I have the 2014 model, bought last July, and I think It's great.
Swift have put it together very well while keeping the weight down, and in half a dozen long weekends the 'van hasn't put a foot wrong.
The only downside for me is the tinny standard audio which I think I'll probably replace - think it's the speakers at fault.
The double bed takes 5 mins to put up/take down and is a small price to pay IMO for the extra room you get, especially the brilliant food prep area in the kitchen.
Off again next Thursday, can't wait.
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
Sorry to hijack, but Hairywol, I'm sure you're right regarding the speakers, but reckon it could easily be an issue with fitment too.
Have a look at this recent thread, here.
Thanks for the response Hairywol. Have a fixed bed at present and small toilet compartment. This looks ideal and loads more usable space Do you find the benches long enough for a 6 footer to sleep on, the other half hates having to climb over to reach the bathroom at night. I have no experience of the blown air heating do you find this ok for all year use. The radio is a minor issue and is something we rarely use enjoy your next trip
Hi tedthebear.
We have a 2015 swift challenger se 530. Same layout. We traded in our 2011 swift conqueror 645 (transverse fixed bed ) which we had since new. I'm 6'2 and can lie on the front seats no problem. The se has Alde heating which I wouldn't be without having had a van with blown air. We love the new van so much more living space during the day . The wife loves all the extra worktop space for cooking. Takes 5 minutes to make bed up at night and it's more comfortable and roomy than the fixed bed which we've now realised is just dead space during the day. Our 645 was 8 m long the 530 is 7 m and there's so much more living space. We also caravan all year round.
We have the 524 dealer special and find it an excellent van,fifth van now of this layout.We don't bother making bed up as front is long enough to sleep as two singles.
Thanks all for your comments. We did like the layout and space. Ideal for both of us. Will take another look this week and maybe pop up to NEC next week
Yes, single bunks are a good length and work well, the offside one is a bit longer but only by a few inches. I'm 6ft tall and, to say the least, on the large side, but slept there no problem.
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.