Elddis Xplore Quantum 495 caravan

Elddis Xplore Quantum 495 caravan

Elddis’s budget Xplore range represents first-class value for money. But when you enhance that value by a package of extras, Xplores are lifted many rungs higher than budget status. Lots of caravan dealers create their own exclusive versions of the Xplore because it’s a popular range and extra kit is bound to enhance its appeal.

Among these dealers is Crowland Caravans and Camping, on the flatlands of the Lincolnshire fens and surrounded by the tulip fields that make this region famous. Muntjack deer live in the coppice behind Crowland Caravans but we’re not here to watch the wildlife, however appealing this makes a visit to remote, quiet Crowland. We’re here to add up the value of the extra equipment that transforms Xplores into Quantums.

Crowland’s Quantum range adds specification to three of the six-model Xplore range, the two-berth 452, the five-berth 495 and the four-berth, fixed bed, end shower room 540. Ours for the day, as example, was the 495, with two dining-lounging areas and a bunk rising from across the rear wall.

The list of extra equipment that Crowland’s Quantum label adds to the standard Elddis Xplore contains some items that most will regard as essential. Top of that list has to be a spare wheel and under-chassis carrier. The Winterhoff hitch-head stabiliser comes a close second.

Next in importance has to be the alarm system – not only in terms of security but this feature is likely to save you money on your insurance bill as many caravan insurance specialists will offer a discount for factory-fitted alarms.

You also get kit to enjoy – a CD radio (with a good tone), a gas barbecue point to enable you to connect your barbecue to the caravan’s gas cylinders, an external mains socket (useful for powering a lamp or a microwave in your awning).

The roof light is larger than on standard Xplores, the door has a pull-across fly screen and a mat in a tray. And there’s something else at floor level that distinguishes Quantums from Xplores. Standard Xplores have a single strip of carpet running the length of the caravan. Quantums have fitted carpets – and this item on the Crowland transformation list is the one that impresses you first when you step inside.

The 495’s family layout, with sleep-three, dine-four area at the rear, works fantastically well. That’s why every UK caravan manufacturer has a version of this layout in its ranges. Standard Xplores are well built and this special version has lots of goodies that families will appreciate. The additional spec takes the MRO up from 1118kg to 1160kg and the MTPLM from 1300 to 1319.
Xplores may be great but the Quantum 495, though, has a character all of its own and, with the long list of extra kit for just £650 more than the model on which it’s based, it’s a great buy.

Extras
Winterhoff stabiliser
Factory-fitted alarm
Allow wheels
CD radio
Gas barbecue point
Full set of carpets
Fitted doormat and tray
Spare wheel and carrier
Door fly screen
Omnivent extractor
External 240v socket
Large Heki rooflight
Chrome grab handles
Quantum graphics
.

Like all dealer specials, the Crowland Caravans special-edition Elddis Quantum 495 offers enhanced value – and individuality. Most achieve that individuality via design changes – but Quantum’s differences are all in equipment. This year’s Xplore upholstery is a fine example of plain, modern good taste, concentrating on other kit is where the best added value is. You get £1229-worth of equipment free. And that, surely, is a deal worth snapping up.