£70k and THIS COOL?! The NEW Swift Trekker and Trekker X *FULL TOUR*
The Swift Trekker is a new range of Ford Transit based campervans and this review covers the Trekker (5.5m long) and Trekker X (6m long) models. Both have 4 belted seats and sleep 4, so offer GREAT value and coolness at the same time!
These offer outstanding value for money in the current campervan market and are fully featured and have great layouts. Come and take the tour with us!
A really big thank you to Lowdham Leisure World (in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire) who let us film these two fantastic campers on their site. Check out their website if you'd like to see more details, www.lowhams.com
Keep a look out for our other new videos coming to the channel soon and a BIG thank you to all of our wonderful subscribers - we have been blown away by how many of you are now following what we are doing. We can’t wait to share more content with you.
Take care, sit back and grab yourself some Campervan Time !
Check out our merchandise shop at: shop.campervantime.co.uk
Facebook, Instagram - @campervantime
Contact: contact@campervantime.co.uk
#vantour #campervan #swifttrekker
Music from Epidemic Sound - Referral Code Here: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Great videos on the Trekker S & X. Have placed my order today for the X with automatic transmission. All the best! Jason.
Brilliant stuff! Let us know how you get on when you get it!
After viewing a few different models I saw the brochure for the Trekker. A quick search and came across your review. After watching your review I needed to see them in the flesh. West Country Motorhomes we’re having an open day with the Trekkers on show. Went down there and ordered the X. Looking forward to delivery. Thanks for your review.
No worries, glad it was helpful!
I definitely should have done better at school , I wouldn’t say 71k is a bargain 😮
It's a good chunk cheaper than their Sven and we tend to compare with what we currently use/own.
Not a bargain but better value then a California lol
Sorry we really should say that everything is relative - bargain compared to almost all other new standing room height campervans on the market today. Clearly £70k is a MASSIVE amount of money.
I did do better at school, & I wouldn’t say 71k is a bargain either 😂
@philhicks5818 neither would I, Dick Turpin had the courtesy of wearing a mask!!!!! 🎉🎉
Well done Swift! At last a home based manufacturer has come up with something fresh and contemporary! As a current Adria owner who can't justify trading up to a new Twin at £90,000 this could just steal show in that category! These two vans deserve a closer inspection!
If you seriously go for this after owning your Adria you need to consult a doctor, the difference in build quality is enormous.
I can't comment on build quality at the moment as I've not seen one in the flesh. I've had my Adria for 7 years without any major issues so you are correct that these vans need to be up to that very high standard!!
That looks so nice. Plenty of room. And really do like the colours that they have put in the van. Thanks for the comprehensive review.
Brilliant video . We have a 2023 California Beach and looking for something bigger with a toilet. This ticks all the boxes for us. Thank You so much for all the time and effort you both put in to make this review . This has helped us out more than you know. Hope you enjoy your new van . Cheers.
Brilliant video . Got a 2023 California Beach at the moment , which we love. Looking for something bigger and this ticks all the boxes. Thank You both for all your time and effort to make this review , it has helped us out more than you could know. Hope you enjoy your new van x
You're very welcome!
Maybe I missed it but is the hot water and heating run off gas or diesel ( as in the bailey endeavour ). I really believe diesel and lithium with solar panels is the way forward. Underslung gas is better than bottled as it's cheaper and space saving. BUT forecourts supplying it are getting less and less mainly due to the money that's made from EV charging points is much more lucrative. Elddis with their CV range must be thinking of this as their vans have all underslung tanks. I've visited lowdhams several times. They leave you alone and don't pester you. So big thumbs up for that. Did you get any info regarding lead times and delivery dates . Great review as usual keep them coming
Great video, enjoyed the walk around tour 👍
Thanks 👍
Excellent, looks fantastic, would like to see how a couple with a dog the size of Roxy or Bateman would travel. I agree with Will, the shorter Trekker is the most interesting, I like the openness of the internal layout, thanks for taking the time to review this, Swift have done a great job😀
Great video - thanks for showing us around. We value your experienced opinion.
Thanks for watching!
I went on Friday to have a look, as I was interested in seeing how they have made the layout work. There were three things which has put me off and will most likely order a Cali before production stops. When the driver seat is spun to face the table, there is no space to have another person opposite, no leg room and very cramped, I found the space between the kitchen and the shower/toilet room a little too small for my liking, and finally for me, the tall-ness of the van was more than I would want for something that would also be used as a daily van when needed. But, as with the NEC show, so many vans are good, like, really good and what we are seeing now is builders looking at ways to make the next step, the fit and finish now on vans is so high and it's nice that people are building on the Ford platform, which is helping to bring some of the costs of the vans down. The price of the Trekkers are priced very well, you could easily see that Swift could have added more to the price - given what some van builders are charging for pop-top conversions.
Love both. The first one. Because we are both small 😊. Good video 😊
Read a few comments below that it can't be used off-grid. Why? What would be the point of the solar panel? Heating is gas or electric I believe. Low energy LED lighting. We manage days with a 150w solar panel & a regular lead acid battery. We don't use any electric except for fridge, lighting & phone charging. No invertors. I'd maybe upgrade to lithium to get more out of the battery with the 100w panel
I'm a die hard VW fan, having just gone from a T5.1 to a LWB Crafter which I've had built bespoke by Wildworx. But the value that a Ford based van offers can't be ignored.
Another excellent review, thanks. Just as I was pondering whether or not we could handle the 6m Transit based Bailey Endeavour as a daily driver, along you come with a 5.5m Swift Trekker. It is, I think, a more practical option size wise and with the 4 belted seats for travel.
Great little campers and a great video as always. Will be placing an order for the S in a couple of months.
I had a good look today and took my tape measure. Not only is the bed smaller but the lounge is smaller. To look at they seem identical between the larger and smaller van. I’m tempted by the 6m Trekker X.
Thanks to you two we’ve just ordered the X model today xx with the 2025 upgrades
Great!
What are the 2025 upgrades? Extra to what's shown in this video?
It’s getting a different chassis so you’re able to tow heavier trailers also a head unit upgrade and a digital dash with reavers camera ..there nothing written down yet this was from this salesman mouth.also a different gearbox…and of course is more expensive
Swift have done a great job there. We would love to upgrade to one of these given it’s only half a metre longer than our current SWB T6.1 Campervan and still packs a large rear bed and a shower/toilet and retains a great sized pop top. Styling is good too. In terms of price, yes compared to a lot of other new vans of a similar spec e.g. MAN TGEs, VW Crafters, it’s very well priced. Definitely a van to keep an eye on when we hopefully upgrade in a few years time. Residuals will be interesting with VWs being very strong in this business!
Wow this van ticks all the boxes for me.. I need to view one asap!!
Let us know what you think!
As a NHS nurse - working full time - this is practically 2 years wages. So as others have said should have done better at school. great review - but obviously for people like yourself s' ~ and others that can afford it
Very informative ...thanks...................order placed yesterday for the X 👍
Wow! Any idea on the wait time?
@@CampervanTime ......September I've been advised
Thanks for posting this review - these vans have definitely caught my attention. Currently have a VW Cali but with two kids & a small dog its just a little bit cramped! Just need to find somewhere in Scotland that has one to view! Hope your both enjoying your new van, looks very smart!
Yup, the beer in bed sold me 🎉
Really do like these vans, but I think for me, the X with the bigger bed, bigger fridge and the oven would be the one to go for.
I really like the trekker and feel it could be the one for me. Only one gripe is the small window in the bedroom
You guys are full of innuendos ,”give it a good tug” ......it’s probably me ....😂
🤣
Great review. I’d have the shorter one if I was going to choose one. Just seems more open and practical. I’d still miss the practicality of the Cali with the adjustable living area or boot space to suit the needs of the day.
Great video, and looks good value compared to some other similar sized vans. Could I ask a couple of questions please? Was there a reversing camera, is it adaptive cruise, and do you know if there is a factory fit option for a towbar (for a 3 bike rack). Thanks.
No reversing camera that we could see on it anywhere (and not listed in the spec sheet) and no, it's not adaptive cruise, just regular cruise but it does have a limiter. Don't think there is any factory options at all apart from the auto gearbox. That said, I'm sure a towbar on a transit must be easy for a dealer to fit.
wow,thats a brilliant well thought out designed van! Well done Swift. And at that price it will be very popular. I love it. Thanks for the great video. How are you liking your very cool Sven Hedin?
We're loving it! Had a great few days away in the New Forest for Easter.
“It’s a stiff one,it’s coming”😂
Sarah, if the sockets by the sliding door were both laid in the same direction plugging with the cables would be very difficult as the cables would also be facing the same direction and one of the plugs would be obstructed by another plug which may be plugged in below so they thought I had I would say. Nice review by the way thank you for your look through the trekkers.
Have a Nugget atm and want to trade up to 5.4m van with a pop top bed so the Trekker fits the bill. Think I've found my next van!
Very good looking van & the price as well compared to others!! What, in your opinion, tips the Sven Hedin over these?
Good question re the Sven vs these. They are quite different vans really. Obviously no pop top on the Sven and I'd say the cupboards and general fit and finish are just a bit more long lasting and durable. The heating system in the Sven is totally different and radiator based, including under floor heating and heated shower tray. Diesel powered. Then there is a base van being an MAN rather than the Ford, so there is a bit more refinement there too. Sven also has reversing camera, adaptive cruise, LED headlights, bigger water tanks, bigger hot water boiler, hot and cold outdoor shower. But all that extra costs a lot more too!
A first class video of the new Swift campervan - thank you. I would have thought that there was definitely a market for a one or two berth version, especially on the shorter model, without the pop top which I assume could reduce the cost by say £2-3,000. Just a thought !
We thought the same - make the pop top optional and get it under £70k and more towards £65k but I'm sure they are wanting to try to keep manufacturing and supply chains simple to manage costs too
@@CampervanTimeagree, the smaller version, no pop top replaced with,diesel heating, lithium battery and reversing camera, Maxx Fan over the rear bed, auto for the same £70- £72k would be perfect for two people- I’d order it today!
A big considerstion for me is the base vehicle, part of the reason I’ve put off buying a GC is that I’d like my next van to be built on a next-gen platform. We know a Crafter update is coming with digital dash, electronic handbrake etc, do you (or any of your subscribers) know what Transit this is based on and if there are plans to refresh it at some point soon? It looks pretty dated already IMO
It nice but I have an issue with all vans that have a kitchen overhang in the doorway. One of the things I love to in my T6.1 dub (which I live in) is have the ability to slide the door open and sit and chill out. Even if I’ve got company it’s got room for 2. I know it’s not the be all and end all, but sometimes it’s nice to park up, have a brew without getting deckchairs out etc. when I went to the NEC van show even the vw crafters did the overhang. It makes the entry claustrophobic and blocks so much potential for gazing out the open doors. My next project will a full door slide gap…if that’s even a sentence 😂
What are peoples thoughts on the lack of fan ie maxx fan due to the pop top. Would that make this pretty stuffy or too hot in warmer climates?
With a pop top a rear lounge layout option would be nice
The shorter one would be great,just needs a cycle rack👍 I could see myself having an afternoon kip up in the roof with it all opened up on those rare 😎 ☀️ days
Ooooo I like the sound of that!!
We have a Sven Hedin on order and after watching this I still know for us we made the right choice, this van is very nice but for me the issue is it's a Ford and I just don't like Ford Vans, also google the earlier comment about a wet belt as it is a common problem with that system. I also much prefer the diesel heating system on vans, so much easier. I agree the shorter van is nicer with the more open feel as the 6m van looks too narrow inside and we want a 6m van and we don't want or need a pop top :) but they are priced well with some nice design and a great colour.
Hope the wait isn't too long for your Sven :)
Statistically the ford engine cam belt no more likely to go than any other. Combination of the biggest selling vehicle in the uk and the trade used to running the old chain system into the ground has caused issues. VW will be using the same engine in the new transporter range going forward 👍
@@CampervanTime Thanks so do I 😁
Surprised we didn’t see you as we were looking at those today. Did you see the gorgeous 4x4 hymer
Yes we did!! We felt that it seemed like a LOT more money on top of the Grand Canyon S (2wd) model for the crossover one... that said, it looks SO cool!!
Yes. Not cheap at all £136k! Very cool though. If we won the lottery then maybe
A brilliant review. I would like the smaller one to get on my drive ok.
I have damaged site frame. Where do i get new side plastic and window?
I would have preferred the trekka design in the longer van, too. That would have been way better than trying to sleep with a fridge motor near your bed head.
That's a good point
I think the penny has dropped at last! The transit is big in the RV scene in the states and the trail is the go to conversion vehicle. Some of these are just incredible. This is the closest I’ve seen to that. I hope the demand starts to filter through as the options widen and market forces down the price of conversion parts etc…
Loved your reviews 😊. Can I ask, does the pop top unzip completely or does it still have fixed fly screen? Was wondering how we could use an external thermal wrap in winter and install from inside and then use a ladder to do it up at back of van. If it doesn’t unzip completely obviously that would not work. Very much taller than our California which is a breeze to install the wrap
Hmm not sure if it does but I don’t think so from memory. Not sure I’d want to install a wrap on that pop top though! I might dare to say though that being an SCA roof it’s probably better quality than the VW Cali ones anyway!!
Thanks for getting back to us 😊. Yes it’s rather high! 😮 On another subject, we were wondering if the bed could get a few more cm length with the slightly protruding side windows? Wondered if you noticed that when you looked at it? My husband is 6,6 tall 😮 so I suspect he will have to sleep in the roof.
Roof I think!! Or tell him to curl up a bit !
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. The rear section is the most interesting but also most disappointing section of the 540 van for me. I far prefer the more minimalist set-up in the Westfalia Columbus 540 and 600/601 models in which a very simple slide and push raises the rear bed in half allowing all manner of things to be stored and carried transversely with complete flexibility in how the dead space beneath the bed is used. I don't like the cupboard's occupying so much of the cargo space in these Trekkers. In a Columbus the dog sleeps beneath along with a large inflatable sea kayak together with all other outdoor paraphernalia. Everything is a comp[romise and, sadly, for 5k less you would only get a 2017/18 Columbus 540 if one can be found.
I'm waiting for someone to build this van for a couple in a mainly rainy UK. So small stored table between the swivel seats, no dinette, and LONG seats in the rear LOUNGE (not fixed bed) for comfortable lounging in the rain. This can be made into a bed in bad weather, but can be left as a lounge and you can sleep in the pop top whenever the weather permits. If you've never known the luxury of a long u shaped lounge on a rainy day in the Lakes then you may not get it. This is still a continental design when you'll spend all day sitting outside and only come in to eat (dinette) and sleep (as long as you are vertically challenged). Have a missed a van like this?
Hillside Hopton I'd suggest.... But, some just really like the continental layout like this (us included) as it gives a nice sized garage space, zero faff bed and the front can be made comfortable quite easily we find.
Cheers. I've just looked at the Hopton but it lacks the pop top, so it's too similar to the Vantage Neo we have now. Just seemed there is a space for a UK layout van, utilising these new pop tops. I've not owned a fixed bed / dinette van, but at the shows, the dinettes feel too small for us to two smallish doodles.
Evening guys, this is a game changer isn't it!! Not only the price, but the style, colours,touch screen, space....I could go on and on! Great review on all the little details. I suppose you could upgrade the little things too like tyres, automatic transmission, but still just over £70k unbelievable. Thanks again.
We agree!
It’s a nice van for sure - how do you think it compares to the Bailey endeavour campervans?
Great question, quite different types of vans really due to the internal layouts. Need to see if we can get them side by side at some point!
@@CampervanTime yeah I’ve not seen the swift but have seen the Bailey and for the money seemed to tick a lot of boxes but great thing about vans is everyone loves a different layout.
That is one of the comparisons we are making as we consider next step from California Beach. Main issue with Bailey seems to be lack of storage for hook up cables, BBQs, chairs etc. Shorter van appealing too. If only diesel heating was an option.
It’s always a compromise on campervans. At the moment we have a 2020 pop top campervan and Swift Challenger 580 caravan. I would just like to have just one unit and these look great. I’m going to look for a dealer that has one to look at.
Nice looking van. Is that price for the actual van spec you were reviewing??
Yes! The only option available on each van is if you want automatic or not
Thanks
Wow looks amazing value build quality looks good shame there's no oven in the trekker 5.4m van the smaller 50ltr fridge is perfect you can fit so much into that fridge. Only use 1.5 amps power I bet the 70ltr uses 4amps bigger fridge's are a massive drain on batteries especially if you wild camp Doesn't say if the awning is an extra can't see it on the options list..
Awning is standard 👍
Let’s hope the bellows fabric is waterproof!! 🤞🤞
Being an SCA roof on these I'd bet my bottom dollar it would be!
How does the pop top open? Is it electric?
After looking at the trekker and the B64 from Bailey… which one!?
How do they vent the bathroom with no roof vent or window?
Was thinking this too. I'm guessing there must be an extractor fan in there?
I *think* there is a vent built in on the outside wall of the cubicle from what I remember.
The sockets are around that way for a very good reason...
So I’ve finally seen the Trekker in the flesh. I appreciate they were pre production but I was shocked by the quality. These are their showcase vans and going around the country The wood they are using for the bed base is a joke it was so heavy ( why) when you need to save as much weight as possible. I’m hoping they are going to swap this out for a lightweight metal/wood slats frame.. The wood itself seems to be the cheapest they could find. The screws were pulling out from the bed base. The draws/ cupboard door didn’t fit properly, panelling coming away from the walls. I think for Swift to sell these they are going to have to significantly improve the quality of the wood and cabinets and the quality of fitting workmanship. I was shocked how badly the van had been put together and the build quality… I’m curious as to why no reviewer has mentioned any of this… it really is that bad 🙄
72K for the 6M one does look good value with a proper SCA roof.
This is a very clever van. Do they make it for EU market?
Good question, we don't know! We've not seen anything about EU market versions, but I wouldn't be surprised
It’s a good size roof bed but king size is 150 wide so 130 is a double 😉👍🏼
I have checked, and you are incorrect (3.47). The seats have not been reupholstered. They are upholstered in the original spec fabrics.
Apologies if it isn't right, but it didn't look like standard ford fabric to us!
Everyone doing the interview of the vans product they all forget the window in the bathroom and safety
Who makes the table?
I don't know, Swift themselves probably?
No window in the washroom?
My wife says it’s ‘hacket’. Our van is a hymercar free btw. Step out is a danger. Not wide enough.
This is actually a very compelling offer. Not an awful Fiat for once. The pricing is genius. 2 vans. Manual or Auto. 4 prices. Very Apple. Everything included, inc the Solar panel. No extras apart from manual or auto. Great strategy. We are looking to change our Cali as our baby gets older and this ticks a lot of the boxes, apart from the AWFUL fabric on the seats. Truly awful. If it wasnt for that we'd look now and not in 2 years time. But at about 30K difference between this and a Westfalia it's a very good deal.
Just get the seats retrimmed if you hate them so much?!
@@CampervanTime maybe the 70s Barbarella space fabric will come back in fashion…
It will have been dropped in Two years, possibly the biggest faux pas that Swift have made in a very long time.
@@JsJourney-nz7ci Why? Looks a cracker to me at a great price, apart from fabrics.
Fantastic bargain!!! You would have to be mega rich to think so - or even buy this in the first place. Unless, you are going to live in it full time.
Wish i had much
Is no one else talking about ‘oohh its coming, its a stiff one!’…….
An attractive proposition, however, the Ford engine re wet belt design is of concern
Exactly wouldn't go near one of these new transits. I know mechanics from a Ford transit centre near where I live and the horror stories I've heard are scarey. The conversion itself is a breath of fresh air at last it doesn't look like your granny chose the fabrics and decor.
If it’s running the Ford 2.0 wet belt then that’s enough for me not to even consider it. Time bomb waiting to happen
A bit too garish for me. From the video the fittings and finish all sound a bit cheap and cheerful. As someone once said "scratchy plastic!"
It didn't feel cheap and cheerful to be honest, but colours are to everyones different tastes obviously
Alas, once again, another clever design that will never make it to the US market
80 quid ain’t bad hard work tho all the insurance maintenance what have yet
The magic 5.5m normal car park space family size and not a Fiat. Nice
It’s nice, but I don’t get it? It’s an adventure van that you have to plug in! So designed to be a go anywhere rugged do it all, that can’t go anywhere apart from campsites. It needs a diesel water heater/heater, a couple of solar panels, batteries and an inverter. Of course then it’s an £80k van. It’s cheap for a reason, but with the average campsite with hook up being £40 a night, you’d be better off with a white box!
Yes, built to a price point, but actually it is a good starter for anyone who might want to change / add those things later on perhaps.
Why bother get a rimor evo instead and get £13k change and a proper 4 berth motorhome, and not just a van.
Dear NatWest, can I borrow £71K I’ve found a lush van. What do you mean on yer Bike it’s a van 😢
Some 2023/24 transits are being recalled. Has swift been hit by this?
Can you have it without poptop?
I don't know, sorry
No - only with.
Massive recalls from Ford, most large fleet operators have turned to Mercedes and VW
Yes i've heard about this. rear axle bearing failures.😲This will hurt them in the campervan market. I have to say I have always walk passed the Swift stand at the shows. Never been of any interest to me. I don't think I will ever be of the age to like their interior design and then they go and make the trekker!! This is the first van that has made me consider them. if only the Ford was reliable and also I cannot find a stitch of info on what insulating material they have used and where. They are yet to contact me back.
If it was on a MAN would you have it?
Good question. Maybe - but only maybe. We don't need (or really want) the pop-top so the general design for us isn't quite right for our own personal needs. When you factor in the MAN being narrower and with a curved roof shape as well that wouldn't make this internal layout very easy to carry over. Plus it would cost quite a bit more, so then is closer to the Sven...
The finish looks pretty good but I'm not sold on the layout and space efficiency. Looks like a lot of unnecessary storage which limits form and function. The cabinets under the fridge should not be there, it should have been a larger fridge/freezer combo instead. Sticking the shower directly next the kitchen is not ideal either, only a hip-width of room in an area for preparing food.. Also no idea how you're going to operate the oven that low with such limited space. The van overall falls out of contention for stealth camping due to it's obnoxious design and proprietary flair. A bit over-engineered and not all that practical.
They obviously have a specific customer group in mind for it. Not sure we’d want the oven anyway. Bigger fridge yes please.
@@CampervanTime Market demographic aside, it still begs the question; how professional builders could get *this* much wrong from a practicality and utility standpoint. The kitchen area alone is a congested mess, large unnecessary non-conforming cabinets poking out, illogical layout of amenities and sub-par scale of utility. No idea how these people are in business lol.
This Car Need a Roumbad, than is it perfekt
my ex left me cuz one inch short so a whole half a meter is a huge deal -_-
Too tall even for the bigger one at 193cms unfortunately. Nice van though.
This price for a camper van is not a bargain. It is exposed GREED. You could do the customers a favour to inform the company that their greed is going way to far......
Any campervan is expensive - be that one that someone converts at home or buys ready done. Bargain is used a relative term when looking at others vans on the market brand new. Everything has gone up in price considerably, be that the base van cost, the materials used by the converter, the labour costs paid by the converter etc. Inflation has considerably increased the cost of campervans, just like everything else.
Possibly the most awful body decals I've ever seen on a camper, would have been so much better if it had been left more plain, it's £71k for a reason, Ford heavily discount the chassis to campervan builders because it's not the best out there, untold problems with the engine has seen so many large commercial van fleets turn their back on Ford and pay a bit more for Ducato's, Crafters, and Sprinters.
I'd probably say though that I've seen more and more converters start to use the ford Transit (in different sizes) over the last couple of years. May well be because the supply of Ducato's has been really difficult, but there are more Ford options now than there were.
She with the res jacket is not a good Van tour guide i must say.
£70K.......get a grip!
How is that a bargain, he's obviously not a nurse
Do you actually know what 70k looks like?
I’m a VW fan but on the face of it this puts the Grand California in the shade and much better value too!
It's great value!
What? The Grand California knocks this out of the park.
70k better off building one yourself 😂😂
I'm not sure you could if you bought the same spec new base van and fit out components though (comparing like with like) 🤷
I definitely could 😂
71k for a pop top. Absolute waste of time
It is a big pop top though
Bargain.