Swift Sprite Major 6TD - Any experience of brand or model?
Discussion
OK, so having seen a layout of a van which we prefer to our current one, we are now looking at finalising last details etc.
Having googled a few reviews, some people are complaining of build issues with Swift and damp problems. I appreciate fully people will complain when something is wrong, but many don't write positive stuff when things are good, they just enjoy the experience.
Initially our interest in this layout was sparked by a 2 year old Sterling Eccles Sport 586, but I can see we can secure the exact same layout, albeit with slightly less spec in a new Swift Sprite Major 6TD.
Because we only use the van for around 7 -8 weekends per year (main holiday is normally a long haul destination ) spec isn't massively important, but reliability and the ability not to leak in British weather would be!
We currently own a Bailey which is 5 years old, and so far it has been faultless and also dry, despite many owners having issues with them according to forums.
So, do you own a Swift/Sprite, ideally under 3 years old and has it proven to be a dissapointment or a delight?
Having googled a few reviews, some people are complaining of build issues with Swift and damp problems. I appreciate fully people will complain when something is wrong, but many don't write positive stuff when things are good, they just enjoy the experience.
Initially our interest in this layout was sparked by a 2 year old Sterling Eccles Sport 586, but I can see we can secure the exact same layout, albeit with slightly less spec in a new Swift Sprite Major 6TD.
Because we only use the van for around 7 -8 weekends per year (main holiday is normally a long haul destination ) spec isn't massively important, but reliability and the ability not to leak in British weather would be!
We currently own a Bailey which is 5 years old, and so far it has been faultless and also dry, despite many owners having issues with them according to forums.
So, do you own a Swift/Sprite, ideally under 3 years old and has it proven to be a dissapointment or a delight?
Chicken Chaser said:
Can't give you an answer but is this the rear bunk, rear washroom and double dinette layout? If so it's the same layout I'm interested in as I think it works best for a family with young kids.
2 rears bunks, with smaller rear dinette (which makes into another bed with bunk above if required), but a side washroom with separate fully lined shower. Our current van has a side washroom but not a separate shower, so its a wet room.The current layout works really for us, as we have 2 kids so leave the bunks made up, but they can eat/play at the back dinnette if they wish, plus lounge on their bunks.(we have triple bunks currently and the headroom is now starting to cause issue, which is one of the reasons to change along with a seperate shower.
Making up the front bed for us is literally pulling out slats and re-arranging 2 cushions in this new van. We use Duvalays, which are fabulous for a quick and very comfortable bedding solution
Edited by MattS5 on Wednesday 11th May 13:48
I can't recall any fixed bed, with side dinette single axle models.
Pretty sure you'll need to go twin axle for sure, not a problem so long as you have the vehicle to pull it and a motor mover if you need to manually move it around and have space to store it.
I had the space (and the vehicle up until Christmas) but just couldn't live with the 4x4 so stuck with single axle and a car more suited to my liking in regards performance and handling.
Pretty sure you'll need to go twin axle for sure, not a problem so long as you have the vehicle to pull it and a motor mover if you need to manually move it around and have space to store it.
I had the space (and the vehicle up until Christmas) but just couldn't live with the 4x4 so stuck with single axle and a car more suited to my liking in regards performance and handling.
Rosscow said:
Adria do a nice 6 berth with fixed bed and a side dinette to make into 2 bunks. Single axle. It's called the 612 DT Rhine:
http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/touring-caravans-fo...
Looks good all bar the wetroom. I never like the amount of foot traffic the shower tray gets in this sort of arrangement. Much prefer a separate shower/toilet http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/touring-caravans-fo...
Cheers Aly, that's good to know you like the layout.
Our current Bailey 546 is of similar design but has 3 fixed bunks, which coupled with a sliding solid door makes things a little cramped for headroom and just a touch gloomy.
The new van is much more open in that regard, which is a definite plus point.
Our current Bailey 546 is of similar design but has 3 fixed bunks, which coupled with a sliding solid door makes things a little cramped for headroom and just a touch gloomy.
The new van is much more open in that regard, which is a definite plus point.
Excellent.
Yep the new van has a concertina door and thicker mattresses. It was a library shot I used for both images.
Will be good to have that storage space, I currently can fold up the bottom bunk but it's not particularly handy for anything other than when travelling to put waste water containers there etc.
Chairs and stuff will go there in future, water containers in the front locker as it's much bigger in the new van.
Keeping the whole thing balanced with an awning over the axle, should see me right.
This van also has provision for a Thule bike rack too on the rear, which I'm dubious about using, but might be tempted to put the kids bikes on there and adjust the awning accordingly to keep weight forward but low down wherever possible.
Yep the new van has a concertina door and thicker mattresses. It was a library shot I used for both images.
Will be good to have that storage space, I currently can fold up the bottom bunk but it's not particularly handy for anything other than when travelling to put waste water containers there etc.
Chairs and stuff will go there in future, water containers in the front locker as it's much bigger in the new van.
Keeping the whole thing balanced with an awning over the axle, should see me right.
This van also has provision for a Thule bike rack too on the rear, which I'm dubious about using, but might be tempted to put the kids bikes on there and adjust the awning accordingly to keep weight forward but low down wherever possible.
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