Swift Base Camp - Is the quality any good?

In this video I discuss the question which relates to the build quality of the Swift Base Camp. It is a question which comes up regularly generally from newcomers to caravanning. Leisure vehicles are constructed to be lightweight and this can often be confused with poor quality.

[@immediate67]

Fantastic vlog as always. Joined the Swift Basecamp FB site when the BC2 was launched and was disappointed to find my Mini Clubman could not tow one. Stayed on the site as I loved the concept and look of the van. Read lots of things that almost put me off buying one. My newer 2020 larger / heavier Mini Clubman can now tow one. Picking up a BC4 a week on Wednesday, your VLOG has convinced me I've done the right thing. Thanks

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

Nice one Lee. You won’t look back. Enjoy the adventures to come.

[@robertsonm2003]

we too have a mini - what's your engine size please?

[@marcuskehrer633]

Exactly the advantages of the flexibility of the basecamp distinguishes it and the pleasure of traveling with the bc weigh more than shortcomings. Incidentally, German caravans also have quality defects. But since there are almost no Facebook groups for it, the shortcomings are not so noticeable in public. We also come from the camper and love our bc. Potion for the video greetings Germany - bc 2020 plus owner

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

Thanks for your words Marcus😊

[@johnstewart2507]

Another Great Vlog Nick I have watched all your Basecamp adventures. As we are going to purchase a Basecamp next year and your videos have helped answer our questions. Can’t wait to get a Basecamp now 👍🏻

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

Thanks John. You’ll love it…. They are brilliant.

[@loubi6686]

Really enjoy watching your videos a video on what you need for first time caravan users or best buys or upgrades would be great and really interesting 😊

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

That’s a good idea… I will give that some thought🙂. Thank you for the feedback and suggestion. Really Helpful.

[@johnacton8507]

Brilliant vlog again Nick. Couldn’t agree more with your comments. We’ve had a couple of minor issues with our 2021 BC4 but all quick to fix and what I’d consider part and parcel of van ownership.

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

Thanks John.

[@martinkitchin6204]

Well thought out kitchen and bathroom. It was just the lack of under bench storage (for say bedding) that made us buy another model van. Thinking ....maybe the assembly people just put a handful of screws in at the very end to fox buyers?

[@scottcyoung]

A colleague of mine saved £61k for a VW transporter camper. T32 150 highline 2021. I love VW transporter kombi. I intend to purchase 2016/2017. Install air suspension, leisure battery for fridge. I would seek a BC 2 or similar. Buying these 2 you can leave BC at the site and it has a washroom unlike VW. Don't make sense spending all that money when you have little room. The price of VW camper for 2/3 of cost you can buy Kombi and BC. So thanks for your videos as it's given me inspiration.

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

My dream outfit is a VW California towing the BC!

[@scottcyoung]

@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales next best thing kombi. California, erm, as you know very expensive

[@timothymiles2880]

Excellent review, very helpful. 👍

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

Thanks for the feedback Timothy.

[@andrewjones-productions]

Another excellent video. Personally, I am far more concerned with the weight distribution of this particular caravan. All of the heavy fittings (oven/grill, fridge, toilet) are all situated towards the rear of the trailer with very little weight to the front of it. In the UK, this is obviously compensated by the gas bottles in the front locker. However, here in Japan, it has become very, very difficult to get hold of gas bottles and ferries here will not allow boarding if there is a gas bottle onboard. That has seen cassette gas being used for the kitchen and water heater, with heating being provided by a diesel or paraffin heater with a 5 litre tank being fixed in the front locker. Much lighter than gas bottles. Carrying something like a heavy awning, personal items at the front will also help to balance, but not all trips require so much items. Also, our roads are very twisty and much of Japan has terrain that is very reminiscent of Alpine mountain routes and that also means lots and lots of tunnels. Being passed by a HGV as entering or exiting a tunnel really does pull on a vehicle (especially on our expressways) and that can easily instigate a trailer/caravan to start snaking. Therefore, a stable trailer/caravan is very important.

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

You have made a number of interesting considerations. The Base Camp is ‘very’ stable to tow despite the weight distribution you’ve mentioned which is likely down to the short length of the caravan. I actually secure the awning over the axle when towing but store at the front when not in use (as seen in the video).

[@leeedwards3933]

Been waiting for a video like this as i would like to buy as my very 1st Caravan, I really don;t care about Luxury Except the BED [Most Important] I like the BACKDOOR/ I like everything about the BC2 Because it;s light [I;m ex Lorry/Mobile Crane Operator] And it;s SOO MUCH BETTER THAN A TENT, Just Hook up and Head on out. 2 Gas Bottles in front and those Bags that lock in are a brilliant idea Plus you COULD put a small Enduro Motorbike in the back as both beds fold up and they have thought Ahead and put in Tie-Downs in the floors. Subbed to help your Channel Grow. [MAKE MORE] On how/What to do for newbies Please from South west Wales.

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

The bed is very comfortable especially with a topper. I’ve published a video on the bed. See here:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6DbhZeXbZ6sq5I

[@CaravanWithThatYorkshireChap]

Regarding loading a motorbike. Be very careful with weights as the User Payload is only 111kgs unless it's been up plated. the tie-downs were designed for carrying cycles

[@leeedwards3933]

Yes I read about the For Cycles part, But I was thinking about an 125cc Trials Bike 47Kg But thanks for getting back.

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

@@leeedwards3933 we have the upgraded weight plate. Adds an extra 300 kilos ish to the payload. It’s literally a sticker which you stick on the back of the caravan.

[@toddy505]

Why don’t they have one electric hob ? seems crazy having to constantly use expensive gas when you’ve paid for your hook up. Great videos by the way 👍

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

That’s a good shout. Got to be down to cost.

[@chris7142]

It is a small world… We have just left plas farm with our basecamp and seen you were there too. If that was your drone we are probably on your footage again 😀

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

Lol! Yes it was my drone. You should have come over and said hello. It would be great to meet followers of this channel. See you on the next one.

[@CaravanWithThatYorkshireChap]

Great Van, unfortunately not so great prices 🤨

[@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales]

Same for all of them🤔

[@CaravanWithThatYorkshireChap]

@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales I know what you mean but the BaseCamp is very desirable to many so quite expensive for a small unit. There are many larger caravans for similar prices. Same as VW campers which can as be more expensive than some larger coach built motor homes. The market dictates the prices as everything does 😩

[@markm49]

That wiring is a disgrace.

[@johneaston1215]

That wiring is a rat's nest,they could have done better!!

[@marcuskehrer633]

Exactly the advantages of the flexibility of the basecamp distinguishes it and the pleasure of traveling with the bc weigh more than shortcomings. Incidentally, German caravans also have quality defects. But since there are almost no Facebook groups for it, the shortcomings are not so noticeable in public. We also come from the camper and love our bc. Potion for the video greetings Germany - bc 2020 plus owner