What are the lightest Swift touring caravans?
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With more interest in lightweight caravans than ever before, understanding what the industry has to offer is an important part of your research. Swift’s lightest caravans are the Swift Basecamp and the Swift Sprite Compact.
Both of these caravans are some of the lightest and most versatile touring caravans on the market today. Industry leading in what they have to offer and with a following famed by enthusiasts and owners alike, these caravans are a great lightweight option, and we can't wait to tell you more about them.
Swift Basecamp
The Swift Basecamp is arguably one of the most iconic lightweight caravans on the market today. Perfect for any of life’s adventures, it is frequently regarded as the ideal step up from camping, bridging the gap between versatility and luxury through innovative design and sporty exteriors. The Swift Basecamp lineup is the pinnacle of lightweight caravanning, with prices starting from £24,495.
The reason for its fame lies in its innovative features. Despite being equipped with everything you could need—from an oven, grill, and hob to a fridge, shower, and ample storage space—the heaviest version of the Basecamp, the Basecamp 4, weighs just 1,146 kg and can accommodate up to four people. And there’s even more to the Basecamp than meets the eye.
Swift Basecamp 2
The Basecamp 2 is Swift's lightest touring caravan, weighing in at 1043kg and measuring 5.1m x 2.28m. Designed to accommodate two adults with a single axle, this lightweight, hi-tech caravan has everything you could need for a perfect weekend away - without cumbersome design features or unnecessary clutter.
Swift Basecamp 3
The Basecamp 3 strikes the perfect middle ground in the lineup, with an additional 0.49m in length compared to the Basecamp 2, resulting in a three-berth setup that weighs just 1,126 kg.
Swift Basecamp 4
The Basecamp 4 is the heaviest iteration of this lightweight van, weighing 1,146 kg and accommodating up to four adults. Despite its increased capacity, it is only 0.49m longer than the Basecamp 2 and just 103 kg heavier.
"The combination of practicality, economy, and environmental benefits makes lighter caravans an attractive option for many travellers. Both the Sprite Compact and Basecamp are compact and lighter in weight than traditional caravans, the ranges are easy to tow by most family cars and are easier to manoeuvre once on site."
Jo Mitchell, Marketing Director at Swift
Swift Sprite Compact
The award-winning Swift Sprite Compact is a market leader in the lightweight touring caravan space, with an MTPLM of just 1,094 kg and starting from £21,195. It is the ideal two-berth caravan for those new to touring or seeking a lighter, more manageable option that’s as ready and capable as any other, without the extra weight.
Inside, the Swift Sprite Compact features contemporary furnishings, high-quality materials, and a well-planned layout that optimises every inch of space to maintain its low weight. The living area is designed to be multi-functional, offering a comfortable seating arrangement that easily transforms into sleeping quarters. A fully equipped kitchenette allows for convenient meal preparation, while ample storage solutions ensure all essentials are within reach. The caravan’s advanced insulation and heating systems make it suitable for year-round adventures, providing a comfortable retreat regardless of the weather outside.
The benefits of a lighter touring caravan
A lighter touring caravan offers numerous advantages.
Firstly, a lightweight caravan can be towed by a broader range of vehicles, providing more flexibility in choosing a tow car. This inclusivity makes caravanning accessible to more people without requiring a heavy-duty vehicle, simplifying trip planning.
Lighter caravans, like the Sprite Compact, are typically single axle and offer easier handling while towing, this makes driving less stressful and more enjoyable, especially on narrow or winding roads. Read more about what the differences between single and twin axle caravans are.
Lighter weight caravans also provide an economical, versatile, and user-friendly option for modern travellers, improving fuel or energy consumption during towing, reducing travel costs, and generally offering a better environmental impact.
Summary
In summary, the Swift Basecamp and Sprite Compact are both under 5 meters and 1,200 kg and stand at the forefront of the lightweight touring caravan market. They feature pioneering technology, and with their impressive versatility, they are unbeatable for a practical weekend away.