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Swift Challenger 530
Caravan
(Sleeping Capacity 4 persons)
 
Swift
Challenger 530 Overview
This is a 4
berth caravan on a single axle with gas & electric water
and central heating. There is a good sized fridge that
runs off gas, 12v or 240v. All the windows and the door
have fly screens, concertina style rise and fall blinds
and curtains. There is a large Heki roof light in the
lounge area and an extractor fan in the kitchen area. A
status directional aerial can be lined up from inside
the caravan.
The layout is
two front seats that can be used as 2 single beds or
made up into a double bed and a side dinette that
converts into bunk beds. The kitchen area has a very
generous work surface (we found most other caravan
layouts to be lacking in this). There is a full cooker
with 3 gas rings and 1 electric hob. There is also a
microwave on the shelf over the cooker. I have always
been a bit wary of the health and safety of microwaves
that are at eye level but no problems up to now. I must
say that we have found it very handy.
This model has
an end bathroom which is an essential for us. We like
the facility of having everything (clothes, toiletries
etc) all to hand in the “bathroom”. The shower is a
large walk-in style and the toilet is the new style
cassette (It doesn’t do anything that the other one
didn’t but just looks a bit different)
I think that the
two main issues of layout are fixed bed or end bathroom.
You could have both which would be great but they are
all twin wheelers and need a big tow vehicle. For us it
has to be end bathroom, so we just have sleeping bags
and use the front single beds. We find this layout to be
the best for us as we can use the side dinette when we
are on our own or set the bunk beds up if we have the
Grandchildren with us.
We haven’t had
any problems at all with this van.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
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End bathroom
Can be used as 2
singles Or a double bed
Wider body
(7’6”)
Lots of storage
Large work
surface in kitchen
Wider door
Proper opening
bathroom Door instead of flimsy sliding door
Transverse fixed bed
Good use of room in shower cassette
toilet
Full Oven
Great Layout |
On-board Whale pump which is a bit
noisy when in use, but gives a great shower
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The Cost
For a new 2008
model expect to pay around £13,500
The Verdict
We’ve had a few
caravans with various layouts but think this is the one
for us. It is so versatile and can even be used as a
“fixed bed” if you are staying on a site for a while.
Just make up the front beds into a double and leave it
made up. The side dinette is adequate for eating at or
the awning can be used for dining and sitting room. It’s
having the different options that we like.
Information and Links
For further information on Abbey Caravans
visit
Swift Caravans
For further information on Swift
Caravans visit
Swift Owners Club
Looking for a second-hand
Caravan, try here
Classified Ads Caravans
Reviewed by
Carol (G3rol) for 365 Camping Caravanning
Reviewed 2008
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