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quoteTime to take the whole family?
It took Swift less than three seasons to convince us that its highly individualistic Basecamp was a viable proposition. It’s set its sights further on families with kids with the 2020 season debut for the 4SE model.
Our initial report on the Basecamp, commented: “But, has Swift missed a trick in not offering more berths? Active young couples soon turn into families with small children.” Well, that’s been well and truly addressed with the Basecamp 4 Special Edition.
Yes, it’s a four-berth – or rather, a two-plus-two – but it’s bang on-trend with its looks, features and overall proposition. A caravan for non-caravanners.
All Basecamps have the reassurance of being built using Swift’s own SMART 3 bodywork construction, which includes a floor of dual-density foam made from recycled PET bottles. The rest of the body is completely wood-free, too. And there’s no missing the chequered flag-inspired exterior finish, with 16in alloy wheels completing the look. There’s also a choice of other funky exteriors to the Swift Basecamp 4 too.
Plus, like all 2020 Basecamps, there’s a large (larger than even previous years) door – with window – at the back, which allows even easier access for loading any adventure hobby kit for safe transit (lashing points are here) and, in turn, also allows for a different floorplan.
There’s a clever foldaway bunk bed to your left as you step in. Bed sizes here are 1.90m x 0.54m but do note there’s a 77kg limit on the upper bunk. Occupants get a full curtain for that extra bit of night-time privacy. By day, it’s a dinette – again, ideal as an area exclusively for the kids.
The washroom and kitchen occupy the offside of this Swift Basecamp 4, separated by a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe (where you’ll also find the main table).
Possibly the only thing that’s remotely traditional about the Basecamp is its twin settee lounge at the front. Even here, the typical front chest of drawers is eschewed in favour of a flip-up tabletop.
Storage bags instead of upper-level lockers don’t just make a strong style statement, contributing to an interior colour scheme that Swift calls Tangerine. Also, there are expandable storage pockets on the front bulkhead.
Both the kitchen and the washroom come with the kind of fittings you’d expect in any caravan. Cooking kit starts with a three-ring hob, with an inset sink nxt to it, and an 85-litre fridge across the corridor.
In the washroom, key features are the Thetford electric-flush toilet and a water-efficient, trigger-operated Ecocamel Orbit showerhead.
In truth, there are plenty of typical caravan features – 25amp charger/transformer, rigid water pipes, underfloor dual-fuel Whale blown air heater and hot water systems, pre-wiring for a TV, regulator for propane or butane gas etc.
If you want more space – storage and/or living – the rear-mounting Vango inflatable awning is a must, albeit a relatively costly one. Also among the desirable options is the £715 Plus Pack. It includes oven/grill, solar panel, door flyscreen, TV aerial and bracket, external shower, gas and electrical points. But, it shaves some 25kg off the payload capacity. You might want to ask your Basecamp specialist dealer about a chassis upgrade?
The Swift Command system, including Thatcham S7 tracker, is standard and will attract a healthy discount on your caravan insurance too!
At February’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show we took a look around this funky caravan. Here’s our walk-around video of the Swift Basecamp 4 Special Edition.
Let us know what you make of this new tourer.
Verdict: Basecamp bunks up for family adventure touring
Plus: Trendy but still practical, lightweight, head-turning looks
Minus: Watch your payload, not for the traditionalists
In-a-nutshell: White box fans look away. This is a Tangerine dream machine!
There’s more information on the Basecamp range on their dedicated website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Adria Action, Bailey Discovery, Barefoot, Knaus Sport and Fun, Freedom Jetstream, T@B L400 TD
Swift Basecamp 4 Special Edition factfile
| Model | Swift Basecamp 4 Special Edition |
| Dimensions | 5.59m L, 2.28m W, 2.58m H |
| Internal length | 3.91m |
| Berths | Four |
| MTPLM | 1,161kg |
| Payload | 136kg |
| RRP | from £20,025 on the road |
| Safety & security | Thatcham S7 tracker (subscription to pay), smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, CRiS identity numbering and concealed data chip, receiver for Al-Ko Secure |
| Key options | Basecamp Plus Pack (£715), ATC Trailer Control (£349), Al-Ko Secure wheel lock (£265), Swift Command Tracker subscription (£95), Vango AirBeam awning (£725, with bedroom £925), SwiftShield upholstery (£395), storage cover (£299) |
Presumably the bench seats are shorter meaning not enough room for bikes. Why would anybody want a dirty or wet bike inside anyway? They can’t be inside at night when the bed is made up so, why not leave them on the car roof rack all the time anyway? Swift marketing rubbish.
I have had a BaseCamp. Almost no storage. Duvets have to be kept in the car or stuffed under the beds where they attract dust.
The Swift Sprite it far better equipped and cheaper.
£20k… pay more get less. Swift must be laughing all the way to the bank.
Not my normal style of caravan but I like it. I can see this as very appealling to the younger more active family. Looks to be very practical although it could be considered a bit pricey…….. But then everything is going up anyway.