume you mean elddis haven't rectified your panel cracking? - If so, I absolutely agree. We have 10 cracks +water ingress on our Xplore 304 but elddis is not interested (would cost us £9000 to repair!!). We had the front window ingress problem at 4 yrs old too - that was corrected. Elddis reneges on their major cracking faults; all I can say "it's dreadful treatment of customers." Elddis is under financial strain, maybe disgruntled customers are not coming back for more of the same!
Hi we sold the rot box on we were treated terribly by Eldiss..hymer and I wouldn't touch a Eldiss caravan with a barge pole sorry to hear about your problem it's heartbreaking when you spend all that money and get treated like yourself. Can't blv watchdog on the TV have never got involved.
@@philipvayro6293 Hi totally agree- Yes, it;s an absolute scandal -we've been equally badly treated as you. I think the word has finally got out to new customers. Elddis lost £4.5m last year; dealers are shunning elddis vans because customers are voting with their feet. About time too!!
I agree that the bunk should be an option or there should be a 303 model. The bunk makes me think of my first caravan: a sixties UK version Sprite 400 (another meaning to the expression suicide door using it in Holland :-)) This had a bunk made of two iron bars with a kind of textile hammock in between. Happy travels and enjoy your new caravan!
Ah, the hammock bunks... Many thanks Rogier.
Gorgois new van! Enjoy!
Brilliant van, so glad you love it. Agreed it would be perfect without the bunk but if you're going to leave it in place perhaps you could jazz it up with something. Maybe some peel and stick wallpaper or an IKEA pegboard that you could hook some storage containers to. Add some battery string lights and it could be really cosy :)
I like the idea of battery lights for the winter, thanks Debbie!