Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Swift basecamp
Page:  1  2  3 Post Reply Post New Topic
30/9/2018 at 9:01am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Abbey Freestyle 540
View Joy 23.08's Profile View Profile   Reply to Joy 23.08 Reply   Quote Joy 23.08 Quote  
Joined: 05/9/2005

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Has anyone bought one of these, if so, are you pleased with it and is there you anything you don’t like.

Thank you

Joy


30/9/2018 at 3:10pm
 Location: Liverpool
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 560
View Pixie_Hez's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pixie_Hez Reply   Quote Pixie_Hez Quote  
Joined: 05/7/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1937

Site Reviews Total: 121
Site Reviews 2024: 15 
Site Reviews 2023: 15 
Site Reviews 2022: 14 
Site Reviews 2021: 11 
Site Reviews 2020: 8  
Site Reviews 2019: 17 
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 78
Site Nights 2023: 75
Site Nights 2022: 66
Site Nights 2021: 57
Site Nights 2020: 39
Site Nights 2019: 68
Site Nights 2018: 44

Hi Joy,

We don’t have one so can’t give you any first hand experiences but I have noticed on the Swift owners Facebook group, there are quite a few unhappy base camp owners.

-------------
Pixie


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

30/9/2018 at 3:25pm
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Various tents
View Hacksaw Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Hacksaw Bob Reply   Quote Hacksaw Bob Quote  
Joined: 26/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6502
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

You'll find quite a long thread here.


30/9/2018 at 8:10pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan
View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   825

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Google the name and add problems, works for all makes


01/10/2018 at 9:04am
 Location: Southport
 Outfit: Swift Basecamp
View sandgrounder52's Profile View Profile   Reply to sandgrounder52 Reply   Quote sandgrounder52 Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   38

Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 13
Site Nights 2018: 4

Hi Joy
We have one and absolutely love it. The Facebook group is the place to go for all things Basecamp. It is a closed group but they will add you quickly, on request.
You will find that there are people who have issues which have spoilt their enjoyment of the van. On the other hand you will find people who are evangelical in their love for it. My guess would be that the lovers significantly outnumber the haters... but I might be wrong so log on and make up your own mind.
What you will find is that many Basecamp Owners haven't owned a van before (it seems to appeal to newbies). Also, although the Swift marketing suggests it is aimed at young people it tends to attract a following of active middle aged people. We were at a rally last week shared with an Eccles rally and the Basecamp ownership appeared to be roughly 15 or so years younger than the Eccles ownership.

-------------
Mrs Pooter


Advertisement



01/10/2018 at 9:22am
 Location: Southport
 Outfit: Swift Basecamp
View sandgrounder52's Profile View Profile   Reply to sandgrounder52 Reply   Quote sandgrounder52 Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   38

Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 13
Site Nights 2018: 4

Joy... Sorry, should have added this before to answer your specific question:
Pros:
Great kitchen... oven, grill, 3 burner hob, good fridge, good preparation space
Fab bed! Huge when made up, and really comfortable
Excellent toilet / wet room with decent privacy (a proper door!). We don't use the shower much but others do.
Solar panel on roof makes staying off grid easy
USB ports inside
Good windows making it light and airy inside
Tows very well (a bit light on noseweight so needs to be front loaded)
Tiny in comparison to the space inside... fits in our back garden
Graphics available (we've got the RAF / mod roundel)
Always gets attention. Lots of comments at service stations etc
Can be pulled by smaller cars
Cons:
Build quality - there has been a major recall by Swift for damp for a significant proportion of the vans. This was driven proactively by Swift, not as a result of consumer complaints. Also, there a lots of complaints about screws dropping out, locks and catches jamming etc. I don't know how widespread this is across the caravan industry though.
Finally... the jury is out on the bespoke Vango awning. Some people love it. It is huge and offers a lot of outdoor space. However, when attached to the van it makes it 9m long which can make it awkward to find pitches on formal / club sites. Many private sites and CLs are ok. You will find many Basecamp Owners have bought a porch awning (200cm or 150cm) which works well but there are some issues around fit as the Basecamp has big, chunky mouldings on the back.
Feel free to ask anything specific...
Oh... also we love the fuss-free styling. No curtains or carpets so easy to keep clean. A big selling point is that you can put bikes inside (although we don't but lots of people do).

Post last edited on 01/10/2018 10:09:04

-------------
Mrs Pooter


14/10/2018 at 11:04am
 Location: Ealand
 Outfit: Viking Fibreline 2
View FoxFurry's Profile View Profile   Reply to FoxFurry Reply   Quote FoxFurry Quote  
Joined: 26/4/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   31

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I love my Basecamp and have an Elddis Avante to compare it with, most owners seem fairly new to caravaning.
The hob is brilliant, room for 3 pans compared to my Elddis which has four burners but only room for 2 pans at a time. Oven and grill do their jobs without issue. Sink is good size, kitchen worktop is huge compared to my “bigger” van. Bed is absolutely massive, bigger than anything else I have slept on. Toilet/shower are a big hit, comfy loo height which does matter and the shower is fantastic, being a wet room type you do need to dry the walls and sink but that takes seconds. Heating and lighting are good.
Awning wise, I have put mine up on my own in bad weather and yes it is very heavy. Once up it is massive. You do need to check with sites in advance though but so far mine has fitted on the pitches.
Build quality, I think people are just more social media aware and can swap horror stories. It seems Swift had a run of poorer ones but have been sorting them out and owners appear to have had positive experiences when getting their vans back.
Does anyone want to buy a 25ft Elddis, I will never use it again. That is how good I rate the Basecamp. It has put a smile back when towing. No worries about weight at last, lorries dont buffet but the usual white van man at 90mph does but that goes for every caravan.


20/10/2018 at 10:42am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Xplore 422
View Katieep's Profile View Profile   Reply to Katieep Reply   Quote Katieep Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   708
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi there
I spent over 5 hours yesterday at the nec looking at every 2 berth we could find - the basecamp looked very snazzy and we were torn between it and a far more traditional xplore 422. We ended up with the xplore. The xplore was considerably cheaper and had more supportive seating/bed, separate shower and so much more storage and is about 10cm narrower.
The basecamp did seem popular and was getting a lot of attention -i think it appeals to people who want something different and perhaps try and pretend that isn't a caravan on the end of their tow bar

Post last edited on 20/10/2018 11:01:25

Post last edited on 20/10/2018 11:01:54


13/11/2018 at 1:44pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift Basecamp 2
View Mata Hari's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mata Hari Reply   Quote Mata Hari Quote  
Joined: 02/3/2018

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Basecamp Vango awning for sale if anyone is interested in buying a BC.
Used only once at West Ayton site near Scarborough (no problem fitting it onto a grass pitch) New in September. With extra sleeping section and all the 'bits'. Great awning but too big for our needs. £750 ono. (£995 new)

-------------
I follow the herd, as long as it's going in my direction.


13/11/2018 at 1:48pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
Joined: 07/2/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9850

Site Reviews Total: 24
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 2
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Have you put it in the Free Ad's section?

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


Advertisement



13/11/2018 at 4:31pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift Basecamp 2
View Mata Hari's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mata Hari Reply   Quote Mata Hari Quote  
Joined: 02/3/2018

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Yes, I remembered after I'd posted it on this thread.

-------------
I follow the herd, as long as it's going in my direction.


13/11/2018 at 10:31pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Abbey Freestyle 540
View Joy 23.08's Profile View Profile   Reply to Joy 23.08 Reply   Quote Joy 23.08 Quote  
Joined: 05/9/2005

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thank you everyone for all your comments, it has given a lot to think about.

Kind regards

Joy


14/11/2018 at 12:02pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Xplore 422
View Katieep's Profile View Profile   Reply to Katieep Reply   Quote Katieep Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   708
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0

I did loads of research - looked at all lightweight 2 berth caravans - compared size, weight, cost, bathrooms, storage heating etc and then looked at them all at the nec. The basecamp is popular and heavily marketed at the show - they were everywhere! There are lots of alternatives - adria action, knaus sport, trigano silver, the barefoot, and many more.
Something else to think about is awnings. We'll have our 2 teenagers with us on occasion and I wanted a large annexe on the awning for them to sleep in - with the xplore I have a huge range of awnings to look at to find one suitable with the swift you just have the one awning and the sleeping insert for it wouldn't have given our girls much space.


06/3/2019 at 3:01pm
 Location: Wakefield West York
 Outfit: Swift Basecamp+ Fo
View Pennine Plodder's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pennine Plodder Reply   Quote Pennine Plodder Quote  
Joined: 28/5/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1834

Site Reviews Total: 27
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 3
Site Nights 2022: 10
Site Nights 2021: 7
Site Nights 2020: 3
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 0

I was widowed just a year ago but I really enjoy caravanning. I have been looking at the Basecamp because it looks to be big enough for myself and the 2 dogs. Not too worried about the awning. Is it as simple as it looks to set up? Faffing around on winding steadies up and down while guessing whether you've got it right is not my idea of fun! Would you say that it could be ideal for one person?

-------------
Some days are diamonds.......

   
       


06/3/2019 at 5:37pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2016

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3126

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by Pennine Plodder on 06/3/2019
I was widowed just a year ago but I really enjoy caravanning. I have been looking at the Basecamp because it looks to be big enough for myself and the 2 dogs. Not too worried about the awning. Is it as simple as it looks to set up? Faffing around on winding steadies up and down while guessing whether you've got it right is not my idea of fun! Would you say that it could be ideal for one person?



I set up our twin axle on my own a lot of the time, while hubby is still at work, now if I can do that you will have no bother, as for faffing around with steadies???? erm they are dead easy using a drill with the bit on it, and if I can get a twin axle caravan level (no guessing involved - use spirit level) then your little basecamp is no bother at all



06/4/2019 at 9:05pm
 Location: Norfolk
 Outfit: Swift BaseCamp Plus
View AJandhis dog's Profile View Profile   Reply to AJandhis dog Reply   Quote AJandhis dog Quote  
Joined: 06/4/2019

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   14

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I have just changed a 2018 Coachman VIP 520 for a new BaseCamp.
From the lap of luxury to the world of, err, less luxury.
However, the Coachman was marginally too heavy for my 2018 VW Passat, not in terms of pulling it but the ‘tail wagging the dog’ and also being a solo chap with a dog the lovely Coachman didn’t really suit.
My first caravan, many years ago, was a Dutch KIP Kompakt 300. It was terrific. I towed it all over Scandinavia and Europe. I am, with the BaseCamp, returning to my roots perhaps.
I read that several of the posters here and elsewhere feel that they are too old for a BaseCamp. Not so. My dealer tells me that the greater group of purchasers are middle aged folk. At just under 80 myself I joked that I must be his oldest customer. Apparently not. His oldest customers are a couple in their late eighties. I can understand that too. The BaseCamp has everything you need in reality, is a doddle to tow, and to clean... what more do you really need?
I did buy the Vango awning too because it was included in the deal at a giveaway price. But I hate it. It is simply ugly and misses the point of the BaseCamp, quick to set up and down. I have heard that some porch awnings have been successfully employed. If anybody knows the facts of this I would really appreciate knowing more about this. How does one get around the huge rear light boxes? We’re they really necessary Swift?



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2  3

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














5086 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder