Basecamp 2 - Reflections after 2 years of ownership
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 พ.ค. 2023
- In this vlog, I reflect on the past two years of owning our Swift Basecamp 2 and the reality of ownership alongside the practicality of the features which make this funky compact caravan what it is.
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As a potential buyer, this is very informative and answers a lot of questions I had.
Cheers, and happy holidays.👍
I’ve been watching your videos with envy for a few months now and this has made me want to take the plunge to get one. My wife if on board now too because of this vlog.
Another great video Nick.
Best of luck Daniel and thanks for a great comment. It is a big decision and we certainly felt anxious about it at the time. Caravans are hard work at first whilst learning the ropes but now we are in the routine of it and there is always something ahead to look forward to.
We have had our BC2 for just over a year and completely agree with all the observations you make in your videos. Really enjoy them and have found them really informative.
Thanks Teirney. Great to hear back from a fellow owner. There are lots of other areas of feedback which I had recorded, but I didn’t include as the video would’ve been too long so I’m considering doing a follow-up video later date.
A brilliant review, .just what was needed as we think about purchasing one. Super encouraging comments and criticism. Looking forward to viewing your other videos!
Pleased to hear you found the content useful😊👍🏻
Another great review... you have no idea how much you've helped me in the process of buying a BC2 nor how much additional money I've spent on the extras I didn't know I needed that you've featured in your videos!
Well, I hope that’s all a good thing, Steve! Thanks for your comments for watching a video
Thanks for your very informative reflections of your ownership. Wish you many more happy adventures.
Nick, thanks for making the mistakes so we don’t feel so bad when it happens to us, 6 months into BC ownership. Made it all a lot easier by watching your blogs twice 😂. If I ever happen to be on the same site, I’ll leave a bottle by your door in thanks !
Thanks Neil. I still dropping clangers now 😂. All part of the fun!
Really enjoyed this 2 year review - very thorough and honest. Well done.
Thanks for the feedback Robin. Appreciated😊
Completely agree with your Motormover comments. My Freedom Jetstream is probably lighter and smaller than your Basecamp2 but the Motormover makes parking the van so much easier than having to lug it around single handed. For me at least, it's a must 🙂 Oven wise mine is identical and just as limited. The AirFyer has proved far more useful
Thanks for a really well thought out video. We are thinking of buying our first caravan and we had ruled this one out but on reflection having watched your video i think we really need to reconsider this. Many thanks.
Thank you for the review. Just what we are after for sure now after your review. Brilliantly 👍
Great reviw Nick...
Im looking for a small caravan and found this a perfect fit...
Thanks for making such and informative video 🙂
Thanks Paul. Pleased to hear you’ve found it useful and thanks for taking the time to comment😊
That was a fantastic video, I'm looking at a few small caravans at the moment so this was really helpful, thank you!
Thanks for the comment and best of luck finding your perfect Van.
Really useful and well presented video … Well done 👍👍
Hi there! Thank you very much for your review of the Base Camp van. When it first came out, I wanted one straight away! However, in 2014 I bought a used 2 berth tourer and towed it all the way from Northumberland down to Essex never having towed before! I thoroughly enjoyed it although I'm not so sure about the drivers behind me! My family thought I'd lost the plot because I actually lived in it for a year, but when my car broke down I had to sell it and rent somewhere. I was so disappointed! I vowed I would get another van as soon as I could. Well that was 10 years ago and I'm now 65 and about to retire. Although I have a few dodgy bits about the body, I'm still upright (if a little wobbly) and have been looking at pop up caravans as they look very easy to operate and are inexpensive. Thankfully, I'm not really into all the bells and whistles stuff in luxury caravans, and motor homes are just so ridiculously priced! As I value space more than anything, I will be looking at used Base Camps now as well. I think its a fantastic use of space which looks just right for me. The washroom is good too though when on Caravan sites I do prefer to use the facilities as much as possible and only use the washroom when necessary (mainly at night). Its as much to save energy on the emptying of the potty ritual as anything! And as a craft worker I can see myself making lots of things by the very excellent natural light coming in from those lovely windows. Just need a towbar now! And my pension! Thanks again. Enjoy your travels! 🙋🏴🇮🇪🙋🌊
Amazing comment. Thank you for taking the time to write such an extensive update. Best of luck on your journey back to a caravan❤️
Outstanding review, regardless of the topic.
The van itself is a little gem. For 1 to 2 people (+woof) anything else would be wasted.
Excellent, thank you.
Thanks. Great feedback😊
Thanks so much for a really great review 👍🏻
Great summary and video 😉👍
Really useful and helpful video, thanks ❤
Great video nick! 😊
Great video needed to see this..thank you 👍
Excellent review, thank you 👍
Thanks Nick🙏
I like the base camp caravan because the door is at the end but I don't like the tent part which is connected to it
Great review. I’m sold!
An Excellent vlog Nick and I totally agree with everything you said.
It’s thanks to you that we bought the Basecamp 2.
We had a holiday home on the Isle of Arran for 30 years and last April decided to sell it. We were in the queue for the ferry as we were going over for the last time to clear it out as it was sold when my wife said what do you think of this. It was a Basecamp I’d never heard of them. I never saw myself towing a caravan ever it didn’t appeal to me. So I did some YouTubing to see if there was anything on there about it. And I came across your vlogs that was it I was hooked. We bought a Basecamp2 last September been out in it 7 times now and have a course booked in July as I cannot get my head around the reversing yet.
But it’s thanks to you we now enjoy getting out and about and love being away. Lots of places booked this year to.
So a big thank you from us mate 👍🏻
Look forward to more of your vlogs.
Amazing feedback John. Thank you. It’s so humbling that my videos which I craft as a hobby have such an impact. Reversing is a minefield however essential to master one day the skills will be called upon on the roads. I still haven’t cracked it as I get disoriented easily. Thanks again for your comment😎
Yeh that’s why I’ve booked a course through caravan and motorhome club not cheap but will be worth it. I’ll probably book the advanced one also. As you say it’s essential. But I couldn’t be without my motormover 😂
Yet another fantastic video and very thorough. I honestly don't understand why SWIFT haven't approached you to be a brand ambassador for the Basecamp. Whilst I am leaning towards the Bailey Phoenix 420 as the best fit for my circumstances here in Japan, you never fail to make me reconsider the Basecamp and I can honestly say that I haven't crossed it off my shortlist.
Thanks Andrew. The Baileys are really nice especially with the long infinity windows. They are a notch above Swift in the overall finish.
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWalescamper for back of hilux double cab
Great review! Get your expectations in line with the reality.
You nailed it. It's a camper to use all year round. Not a luxury to park on your drive 97% of the year😃👍😎🤘
Nail on the head there Stu👍🏻
Great video. We have a campervan (Toyota Proace Matino) and a Swift Challenger 580. I have not towed the caravan for about 6 years. We just store it at a campsite in Cornwall. We have been thinking of selling everything and getting a large motorhome for touring long term. But then feel I have to tow a small vehicle behind. Now we are thinking the campervan and Swift Basecamp 2 would be a brilliant combination.
A perfect combination! I would personally love to own a campervan with the Basecamp.
cheers for ur review...
A great review Nick, although I would add that we often camp without an awning, particularly on short stays and dry weather, which makes it even easier setting up and taking down. The beauty of the BC2 tardis.
Thanks for your comment. I agree when the weather is fine there’s no need for the awning. If the space isn’t required. I’ve just got back from a camp where I didn’t use an awning and it did take the stress out of pack up and set up.
That’s really interesting. Maybe one with the back door with a bit of glass would be better then as we’d be doing mainly short trips at weekends.
Nice vlog, interesting to hear your thoughts as we did consider the Basecamp
I see you’ve gone for the Bailey Discovery. We did look at one of them. The quality and finish is a notch or two better than the Basecamp.
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales The Basecamp feels more rugged though. I think the Discovery is a nice halfway between the Basecamp and a "normal" caravan :)
@@heyholetstow That’s a good observation. Nicely put. We see the Basecamp more of a ‘camper’ than a caravan which was the attraction.
What a superb review, thank you
Fantastic summary. Agree with everything you have said. It was your thoughts and recommendations that helped our ownership. Now 15 months on we love our Basecamp. Are you coming to the Rally in September? Would be great to meet you and the Mrs. Not forgetting the dog 😊
Thanks Jason. Great to hear your enjoying your Basecamp…. We of course love ours! The wife and I are heading back to the Highlands in September so can’t make it this time round. I’ve not met another Basecamp owner yet whilst on tour so I think the Rally’s are a superb idea.
I teach advanced driving and have taken many caravaner though the cause my advice when towing a caravan. Always always always use your motor mover, pull just past your pick unhook and use your motor mover BUT go somewhere quite like a car park and learn how to revers your caravan. So why the motor mover well you can all look this up the number 1 insurance claim is reversing your caravan and you are far more likely to damage your caravan than have it stollen so people fit all the locks but do the number one insurance claim. reversing your caravan out claims all other claims put together so don't be sill and remove the number 1 claim. Second and in my view quite important how much did you pay for your motor mover £800 so use it.
BUT and i say this agin learn how to reverse a caravan because a time may happen when you have too for example a wrong turning.
Next time you are on a site ask the warden how may time ballads have been hit this season and you will be amazed.
Good video thanks for the information
James
Incredible insight and advice. Thank you for your comment
Thank you for this footage. I should like to own a Basecamp, but unfortunately I can't afford it, because it is way to expensive. Second Basecamps are hardly to buy.
Thanks heaps for that, that's super useful. I've seen lots of reviews but it was still a complete mystery how to use the shower, how long the toilet holds out for, what cooking is like and so on. Also handy to know about moving it around! It would have been interesting to get your thoughts on the solar/electrics, how long the fridge works on the battery. Anyway thanks, best review I have seen by far for the Base Camp. Also just wondering whether on reflection if you had the choice to swap now would you prefer a Basecamp 3 or 4 for the two of you?
Hi Nick. The Basecamp 2 is perfect for us. The BC 4 would give us a dinette to use but at the sacrifice of the super. king size bed and large bench seats. The fridge doesn’t work on the battery. It’s either from your electric hook up or on the gas. The only time a battery is used is when your hitched to your car and the fridge is drawing power from the car battery.
Thanks for sharing
And thank you for watching
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales your welcome looking at Basecamp three
Rather than a Four Berth caravan due to increased fuel costs
Hi nick .just seen your video for the first time, brilliant and honest review about basecamp2. I Have got a vango awning but still to use it, if anyone has good suggestions asto putting these up It would be much appreciated 😊😊 Still to master the reversing on this unit. Keep up the good work and maybe we will run into each other if your up in the highlands
Thanks Michael😊😎
Another great video, do know if you could use the motormover to put it on fairly uneven rocky ground should I wish to go wild kamping in woods etc?
Hmmm… I would ask an expert on that. The mover can move the BC on an incline.
Excellent review. I was just wondering if you went for the ATC trailer control on this van or does it tow fine without? Also, did you get the plate upgrade? If you did, how much extra kg's dors the upgrade give you?
Good question
very usefull and well funded review! You did explain very well why you thought 30 C was not very comfortable, but you did not really explain why you thought minus 7 C was the limit? Would have been interesting to hear your thoughts on this as well. I wished you had shown/explain the differences between the 3 awnings a little more detailed.
That’s good feedback thank you. The awning question is probably a video on itself so I will that some thought. The issue I experienced at -7 was simply everything was frozen and I couldn’t maintain a warm body temperature all the time. I have created a separate Vlog on the actual experience which I think will give you the detail your interested in:-
th-cam.com/video/np77BQCns40/w-d-xo.html&si=s-Hkorhb5giGT-rb
Great video. I would say one thing about the motor mover having towed trailers myself is Not to rely on them for your reversing.
It’s good advice and I do always practice my reversing on every site however I wouldn’t ever be without the back up of a motor mover. Wouldn’t leave without one.
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales yes agreed. I’m not saying don’t have one but if someone gets in a sticky situation and are not a confident at reviewing. Like you said it’s good for deep gravely surfaces
Great resumé. Where did you get the triangular zip bags for the front overheads?
They are from ‘Bags of fun creations’. Find them on Facebook😊
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales many thanks for replying and for the info of course!
The one thing that deters me from caravanning is having to handle your own toilet waste. A video on your thoughts about the smelly business would be interesting.
It’s a very relevant question. The good news is the business of the toilet cassette is not smelly or revolting. There is a chemical called Elsan Blue that goes in the cassette. This chemical has a pleasant smell and dissolves all contents into a blue liquid. When emptying the cassette there is of course an aroma but of the chemical only. It’s not my favourite task relating to caravanning but its bark is most certainly worse than the bite. A good place to start would be to hire a Motorhome to see if you enjoy this style of camping and try the task of the toilet cassette.
Poos and toilet paper just dissolve ?@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales
So realistic and concise, good job.
It make a great bugout home, I would paint green with external thermal paint & put in a long burning stove you put in canal boats or a diesil heater.
Definitely!
Absolutely brilliant 🤩 thank you for this. Been dreaming of a Basecamp for 2 years. Doing lots of research but this was my first video view. The one we viewed to check if we’d be happy with one was amazing and I knew then it was perfect for us. (Young 50 years olds 😂)
What’s your thoughts on the glass on back door. Can’t decide if I need it or not when I do buy second hand. And does anyone know the difference between the specs - plus and plus 2? Or Basecamp 2 or Plus? Thank youuuu ❤
Hi Jane. Pre 2020 ish (don’t hold me to this) a Basecamp Plus had a solar panel and window in the back door where the standard Basecamp had neither. Post 2020 ish all Basecamp’s came standard with a window and solar panel. The window in the door allows a lot of light into the caravan and also quick viewing into the awning. A solar panel is an absolute must to ensure the leisure better is continuously trickle charged and also ideal of you intend to camp off grid.
Thank you so much. Much appreciated 👍🏼 Going to join the fb group too.
Hello. What engine and transmission is in your car? Are there any problems with the operation of the car when you are towing your caravan?
It’s a 2Ltr diesel automatic and the car pulls the caravan easily. I often forget it’s there!
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales Thank you! Good luck
Hi, here’s my 2 pence worth 😁
This month we’ve owned our basecamp 2 SIX years ❗️
We’ve travelled plenty, last year had 6 weeks in the Bordeaux region 👍
We often have our electric bikes inside and tied down, no problems.
Yes agree oven ain’t brill but does the job.
We bought a small microwave from Asda for £35 . It sits on a wooden board on the gas burners .
The vango awning is too big and heavy. So swopped it for the dometic 200 👍perfect .
Short trips we use the a wigo rain cover. 5 minutes to fit 😁😁
Highly recommend our caravan, yes there’s lots of moaners out there but we’ve had no problems……ish 🤣
Last year went to meet up with swift basecampers @50 odd vans turned up . No moaning there 😁
Though I would like to have a rear door with the window.
How do I get hold of a second hand one 🤣❗️
Currently in the Gower region in the middle of storm Kathleen 😱😱😱…. No awning today ❗️
Amen to that👏👏👏👏.
Sorry I should have commented first on your super videos . Very enjoyable 👍
We looked at the Basecamp and it looked over complicated for what it is. I joined a facebook basecamp group, and it seemed to be more about problems, rather than enjoyment experiences. In the end, we decided to for for the German Eriba.
A Basecamp is not going to appeal to everyone. The trouble with the leisure vehicle industry is that it is plagued with poor quality workmanship and no brand or product is excluded. The Basecamp Caravan is now becoming very popular. I think this is why there are more reports of workmanship problems coming through. We’ve had ours for over two years now and as described in this Vlog, we’ve had very minor issues.
Ihave viewed many caravans and motor homes 2nd hand and their condition has prevented me buying one. Don’t know how the leisure industry get away with it
Intresting comment. Could you provide some examples of what you’ve seen that put you off?
Hi, our Basecamp is due a service. We live in wrexham, can you tell me which NCC service engineer you used to come to your house? Thanks
Hi Chris. Just do a Google search for mobile caravan engineers in your local area (the engineer I use is from Conwy). Just check with the engineer that he/she is NCC certified before booking.
Thanks, do you remember who you used? I just googled it but I'm unsure. The most localist place to us says the caravan will have to left with them for 3/4 days for the service, a 4 hour service at our address is much more appealing. Thanks again
@@chris7142 here you go:-
www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk/item/chester-north-wales-caravan-services/
Thanks mate 👍
Is that a tree hanging out the window?
Did I hear you say you had an onboard waste water tank? 😊
Hi Helen. No I was talking about the on-board toilet waste tank. Not the most pleasant of subjects, but this caravan does have a larger than normal tank which reduces the amount of ‘walks of shame’ . It is also is ideal if going off grid.
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales that’s what I thought? 😃 I really love your vlogs! Very exciting when you post a new one. So informative and honest… i do need to confess I joined the FB sites and started watching you last year when we were seriously looking at buying a BC. However we bought a small swift van instead with a small French bed. ( I have shoulder and back problems so seemed easier) but all your videos still relate. Sat in the van now on a weekend away so perfect weekend for you to drop a video. Keep up the great work and your fab site recommendations 🤗👍
@@helenthomas2703 thanks Helen😊. The Basecamp is not for everyone so finding what works for comfortable camping will be different for everyone. Have a nice weekend and thanks again for your awesome comments👍😊😎
Can it take a roof tent?
I would have to say no because I can’t see how that could work. There is a solar panel on the roof plus to two skylights.
I have today entered in the competition to win this on BOTB
Good luck👍🏻🙏
Thank You
I feel that they are very expensive for what is really a very basic van.
Yep I would agree in some part. Pricing went high in 2021 to 2023. That said, the market is on the way down and prices are falling. Good time to buy as we speak.
Lol...Motor mover????😅😅😅
United Kingdom? I thought it was Pakistan or the bowls of Africa the last time i was there. Hardly find a person who can actually speak English. Where exactly are you living, rural middle of no where Scotland, The Jersey Islands, Isle of White buddy.
The country has been lost without a shot fired…..But that makes me no less proud of our history, heritage and beautiful landscapes.
These are nothing new, we own a van like this for over 20 years, it is an ABI Adventura. We have had fun with it every year.
We looked at exchanging for a base camp when they first came on the market, we walked away.
Why
To heavy
To long
Low payload
No door cupboards
Wardrobe with door
Gas bottles outside unlike the the ABI which has its bottle storage inside the body inside the thermal body of the caravan.
Insulated Gas bottle storage allows winter use of Butane.
The far end location of the double bed allows for easy conversation to a fixed bed 2 berth after the kids went their own ways.
In our opinion the Base camp is a very poor second to the ABI
That’s interesting feedback. I do like the ladder on the back of the ABI and it would be great to see Swift put one on the Basecamp. Would make putting the awning on the rail a lot easier. Not sure I’m personally with you on all the feedback but that’s the beauty of it all. Everyone takes something different out of it.
I can never understand caravan and motor home owners. Who in their right mind wants a holiday on a council estate on wheels 😵💫
That’s a very strong assumption which is a barrier to discovery. The beauty of it is that everyone can take something different from it. For us…. It’s the key that unlocks the far reaches of the great outdoors which would be untouchable without the caravan.
@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales
Far reaches of the outdoors in the uk ?
Yes there's a few gems of places you can find. But mostly you'll be parked on a hardstanding alongside many other caravans/motor homes. It's no assumption, it's fact. Buy a tent and you can pitch it just about anywhere and save yourself many thousands of pounds.
@@Martin-oz6lr yes you are right…. You don’t understand it! Thanks for your comments though.
yet you clicked on this video, hmm.