I’m a Non-Executive Director of Bailey and owner for 4 years of a 2020 DiscoveryD4-2 which my wife and I love using. I must complement you on your very informed and well considered comparison. Naturally you would expect me to to be biased but, being as objective as I can, I understand the distinctive styling appeal of the Basecamp 2 but I would always choose the D4-2 for its large wet room, wardrobe and more open plan layout. I am also sure we would not manage without enclosed storage for bedding and camping hardware. We nearly always have our bikes on the A-frame carrier, so I’ve been able to move the spare wheel to an underfloor carrier behind the axle without worrying about light nose weight. I fitted a TV bracket on the wall which frees the fridge unit top for food prep, coffee machine, toaster etc. We do have a kitchen extension flap but only seem to need it occasionally because the glass hob top is often down. I had some involvement in the D4-4L design, so I’m pleased you like it. Keep up the good work!
An excellent video giving an in-depth comparison of Swift's Basecamp models and Bailey's Discovery models. The motto should be: "All choices between caravan manufacturers/models involve compromise". Price/weight/ outside appearance/comfort/heating/ kitchen/beds/adaptability ... And really the answer in any comparison is valid only for the person making the choice. If it were me it would be the larger Bailey but, then again, I'm never going to use the van to transport bikes! I bought a new van in 2022 so not really in the market for another one yet but, if I were, this would be a great starting video to narrow down some options. Even without the need to choose a van, this was a good video to watch. Thank you!
Just letting you know Sprite Musketeer 1968/9 made a a fold up fixed bed my parents had one we had two dinette areas and the bed folded down at night, so please Bailey look at it again, it;s a great idea and the review was great no need to hide, very good review x
@@NotAnotherWhiteBox The Basecamp. I agree with you on the kitchen area, I prefer the window at the front in the Basecamp and I like the door at the back. But will have to go for a more modern version as I like the window in the door at the back.
Great video Cameron, as you well know I am a big fan of the discovery and I feel this generation is immensely more upgraded than the series 1 I owned. When they designed the original discovery they actually made sure it had a light noseweight to compensate for the bike carrier. I know when I had mine it was always 55kg!
Thank you, yes it can’t be emphasised enough how they made many changes from the first D4 models in 2020 to the second ones in 2023. Bailey advertised things like graphics and new wheels, but quietly they redesigned bits of furniture, added more storage and improved the fit and finish of many aspects of the Discovery. Kudos to them for developing the model and keeping it good value for money.
I totally agree that the Base camp 3 needs that mattress to be upholstered in the same fabric as the seats. It would make such a difference to the aesthetics of the caravan, the push-back sofa bed design is fantastic, but I mean, who wants to sit on a white mattress? Swift are missing a trick here, they should at least offer an option to upgrade the upholstery on the bed - I'd definitely go for it!!
We thought the same! I was at the launch of the BC3 and until I pointed it out, no one seemed to notice that the bed could be configured as a sofa at all 😂 I definitely think a trick is being missed there by not covering it in the same fabric as the rest of the upholstery. It would be no different to sleeping on the seat cushions in other models. The sofa bed is a BIG selling point, in my opinion.
We love our Basecamp 4. Bedding indeed folds nicely in a couple of ikea bags and stores under the bed. And yes we defo take the bags into the house to load up for our trips. They hang really well in their slots and have never fallen out.
As a first time and solo caravanner, I'm very tempted by the Bailey D4-4, because of the larger bathroom and fixed bed. I doubt I'll notice it on the back of my Kia EV6!
Go for it! Also I want to give a quick shoutout to the superb Facebook group “Caravanning With EVs” as it’s a real mine of information and shared experiences. By all accounts, the EV6 is a fantastic towcar.
The Knaus Sport & Fun's rear door isn't really an entrance door, but a hatch to allow the loading of items. Of course, there isn't any reason why it cannot be used as a door, but the Sport & Fun does have a dedicated entrance door on the right side of the caravan. A better example would have been the Trigano Silver (they may be known as a different brand currently) pop-up range which has a model with a rear door. So, even on mainland Europe, a dedicated rear entrance door is rare. The Basecamp is therefore quite unique. A rear entrance door is far more prevalent on Australian and South African off-road camper trailers, but these are often not really caravans as we know them. The main influencer likely being the way that campsite pitches are set out so that there is a place to park and a space to the side for putting an awning and just lounging about. This is not a factor when overlanding in the outback of Australia or the bush of Southern Africa such as S. Africa, Namibia, Botswana and the like where their campsites are more of a plot than a pitch and are far larger than any European pitch. Personally, I really like the Basecamp concept, but really wish Swift would create a version with proper off-road suspension (such as in the Opus off-road) and a support structure (like a roll-cage if you will) to take the strains on the body from more rigorous tracks and fields. It would nevertheless, still likely be a soft off-roader and not on a par with true off-road caravans. I would just like to see them expand the 'basecamp' theme a little.
Brilliant review, you do an excellent job, our preference would be a fixed single bed van if we could afford one, but getting to close to our "expiry date" for all the expense. Keep up the good work. Jimmy and David. 🍻🙂
Cameron, I just watched the in-depth review of the Bailey Discovery D4 , it was really fun watching, especially the bunk bed death trap. I had never seen one before and I hope never to see one again
In August this year I was comparing both '2' models side by side. For me it was the aesthetics and the kitchen in the Swift that won the day. Personal opinion but I actually found the Swift Command easier to use than the somewhat sensitive Truma controls ?
The kitchen was an easy win for the BC2, it’s better laid out than kitchens in most caravans! Swift Command is great… when it works. It works in the BC, but in other Swift models that have the heating system integrated into it, it can get a little bit complicated for the end user. I have to admit, the new 2025 version seems a lot simpler. The earlier Command units were notoriously problematic and they even took them off production for a short while so that the problems could be ironed out. As people found out, you can’t use the caravan at all if the system stops working! For me, it’s going to take a while for me to trust this software lead switching when things like the digital Dometic fridge have also been so problematic within the industry too. I’m all for technology and progression, but it has to be proven to work better than what it’s replacing.
I’m surprised neither offer a ‘no-gas’ option and use induction hob. Would save weight of gas pipes, etc and also reduce failure points and servicing requirements.
I think it’s because there’s still gas required for the heating and hot water system. It would cost them more money in the long run to stock them separately and fit each caravan out accordingly at the factory.
@robforrest12739 of course, it’s one of the options I found for the Capsule. It makes it significantly cheaper. An electric plinth heater is about £100 and the electric only hot water is about £200.
As I said later on in the video, most owners have storage boxes or tote bags that they store their bedding in underneath the front seats. Not ideal, but better than putting it in the bottom of the wardrobe.
With our Basecamp 2 we have a mattress topper as well. This is rolled up and put in cylindrical dry bag because they are tougher than the 2 stuff sacs that we put our pillows and duvet in. These all fit easily under the sofas. There is still some room left for other things.
I don’t think so, it’s higher spec’d and it’s heavier. I also don’t think it’s the same concept as the Bailey, it’s a very traditional caravan in every way apart from its narrow width.
I've said it before Cameron but why would you go for a Basecamp 2 or a Discovery D4-2 when there's a Phoenix 420 around? Yes the BC's overall length is 18 or 20ins shorter but inside it's 13ins shorter than the Disco and a whapping 35ins shorter then the 420. Standard payloads are roughly the same being based on the NCC's minimum payload formula but upgraded the Disco gets a 213kg payload, the 420 275kg and the BC a ridiculous 368kg on current models but some older ones had 200kg less. Then there's the single beds, with the Basecamp only managing 6ft which means really only comfortable for those around 5ft 9ins or so. Both Bailey's are listed as having 6ft 2ins singles and the actual available stretching out space in the 420 is 6ft 3ins. Both BC and Disco are missing a microwave and have wet rooms with the horrible clingy curtain problem. The 420 has a good size separate shower cubicle and a microwave plus a separate oven and grill. As far as I recall you make no mention of price and that's the killer. the Discovery D4-2 is listed at £20k and the Basecamp 2 is £25k, that's a whole 25% more. The 420 still comes in at less than the BC at £24.5k. Just because it looks like a normal caravan outside is no reason to ignore what is better in so many ways than the 'trendy' looking options.
I can’t deny that you’ve got a point there. But ultimately, “cool factor” trumps a lot of these points in the eyes of most consumers. The Phoenix GT75 range is superb, but it’s also the blueprint for what a sensible entry level caravan is, and that’s why they sell so well. For a sizeable niche market, that’s not a reason to buy one. They want to feel special and like they own something with a bit of character and flair. I don’t think that the Basecamp and Discovery offer that as much as something like the Barefoot or an Eriba, but they’re a much more affordable price for people starting out.
Cameron, I’m going to say that I do think that each caravan appeals to a different audience, I know people do rave about the Basecamps, however as much as I would love to carry a canoe and be all sporty and have those bag for life things, I am going to be putting throws and co ordinated cushions , scented candles and a cheeky Prosecco in a wine cooler, as for the window at the front, I love it, believe me, I’m a friendly chap, but I don’t want to scare the campers in my turban. Oh and please forgive me, I was talking to another caravan presenter and they were having a moan, I may have said that they should perhaps get some tips from you, I got a look, so if you are at a show or something and someone is giving you a hard stare, sorry !
It’s funny you say that, I see plenty of Basecamp owners who think the same and dress up their Basecamps accordingly. I think people fall in love with the personality that the Basecamp has. The Discovery obviously lends itself more to a cosy interior by design. Don’t worry about it. Sadly not all people in the industry are friendly and pleasant, so I won’t take it personally 😂
Love my BC2, owned since 2018. Not a fan of all the "aggressive" styling lumps that have appeared, including the useless box thing on the back. Much prefer the orange over the blue and a lot of people want the original grey trims back rather than the newer matte version. having said that, it's like a TARDIS inside, really easy to tow and best of all, NO CURTAINS! There's also a huge Basecamp community as well.
I’m inclined to agree. I do like the newer blue graphics and the washroom wall coverings are a huge improvement over the older plain white PVC ones. I was kindly let into the original Basecamp owners group by a lovely chap called David Haigh who had one of the first ones. He was keen to build a community and had lines of communication with Swift to feedback constructive customer opinions. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years ago, but the community carries on and they have several meets per year. I have to admit, that community is a big selling point for me.
Hi , we’ve had our bc2 for over 6 years now. Perfect for Two electric bike storage Aqua roll and waste etc. Great community on line. Been to a few meets 👍 It’s a tardis 👍👍👍
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Good in-depth review of caravans in general just found your channel and really enjoy watching you keep up the good work
Thanks john
I’m a Non-Executive Director of Bailey and owner for 4 years of a 2020 DiscoveryD4-2 which my wife and I love using.
I must complement you on your very informed and well considered comparison. Naturally you would expect me to to be biased but, being as objective as I can, I understand the distinctive styling appeal of the Basecamp 2 but I would always choose the D4-2 for its large wet room, wardrobe and more open plan layout. I am also sure we would not manage without enclosed storage for bedding and camping hardware.
We nearly always have our bikes on the A-frame carrier, so I’ve been able to move the spare wheel to an underfloor carrier behind the axle without worrying about light nose weight. I fitted a TV bracket on the wall which frees the fridge unit top for food prep, coffee machine, toaster etc. We do have a kitchen extension flap but only seem to need it occasionally because the glass hob top is often down.
I had some involvement in the D4-4L design, so I’m pleased you like it.
Keep up the good work!
An excellent video giving an in-depth comparison of Swift's Basecamp models and Bailey's Discovery models.
The motto should be: "All choices between caravan manufacturers/models involve compromise". Price/weight/ outside appearance/comfort/heating/ kitchen/beds/adaptability ...
And really the answer in any comparison is valid only for the person making the choice. If it were me it would be the larger Bailey but, then again, I'm never going to use the van to transport bikes!
I bought a new van in 2022 so not really in the market for another one yet but, if I were, this would be a great starting video to narrow down some options.
Even without the need to choose a van, this was a good video to watch. Thank you!
I don’t care if Cameron wears eyeliner or not, he’s gorgeous 😊
Why thank you, you’ve made me blush 😅
Just letting you know Sprite Musketeer 1968/9 made a a fold up fixed bed my parents had one we had two dinette areas and the bed folded down at night, so please Bailey look at it again, it;s a great idea and the review was great no need to hide, very good review x
Thank you. We couldn't make the show and this video just answered the main reason we were going.
You’re very welcome! Which model are you leaning towards?
@@NotAnotherWhiteBox The Basecamp. I agree with you on the kitchen area, I prefer the window at the front in the Basecamp and I like the door at the back. But will have to go for a more modern version as I like the window in the door at the back.
Great video Cameron, as you well know I am a big fan of the discovery and I feel this generation is immensely more upgraded than the series 1 I owned. When they designed the original discovery they actually made sure it had a light noseweight to compensate for the bike carrier. I know when I had mine it was always 55kg!
Thank you, yes it can’t be emphasised enough how they made many changes from the first D4 models in 2020 to the second ones in 2023. Bailey advertised things like graphics and new wheels, but quietly they redesigned bits of furniture, added more storage and improved the fit and finish of many aspects of the Discovery. Kudos to them for developing the model and keeping it good value for money.
Your videos are always very informative and very interesting. Excellent reviews, thank you.
I totally agree that the Base camp 3 needs that mattress to be upholstered in the same fabric as the seats. It would make such a difference to the aesthetics of the caravan, the push-back sofa bed design is fantastic, but I mean, who wants to sit on a white mattress? Swift are missing a trick here, they should at least offer an option to upgrade the upholstery on the bed - I'd definitely go for it!!
We thought the same! I was at the launch of the BC3 and until I pointed it out, no one seemed to notice that the bed could be configured as a sofa at all 😂 I definitely think a trick is being missed there by not covering it in the same fabric as the rest of the upholstery. It would be no different to sleeping on the seat cushions in other models. The sofa bed is a BIG selling point, in my opinion.
We love our Basecamp 4. Bedding indeed folds nicely in a couple of ikea bags and stores under the bed. And yes we defo take the bags into the house to load up for our trips. They hang really well in their slots and have never fallen out.
I personally think that the Adria Action nails it...
As a first time and solo caravanner, I'm very tempted by the Bailey D4-4, because of the larger bathroom and fixed bed. I doubt I'll notice it on the back of my Kia EV6!
Go for it! Also I want to give a quick shoutout to the superb Facebook group “Caravanning With EVs” as it’s a real mine of information and shared experiences. By all accounts, the EV6 is a fantastic towcar.
The Knaus Sport & Fun's rear door isn't really an entrance door, but a hatch to allow the loading of items. Of course, there isn't any reason why it cannot be used as a door, but the Sport & Fun does have a dedicated entrance door on the right side of the caravan. A better example would have been the Trigano Silver (they may be known as a different brand currently) pop-up range which has a model with a rear door. So, even on mainland Europe, a dedicated rear entrance door is rare. The Basecamp is therefore quite unique. A rear entrance door is far more prevalent on Australian and South African off-road camper trailers, but these are often not really caravans as we know them. The main influencer likely being the way that campsite pitches are set out so that there is a place to park and a space to the side for putting an awning and just lounging about. This is not a factor when overlanding in the outback of Australia or the bush of Southern Africa such as S. Africa, Namibia, Botswana and the like where their campsites are more of a plot than a pitch and are far larger than any European pitch. Personally, I really like the Basecamp concept, but really wish Swift would create a version with proper off-road suspension (such as in the Opus off-road) and a support structure (like a roll-cage if you will) to take the strains on the body from more rigorous tracks and fields. It would nevertheless, still likely be a soft off-roader and not on a par with true off-road caravans. I would just like to see them expand the 'basecamp' theme a little.
Brilliant review, you do an excellent job, our preference would be a fixed single bed van if we could afford one, but getting to close to our "expiry date" for all the expense. Keep up the good work. Jimmy and David. 🍻🙂
Cameron, I just watched the in-depth review of the Bailey Discovery D4 , it was really fun watching, especially the bunk bed death trap. I had never seen one before and I hope never to see one again
In August this year I was comparing both '2' models side by side.
For me it was the aesthetics and the kitchen in the Swift that won the day.
Personal opinion but I actually found the Swift Command easier to use than the somewhat sensitive Truma controls ?
The kitchen was an easy win for the BC2, it’s better laid out than kitchens in most caravans! Swift Command is great… when it works. It works in the BC, but in other Swift models that have the heating system integrated into it, it can get a little bit complicated for the end user. I have to admit, the new 2025 version seems a lot simpler. The earlier Command units were notoriously problematic and they even took them off production for a short while so that the problems could be ironed out. As people found out, you can’t use the caravan at all if the system stops working! For me, it’s going to take a while for me to trust this software lead switching when things like the digital Dometic fridge have also been so problematic within the industry too. I’m all for technology and progression, but it has to be proven to work better than what it’s replacing.
Very helpful, thank you! 😊
You’re welcome! ☺️
Thank you
I’m surprised neither offer a ‘no-gas’ option and use induction hob. Would save weight of gas pipes, etc and also reduce failure points and servicing requirements.
I think it’s because there’s still gas required for the heating and hot water system. It would cost them more money in the long run to stock them separately and fit each caravan out accordingly at the factory.
@@NotAnotherWhiteBox can’t they do an electric-only heating I wonder?
@robforrest12739 of course, it’s one of the options I found for the Capsule. It makes it significantly cheaper. An electric plinth heater is about £100 and the electric only hot water is about £200.
I like the Basecamp but I've always wondered what you did with your bedding. If you put it in the wardrobe, where do you put your clothes?
As I said later on in the video, most owners have storage boxes or tote bags that they store their bedding in underneath the front seats. Not ideal, but better than putting it in the bottom of the wardrobe.
With our Basecamp 2 we have a mattress topper as well. This is rolled up and put in cylindrical dry bag because they are tougher than the 2 stuff sacs that we put our pillows and duvet in. These all fit easily under the sofas. There is still some room left for other things.
How do these compare to a Wingamm Rookie......?
Is the swift compact not a better comparison with the Bailey' ?
I don’t think so, it’s higher spec’d and it’s heavier. I also don’t think it’s the same concept as the Bailey, it’s a very traditional caravan in every way apart from its narrow width.
Oh honey, the more interesting question is what type of eyeliner do you use?
Simple choice. Basecamp 2 plus awning.
I've said it before Cameron but why would you go for a Basecamp 2 or a Discovery D4-2 when there's a Phoenix 420 around? Yes the BC's overall length is 18 or 20ins shorter but inside it's 13ins shorter than the Disco and a whapping 35ins shorter then the 420. Standard payloads are roughly the same being based on the NCC's minimum payload formula but upgraded the Disco gets a 213kg payload, the 420 275kg and the BC a ridiculous 368kg on current models but some older ones had 200kg less.
Then there's the single beds, with the Basecamp only managing 6ft which means really only comfortable for those around 5ft 9ins or so. Both Bailey's are listed as having 6ft 2ins singles and the actual available stretching out space in the 420 is 6ft 3ins.
Both BC and Disco are missing a microwave and have wet rooms with the horrible clingy curtain problem. The 420 has a good size separate shower cubicle and a microwave plus a separate oven and grill.
As far as I recall you make no mention of price and that's the killer. the Discovery D4-2 is listed at £20k and the Basecamp 2 is £25k, that's a whole 25% more. The 420 still comes in at less than the BC at £24.5k. Just because it looks like a normal caravan outside is no reason to ignore what is better in so many ways than the 'trendy' looking options.
I can’t deny that you’ve got a point there. But ultimately, “cool factor” trumps a lot of these points in the eyes of most consumers. The Phoenix GT75 range is superb, but it’s also the blueprint for what a sensible entry level caravan is, and that’s why they sell so well. For a sizeable niche market, that’s not a reason to buy one. They want to feel special and like they own something with a bit of character and flair. I don’t think that the Basecamp and Discovery offer that as much as something like the Barefoot or an Eriba, but they’re a much more affordable price for people starting out.
Cameron, I’m going to say that I do think that each caravan appeals to a different audience, I know people do rave about the Basecamps, however as much as I would love to carry a canoe and be all sporty and have those bag for life things, I am going to be putting throws and co ordinated cushions , scented candles and a cheeky Prosecco in a wine cooler, as for the window at the front, I love it, believe me, I’m a friendly chap, but I don’t want to scare the campers in my turban. Oh and please forgive me, I was talking to another caravan presenter and they were having a moan, I may have said that they should perhaps get some tips from you, I got a look, so if you are at a show or something and someone is giving you a hard stare, sorry !
It’s funny you say that, I see plenty of Basecamp owners who think the same and dress up their Basecamps accordingly. I think people fall in love with the personality that the Basecamp has. The Discovery obviously lends itself more to a cosy interior by design.
Don’t worry about it. Sadly not all people in the industry are friendly and pleasant, so I won’t take it personally 😂
Watch the full live-in test that we did of the Bailey Discovery D4-4L here: th-cam.com/video/kfG91I0y_2k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5mc2q71UMxKS_plL
Love my BC2, owned since 2018. Not a fan of all the "aggressive" styling lumps that have appeared, including the useless box thing on the back. Much prefer the orange over the blue and a lot of people want the original grey trims back rather than the newer matte version. having said that, it's like a TARDIS inside, really easy to tow and best of all, NO CURTAINS! There's also a huge Basecamp community as well.
I’m inclined to agree. I do like the newer blue graphics and the washroom wall coverings are a huge improvement over the older plain white PVC ones. I was kindly let into the original Basecamp owners group by a lovely chap called David Haigh who had one of the first ones. He was keen to build a community and had lines of communication with Swift to feedback constructive customer opinions. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years ago, but the community carries on and they have several meets per year. I have to admit, that community is a big selling point for me.
Hi , we’ve had our bc2 for over 6 years now. Perfect for Two electric bike storage
Aqua roll and waste etc.
Great community on line. Been to a few meets 👍
It’s a tardis 👍👍👍
Who cares about the caravans ! That coat & shoes are fabulous
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