I was looking at them last week. I love them but the downsides for me are the small payload allowance and not very much storage space (mainly the wardrobe) but I do really like them. Any ideas anyone for increasing storage space?
Hi Robin, When we pick up our new Basecamp I'll let you know if there's scope for increasing space, not that we're likely to need to. We tend to travel light, I leave the ball gowns & Carmen Miranda hat at home.
------------- I follow the herd, as long as it's going in my direction.
Hi Robin
Many people use their boot for carrying additional payload. If you have the awning this can be used as a walk in wardrobe!!
We actually use the overhead locker bags for our clothes. We have one each with there being 3 of them. Under the seats is used for bedding and many people have storage boxes that they fill with extra food or clothes. Lots of storage ideas on the FB group. Microfiber towels used instead of normal etc. Ikea is great for resources and you will find if they are orange then they get bought for the basecamp!!
Such a well designed much loved caravan.
Hi I am new to this thread , we are really interested in buying the base camp plus as I don't like the frilly curtains etc with a full size caravan and we have only ever had a tent .I would really like to know if anyone has used the base camp for a week or two week break , we also have 2 dogs to share our space so will be getting the awning too . We mostly visit scotland on our breaks away but have never camped up there due to weather and travelling time ( usually a 8-9 hour journey) . The base camp seems a great little van that we can keep at home to use for weekends away and hopefully longer trips further afield , we are also a couple in our 50s , fit and active so this van seems ideal any advice and feedback would be helfull 😁
Hi Wooster
The basecamp is a great van. Lots of owners have moved from tenting and many never would if seen themselves in a caravan but the BC just hits the mark for uncluttered, not fussy but of luxury and comfort. We have used ours for short trips so far, going off grid using solar and Ehu. I have heard and seen many pics from owners traveling overseas France, isle of white, Switzerland and road trips thru lakes up to Scotland. Owners are various ages but all love the BC, some have downsized from big caravans. Some are couples, sporty type with tandems, runners or travel with canoes etc Others are family's. When we go away it can be just 2 of us and we just use a small shelter other times it can be 6+ with 2 dogs, using the big vango awning, all have plenty of room. We store at home too and love just taking off on a Friday! If you can join the Facebook group. You will love seeing the photos and there is lots of good tips about owning the BC.
We got our Basecamp in May 2017 & find it ideal for 2 plus dog . Very easy to tow,setup & live in. We bought the awning but have subsequently sold it on as we found it too big & a faff to put up. We now have a Kyam 200 Rally Pro & a sun canopy .
If you are on Facebook I suggest you search Swift Basecamp Owners & join that closed group , there are over 400 members so plenty of experience & advice . Many people join the group who like yourself are considering a purchase.
Thank you for your reply hardyboys, I will take a look on fb it's great to know people are enjoying this new base camp and am pleased to hear lots of older couples are buying them too , it just seems to break away from the whole caravaning set which I don't want , as I think some vans are too big for storage and towing etc . We have toyed with lots of options and now think the base camp is for us , we will be going to the NEC for the caravan show in Oct so that will be the final decider for us , , enjoy your touring 😁
Great Wooster the NEC is a good place to investigate as you can compare all the small caravans. The Basecamp is definitely our number 1 as the simple layout is perfect for us.
I'm about to bite the bullet. I love the look of it. I believe it's versatility will allow myself and the 2 dogs to enjoy our holidays. Due to its size I should be able to move it in and out of our back garden (a very tight, numerous shunts activity) with the current van, providing hours of entertainment and discussion for the neighbours. Now a widow, I have no intention of forgoing my caravan holidays. I have no real interest in the Vango awning - I think it will be too big and bulky for me to handle but the Kampa Rally 200 looks about right. We never bought either a new car or a new caravan before so this is a novelty, as will receiving new water and waste tanks
I would appreciate photos of the Kampa awning adaptations if you have any? Also what size plastic boxes has anyone found fits best under the seating?
Hi, The Vango awning is very heavy & we sold ours, if you do change your mind there are plenty of second hand “as new” Vango awnings available. We have a Kampa pro poled awning used once , it was much easier to get up but like you say needs adapting. We used limpets & rear poles to improve the fit. There is a Facebook Swift Basecamp Official Group that has a lot of information on everything including awnings , if you use FB I would suggest you join the group . There are over 900 members on it & a very useful search bar to look for specific threads. Good luck with your purchase.