Thinking new SWIFT: good idea?

[henry_374368460]

Hi all: we are returning to caravanning after flirting with the idea of a motorhome. The best I have owned in the past were a Bailey and a Coachman. Just been to see the new Pageants but we cannot live with the horrid 1970's style G Plan teak. The new Swifts have impressed us a lot (Challenger and Conqueror 480/2.) I have always avoided Swifts because back in the 80's when I used to sell caravans the build quality left a lot to be desired. But I am impressed with the way Kath monitors forums and is genuinely looking to help, so I'd value opinions from any owners of recent Swifts.

Thanks!!

 

[Ian_5040589]

Hi Henry - welcome back!

We have a 2008 Swift Challenger 540 (nearside fixed bed)and absolutely love it to bits.

We have had no issues with build quality and I would not hesitate to recommend!

 

[LesleyRussell]

After 4 Coachmans and much searching we are eventually picking up our new (Swift Group) Abbey Spectrum tomorrow!!! Will let you know if we have any problems after a weekend of testing. We love the colour scheme and spaciousness of the interior and have also noted Kath's monitoring on behalf of Swift.

 

[EmmanuelMuldoon]

Suggest you watch the current Caravan prog on the "information channel", also known as "Hollywood" on the 28.2E Satellite on "Freesat" or on a Sky box chan 167 IIRC. Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun evenings at 7pm.

 

[Bigfoot]

Hi,

We've had our 2008 Challenger 540 for a couple of months now,been away half a dozen or so times. Apart from a few niggly things that will be easily sorted we absolutely love it !!! Just a shame the dealers are T%$$

 

[LDRAWMER]

Hi,

We have had our Swift Conqueror for a year now, (got it as ex-demo 2007 model, with

 

[ValA.]

We LOVE our Swift to bits - and would buy another if the same model was available now. Ours is a continental model, based on the Toscane, and we're even going over to the Rai exhibition in Amsterdam to see what Swift are offering on the Dutch market now.

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

hi we bought a new sterling elite onyx and had to reject it with serious faults. they sent us another one and we had to als reject that.

we now own a bailey senator wyoming and have just come back from a 4 week holiday. we love it and cant find any faults with it at all.

jo-anne

 

[Conquerorman]

Hi, ive got a Swift Charisma 620. Ive had it for 16 months and have had no problems at all. It's my 4th Swift group van on the trot and ive been delighted with all of them.

 

[Alex_374296729]

I have just read that the Charisma had 'Grade 2 classification for heating and thermal insulation'. What does this really mean?

Many motorhomers/caravanners go on about winterisation. At what temp does this insulation work down to?

With housing insulation we are all becoming environmentally/economically conscious, so is there such a standard in Caravanning?

Climatic conditions in South West England have dictated this question!

 

[Dustydog]

Henry

Before you part with your hard earned money have a look at General section Ace Equerry problems by Andy.See all Jo-annes comments too.

Personally I nearly bought a Swift as it ticked all the boxes but for us the Wyoming just pipped it to the post.

Realistically I believe all makes of caravans have some faults at the delivery stage and usually a good dealer will remedy such problems very quickly.

What I find to accept is a manufacturer who having one caravan rejected then supplies the customer with another pile of poo?

How can that happen????

Cheers

Alan