Swift Basecamp
Discussion
Anyone got any experiences of these vans - good or bad?
For what it is worth, I would be looking at the 4 berth version. I have seen and read some stories about water ingress (mainly via the large front picture window it seems), but this does seem to be a very small number of vans, and doesn't seem a thing after late 2021/early 2022 production. Whether there was a modification, I am unclear on.
I like the layout and the basic premise of the van. Also looking at the Knaus Sport & Fun, which has a fixed bed but is a bit more compromised on layout (and much dearer). Me and the Mrs still prefer the Swift overall.
Would not be buying new....
For what it is worth, I would be looking at the 4 berth version. I have seen and read some stories about water ingress (mainly via the large front picture window it seems), but this does seem to be a very small number of vans, and doesn't seem a thing after late 2021/early 2022 production. Whether there was a modification, I am unclear on.
I like the layout and the basic premise of the van. Also looking at the Knaus Sport & Fun, which has a fixed bed but is a bit more compromised on layout (and much dearer). Me and the Mrs still prefer the Swift overall.
Would not be buying new....
Ours is a 2, I guess it depends on how you use it. The extra length of the seats which turns into a massive bed was why we chose the 2 over the 4. The front space is just that bit more useable. They are easy to tow and are a cross between a tent and camper. You can go off grid if you want too.
The early 2 had issues with the floor construction but the 4 should avoid this.
You may not avoid the broken splash back though or finding screws on the floor after most trips.
You do need to consider awnings, we have ….
Kampa pro200 air with bedroom and conservatory annex
Sun camp porch
Lynx 200 inflatable (lighter)
Shade that we attach to the side (above)
I have fitted the shock absorbers which have made a difference
Changed the controller for the solar panel
At the moment we don’t have a motor mover but I do have one ready to fit.
We are not traditional caravaners, ours had been to more race tracks than caravan sites, we started to look at used cheap vans but then thought we will just buy new after seeing one and the difference in price was around £1500 between a new base camp 2 and a used one.
Ours is a 2021 model and paid £19000 for it.
Just bear in mind with the awning on the back it can make it longer than some pitches ours is 7.5 with an awning.
Any questions fire them away.
Thanks both for the replies - especially Steve who was extremely prompt.
Have now had touch and feel experience of the Knaus and the Swift. The bit about the awning was a good steer - the rear mounted awning on the Swift makes the unit longer than just about any standard camp site berth. Some of the stories about water ingress put me off too - interestingly they all seemed to be 4's so it was a different problem to the floor issues on the early models.
In the end, decided to go for neither as I much preferred the T@B - even though it is smaller, quirkier and dearer (the old more for less trick). Think I have secured one luckily, as they are not easy to come by and hold their money well.
When it arrives I will post a write up....
Have now had touch and feel experience of the Knaus and the Swift. The bit about the awning was a good steer - the rear mounted awning on the Swift makes the unit longer than just about any standard camp site berth. Some of the stories about water ingress put me off too - interestingly they all seemed to be 4's so it was a different problem to the floor issues on the early models.
In the end, decided to go for neither as I much preferred the T@B - even though it is smaller, quirkier and dearer (the old more for less trick). Think I have secured one luckily, as they are not easy to come by and hold their money well.
When it arrives I will post a write up....
We looked at the T@B but was put off by the lack of bathroom, the BC can also go completly off grid. I don't think you will be dissapointed with your choice they are quirky in the way BC is. You can get specific awnings for them too Or just get something like the Dometic hub or a driveaway awning.
Get some pictures up when you get it, Oh and please tell me you have got steel wheels.
Get some pictures up when you get it, Oh and please tell me you have got steel wheels.
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