2013 new models: Elddis Xplore

Price range: £10,999-£13,999

Changes for the Elddis Xplore range are limited to some layout tweaks and detail improvements this season. The biggest change is the introduction of a new spacious side-dinette layout, the 530. This is available as either a three- or four-berth, depending on options, but boasts a huge front lounge, a side-dinette that’s wider than most and a large end washroom.

Last year’s 506 family van has been deleted and replaced by the 505. This single-axle five-berth has twin fixed bunks in the offside rear, an offside dinette and a conventional front lounge. The washroom lives in the nearside rear corner. The 405 has been deleted, keeping the total number of floor plans at five.

Detail improvements include upgraded worktops, a full door flyscreen, a fast version of Whale’s water heater and smart submersible pump controller, which stops the pump from burning out and ensures good water pressure, whatever the battery voltage.

New construction process

Construction is the big news for 2013. Elddis has completely changed the way it builds its vans. Chemical bonding is the new production method, which Elddis says reduces the use of external screws and bolts by 90%. It’s calling the process ‘SoLiD’: Strong, Light, Dry. The company says it’s the same solution used to bond wings to aeroplanes.

The manufacturer’s confidence in the process is cemented with a 10-year body warranty and, if a van suffers damage, it is repairable.
The Whale Watermaster IC has been introduced across ranges using outboard water tanks, such as an Aquaroll. IC, which stands for ‘intelligent control’, will stop the pump if the water has run out. It can also detect changes in battery voltage, so the pump’s motor will run at a constant speed if the voltage drops, maintaining good water pressure.

Competitors to Elddis Xplore in the entry level sector include Adria Altea, Bailey Orion, Sprite and Venus.

2013 Elddis Xplore range

Xplore 302

Two berths. Offside corner wet room, nearside corner kitchen, L-shaped front lounge floor plan. Price £10,999. MTPLM: 929kg

Xplore 304

Four berths. Nearside corner wet room, offside corner dinette/double bunk, nearside midships kitchen, L-shaped front lounge. Price £11,799. MTPLM: 1046kg

Xplore 504

Four berths. End washroom, nearside rear fixed bed, offside midships kitchen floor plan. Price £13,799. MTPLM: 1315kg

Xplore 505 NEW

Five berths. Nearside corner washroom, offside corner fixed bunks, offside midships dinette, nearside midships kitchen floor plan. Price £13,999. MTPLM: 1332kg

Xplore 530 NEW

Three berths, with the option to add a fourth berth in the shape of a lift-up bunk. End washroom, offside dinette, midships nearside kitchen floor plan. Price £13,799. MTPLM: 1267kg