Rolling to the Rock: Day 10

It’s fair to say our Kia Sorento and Swift Explorer caravan are a rarity among all the Prados, Pajeros, off-road tent trailers and aluminium Aussie caravans touring the Red Centre.

But that’s not to say we’re suffering in any way by choosing a Korean/British set-up. In fact, in some ways the UK-built Swift is in its element in the dry red dirt, particularly when it comes to combating the freezing cold overnight temperatures experienced this time of year in the outback.

The factory-fitted Truma ducted gas heater and boiler, which runs on gas or 240V, means we don’t have to be hooked up to a powered site to stay toasty at night or in the morning… unlike most of the Aussie vans and motorhomes around us.

The Swift also boasts a European Grade 3 insulation rating, which means the interior stays warm at night for a considerable period even with the heater off.

One of Swift Australia’s newest models, the 22ft four-berth, tandem axle Explorer 620 comes with two single beds in the rear, which were quickly snapped up by the kids.

Parents’ quarters are the spacious front lounge/dinette, which converts easily to a comfy queen size bed, and that’s the way we’ve left it for most of the trip thus far, eating outside most nights.

However, with the fold-up dining table positioned between the two lounges, it doubles as an excellent reading area and work station, with conveniently located 240V/12V sockets for charging of camera batteries, laptops and iPods.

Another feature we’ve appreciated is the Dometic 190 litre three-way fridge/freezer, which has plenty of room for more than a week's worth of beer and groceries so we haven’t had to rely on over-priced local options. Even better, it keeps everything cool automatically, selecting the most appropriate power source whether driving or stationary.

We also like the latest Dometic door fitted. Much better than the barn door arrangement on many UK vans, you simply detach the front glass section to leave a solid flyscreen door to let in some air.

Another bonus given the scarcity of drinking water is the underslung 130 litre water tank, meaning we can go for days without topping up. The extra ground clearance is also good insurance when negotiating the unavoidable bumps and dips in these dusty parts.

While compact by Australian caravan standards, the Swift’s well-equipped kitchen has allowed our resident Masterchef to cook up a storm most nights.

Rather than run a portable BBQ from the external gas bayonet, we’re using the external 240V socket to power a portable electric frypan for a similar result.

With hot showers also hard to come by, the Swift’s full rear ensuite with separate shower and toilet has also been given a work-out, especially after a long day on the trails.

The only ‘issue’ so far has been the drainer hose to the sink working loose on Day 1, resulting in some water spillage. It was quickly screwed back into place and has been fine ever since. ??

And at 6ft 4in tall, I have to stoop slightly to clear the roof-mounted air-con and two large roof hatches (interior height is 195cm).

The only feature we haven’t used yet (apart from the oven) is the Sargent mobile alarm system. Located under the lounge, when set it emits an alarm upon detection of an intruder. ??We’ve already set it off a couple of times by mistake, much to outsiders’ amusement!

Instead, for security we’re using a $130 Al-Ko Safety Compact. The robust metal unit locks neatly over the Al-Ko stabiliser hitch when hitched or unhitched to deter thieves, and is much easier to use than the fiddly and heavier Al-Ko wheel clamp.