Lightweight and comfortable, this is an excellent buy for first-timers, says Andrew Jenkinson
ELDDIS HAS a long association with quality entry-level models, dating back to the 1980s.
In 2008, the brand turned to lightweight tourer production, under the Xplore badge. This very quickly proved a successful move, with Elddis adding new models to the range, including a family-sized twin-axle.
Although the standard spec was fairly basic, the Xplore did provide an option pack, which added a radio/CD player, alarm, spark ignition for the hob/oven, Winterhoff stabiliser, spare wheel and door flyscreen.
This also proved popular, and the majority of Xplore models were sold with these additions.
Model history
The 302 was launched in late 2009, when we tested one from the factory and were struck by its ease of handling and towing. Rather surprisingly, this new lightweight tourer for two was not included in the company’s main Xplore brochure. The designers were clearly focused on maximising the space available in this compact caravan, and the L-shaped lounge helped achieve that.
The neat rear kitchen boasted great cupboard storage and a fridge located in the wardrobe base. In fact, storage capacity was impressive throughout, and more than enough for two. Whale blown-air heating kept everything cosy, too.
The 302 proved to be an instant hit with caravanners looking for a lightweight van that was easy to tow and store.
By 2011, the 302 had been joined by a longer four-berth version, the 304, which found favour with couples wanting to take the grandchildren with them on tour, or accommodate the occasional guests. This saw sales of the 302 slowing down, and by the close of the 2013 season, it was discontinued.
It’s worth looking for dealer special versions of the 302, because Elddis built to several dealerships’ own spec.
Price checker
High demand and that relatively short production run means few 302s on the forecourts. The cheapest we found was another 2010 model from a private seller at £8995, which included an awning and mover.
The example reviewed here also had a mover fitted, and the interior was in excellent order.
For the rest of the 2010 range, you can expect to pay:
452 £88
