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quoteWelcome to 2023 and it’s time for an addition to the Basecamp caravan range from Swift.
The third way
It’s the 3, here, that takes its place in the line-up this season and it does indeed cater for three folk – although the chances are it will appeal even more to couples who want the fold-down double bed across the front as well as the dinette arrangement for mealtimes in the back.
Like all Basecamps, the 3 has a large entrance door in its rear panel, the thinking here being you can get your bikes and possibly other outdoor adventure gear inside the ‘van for travel. Lashing points are provided for such purposes.
And of course, it boasts that highly distinctive Basecamp look, with a more toned-down colour scheme for the 2023 season, albeit the chunky (indeed, chunkier for 2023) plastic mouldings, wheel arches and lower skirting, large front window and more are retained. Those black alloy wheels are an upgrade, too. Also, on the outside of the Basecamp 3 caravan are a shower, gas and electric 230V points. A TV aerial is also supplied.
There’s also plenty happening inside to differentiate the Basecamp from more traditional caravans. It’s a very modern colour scheme, for starters, with a layout that also defies convention.
Also, features like the removable holdalls in lieu of the usual high-level lockers, and the folding legs for the seat/bed bases point to a different kind of caravan.
The main bed, at the front, is transverse with loads of storage underneath and windows each side. It measures some 1.98m x 1.30m. Should you want the third berth, it’s a short, lengthways single, 1.78m x 0.62m, made from the dinette seating.
The kitchen and washroom take up the offside of the Swift Basecamp 3. The former includes a Thetford Duplex cooker with a three-burner gas hob and a combined oven and grill below. Also here is an inset stainless steel sink with mixer tap while the flip-up worktop to its left extends over the bed. There’s also a relatively generous section of permanent worktop to the right of the sink.
Across the corridor is an 83-litre Dometic fridge with removable freezer box. Above it, you’ll find a useful worktop area with two mains sockets.
In the washroom, you get a bench toilet, a fixed basin and an Ecocamel showerhead on a riser bar (you’ll need to draw a curtain around you for showering). It’s a reasonably deep shower tray but there’s just the one drainage point. Ventilation is provided by a rooflight.
Latest Basecamps all benefit from Swift Command, the monitoring system that can be used via a 7in touchscreen in the ‘van or an app on your mobile phone. It includes a Thatcham category S7-rated tracking system (activate this via a subscription and you’ll save on your caravan insurance premium).
Factory-fitted options are minimal – the bespoke inflatable awning from Vango is a serious consideration – but your supplying dealer will be able to offer items like a solar panel, motor mover, Tyron Safety Bands etc. And, if you’re completely new to caravanning, don’t forget to ask about any starter packs.
Just note there’s a delivery charge to pay on the price quoted opposite. It could be around £500, but lots of dealers waive this altogether.
To find out more about insuring a Swift Basecamp or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.
Verdict: Stylish treatment for a caravan aimed at outdoor activists
Plus: Distinctive looks, rear door means better load carrying capabilities, easy towing
Minus: Short third bed, just the one shower plughole
In-a-nutshell: All set for an expedition
Alternatives: Adria Action 391 PT (four-berth), Bailey Discovery D4-4L (four-berth), Knaus Deseo (four-berth), Knaus Sport and Fun Black Selection (four-berth)
Swift Basecamp 3 factfile
| Model | Swift Basecamp 3 |
| Dimensions | 5.59m L, 2.28m W, 2.61m H |
| Internal length | 3.91m |
| Berths | Three |
| MTPLM | 1,146kg |
| Payload | 126kg |
| RRP | from £25,495 ex-works |
| Safety & security | Swift Command Tracker (subscription optional), VIN Chip, Al-Ko AKS 3004 stabiliser, receiver for Al-Ko Secure, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector |
| Key options | Chassis upgrade (£50), Al-Ko ATC Trailer Control (£475), Vango awning (£929), storage cover (£499), Yuasa leisure battery (from £174), Al-Ko Secure wheel lock (£295), Swift Command Cat S7 tracker subscription (£95) |
A 1.83m long bed in a caravan 2.28 wide?
If 1.83 (6’1″) is correct that is seriously impacting their market.
Well spotted Kevin and apologies that’s a mistake. The front double fold down bed is 1.98 m long. We’ve amended that now.