I prefer the old 12v cigarette lighter socket. USB sockets fitted to motorhomes/caravans are 5v 2.1/1A. With the correct charger I can charge may laptop at 20v, charge my phone on quick charge or use a regular 5v charge. Much more versatile and future proof.
Hi Andrew, this is a lovely Caravan with a lovely layout I particularly like the end Kitchen. Definitely need USBs though. However, I think Your Caravan is much nicer, with the Dinette Area & You certainly made the right choice when buying,Andrew. Dougal pictured looks so at Home in Yours too, Lovely! Thank You for sharing, lovely to see You as always! Lots of Love to You & Dougal 💖💖💜 💜 XX XX.
Have to agree with you Andrew. I found a couple of things on you view I would question, the corner cupboard by the sink and draws seem to cramped. Why a glass cover over the sink? Finally as you say an oversight in not install USB Points. Good points, as you say plenty of storage, and nice sized windows with surround views.
Hi Robert, the cupboard I guess is just making use of the available space, but retrieving something from the back would be a mission. The glass cover provides extra work space/dishing up space when the sink isn't in use. I must admit, I love the plain windows that offer the panoramic views - it's one of the reasons I bought an Xplore myself! All the best.
Lovely caravan Andrew. I'm not sure any manufacturer does a budget caravan anymore. Given the location of the fuse box, I'm sure a dealer could fit front USB ports without much trouble 🤔 but yes an oversight in todays world.
Is this an Alko chassis? We had a problem in our Swift when all the services were on the same side. Otherwise it’s great. Our first British van, an Abbey County Lincoln, had a rear kitchen and it was great, but the fridge was under the »TV » ledge so better distribution of weight. Thank you for all your videos Andrew. Our Ben « never smiles » either !
Yes it is Pam, all the major UK manufacturers use Al-Ko. The fridge in this one is over the axle so hopefully the weight distribution should be fine, but this is something I could only check on a full review and not a 'room tour' at a show. Thanks for watching!
Just watched this video. We are seriously considering purchasing one of these, as it will be much easier to tow than our current Coachman. This was a really informative video, and it is great to see that you are so positive about the Explore caravans. We actually like that there is no microwave fitted, as we very rarely use one and prefer the extra storage. One thing that isn't clear on the video or on the Elddis website is whether there is a radio or wiring and speakers for a radio. You have really confirmed our choice, thanks.:)
Hi Lee, my Xplore is a dealer special so I am not sure about the stereo. What I do now know is that sadly the 2023 build has all sold out, so we now have to wait until the 2024 season. Unless you can find a good used one. All the best.
Andrew, are the end panels made of the inferior ABS plastic that can crack with time and which Elddis only warranties for 1 year. Replacement abs panels cost ~£4500 btw and cannot be repaired. GRP (glass reinforced plastic) is far more preferable as it is at least repairable.
Hi Andrew, you showed my favourite, the 422!! Thank you so much for reviewing this model! I just love the layout, other manufacturers have this layout too which is fantastic! I've always liked the end kitchen and the washroom which as you said has a separate shower cubicle! Result!! Great size caravan too, just right for a couple or someone on their own, I love it!! It would be great wouldn't it if you bought this one too and you could chop and change which one you used!! It was only just over a month ago now, the NEC show but it seems like more than that! I see the weather up there in the OH has really turned now! Keep yourself and Dougal warm and snug and be careful when driving about! How's your head now, any more migraines?! I hope not! I really enjoyed this one, well presented and edited and the sound was fine! I missed that comment last time in the last vid! What a nob some people are! Very sad! Well done to the kind people that called them out!! Take care and I hope this bad weather subsides very soon and you can get out and about and show us more of the wonderful islands where you live! Sending love and hugs xxx 😘😍🐕
Thanks Anne! I think one caravan is enough now ;) It's funny that when I'm home and the pressure is off, and I am in more control of my diet and exercise, I hardly ever get migraines. Take care xx
Hi Andrew thanks for your review just put my money on the 442 because of the separate shower due for delivery in late April/may. Having ATC and microwave fitted got a great deal on price as I had no part exchange We are first time caravan owner and follow your channel for honest info Thanks and have a good rest with your four legged friend cheers ray
Hi Andrew, what a great lightweight caravan 👍 can the front seating be used as 2 Single beds ? And where do the bed supports come from, front or one side or even better both sides ? other than this another fantastic review except for the absence of happy paws 🐾🐾
Hi Adrian, I am assuming that you can use the front seats as singles, but for some reason this option is not listed on the Xplore website. I'm sure it's an oversight, but I didn't have a tape measure with me.
I think that the 304 would be better for a couple who go to bed/get up at different times. I like to getup early and have my breakfast which would be almost impossible if Mrs S wanted a lie in if we went for a van with a single living area.
Hari OM It is a wee beauty, no doubt - though I do like your double seating layout. Your layout, this one's colour scheme... what beats me, in this day and age (apart from your USB query) is why there is not an option for having an entirely electric layout; kitchen and heating. The batteries could be in that front locker and there's plenty space up top for PV panels, surely? YAM xx
Very good point Yam. There one WAS an all-electric version called the 'Xplore Electric' but it didn't sell. I think it was ahead of its time, and I wouldn't be surprised it was soon re-instated. Hope all is good with you xx
It's trying to be entry level. So costs need to be saved somewhere. But. Tbh. I have a door bin and don't really use it. Pop the wheel lock stuff in it now and then but that's it.
Good point David. I have put my bin (with lid) in a kitchen locker. My previous caravan had a bin on the door and I soon broke it off with the Hebridean wind catching the door and smashing it against me as I entered the caravan, so I actually do prefer it without. Horses for courses!
Hi Alan, I'm afraid I only make vids about accessories I'd use myself, and as I always have a 77kW/h Power Bank with me in the form of my car, I'm afraid I won't be doing such a vid. Do check out Bob Earnshaw's channel as he does some good reviews on items like that. Many thanks.
If the manufacture put USB sockets in they would probably be in the wrong position anyway. Better to work out your own solutions from experience whilst using the van and discretely routing extensions and usb multi-port adapters. For instance on our Buccaneer we also have the front window shelf corner 240v socket to which I have wired plugged in two, 4 way adapters which lay on the shelf (one on either side of the van into which is plugged a 4 way usb adapter). Enough for all gadgets plugged to be powered. Very discrete and completely removable if required if the van was sold. When you are happy you could always have them permanently installed by a certified tech at a later date. But anyway the fact I find astounding is that this van is upwards of £20K. Really? I thought 16k at most. The only way these companies will make prices more reasonable is if we stop buying them.👍
Good point Richard, although of course the advantage of dedicated USB ports is that you don't need to be hooked up to mains power to use them - as long as the leisure battery is up to the job. Yes, all caravans have taken quite a price hike recently, but then a tin of Co-Op beans in my local supermarket has also jumped from 30p to 45p... :-/ That said, I wonder how long the 'boom' will last. Thanks for watching.
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As much as I love it, I think lack of USBs in a 2023 caravan is a bit of an oversight. What do you think?
I agree. Especially with everyone including Apple having to move to the USBC format.
At first i cannot see this as an issue. but for off grid use then yeah for sure.
Nah. Stick a double or triple USB socket in the “cigarette socket” or plug an adapter in any of the other sockets. Bobs yer uncle.
I prefer the old 12v cigarette lighter socket. USB sockets fitted to motorhomes/caravans are 5v 2.1/1A. With the correct charger I can charge may laptop at 20v, charge my phone on quick charge or use a regular 5v charge. Much more versatile and future proof.
Hi Andrew, this is a lovely Caravan with a lovely layout I particularly like the end Kitchen. Definitely need USBs though. However, I think Your Caravan is much nicer, with the Dinette Area & You certainly made the right choice when buying,Andrew. Dougal pictured looks so at Home in Yours too, Lovely! Thank You for sharing, lovely to see You as always! Lots of Love to You & Dougal 💖💖💜 💜 XX XX.
Thanks Susan! It was a tough call but yes, having had a two berth/end washroom for so long it was time to try something new, and we still love it! :)
Love the curtains, very retro and remind me of our 1971 Sprite 🙂x
Yes they do echo back to those wonderful Alpines I remember so very well.
And those playful external graphics and decals are pretty cheerful too 👍
lovely little caravan
This RV is gorgeous :)
Thank you Andrew 👍
Very nice caravan but i prefer your layout. 😉
Absolutely agree!
Have to agree with you Andrew.
I found a couple of things on you view I would question, the corner cupboard by the sink and draws seem to cramped. Why a glass cover over the sink?
Finally as you say an oversight in not install USB Points.
Good points, as you say plenty of storage, and nice sized windows with surround views.
Hi Robert, the cupboard I guess is just making use of the available space, but retrieving something from the back would be a mission. The glass cover provides extra work space/dishing up space when the sink isn't in use. I must admit, I love the plain windows that offer the panoramic views - it's one of the reasons I bought an Xplore myself! All the best.
Lovely caravan Andrew. I'm not sure any manufacturer does a budget caravan anymore. Given the location of the fuse box, I'm sure a dealer could fit front USB ports without much trouble 🤔 but yes an oversight in todays world.
your right its all about getting more money through the tills.
And yet my pretty much budget 2020 Freedom Jetstream came with 3 USB points !?
Love the retro curtains
Is this an Alko chassis? We had a problem in our Swift when all the services were on the same side. Otherwise it’s great. Our first British van, an Abbey County Lincoln, had a rear kitchen and it was great, but the fridge was under the »TV » ledge so better distribution of weight. Thank you for all your videos Andrew. Our Ben « never smiles » either !
Yes it is Pam, all the major UK manufacturers use Al-Ko. The fridge in this one is over the axle so hopefully the weight distribution should be fine, but this is something I could only check on a full review and not a 'room tour' at a show. Thanks for watching!
Just watched this video. We are seriously considering purchasing one of these, as it will be much easier to tow than our current Coachman. This was a really informative video, and it is great to see that you are so positive about the Explore caravans. We actually like that there is no microwave fitted, as we very rarely use one and prefer the extra storage. One thing that isn't clear on the video or on the Elddis website is whether there is a radio or wiring and speakers for a radio. You have really confirmed our choice, thanks.:)
Hi Lee, my Xplore is a dealer special so I am not sure about the stereo. What I do now know is that sadly the 2023 build has all sold out, so we now have to wait until the 2024 season. Unless you can find a good used one. All the best.
@@andrewjditton thanks, that’s helpful, we’ll be looking at the 2024 build.
Well I never fold my ball gowns in half. Deal breaker.😉
Me neither! ;@)
Andrew, are the end panels made of the inferior ABS plastic that can crack with time and which Elddis only warranties for 1 year. Replacement abs panels cost ~£4500 btw and cannot be repaired. GRP (glass reinforced plastic) is far more preferable as it is at least repairable.
Good luck for anyone ordering this one, we ordered ours in July 21, still waiting for an expected delivery date in 2023.
Good grief, that's one heck of a wait. I ordered my Xplore 304 November 21 and took delivery July 22...
Lovely little van! ❤
Hi Andrew, you showed my favourite, the 422!! Thank you so much for reviewing this model! I just love the layout, other manufacturers have this layout too which is fantastic! I've always liked the end kitchen and the washroom which as you said has a separate shower cubicle! Result!! Great size caravan too, just right for a couple or someone on their own, I love it!! It would be great wouldn't it if you bought this one too and you could chop and change which one you used!! It was only just over a month ago now, the NEC show but it seems like more than that! I see the weather up there in the OH has really turned now! Keep yourself and Dougal warm and snug and be careful when driving about! How's your head now, any more migraines?! I hope not! I really enjoyed this one, well presented and edited and the sound was fine! I missed that comment last time in the last vid! What a nob some people are! Very sad! Well done to the kind people that called them out!! Take care and I hope this bad weather subsides very soon and you can get out and about and show us more of the wonderful islands where you live! Sending love and hugs xxx 😘😍🐕
Thanks Anne! I think one caravan is enough now ;) It's funny that when I'm home and the pressure is off, and I am in more control of my diet and exercise, I hardly ever get migraines. Take care xx
@@andrewjditton Oh you're ok! Was worried about you, so glad you're alright?! You take care too xxx
Hello, my friend,,,,good to see your face and hear your voice!
Hello there! Thanks for dropping by.
Hi Andrew thanks for your review just put my money on the 442 because of the separate shower due for delivery in late April/may.
Having ATC and microwave fitted got a great deal on price as I had no part exchange
We are first time caravan owner and follow your channel for honest info
Thanks and have a good rest with your four legged friend cheers ray
Oh wow, how exciting! A wise choice if I might say! Welcome to the Xplore Club - late Spring won't come soon enough for you. Thanks for watching.
Good luck with the date, we ordered ours July 21, still not expected delivery date yet nearly 2023 😭
Thanks great 👍
Hi Andrew, what a great lightweight caravan 👍 can the front seating be used as 2 Single beds ? And where do the bed supports come from, front or one side or even better both sides ? other than this another fantastic review except for the absence of happy paws 🐾🐾
Hi Adrian, I am assuming that you can use the front seats as singles, but for some reason this option is not listed on the Xplore website. I'm sure it's an oversight, but I didn't have a tape measure with me.
I think that the 304 would be better for a couple who go to bed/get up at different times. I like to getup early and have my breakfast which would be almost impossible if Mrs S wanted a lie in if we went for a van with a single living area.
Good point Tony. I do like the two living zones of the 304. Cheers!
Excellent caravan. Some minor issues all fixable. If my Adria Action went to caravan heaven, would this be a replacement probably.
Hari OM
It is a wee beauty, no doubt - though I do like your double seating layout. Your layout, this one's colour scheme... what beats me, in this day and age (apart from your USB query) is why there is not an option for having an entirely electric layout; kitchen and heating. The batteries could be in that front locker and there's plenty space up top for PV panels, surely? YAM xx
Very good point Yam. There one WAS an all-electric version called the 'Xplore Electric' but it didn't sell. I think it was ahead of its time, and I wouldn't be surprised it was soon re-instated. Hope all is good with you xx
Did not like the 422, my con list is longer than my pro list. Now I’m going to have to look up the other one!
Love the design and layout it's very similar to our Sterling Eccles 382, but why no electric hot plate, it's such a shame, thanks for the vlog
Hi Howard, I imagine it comes down to just one thing - price. Thanks for watching!
Nice little van, and a great review but why no wastebin on the door? With limited floor space, where would you put a free standing bin?
It's trying to be entry level. So costs need to be saved somewhere. But. Tbh. I have a door bin and don't really use it. Pop the wheel lock stuff in it now and then but that's it.
Good point David. I have put my bin (with lid) in a kitchen locker. My previous caravan had a bin on the door and I soon broke it off with the Hebridean wind catching the door and smashing it against me as I entered the caravan, so I actually do prefer it without. Horses for courses!
What is the biggest awning i can put on this van
Would you know the total carbon emissions for this purchase?
A very good question Graham. Possibly a subject I might pursue in the New Year, as I don't even know if these figures are available.
You did miss the socket on the right hand front window, is it a tv another plug or usb socket ?
Hmm, I've rewatched and don't see the socket you mean. In the mirror image side to the mains socket on the left I just see shadow.
Hi Andrew this is nothing to do with this video, but have you made a video about inverters and lithium batteries please
Hi Alan, I'm afraid I only make vids about accessories I'd use myself, and as I always have a 77kW/h Power Bank with me in the form of my car, I'm afraid I won't be doing such a vid. Do check out Bob Earnshaw's channel as he does some good reviews on items like that. Many thanks.
I like your model better, and no usb😮, what were they thinking.
If the manufacture put USB sockets in they would probably be in the wrong position anyway. Better to work out your own solutions from experience whilst using the van and discretely routing extensions and usb multi-port adapters. For instance on our Buccaneer we also have the front window shelf corner 240v socket to which I have wired plugged in two, 4 way adapters which lay on the shelf (one on either side of the van into which is plugged a 4 way usb adapter). Enough for all gadgets plugged to be powered. Very discrete and completely removable if required if the van was sold. When you are happy you could always have them permanently installed by a certified tech at a later date. But anyway the fact I find astounding is that this van is upwards of £20K. Really? I thought 16k at most. The only way these companies will make prices more reasonable is if we stop buying them.👍
Good point Richard, although of course the advantage of dedicated USB ports is that you don't need to be hooked up to mains power to use them - as long as the leisure battery is up to the job. Yes, all caravans have taken quite a price hike recently, but then a tin of Co-Op beans in my local supermarket has also jumped from 30p to 45p... :-/ That said, I wonder how long the 'boom' will last. Thanks for watching.