Elddis Xplore 596 caravan

Price new: £12,295

This caravan is a twin-axle six berth with two lounges

In the current climate we’re all scrutinising what we buy for value. In comes the Xplore range, giving us another choice when it comes to cut price caravans. This model has a side washroom opposite the kitchen and a second lounge for the kids at the end, swiftly converting into two sets of bunks, sleeping four.  It’s lightweight for a six berth, and the bouncy, sprung sofas tell us that comfort, at least, has not been compromised. Weigh it up against Bailey Ranger and Lunar Zenith.

Warm-coloured cabinetry and a well planned layout which make it seem wider than its 2.2m. There’s a midi-Heki roof light (window) above the front dining area. Note though – there’s no mains lighting so there’ll be more of a drain on your battery.

Just three burners on the hob, all gas. There’s a Prima Midi oven and the fridge is a respectable Thetford 108-litre. It’s not as stylish as the curved door fridges you get in more expensive caravans, but it does the same job.

The chassis:
Explorer Group, which makes Xplore Compass, Elddis and Buccaneer caravans, is the only major UK manufacturer to use a chassis made by BPW rather than AL-KO. Both chassis companies are German. It means you can’t have AL-KO’s ATC anti-snake device fitted, but BPW has developed its own version, called IDC (Intelligent Drive Control). Ask your dealer about retrofitting.
 

Caravan layout