Full review

Words: Val Chapman  Photography: Richard Chapman

The Xplore 304

It’s petite. Its cleverly designed layout is like no other. And its lounge feels much larger than it really is. The Xplore 304 is the lightest, lowest-priced and smallest four-berth tourer in Britain. 

Little wonder, then, that this model has won a string of awards down the years – including Caravan magazine’s 2024 Best Lightweight and Compact Caravan title.

The first Xplores were unveiled in 2008. Three years later the 304 joined the line-up. Since then, this model has enjoyed a steady following among buyers looking for the ultimate in small, lightweight four-berth touring. 

At just 1,070kg MTPLM, it beats all of its weight competitors. The only model that comes close is the Bailey Discovery D4-4L at 1,083kg. 

There’s a smattering of continental models in the lightweight sector, including two Weinsbergs at 1,200kg MTPLM. And  Swift’s Sprite Alpine 4 comes in at 1,284kg. The 304, though, is the star performer in terms of light weight – and the under-£20,000 price tag means it beats its nearest price rivals, Bailey’s Discoverys and Weinsberg’s CaraOne models.

So, established as the leader in its class in terms of figures, how does the 304 measure up when it comes to practicality and ambience? We’re very familiar with this super-compact caravan but we wanted to explore (pardon the pun) the 2024 version to examine all of the details and the changes introduced for this year.

So a day at Glossop Caravans, on the edge of the Peak District, was called for… 

The lounge

Xplores have always been known for zingy fabric accent colours and bright graphics. For 2024, the key colours are sunny  yellow and sea blue-green on the outside and yellow teamed with black outlines in a smart geometric pattern for the curtains and cushions. 

As ever, down the years, this year’s 304 is visually stunning for its bold, bright, fresh image. 

The 304 has an L-shaped lounge that converts to a double bed (2m by 1.33m) and a dining area that transforms into bunk beds  (the lower one measures 1.8m by 89cm; the upper bunk is 1.799m by 56cm). 

One important element of the 304’s cleverly designed layout is that the lounge feels larger than it is. And the amount of floor space here is impressive. The one-piece front window plays its part by letting in marginally more light than triple windows. 

The dining area

Two key space-saving elements incorporated into the 304’s design help to pack everything into its diminutive dimensions. One is the Whale 2kW CompleteHeat water and space heater system that is mounted under the caravan – and, on the chilly day of our review, we were impressed by how quickly it warmed the caravan.

The other is the position of the wardrobe, above the fridge, on the offside, forward of the dining area. Its location gives the dining area a feeling of seclusion; a cosy little area that children will love to call their own, both at playtimes and mealtimes.

Seating is comfortable, with good knee rolls in both areas and, in the lounge, bolster armrests and two scatter cushions. A hinged corner table provides a base for a television on the offside and a 61cm-wide, 27cm-deep ledge under the window gives you space for mugs, drinks glasses and bowls of snacks, for example. 

The kitchen

For such a diminutive caravan, the chef’s zone is a surprisingly practical area. The surface, with the glass tops down over the three-burner hob and sink, and the extension hinged up into position, measures 1.48m.

Between the sink and the hob, there’s a 12cm-wide area of surface and, to the left of the hob, a small (8cm wide) area that would be useful for cooking utensils when  the hob is in use.

To the right of the sink there’s a 45cm-wide area when the extension is used. Under the hob is a Thetford Triplex combined oven/grill and, beneath it, a cabinet, 45cm wide and 46cm deep. That’s your first clue to the amazing amount of kitchen storage space in this compact holiday abode.

The storage

Three drawers, 46cm wide, plus a double-doored cabinet of the same width, are under the sink sector of the kitchen. Upper cabinets are 56cm and 52cm wide. 

The Xplore front window design, with no skylight, means that there are lockers across the front, above the window. These are 61cm wide, and 25cm at the deepest point, curving, of course, in line with the front shape of the caravan.

The lockers on each side of the lounge are 67cm wide; the offside one has a shelf. The wardrobe continues the excellent storage story, with a width of 65cm and a hanging depth of 96cm. And, of course, there is storage space under all of the seating areas.

The lighting

The 304 may be the lowest-priced caravan in the Erwin Hymer Group’s British portfolio but it packs a punch in terms of ambience, especially in terms of the quantity of lighting.

Four very bright ceiling lights, plus two above the kitchen, set into the base of the top lockers, a strip of bright light under the front locker and, in the dining/bunk area, two wall lights plus a rectangular ceiling light that delivers a very white, bright light.

There’s good illumination in the shower/toilet room, too; just one spotlight, but it delivers enough light. 

The washroom

Like all areas of the 304, the washroom is surprisingly practical given its dimensions, 1.2m long and 65cm deep. Importantly, the shower tray is lower than the toilet area, so shower water will confine itself to its own area. 

There’s a curtain to pull around two sides of the shower area, to shield the toilet and the door. And there’s a towel rail running the entire width of the compartment, across the ceiling. 

In addition, there are two hooks on the rear wall.  There’s just enough space around the circular basin for shampoo bottles, and the riser bar incorporates a soap tray.