OK so we have looked and looked at all the various layouts and have decided on fixed bunks on a 6 berth single axle.
Found what we think might be a good second hand caravan.
It is a swift coastline 570 se 2007 (same spec as charisma) single axle. Does anyone know of any problems these caravans can suffer/things I should look out for? Travelling a long way tomorrow (Monday) to view so any speedy responses would be fab Many thanks guys and girlz xxx
OK so we have looked and looked at all the various layouts and have decided on fixed bunks on a 6 berth single axle.
Found what we think might be a good second hand caravan.
It is a swift coastline 570 se 2007 (same spec as charisma) single axle. Does anyone know of any problems these caravans can suffer/things I should look out for? Travelling a long way tomorrow (Monday) to view so any speedy responses would be fab Many thanks guys and girlz xxx
We've got a 2007 Swift (Challenger 530) which we are trading in imminently. We haven't had any significant issues with ours, but if you are buying from a dealer, I would suggest you check that all the aircraft style lockers open and close properly as the hinges on ours have given us some grief. Also, on our van and on my parents' 2007 swift-made van, the door locks have been troublesome - stiff and sticking. Rusting/flaking of the paint around the cooker surround is common. We also had a tiny crack appearing in the rear panel where a screw was pushing through from inside.
On the whole though, we've only had little issues like these, which have all been deal with under warranty as they arose.
There's a new Swift 570 with fixed bunks in our local dealer. We had a look at it today and it's reduced by about £2,500 over the list price. I don't know what you're paying for yours, but if you want a brand new van then this one looks like a very good buy. If you're anywhere near Bradford, then it might be worth taking a look.
We have a ten year old Swift, and apart from some very early teething problems, and a cracked back panel after an accident, which allowed a water leak for a short time, we haven't had any problems.
I have a Fairway 570 (another Dealer special edition)layout is great and will serve a family well. I have some damp issues which are on going with mine that i am not sure are just down to bad luck. On and around the small rear door is where I have the problem, so check the area well, make sure the side door doesn't leak as it can go unnoticed. Also speaking on other forums with this general swift group layout that particular area under the rear bunks is very prone to condensation. Swift have tried to resolve the problem by fitting floor vents in the area, but this has only marginally solved the problem. According to my dealer it is also possible for condensation to run down from the top rear quarter (by the bunks)inside the wallboard, this giving the impression of damp, so check this area with a fine toothcomb. As it is your first van make sure your towcar is upto the job as is comes in heavy at a MTPLM of 1500kg.
we have a swift charisma 570 (2004) and it is a great van, it handles really well when towing and it has been dragged as far as Italy as well as all over the uk, it has had no problems apart from a cracked shower tray which i got the dealer to replace as part of the sale deal.
I would recommend getting a motor mover as these are long vans and they are a god send when getting in to a tight pitch. also odd one but if you are thinking of going over to europe then you can only get breakdown cover through the caravan club as the van is 7.2m long and the standard companies (AA/RAC) dont cover vans in europe over 7m long. over all I love the van and the space in side it gives you.
I will echo southfields views about the van, we love it and the issues above are being resolved, it is true about the towing stability, with the right outfit it really is stable. Hoping to get a motor mover fitted later this year, if nothing else only to point it nose first on my driveway.
Hello just sold our abbey aventura 330 was sad to see her go, no problems at all and a good family layout, good luck with your viewing, let us all know please.
------------- wishing everyone,,,,what you would wish for yourselves x
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