Three models made the initial line-up for Erwin Hymer UK’s new-look Xplore brand this season.

So far I’ve looked at the four-berth XC Quad and the XC Lite, an update of Xplore’s popular 304 layout.

Now it’s the turn of the Duo, our pick for the best two berth caravan at the Practical Caravan Awards 2025, with its L-shaped end kitchen repeating another layout that both Xplore and Elddis have made their own in recent years.

Pitch and set-up

Even if Xplore is a budget brand, you still get a stabiliser and Al-Ko’s ATC trailer control system fitted as standard in this caravan. So, given its relatively light weight too, this should be an easy tow.

Xplore has piled on the accessories in this new-look tourer – as standard, you also get a two-bike rack at the rear (not shown on my test model), and a wheel lock.

However, one thing I will point out is you will have to buy your own caravan solar panels, as the XC Duo doesn’t come with any.

Corner steadies are easy to reach, and all services are on the offside, away from any awning. The nearside underseat locker has external access next to the external barbecue point, so you could have your outdoor living set up in no time.

The only downside is the gas bottle locker, which has no struts. You have to hold it open, which is a little irritating.

The Lounge in the Xplore XC Duo

On the outside, the Xplore looks very much as it did before, but I noticed this season’s changes as soon as I stepped inside.

The light wood tone makes things bright and airy, even without a sunroof. I reckon there is probably room for six to sit in the lounge, while when it comes to eating, you have a shelf that pulls out from the central chest for snacks, and a foldaway table that is easily reached in the half-height wardrobe on the offside. It has space for four.

The lounge in the XC Duo
Plenty of overhead lockers in the lounge, some with shelving

The sideboard opposite has sockets and space for a TV that could be comfortably viewed by two of you in the lounge.

There are two spotlights, a bit meagre in this large lounge, and neither has USBs. In fact, I found USB provision as a whole is rather lacking. But at least a striplight under the front overhead lockers should keep this area bright in the evening.

The kitchen in the Xplore XC Duo

The L-shaped end kitchen is well lit, with three LEDs under the lockers. Along with a sizeable window, these illuminate the dual-fuel three-burner hob and rectangular sink. Two mains sockets in the corner have enough space in front of them for a kettle and a toaster, while thanks to the ‘L’ shape, there is workspace just where you need it, with more on the sideboard.

The kitchen in the XC Duo
Well-equipped rear kitchen provides excellent storage

There is a combined oven and grill, and as part of the Xplore refresh, you get a Russell Hobbs microwave above the sideboard.

Then there’s the caravan fridge, which is 98 litres, probably enough for two of you. There’s even an Omnivent in the ceiling just in front of the hob.

The washroom in the Xplore XC Duo

Entrance to the washroom is level, but there’s quite a step into the shower. Still, the cubicle has good headroom and is well lit, although there’s only one drain.

The washroom in the XC Duo
Washroom houses small handbasin, lit mirror and spacious shower cubicle

The main washroom houses a small salad-bowl-style basin in front of a mirror lit by one LED. There’s a hook for a towel and a toilet roll holder by the door.

Beds in the Xplore XC Duo

The settees make up either two single beds or, with the help of pull-out slats, a double. You have to turn over the base cushions – there is a bit of a knee roll – but I found it easy to do because the cushions are split. The two bolsters could double up as pillows, so you might not have to bring any with you.

The double bed made up in the lounge
Pull out the slats and turn over the base cushions to make up the double bed

Storage in the Xplore XC Duo

Both the underseat storage areas can be reached internally by lifting slats that stay up even with the base cushion in place. This is made doubly easy on the nearside because the slats are split. Strangely, they aren’t on the offside, even though there is space among the ducting and wires.

Not having a sunroof means you get six overhead lockers in the front lounge, and the two on each side are shelved, which will come in useful when loading a caravan.

In addition to the hanging wardrobe, which is wide enough for two even with the table storage, you could use the locker above the microwave and the drawer and shelved cupboard in the sideboard for either general or kitchen storage.

Two of the kitchen cupboards
There are also four capacious cupboards ideally positioned just above the work surface

The kitchen has a tall cupboard under the ‘L’ that could do with an extra shelf. You also get three drawers and a cupboard under the sink, and a pan locker below the combined oven and grill. Then there are four overhead cupboards, one shelved.

In the washroom, there’s a tall, narrow cupboard underneath the handbasin, and a double cupboard with shelves to the right.

Alternatives to consider

The Elddis Avanté 520 provides caravanners with a sleek profile and an impressive washroom that I thought could even tempt you into going off-grid.

Alternatively, you could look at the Coachman Acadia 460, another tourer which comes with a comfortable and spacious lounge, and makes, in my opinion, a well addition to the range.

Technical specification of the Xplore XC Duo

Spec list

  • Al-Ko galvanised steel chassis
  • ATC
  • External BBQ
  • Two-bike bike rack
  • Al-Ko Secure wheel lock
  • SE pack as standard including Al-Ko stabiliser
  • Alloys
  • Spare wheel
  • Radio with Bluetooth
  • Whale heating
  • Dometic Series 10 two-way opening fridge
  • Three-burner dual-fuel hob
  • Microwave
  • Omnivent
  • Teleco Teleplus X2/39U aerial
  • EcoCamel Jetstorm shower head

If you do decide to get some for your tourer, don’t miss our guide on how to install caravan solar panels, so you can benefit from the sun’s power.

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