We bought this caravan in August 2020 after many viewings of other layouts we kept on coming back to this. It was the bathroom that sold it to me. I can honestly say that I love this caravan. We considered the open island bed, but the privacy when sat in your lounge at night is lovely, the lighting can be dimmed and I feel no need to see my bed the whole time I am in my caravan. The space in the bathroom becomes a dressing area, which allows peace and quiet for those who enjoy a lie in and those to enjoy the lounge without disturbing the sleeping ones - brilliant! If you have small children or grandchildren this set up is ideal, the children can go to bed and you can enjoy evening. (They will have a the comfy bed though!) The shower is ample size. The clear shower screen is no issue with privacy as both doors to the bathroom lock. When I shower it is non negotiable that I ban passing traffic! The taps do swivel in both the kitchen and bathroom. The bathroom sink is as large as you would get in any caravan, the water does not go everywhere when you wash. The small sinks in other caravans annoyed me so much and the tap got in the way - not in this one! The table in the locker at the side of the fridge is very easy to remove and put back. The door opening out from the bathroom has never been an issue at all. People know you are cooking? Having said that if the door opened inwards this may be better to avoid any mishaps. The bed is very comfy, I sleep in longer in the caravan than I do at home! I would say the only issue I have with this caravan is the heating all around the bedroom. The temperature gets very warm especially if the door is closed (which you would if you have the front bed being used by others) - the heating stat is above the caravan door, so the temp in the lounge is a lot cooler than your bedroom so the heating kicks in often. We are having a mobile stat fitted to be able to regulate the bedroom temp at night. One thing that was not mentioned which is fantastic in this caravan is the bluetooth connection to your control panel - I use it from my bedside (and sat outside drinking wine) to turn off lights, heating and with 3 timer settings you can control it to come on when you wish. It does take time to learn how to use the control panel but worth it. It also has radio control from here. We have used the caravan 6 times since August 2020 so considering lockdown in the North West was from 4th November we have done well. We do have a large vehicle to tow this with, VW Touareg. It pulls like a dream, no wobbles but obviously the size takes some getting used to. We had motor movers fitted which are a must with this size of caravan. If a Swift rep reads these reviews (which they should) then they should consider a resolution for the bedroom temperature - maybe a mobile stat as standard. With 2 doors closing (and not a pull blind) I think it is a must. Then it would be a perfect 10/10 from me! If you are considering this caravan, I hope I have helped you choose, you wont regret it at all, just wish I could retire to be away in it all the time! All my caravanning friends love it and I consider myself lucky to own one. Happy caravanning everyone Many thanks for the video review
I am really pleased that you are enjoying your caravan as much as you are and that this is the one for you. Hopefully 2021 will be a much better year for touring for you now restrictions have been lifted. It is great to hear your experience as an owner, thank you. Have a nice bank holiday weekend and happy towing 😊 Karina
Lot of useful information from a Challenger owner...am looking seriously at this van...will be buying the 2021 model as swift are dropping the "SWIFT COMMAND" control units from the Challenger range for 2022... very disappointing!!!.🤔🇳🇿
Hold on to this caravan as long as you can as it will only appreciate in value because of price increases and down grading by swift of fit and fixtures thay will put in the Challenger x835 Version's in the future it will be a sort after unit in the years ahead... little tip , when not in use store it under cover in a shed or storage unit...the cost is worth it believe me!!!.😎💕🇬🇧
Love these videos. Very informative. We were torn between this van and the Swift Eccles X850 (2020). We ended up going for the X850 and really pleased with it. As someone else mentioned, the taps do swivel but they are quite stiff to start with. In terms of the shower. It looks the same type as the one 850. I'm a 17st guy and although not a massive amount of room, I've not found I had any issues. Although I haven't dropped anything whilst in there!
We picked up a new Challenger X 835 last year between lockdowns. Although we've only been out once in it we're delighted with it and, like you said, we don't know how they have got so much space in them - especially the bathroom. It's also worth noting that the dealer specials are worth considering as they throw in a lot of extras and add extra discount so you get a much better deal (Twin alko wheel locks, extra external cabinet, Wireless built-in reversing camera, Truma Waterline for direct access to a service pitch without needing a barrel + much more). I've started pimping mine now with bedside usb sockets, a socket for a hair dryer/straighteners etc next to the bedroom corner cabinet. An excellent caravan.
Hi Andy, it is great to hear that you are loving your X 835 and I hope you’re out again soon. We’re doing some content around dealer specials in March funnily enough 😊 Take care and thanks for watching, Karina
Again another great presentation of a lovely van. I always feel caravans with this centre washroom layout are an accident waiting to happen. The door leading from the washroom should open inwards rather than out into the kitchen area. Possibility of knocking into a person cooking on the cooker is a real one.
Thanks for that look/review. Could I ask that when you do these reviews you (a) open the front locker so we can see the access there and how much space there is to store other stuff apart from the two Calor Gas bottles and (b) lift up the bed each time so we can see how easy/difficult that is and how much storage we have there (some vans put the spare wheels there, which limits storage space)?
Great demonstration of a nice caravan... unusual to see someone standing in the shower... only suggestion is insert photographs of the locker intereas as you did with the front over head locker in the lounge... mainly the long one next to the fridge and the cupboard under the wash basin in the bathroom... great effort though.😎
Nice Caravan the Swift, the review was spot on. Totally agree with the shower. Well be in the market end of year and the 8ft and decent sink to wash In will be the selling point. Thanks
It’d make more sense to me for the concertina blind to have the blind come down from the top and fly come up from the bottom. Say if it’s low sun you can bring the sun blind from the top ?
That’s a valid point, I am often left a bit perplexed about the design of certain things in caravans. As the end user you discover the practicalities of these things. 😊 Karina
Just ordered our new X835. Having it up plated which gives a massive additional 137kg onto the existing 160kg as standard. Look out for dealer specials, we got a great deal with loads of upgrades and extras all included in the price.
Thanks for watching, an 8ft wide van is great once you are onsite, unless you get a small pitch and you have a big awning and big tow car too, then it can become a struggle. We loved our 8 ft caravan, but we always checked our routes carefully and some sites we avoided trying to tow to due to the width. The last thing you want is to scratch the side of your caravan. We had two sites where access was tight but otherwise it was generally fine. If you’re not sure then it would be sensible to go with a model that’s not 8ft wide as you do notice the difference. The 635 is a nice caravan 😊 Karina
@@HereWeTow I see the benefits from an 8ft wide and tow with a ranger. I just worry about the country lanes. It feels tight in a normal width caravan 😂.
@@k9caravanning313 Keep in mind that as the 635 version is narrower so the space around the end of the bed is limited. This has always put us off a side island bed in a standard width caravan. For this reason we had an end bed version (like a 560) which worked out well.
Hello..you are going to be looking at the larger cars and SUV vehicles for this caravan. I would recommend this free checker website, I use it a lot. You can match the car and caravan and it will tell you how suitable a match it is. towcar.info/ Without knowing you budget and requirements it is hard to suggest vehicles but the Skoda is a good tow car, Subaru, Volvo, Audi etc. If you get stuck come back to me 😊
Thanks Steve, that’s good too know, yes they appeared fixed as there was no movement in them. Next time I go in one I will have a closer look. Have a nice weekend, Karina 😊
@@HereWeTow Just had a quick look on Reich’s website. The kitchen tap can swivel through 120 degrees so quite a good movement. The bathroom taps move too, but not as much. I do enjoy your reviews. Keep safe, Steve.
Sorry for my langage, I.m french and logically i don’t speak well. I like the living area but I think the Flor plan isn’t very good : - not enough space plan in the kitchen, very small d’or for storage - in the bathroom there is too much space and the shower is smaller, not intimity for the toilet if you leave with 4 persons it will be a problem I suppose - in the bedroom storage are too small and side by side of the bed I don’t have enough space for me. Finally I love Adria caravans but there prices are more expensive 😢 Excuse me , i recognise your présentation is very well and thanks a lot for sharing Sam 🇫🇷 Pyrénées
Post script....the 2022 model will not have the "SWIFT COMMAND SYSTEM" fitted....if you want the system (who wouldn't) you had better move fast and buy a 2021 model!!!.😎🇬🇧
We bought this caravan in August 2020 after many viewings of other layouts we kept on coming back to this. It was the bathroom that sold it to me. I can honestly say that I love this caravan. We considered the open island bed, but the privacy when sat in your lounge at night is lovely, the lighting can be dimmed and I feel no need to see my bed the whole time I am in my caravan.
The space in the bathroom becomes a dressing area, which allows peace and quiet for those who enjoy a lie in and those to enjoy the lounge without disturbing the sleeping ones - brilliant! If you have small children or grandchildren this set up is ideal, the children can go to bed and you can enjoy evening. (They will have a the comfy bed though!)
The shower is ample size. The clear shower screen is no issue with privacy as both doors to the bathroom lock. When I shower it is non negotiable that I ban passing traffic!
The taps do swivel in both the kitchen and bathroom. The bathroom sink is as large as you would get in any caravan, the water does not go everywhere when you wash. The small sinks in other caravans annoyed me so much and the tap got in the way - not in this one!
The table in the locker at the side of the fridge is very easy to remove and put back. The door opening out from the bathroom has never been an issue at all. People know you are cooking? Having said that if the door opened inwards this may be better to avoid any mishaps.
The bed is very comfy, I sleep in longer in the caravan than I do at home! I would say the only issue I have with this caravan is the heating all around the bedroom. The temperature gets very warm especially if the door is closed (which you would if you have the front bed being used by others) - the heating stat is above the caravan door, so the temp in the lounge is a lot cooler than your bedroom so the heating kicks in often. We are having a mobile stat fitted to be able to regulate the bedroom temp at night.
One thing that was not mentioned which is fantastic in this caravan is the bluetooth connection to your control panel - I use it from my bedside (and sat outside drinking wine) to turn off lights, heating and with 3 timer settings you can control it to come on when you wish. It does take time to learn how to use the control panel but worth it. It also has radio control from here.
We have used the caravan 6 times since August 2020 so considering lockdown in the North West was from 4th November we have done well.
We do have a large vehicle to tow this with, VW Touareg. It pulls like a dream, no wobbles but obviously the size takes some getting used to.
We had motor movers fitted which are a must with this size of caravan.
If a Swift rep reads these reviews (which they should) then they should consider a resolution for the bedroom temperature - maybe a mobile stat as standard. With 2 doors closing (and not a pull blind) I think it is a must. Then it would be a perfect 10/10 from me!
If you are considering this caravan, I hope I have helped you choose, you wont regret it at all, just wish I could retire to be away in it all the time!
All my caravanning friends love it and I consider myself lucky to own one.
Happy caravanning everyone
Many thanks for the video review
I am really pleased that you are enjoying your caravan as much as you are and that this is the one for you. Hopefully 2021 will be a much better year for touring for you now restrictions have been lifted. It is great to hear your experience as an owner, thank you. Have a nice bank holiday weekend and happy towing 😊 Karina
Ùù
Lot of useful information from a Challenger owner...am looking seriously at this van...will be buying the 2021 model as swift are dropping the "SWIFT COMMAND" control units from the Challenger range for 2022... very disappointing!!!.🤔🇳🇿
Hold on to this caravan as long as you can as it will only appreciate in value because of price increases and down grading by swift of fit and fixtures thay will put in the Challenger x835 Version's in the future it will be a sort after unit in the years ahead... little tip , when not in use store it under cover in a shed or storage unit...the cost is worth it believe me!!!.😎💕🇬🇧
Nearly 10,000 subscribers!
Hope you both have a nice weekend
Not far off Tom, have a good weekend 👍
Love this layout, the bathroom is huge, very good review as always.
Thanks Louise 😊
Only just seen this-great presentation and an amazing caravan..😊
Thank you for watching David 😊
Love these videos. Very informative. We were torn between this van and the Swift Eccles X850 (2020). We ended up going for the X850 and really pleased with it. As someone else mentioned, the taps do swivel but they are quite stiff to start with. In terms of the shower. It looks the same type as the one 850. I'm a 17st guy and although not a massive amount of room, I've not found I had any issues. Although I haven't dropped anything whilst in there!
Thanks James, good to hear your thoughts 😊 I hope you’re out again touring soon, Karina
We picked up a new Challenger X 835 last year between lockdowns. Although we've only been out once in it we're delighted with it and, like you said, we don't know how they have got so much space in them - especially the bathroom. It's also worth noting that the dealer specials are worth considering as they throw in a lot of extras and add extra discount so you get a much better deal (Twin alko wheel locks, extra external cabinet, Wireless built-in reversing camera, Truma Waterline for direct access to a service pitch without needing a barrel + much more).
I've started pimping mine now with bedside usb sockets, a socket for a hair dryer/straighteners etc next to the bedroom corner cabinet. An excellent caravan.
Hi Andy, it is great to hear that you are loving your X 835 and I hope you’re out again soon. We’re doing some content around dealer specials in March funnily enough 😊 Take care and thanks for watching, Karina
Great content Guys, you do a fabulous job, thanks for keeping entertained in lockdown, can’t wait to get out again.
Thank you Peter, that is very much appreciated 😊 We are looking forward to getting back out too, Karina
Again another great presentation of a lovely van. I always feel caravans with this centre washroom layout are an accident waiting to happen. The door leading from the washroom should open inwards rather than out into the kitchen area. Possibility of knocking into a person cooking on the cooker is a real one.
Thanks Colin, knowing how I burst through doors it could happen quite easily 😂 Stay safe, Karina
Thanks for that look/review. Could I ask that when you do these reviews you (a) open the front locker so we can see the access there and how much space there is to store other stuff apart from the two Calor Gas bottles and (b) lift up the bed each time so we can see how easy/difficult that is and how much storage we have there (some vans put the spare wheels there, which limits storage space)?
Thanks for watching Raymond, In future I will try to include these features 😊👍
Very nice caravan with quite a few similarities to our van. Not sure of the layout as we like the more open plan layout. Very nice review guys.
Thanks Ian, I like a rear bathroom layout to give a more open plan feel. Take care 😊 Karina
We had this caravan and the Bailey Unicorn Cadiz Black Edition as our two choices.
In the end, we chose the Cadiz.
Challenger was a bit too heavy.
Enjoy your caravan 😊
Great demonstration of a nice caravan... unusual to see someone standing in the shower... only suggestion is insert photographs of the locker intereas as you did with the front over head locker in the lounge... mainly the long one next to the fridge and the cupboard under the wash basin in the bathroom... great effort though.😎
Thanks Brad 😊
Nice Caravan the Swift, the review was spot on. Totally agree with the shower. Well be in the market end of year and the 8ft and decent sink to wash In will be the selling point.
Thanks
Thank you and new caravan hunting is always exciting! 😊 Karina
It’d make more sense to me for the concertina blind to have the blind come down from the top and fly come up from the bottom. Say if it’s low sun you can bring the sun blind from the top ?
That’s a valid point, I am often left a bit perplexed about the design of certain things in caravans. As the end user you discover the practicalities of these things. 😊 Karina
Just ordered our new X835. Having it up plated which gives a massive additional 137kg onto the existing 160kg as standard. Look out for dealer specials, we got a great deal with loads of upgrades and extras all included in the price.
That is great, and yes Special Editions are a great buy. Enjoy your new caravan when it arrives and safe touring 😊 Karina
Very nice thanks once again. Bless you
Another nice presentation guys, love your reviews 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you Pete, hope you’re well 😊 Karina
We really love this caravan, seen it at the C&MC show. I’m just put off with the 8ft wide. Keep looking at the challenger 635 instead.
Thanks for watching, an 8ft wide van is great once you are onsite, unless you get a small pitch and you have a big awning and big tow car too, then it can become a struggle. We loved our 8 ft caravan, but we always checked our routes carefully and some sites we avoided trying to tow to due to the width. The last thing you want is to scratch the side of your caravan. We had two sites where access was tight but otherwise it was generally fine. If you’re not sure then it would be sensible to go with a model that’s not 8ft wide as you do notice the difference. The 635 is a nice caravan 😊 Karina
@@HereWeTow I see the benefits from an 8ft wide and tow with a ranger. I just worry about the country lanes. It feels tight in a normal width caravan 😂.
@@k9caravanning313 Keep in mind that as the 635 version is narrower so the space around the end of the bed is limited. This has always put us off a side island bed in a standard width caravan. For this reason we had an end bed version (like a 560) which worked out well.
Hi can you think of any cars not pickups or suv that could tow this please I was thinking a Skoda Octavia estate many thanks
Hello..you are going to be looking at the larger cars and SUV vehicles for this caravan. I would recommend this free checker website, I use it a lot. You can match the car and caravan and it will tell you how suitable a match it is. towcar.info/
Without knowing you budget and requirements it is hard to suggest vehicles but the Skoda is a good tow car, Subaru, Volvo, Audi etc. If you get stuck come back to me 😊
Thanks again for another excellent review. This looks a vey really nice caravan although it's going to need something quite beefy to pull it.
Thank you 😊Yes a good sized tow car will be needed to compliment this one. I hope you are safe and well, thanks for watching, Karina
Nice review thanks
Thanks Tom Tom 😊
Good review. However, the taps do actually swivel. They are not fixed as you stated. Probably just a bit stiff when they are new.
Thanks Steve, that’s good too know, yes they appeared fixed as there was no movement in them. Next time I go in one I will have a closer look. Have a nice weekend, Karina 😊
@@HereWeTow Just had a quick look on Reich’s website. The kitchen tap can swivel through 120 degrees so quite a good movement. The bathroom taps move too, but not as much. I do enjoy your reviews. Keep safe, Steve.
Great shower cubicle point.👍
Thanks Bernard
It looks a nice van, but my piggy bank say's NO LOL. Great review👍 Mark & Coral
Thanks Mark and Coral, prices are certainly creeping up and piggy banks are getting bigger! Stay safe, Karina 😊
this caravan is my life wow
Thank you for watching Diana
Piękny caravan 😊🇬🇧👍
Sorry for my langage, I.m french and logically i don’t speak well.
I like the living area but I think the Flor plan isn’t very good :
- not enough space plan in the kitchen, very small d’or for storage
- in the bathroom there is too much space and the shower is smaller, not intimity for the toilet if you leave with 4 persons it will be a problem I suppose
- in the bedroom storage are too small and side by side of the bed I don’t have enough space for me.
Finally I love Adria caravans but there prices are more expensive 😢
Excuse me , i recognise your présentation is very well and thanks a lot for sharing
Sam 🇫🇷 Pyrénées
merci d'avoir regardé et commenté. Mon grand-père était français mais mon français est assez limité. J'aime aussi les modèles Adria, Karina 😊
Post script....the 2022 model will not have the "SWIFT COMMAND SYSTEM" fitted....if you want the system (who wouldn't) you had better move fast and buy a 2021 model!!!.😎🇬🇧
I like her English accent
Thank you 😊
We have a clubman si 2017 and find this caravan very disappointing, especially for the price.
Thanks for watching and commenting Paul 😊