Swift attracts brand loyalty

When you’re onto a good thing, stick to it... That seems to be the mantra of a UK caravanning couple, who recently purchased their 10th consecutive Swift caravan.

For the last 45 years Barry and Marion Brown have owned a caravan built by popular British RV manufacturer Swift, which has been in operation since 1965. That means they turn over their caravan on average every four and half years!

Their latest model is a Swift Challenger SE, which retails from around $43,000 in Australia depending on size and layout. The committed couple received the keys to their new lightweight touring van from no other than Swift Group’s chairman, Peter Smith, as part of a special handover ceremony.

“This latest model is the best yet with some fantastic developments,” Barry remarked.  “The Alde central heating is brilliant for us as we get older, and the sunroof, LED lights, fixed beds and stylish design are impressive.”

The sleek fibreglass, luxury model with its latest Euro-style interior is a far cry from the couple’s first, very basic Swift van, which had a canvas roof, a pin rather than a tow ball and a (now illegal) 12 volt battery within the gas box.

“I’ve always been a bit of a wanderer,” Barry explained, “and we really enjoy the flexibility of caravanning; that we can pack up and go where we want, find a site and park up.”

Although admitting “every year has a highlight” during their almost half-century of caravanning trips, he said the most memorable experiences included a 16 day, 3000 mile (4830km) trip around six European countries that took in France’s Millau Viaduct, the tallest bridge in the world, and their escapades at some 600-plus rallies they have been involved with.

Asked why he has always bought Swift, Barry said the way the company responded promptly to any issues, was a major factor.

“The Swift quality is second to none, but even then things can go wrong, but as soon as they do, they are sorted, what more could you ask for,” he said.

Have you owned a number of caravans from the same manufacturer? What has kept you coming back? How long do you tend to keep your van before upgrading?

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