The NEW Swift Trekker XL *FULL TOUR* AND REVIEW!

[@yorkshireteaahhhnice1417]

With you on this,fixed bed and garage every time

[@FredFox-m9v]

My son's telecoms company bought a large fleet of transits. A lot of them now are reporting the brake going hard suddenly and the servo stopping, nearly causing accidents. Not good on top of the wet belt issues.

[@ChristineMarshall-cd5wm]

Like the idea of rear lounge however why such tiny side windows, not much of a view.

[@robgardner6399]

Another great vlog guys, very informative and detailed as always, well done. The only downside is the van, which appears to very limited in a number of areas. Was really hoping it was a longer model in the same layoutout as the other Trekkers 😢.

[@SeanMclarnon-o3n]

Another positive post for the Trekker. Love my X and the Ford platform. Layout is not for me but am sure some will like. As always, good work Will and Sarah and keep them coming.

[@ronnieforbes2606]

For two persons + I personally think the VW California Ocean T6.1 takes a lot of beating . Looks as if factory had some bits left over and decided to use these bits to throw together the XL😂

[@014london70]

What a faff, that bed!

[@carolinesarahthompson9690]

Great review yet again 😊

[@janetbowen7854]

@Lifeistooshort, Carol and Ken have a Consort Nova, rear u shaped lounge, no front dinette, loads of boot space. They love it and wild camp for long of time. I love the Sven, but would like a VW Crafter or MAN conversion with a u-shaped lounge, good boot storage and a bed easy to set up. IH in Yorkshire just might have the answer 😊. In the meantime we stick with our pop top VW Bilbo LWB and accept the compromise on wet days and avoid winter camping, although some folk are more brave than us😅 Great video though, thank you. ❤

[@grapesodatravels]

We've chosen a rear lounge too! Yup, we're from the UK... We considered the Swift but decided the interior decor was a bit, hmmm, 1980s boy's bedroom! Thanks for sharing N&Nx

[@CampervanTime]

Probably why I like it!!

[@jeremyspencer5027]

Glaring omission from the lineup is a Trekker X without the pop top roof. Ideal for 2 people who want the so-called continental layout with a half dinette and fixed rear bed.

[@CampervanTime]

Completely agree! That’s the same as our Sven Hedin and it’s perfect for 2. Would probably shave 3-5k off the price too!

[@Pearce-VLC]

Think we are going to nip over and have a proper look at the X on Friday. We are only down the road and never thought to go there 😂 Great vlogs by the way 👌

[@CampervanTime]

You're welcome! Make sure you try the jacket potatoes in the cafe LOL!

[@Pearce-VLC]

@ sounds like a plan 👍🏼

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Hilarious. I do a video and mention how good your Trekker video was and then you release another one on the same night 😂 👏🏼

[@CampervanTime]

It's like we planned it!! Hilarious !!

[@craigpowell5325]

Take a look at a Burstner Elisseo C644 - same layout as that but with a separate bed that drops down from ceiling and a huge rear garage… granted there’s a headroom comprise in the lounge but I’m only 5’7”😂

[@stephenstrong8885]

I’m 6 feet 4 and the height of the Ford chassis version is spot on. Fiat fits the bill of course if you are more normal/average size.

[@kwitton5599]

Going out of our way to avoid the rear lounge. 😊

[@andyelliot3428]

Good overview. We are early adopters of the standard Trekker. Have to say we much prefer the standard layout with transverse bed and pop top. Much more practical storage too. The XL would not work for us. After years of making up a bed every night in our VW camper, it’s great to now be able to leave the bed in place. Couple of points to note. The MY24 Trekker /Transit does actually have an electronic parking brake, it’s not unique to the MY25 model. And the gas locker, if it’s the same size as the other Trekkers will accommodate x2 6kg gas bottles, not 11kg.

[@cb5546]

THe grey infill you put under the bed is to take all the slack up in the cushions

[@CampervanTime]

Ah ok - we couldn't manage to fit that in as well, it seemed too tight but I suspect we just got it wrong!!

[@daletinsley2954]

Thanks for the video. Those rear doors sounded hollow. Have swift always used gas bottles. Or have they changed from underslung tanks. ( i.e the elddis CV range ) Bailey endeavour has the ideal arrangement ( IMO ) diesel electric for heating and hot water bottled gas for cooking. ( If off grid ) Every time I check I see that the MFG group are doing away with LPG on forecourts. Now check just how many forecourts they supply. I doubt that an elddis dealership will tell you this. That bed definitely needs a topper. I cover everything in throws or fleeces anyway. im not being negative I just see things from a practical view. I sometimes wonder if the factory designers actually use campervans/motorhomes/caravans. As for carpets well how long do they stay clean. Some cheap washable runners even better mop clean lino is much more practical.

[@CampervanJon]

Another reason for me to keep my T6 for as long as possible, not due to the badge but are Ford a good investment due to reliability issues

[@granddadmark7639]

We were in the keeping our T6 camp until we viewed the Westfalia Sven Hedin absolutely love it the extra space and being able to stand up have made our trips out so much more enjoyable

[@CampervanJon]

@@granddadmark7639 The Sven Hedin is a fantastic van however my T6 is a daily drive and we only have a fairly small parking space outside our house, maybe one day we will upsize

[@neilmick6778]

VW's are no better 😂

[@davesheffield3620]

Dreadful bed set up , one person would struggle and I reckon you could pull your back out putting it up with the doors closed .

[@CampervanTime]

We were trying to figure out how you could do with without opening the back doors. I wonder if they don't expect you to do that and to just use them as two singles perhaps?

[@trishdawson-saul9449]

Murphy bed would be much easier

[@markszymik2154]

I reckon the Trekker is the van of the year - it’s spot on (design, usability) and reasonably priced. Great question about storage when it comes to rear lounge campervans - we’ve always wondered where people manage to store everything too! I know we’re supposed to be travelling 'light,' but it does seem like rear lounge layouts don’t provide quite enough storage space.

[@davyhoogy]

We were set on a trekker, until we found the expedition 68. 7k cheaper. Both are decent vans though

[@cooperandy3]

Looks good value and finish but entombed springs to mind

[@gillianhann2282]

There always compromise in vans isn’t there ? Years ago we had a hymer and could never get comfortable in the front lounge. As our daughter grew we were constantly in one another’s way, and it just wasn’t relaxing, so sold it and moved to caravans. Cheaper, more space etc. Now she is grown up and we are moving back to a camper van. We will collect our Vantage Eos soon. The driver and passenger seats swivel and there’s a little table should you want to sit at the front. The rear u shaped lounge has good open storage under one of the longitudinal seats. It is pulled forwards too so that there is quite a reasonable sized garage area, which we think two folding Bromptons will fit into…hoping the choices we have made will work for us.

[@thesmudge1353]

I have seen some rear lounges that I do like but not that one. It's nicer to have big windows all round so that you can sit there and look out. That one looks dark and closed in.

[@IANREA]

So it may be cheap, but does that mean quality materials / workmanship.

[@CampervanTime]

It seemed well put together to us when we looked at it, and I've been to the factory very recently to see them being made and they use industry standard quality control and production line methods including constant quality improvement so all looks good so far.

[@carlfraz1869]

Another cracking review from you two! Terrible layout!! That’s not the British opinion surely!!? We have the LWB Crafter with Ultravans Ultra 2 layout fixed bed huge garage, shower room opposite kitchen and front lounge with sofa and captains chairs to take advantage of the huge side door. Ultravans did a video on our van ‘High Spec’. Similar ish layout to your Sven but longer and with sliding door on the right side!! On that Trekker where do you store all your bikes, Cadac, walking gear, dryrobes, tools cables n hoses!!??? I seriously wonder if these designers have done van life?

[@jasonwaring588]

These vans Carl are just purely made for quick profit and not serious Van lifers life yourself and me .Pure Quality build probably no sound deadening or insulation in them rear doors .Wouldnt touch these vans with a barge pole mate ! 👊👊

[@noelhughes1956]

Great video Will and Sarah. Not impressed with the Xl. Putting the bed together looks cumbersome and the storage is terrible. I’ll stick with my baby Trekker! I hope you come to our next Trekkerfest Will and bring the star of the show with you this time - Sarah 😊

[@dylanroberts4583]

So, how much was it..?

[@jonnywayner]

Don't think u can give a ford away till they get rid ov the wet belt

[@CampervanTime]

We hear that a lot from people, but Swift are selling so many of these Trekker models they have moved their dedicated production line for them to a bigger and longer line to cope with the demand, we've seen it !

[@FredFox-m9v]

the latest fault on scale is brake sevos suddenly failing leaving transits with a hard pedal and little to no braking.

[@FredFox-m9v]

​@CampervanTime perhaps they were all unaware of this serious issue pre purchase. I wouldn't buy one.

[@LB-W]

Just nop I’ve been looking for a van set up just for two and this does not tick any of the boxes. When they say “this is the British lay out” they mean this is what we have always done. Take a look at Brownbird&co vans to see how it’s done. They are two ladies with more design initiative than all the mainstream van converters.

[@peromalmstrom7668]

Rear lounge essential if Camping in UK 12 months a year. This is due to cabin fever you get in a cramped fixed bed space while Camping in UK during the winter months in bad weather (Especially volume of rain). Putting the bed together with back doors open, is like getting into a car through the boot, absolutely stupid, sorry guys, just telling it as it is. Like discussing what you do with your outdoor chairs, BBQ. Because if the weather is good you carry them on the floor between the bench seats. Arriving at location, they then come-out of the Van. If in the winter months, good luck sitting outdoors and lighting-up a BBQ so they are not carried, again discussing a non issue. Also, those that use Vans, know how to have minimal size accessories. The rear lounge bed make-up layout is additionally popular as it is the only one to give you a 6ft+ bed in length and allows both of you to get in/out of bed without climbing up & over your partner. This Ford Van gives you absolutely nothing (So no 4x4 capability) other than a false dressing-up that it looks an off-road capable vehicle and in reality gives you less space and less light ingress, less water carriage capacity than the Swift Carrera Range of fiat vans. I would love to know Swift’s sales figures on these Trekker Vans compared to their Carrera Van range; but that is commercially sensitive information, but I bet data does not lie unless manipulated! Reality is, we are all different and those on the larger size or wanting a fixed bed and lots of storage, then guess what, a Motorhome is possibly best. If slim, use to living under canvas in tents and due to this background are minimalists, then this CamperVan layout is perfect. Then when having children, If still being able to afford it with kids, then change layout, to allow 4 belts and a bed layout for 2 adults and 1, 2 or however many children you have that you believe gets you best child benefit return from the welfare state. Pop-tops, do not work in UK, for 12 month camping. Great if your good weather summer campers, but ask any family who has taken holidays in Cornwall in the summer in recent years and they will tell stories of wet, windy rain days where the pop-top becomes a concern and issue. Carrera wins everyday over this Trekker. You only buy an off-road so called designed and looking Camper if planning to go off-road (Which means 99% of people will not be insured, as insurers will not insure unless paying exceptionally high premiums) if it is actually capable of doing so, with a clue being, it is a 4x4 vehicle! Unless you are Chelsea Tractor type where your all image over substance.

[@ramonaburns4077]

I like a rear lounge with a drop-down bed above….

[@kevinoates1910]

Wow over complicated bed setup. A good old pull out support would have been better. I think all companies are missing a trick and should take up the Lunar Landstar with rear washroom that we have. You did review at the show a rear bathroom campervan but can't remember the name so maybe that might take off

[@andrewyoung5126]

The whole point of a campervan bigger than a Transporter is a fixed rear bed for me. You have a bigger van and still have to mess about making up the bed. I prefer a smaller basic setup for seating as these things are mainly used for weekends away not long trips. A full lounge isn't necessary. Odd layout for me but I'm sure others will be happy with it.

[@MrSnicol]

I have more storage in my 4 seat/4 bed California. Plus The seats can recline etc etc etc…

[@cornwallnick]

Ford wet belt and quality issues counted these out for us.

[@rc8rider]

I share your concerns: wet belts are a terrible idea. However, VW/MAN are now using them too. Fiat have rusting fuel injector and electrical problems, and Merc are astronomically overpriced and rust badly. Where do you go for a decent van these days..?

[@cornwallnick]

@rc8rider totally agree, not heard people moan about the other issues you mention as yet, but have had lots of people moan about the Ford wet belt and car professionals warn me away from them.

[@DriveWithAndy]

as much as its cool its really only good for a single person or a couple so no good for us with our 4 year old son. we are getting our Transit Custom LWB converted beginning of the year and Can Not Wait! extra comment is not a fan of the rear set up. liek you say its either all seats or all bed. no storage and also no sure i like the faf of making the bed

[@stephenstrong8885]

Lacks storage and a little too much of design over function. EG - use the space above front seats for storage, also looks as though could be at least one more cupboard in the excellent wet room. If you have a rear tv how will you open the cabinet? Excellent to show how much £’s are saved by not having an expensive pop top. Researched these Ford based models extensively and so far it’s about compromise. However, getting close to ‘perfect’, just need no pop top, rear lateral bed, with usable flairs to give 2 metre bed with big accessible garage underneath. Travel seats behind front, more front room, proper captains seats and dining area. Their current model with pop top is very dark and dingy in the rear, fancy headboard cuts down bed width and the fridge far too small. But they are getting there. I suspect Bailey may win the race for that space in the market.

[@dave_corney]

I got a

[@LB-W]

Just nop I’ve been looking for a van set up just for two and this does not tick any of the boxes. When they say “this is the British lay out” they mean this is what we have always done. Take a look at Brownbird&co vans to see how it’s done. They are two ladies with more design initiative than all the mainstream van converters. Do better swift you are getting lazy.

[@mbex3djc]

For a van of this size there’s just no storage. No space for table or chairs, wind break or anything of any size. I like Swift but they really need to get with the programme.

[@annmcrory5089]

I'd prefer having a fixed bed with a dinet. A rear lounge wouldn't appeal to me.

[@jayhernandez-f2l]

Great video, worst bed setup ever, they wont sell a lot of these .

[@broadpete]

I think because you have both been German led you are a little behind in your appreciation of the rear lounge. That said, I don't think this is a good example of what can be done in a 6m van in this layout. Pop up to Leeds to review a Vantage Sol or over to Consort to view their equivalent of the Sol. Both on Ducatos, both with much simpler bed arrangements and perhaps most importantly, a U shaped lounge rather than 2 stark benches. In summary, this format is fab in use and very popular in the UK, but this execution is a very poor example, despite it's nice looks.

[@CampervanTime]

I think you're right about our lack of appreciation of a rear lounge type of van. We have hired that layout twice in Australia on a 7m+ sprinter van conversion, but we just set the bed up once at the back and just left it for the whole trip and used the dinette at the front. Couldn't be bothered with the faff of making the bed every day and then putting it all away again - that said they weren't a U layout though. We'll take a look at the vans you've mentioned, thanks.

[@Upwardhalo305]

Seems really impractical. Upholstery has a real work vehicle feel too

[@nickjh1968]

Be a better van on a Fiat/Peugeot base van, wouldn’t entertain a new Transit.

[@robinkellett-navellou2606]

The whole point of having a bigger van is not having to make your bed every night. What a faff. Superficially the idea of a lounge is "nice" but any old dinette is way more space efficient than this - and the absurdity of having the driver's seat swivelling into a wall, what a joke!

[@robinkellett-navellou2606]

"Zips together" jesus christ!

[@Steve-ko9fl]

Ford engine with a wet timing belt, only a fool would buy it

[@michaelhex]

that bed as shown looks awful to sleep on.

[@stevebeale2187]

There are many reasons why Camper Uk in Lincoln no longer sell Swift motorhomes. Having owned ( but not being in possession of as it spent most of its time being repaired) a Swift Motorhome in the past I would advise that you never buy any of their products unless you enjoy constant problems caused by bad design, low quality components and lacklustre build. I am now on my second Burstner, not brilliant but a heck of a lot better than a Swift. Please no comments about Burstner quality, I know it could be better but let’s just concentrate on Swift, they are on the whole, very poor.

[@rosbodi693]

the bed is badly designed, but in general the two berth no front dinette is a great layout for British weather. Just not the Trekker version.

[@danielbrooshaw3825]

Who thought this would be a good idea?! Nothing about the design works!

[@frankjenkins6627]

All too much of a problem sorting out that bed . No separate dining when the bed is up . Would not be my idea o a camper van .

[@PatriciaNewman-g1d]

Not a brilliant layout! We have got a 2 berth Consort Reef a With rear lounge and it’s fantastic……takes 2 minutes to set up the bed.

[@PatriciaNewman-g1d]

And I forgot to mention really good storage for bedding and a spacious boot space for chairs, BBQS etc

[@voyageadventurevans]

I hate to say anything too negative about other conversions...but the rear benches look like a welfare truck.😂 As far as rear lounge conversions go, in our conversions we probably do about 1 in10, maybe 1 in 8 as rear lounge. The rest are rear fixed bed . You just have no where to store anything as you say.

[@andyarmitage2895]

Don't like it at all the rear layout is awful and it's a Transit I wouldn't touch one, also gas heating is a no for me I am picking our Sven up on Tuesday and so glad I went with the MAN

[@rc8rider]

Does anyone else think this was designed by someone who has never used a camper... or maybe AI?🤔

[@andrewthornhill4229]

Its awful bed set up crap hardly any room in their