Lightweight affordable tourers were major sellers up until the 1990s. After that, caravan buyers wanted more spec and luxury. Good used lightweights are not always easy to find, but the Xplore range has been around since 2008 and is a good example of the type.
By 2017 – our model year – the Xplore was established as a range of easy-to-tow budget caravans. Providing good and sometimes quirky layouts, for many the Xplore was a stepping stone into new caravan ownership.
Over the years the profile has changed, but not hugely, which has kept costs down. There have been spec upgrades since the 2008 models and, with good locker storage and decent soft furnishings, the Xplore is a decent buy for those looking at buying a used caravan.
Model history
Elddis Xplore models have seen some interesting caravan layouts, some better than others. The 2015 model year saw the launch of the 526, which was designed to offer accommodation for up to six people on a single axle.
It has a family-friendly layout: a large front lounge, a central kitchen and a wardrobe with the washroom opposite. On the rear offside are fixed bunk beds, with a side dinette opposite that can be made into two bunks.
The best caravans for families will have an arrangement that works well for everyone, and we’d say the layout in the Xplore 526 should for most– the bunks are only for small children, but most users would have been families of five.
The 526 was to run from 2015 up to our 2017 model featured here. The Xplore used a Whale blown-air heating system and came also with oven/grill plus a Teleco TV aerial. LED lighting was used and the fridge was a Dometic 110-litre.
The hob had three burners and the sink came in black enamel.
Roof-locker storage was good, and the front gas locker added extra storage space.
Price checker
When we looked, not many were for sale – perhaps owners stick with them if they have a good one! We found prices from £11,898 to £12,495. Ours had a few extras, but look out for Xplore dealer specials, adding extras to the standard spec.
- 304: £11,495-£12,195
- 526: £11,898-£12,495
- 554: £11,995-£12,445
- 574: £12,195-£12,995
- 586: £12,995-£13,295
What to look out for with a 2017 Xplore 526
Check cheap Xplores carefully – they may suffer from issues mentioned below.
- Splits on the front and rear GRP panels
- Damp problems around window seals
- Water ingress around the front window for any loose screw fittings
- Tyre condition
- Furniture fixings & condition
- Check squeaky floor areas
- Check for a full service report.
- Check for noisy Whale heater
Verdict
The Xplore is not perfect, but the range is popular with families. The 2017 models didn’t have a couple’s model; you’ll need to go back to 2016 or up to 2018 for an Xplore for two.
The model that we looked at had some extras including a gas BBQ point, extractor fan and dual-fuel hob. The popular SE range also had added spec. Ours had a fridge with a missing control panel (it will be replaced), and the finish around the entrance door had come away. Wall board tape was also coming away, which can be another issue with Xplores.
Overall it wasn’t in bad condition, and at this price would make a great family starter van!
Alternatives to consider
We looked at the 2016 Sterling Eccles 640 and thought it was a well-built family tourer with good storage and a spacious interior.
You could also take a look at the 2019 Sprite Super Quattro DB, if you want a more modern used van. It’s a roomy tourer which we think provides good value for money.
Or how about the 2015 Elddis Avanté 576? It’s a single-axle van that we think makes a great choice for a growing family.
Tech specs
- Price (used model seen here): £11,995
- Berths: 6
- MiRO: 1121kg
- Payload: 169kg
- MTPLM: 1350kg
- Internal length: 5.25m
- Width: 2.18m
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