NEW Elddis Xplore 422 2024 review

[@kevinflood8212]

Hi Andy, great review of the 422 which I'm very fond of because we had one from new in 2021. I know people say they are entry level and the front window is dated. Here's my experience for perspective buyers 1st the one piece window, its great when youre on a scenic site for the great view. It let's in loads of natural light, on the down side it's best not to open it because of its weight on the hinges some leak problems were reported due to strained hinges. We never opened ours as there's lots of side windows and good skylights. The storage is very good and the interior colours are bright. The lighting is brilliant, full marks here and the multi direction spot lamps look great. The Whale heating is spot on and easy to use. Some small issues with the Whale water pump but it's a simple to adjust and use. The washroom is very well equipped, that lined shower works very well. The end kitchen is great use of space and plenty of worktop. We had a TV on the centre cabinet and it was easily viewed from the very good quality lounge seating. The only 2 reasons we upgraded to the 554 was for the bedroom space and because we have a seasonal pitch we wanted the comfort of a bigger awning. So for any couples looking for a tourer you won't go wrong, sure some people post a few niggles but there's 10 years water ingress warranty buy from a good dealership and for the price of a used van you will have a good degree of comfort for the money. Fair play to you Andy for showing people that entry level is not always low quality.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thanks Kevin - great to hear your commenst as a user thats brilliant - entry level are well equipped but I think a really basic van could do ok with just base spec as cooker and fridge and other bits taken out for those wanting a tourer for summer using site facilities and have small drive and small tow car - thanks as always

[@trucker5722]

What a nice little van, very lightweight too so only average size car needed, great for the older generation. Another nice little video Andy.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thank you Trucker - they do what it says on the tin and a bit more!!

[@alexrankin2235]

That’s a nice Van, yes, the graphics are bold, but that’s what is needed if younger people are going to be attracted to caravanning. I like the light wood, and the L shaped kitchen.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Just a great solid tourer that does all you need at decent cash just needs more family layouts

[@philipvayro6293]

I had a brand new xplore caravan 6 years ago suffered with water ingress and in the end after 3 years the rear panels started to crack Eldiss didn't want to know consequently we got rid I wouldn't touch one of these caravans with a barge pole.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Sorry to hear about your problem and with the panels to, not good - its a shame as they have been a good range and some of the early ones are still giving good service. Thank you for sharing your not so good experiance

[@estud4749]

@@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk yes but only the early ones have GRP. Post 2013 elddis Xplores are fitted with "not fir for purpose" flimsy ABS plastic end panels and these are notorious for cracking and elddis walking away from the issue (cost to customer to replace =£4500/panel). Basically every customer should "vote with their feet" and avoid all Xplores as Elddis simply does not care once they have your money - shocking!.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

@@estud4749 Yes GRP was used and most makers dropped GRP / weight/cost - ABS panels can crack and though the finish doesnt dull the same it can cause problems. - Swift still use GRP manufactured by themselves - Lunar had problems when they changed from GRP to ABS Bailey did to thats what prompted them to change to no front and rear moulded panels they just use add on now to try and take away the box look of Alu Tech so no cracking. Thanks for your comments

[@estud4749]

@@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk Good summary thanks. If Swift & Bailey ditched ABS (and Lunar went bankrupt exacerbated by the ABS panel cracking issue) then this totally highlight's Elddis's cavalier (i.e. negligent) attitude to customer care when they knowingly continue with flimsy ABS panels for structural elements that need to be watertight i.e. end panels. This is an extraordinarily poor management decision - that possibly contributed to Elddis's £11.3m losses over the last 2 yrs as dealers & customers (alike) shun Elddis vans. Elddis only have themselves to blame due to their lack of concern for the end-user, i.e. the customer.

[@royale4318]

Managed to get a food poke around a 304 and a 554 at the recent Scottish Caravan Show, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the feeling of solidity in them. Question marks, perhaps, about Elddis' approach to aftersales and warranty, but the vans themselves certainly seem to be worth a look. EDIT: A "food poke?!?!?" I meant, of course, a GOOD poke...

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

I think the Xplores offer a good value tourer and like all the makers they have had problems. Great to hear your view on them and watching the videos.

[@paulbower5274]

no skylight, excellent so that cant leak. only one window up front instead of 3 , excellent 1 instead of 3 windows to leak. lovely little van i would have one tomorrow (if i could sell the grandkids). nice to see a nice long draw bar upfront obviously the hymer influence it really aids stability, thanks again for the vid,

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Paul - keep it simple more stuff more to go wrong as they say - if I see your grand kids on e bay I know why ha ha !!! thanks as always for comments

[@tonks1968]

Good video buddy on what is possibly my favourite layout. Love the end kitchen 2 berths and you don’t tend to see them much anymore since the demise of Lunar Stellar etc. But I personally couldn’t and wouldn’t buy an Elddis manufactured van. They do seem very built to a price and feel plastic and not the best quality. They still use internal wall boards with wallpaper and wallpaper strips and plastic joints to hold up the furniture (but then again that’s no different to Coachman). Swift have recently bought out the Sprite Compact. Much better quality build which has a similar rear kitchen layout. But it is seriously compromised with the narrow body and no panoramic window or front lockers. I would love to see it in the Challenger or normal Sprite range. Cheers again

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Shame Sprite dont do this layout to - its old but still works - Compact as you will see on the channel I love - and yes still miss Lunar I was at their factory many times over 25 years even did a TV doc in 1997 showing me going around the factory. Some good layouts Ariva was a great one and the 2020 proto I saw a Venus end kitchen but sadly Lunar finished - thank you fpr watching

[@Garry872]

Great video, agree, need the more basic tourer

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Garry - its my opinion and has been for some years after that market dried up as folk want a house on wheels. I loved my Marauder - bomb proof and had 4 yeas of trouble free use- thank you for watching

[@andyzee3956]

Great video Andy. A nice van but as you point out, it’s looking a bit old fashioned now, especially the profile. Very 2010!. This van will appeal to folk on a budget but everyone else with a bit more cash goes for an end bed. Interesting to see what they come up with for 2025. Andrew

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thank you Andy - we will see what they do with it hope it carrys on but with more family layouts-great comments thank you

[@juliegough350]

Cute little van i do like Elldis we had the Chatsworth which was a dealer special from Glossop caravans really nice but then hubby decided to buy a motorhome so we had to sell 🙄

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Its good value and great layout to the norm - ah yes the dealer specials offered great value Julie!

[@estud4749]

p.s. I'm sure you want customers to buy wisely so i really think you have a small duty (only on a slight moral level obviously) to also mention that the end panels are ONLY made of thin flimsy ABS plastic which has a poor history of cracking, letting in damaging water/rotting the wooden frame underneath & that Elddis does not cover the panels after 1 year (google the issue if unsure). Swift & Bailey abandoned ABS just for this reason. Customers should shun ABS in favour of GRP (fitted on other caravans) because it is so much superior (GRP= glass re-inforced plastic).

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

i know of the problem, Lunar had the same issues with Quasar etc. ABS was lighter and cheaper and thats why Lunar stopped producing their own panels. Bailey had same problem but do use abs BUT NOT AS A MAIN Panel just as decorative trim to hide that ALu Tech box like profile. GRP is great but also fades fairly quickly if not looked after I e polished now and again. ABS is better on that respect. GRP also cracks over time but still stronger than ABS. - I do want buyers to buy wisely and I know some folk havent had any probs with cracking panels - poss more good luck! But the warranty is poor on panels and needs to be addressed - thank you for your comments

[@Bob-kb5pv]

We put in a warranty claim through our dealer last year for a cracked panel on our 2018 elddis 462. Elddis paid for the repair of the panel and the subsequent damp. I think most UK manufacturers use ABS.

[@estud4749]

@@Bob-kb5pv The reverse is true. Most manufacturers abandoned abs - due to cracking issues. Abs can't be repaired. Swift and Bailey only use GRP (glass reinforced plastic) now, which is stronger and can be repaired. The abs panel will crack again - ours did.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

@@Bob-kb5pv yes most use ABS though Swift use GRP made at the factory. GRP is stronger, but heavier and over time dulls and cracks if neglected. Well donw with the claim that is what we say is a result!!

[@estud4749]

Hi you really also need to point out that the 10 year water ingress warranty only covers the permanent sealed joints - so that is a get out clause for Elddis on all other water ingress problems after 1 year - Elddis has a history of ABS plastic panel cracks, letting in water.. Buyer beware.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Tke it you have had a bad experience ? Warranty is always a concern but i heard the panels have a year only

[@estud4749]

Yes bad experience. 1 year for a major part (i.e. a panel) is terrible, and it would be wrong for dealers/Elddis to conceal this major warranty limitation when they are fully aware of it. New replacement ABS panels cost £4500 - elddis has a history of ABS panels cracking and then Elddis not offering to rectify the issue for customers.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Sorry to hear that and it should all be covered under 10 year really - most will say that if its in print to be read its up to the buyer to check. But it should be made clearer as you say.

[@estud4749]

It should be covered under the 10 yr warranty as you say - many people with elddis caravans think the warranty is not worth the paper it is written on and feel they have been duped by the over-hyped 10 yr body integrity adverts.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

I think your right that it should be clearly shown - it seems to me Hymer havent addressed this issue which I am sure they could - maybe that will happen soon as a re vamp of Elddis for 2025 is on the cards and there may be some new warranty to =- lets hope so but thanks for reminding me of this issue. Thanks for comments

[@stevelemay878]

Good video mate keep em coming

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thank you - just try and keep a no frills review video - mistakes included!!!

[@Anktual]

Using 1964 camera?

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

What!!!! - Nikon mate and expensive one at that - thanks for watching though!!

[@Anktual]

@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk profesional cameras need afterwork. Shoot innraw mode and tweak dynamic range and colors afterward. You'd be better of a samsung with hdr10 mode activated or an iPhone.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

@@Anktual thanks

[@colinmew7139]

Hi Andy very nice van I would not buy one as back in 2004 my wife and I bought an Elddis new in 5 months we sold it biggest load of rubbish ever had put me off them. However that one looks nice but woodwork looks a bit on the grey side and why all those cupboards you can only carry 140kg soon be overweight if you have a motor mover etc. put in a oven with a grill 4 burner hob do away with some of those cubboards and hoy presto o yes put a front top window. But we are only the customer what do we know.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thanks Colin - oh Elddis had a few years of poor quality then but the Xplore covers its market well I think well - thanks Colin