Hi. Got to be honest with you!! I think your caravan is lovely and well cared for. If you were looking at 5 to 10 thousand etc then maybe BUT just think of all the extra trips/holidays/life you can have with £20000. You never know what's round the corner so I would vote to keep yours and keep the cash👍

Hi Helen and Dave. We bought our Coachman VIP 575/4 new in 2016. We spent ages visiting different dealers and sitting in dozens of caravans before making our final choice. Only the two of us use it and it still looks and feels new. Over the years I upgraded a few things including, fitting a DAB radio, replacing the Alde wet heating system Impeller with the boiler mounted pump, which is a lot quieter, replacing the spotlights for ones with USB chargers and last but not least had the E&P Self Levelling system fitted which is fantastic. We paid for the E&P system with the money we saved by not being able to use the caravan much here in the UK and not at all in France during the pandemic. We also had it fitted after thinking long and hard about swapping our caravan for a new one. Ours is serviced every year, it’s damp free and it suits us perfectly. Why would I swap it for something that’s going to cost 15-20K and would probably need more spent on it to get what we’ve already got. On a slightly more controversial note, there are so many nightmare stories out there of shoddy workmanship and poor quality control on new caravans of all makes. I believe that after 2018/19 caravan manufacturers started cutting corners to keep up with the massive increase in demand, resulting in workmanship and quality being sacrificed. I’d be heartbroken if I’d paid £30K+ for a new caravan that leaked or had other major problems and then to be faced with a legal battle with the manufacturer and/or dealer to take responsibility and get the problems fixed. My belief at the moment is, if you’ve got a good caravan with no problems, hang on to it.

Hi Helen & Dave, firstly thanks for all your helpful hints & tips videos we are very grateful. Both the new vans are lovely, however, the van you have is still great and a couple of the things you miss from the Bailey, extractor fan/gas point are easily retro fitted at a fraction of the cost to change. Personally we would keep what you have and perhaps add the bits you miss? Enjoy the funds on future adventures-good luck which ever way you decide. All the best Wes & Jacqui 😊

Hi Guys, we are retired and now on our fifth Caravan having been attracted by new layouts and upgrades. Hindsight it a wonderful thing and when we reflect would will still be able to enjoy Caravanning in our original caravan, yes. Would we be hugely disadvantaged with the original model compared to the latest, no. Would our financial situation be much stronger, yes. On reflection we now regret being seduced by the newer models and wish we had just enjoyed what we had. There is no outing that could not have been done in the original caravan. Just a thought on the TV on the front shelf. It would not be fitted via a bracket so would need to be packed and stored every journey. Whatever you do enjoy your adventures and thanks for sharing them with us. Best of luck 👍

I think you have made the right choice, to stick with what you have, yes you can add any extras you want at a lot less coast, but money aside, you know the van, how it ticks, also buying new does not always mean better, we changed a perfectly good Bailey for a new posh Alaria, what a mistake. Friday van had nothing on it. We had it rebuilt due to water ingress, on warrenty thank god. then traded it for a Buccaneer which was far better. So some times sticking with what you know is better and less stressful.

Hi both, I always enjoy your videos. A great mix of site reviews and day to day caravanning practicalities. It sounds like we are/were having the same emotional challenges spending money now we’ve retired. I retired at 59 at the end of 2021 with big plans, but found it harder to actually part with cash from my savings and pension pot than I had envisaged. The family all think I’ve transitioned into Scrooge 😂. A year later and I’m more relaxed about it and realise we need to get out there and enjoy what we’ve saved for. We have had quite a few vans and that last was a twin axle Elegance 645 that we’d had 8 years. I didn’t want to run a car large enough to tow that and we also knew we needed an upgrade, despite it being in near perfect condition. We looked at the same vans as you, but actually made our decision based on how we wanted to use the new van versus how we used the Elegance when I was working with less time available. We also fancied something different after having Swift for a the last 3 vans. We have booked a lot more longer trips away in 2023 to see parts of the UK we have never been to, including Norfolk, and we will be moving from site to site, which we never did before. With this in mind, we decided to go a bit smaller, single axle, but with the big decision being no fixed bed. Yes, we’ve gone back to the option of front single or a made up double. This gives us more daytime space, with the fixed bed we had taking up roughly a third of the van. We also like the side dinette. My wife suffers with her back and actually prefers the made up beds with a mattress topper anyway. On days when it’s too miserable to go out, we think we will appreciate the larger day time space. We still have reservations about our choice, but take delivery of our new van on 1st March and really looking forward to it now. Norfolk here we come! Alan

Hi Dave great video. And looking forward to the video of the kojack system We see looking to upgrade our caravan. Good luck mate. Paul and Sarah

Hi We upgraded last October as mentioned before to a Camino 554 but only because our old van was 21 years old ( our starter van ) The Camino is lovely with all the luxuries and mod cons ( The only reason we bought a new ( to us ) van only 3 years old was due to some inheritance ) Your van is beautiful and in excellent condition , do the upgrades and use the rest of the money touring , the world is your oyster ! We certainly won’t change ours at any point in the future should last us until we’re too old to tow . 😂 best wishes Gill & Mark in Leeds x Enjoy , x

Hello Helen & Dave, great videos. Both the vans look good, our van is a 2019 swift 580 can not believe how much they have gone up in price although our van is not the wide version and I can say you wont be disappointed. if you have the funds go for it as you do use your van as much as possible good luck which ever way you decide but you know its down to Helen. All the best

Only recently discovered your channel and enjoying watching your back catalogue of content. Really love the Willows campsite videos. Im from Suffolk and im trying to convince my wife to have a few nights their in our van.😂 keep up the great work. Love the videos. Ps £20k is a lot of cash to upgrade when you already have a lovely van.

Haha, thanks for the shout-out. :-) I do love the conqueror. But, approaching retirement myself, I wouldn't spend 20k extra. Having said that in the last few years, we've replaced the car and the caravan and are finance free on those - in readiness for the lower retirement income! We're not fans of transverse beds, had it in the Bailey and toilet access in the night was an issue for us.. I'm an impulsive purchaser, but once retired I'll have to stop!

Good morning I like the 22 model as you say its still brand new and 2k cheaper iv just purchased an alpine 2 birth 2020 model it only been used once.. I saved 5k on price from new .. I love swift I think the build quality is very good ..loads better than bailey .. why not treat yourself life is to short ..happy caravaning 😀

It’s a hard one. If you have the money and want it why not. We only live once !Caravanning is such a way of life for you both so why not. It’s a lovely van.

Hi Dave and Helen, we have been watching your videos and have recently subscribed. We have just seen your latest video about new vans, yes, both very nice and a tough choice. We have recently purchased a new swift due to our love of them. This was meant to be a look round for us, but yes, we succumbed, and 2 hours later, find the cheque book 😓. We did not spend quite that much, but if you feel it's right then we suggest do it. A quote the caravan your looking at today will be bought by someone tomorrow we were told. Good luck with your decision. Paul and Joanne.

Hi Dave & Helen, it’s a very hard decision to make they are both very nice vans but £20,000 is a lot of money to pay for the few extras that you are getting a new van is very nice but at the end of the day they all serve the same purpose. I would enjoy your money another way but that’s your decision to make good luck 😁

Howdy Helen and Dave. My opinion for what it's worth is to keep the beautiful caravan you've got. It does what it's supposed to do and there will always be a better caravan out there so the strong impulse to upgrade will forever be there. I've got the Kojack kit too, not fitted it yet but I have also now got some Puncture Safe tyre sealant so I can remove the spare wheel from under the front seat of our Bailey Discovery D4-2 (saving weight, adding space and getting rid of the new tyre smell). I certainly don't want to be changing wheels at the side of a motorway these days and if it's the offside one, you've got no chance. We've still not been away yet, booked 4 days in April at Eye Kettleby Lakes just so we can test out all our stuff :) ...then onto Broadmarsh Farm CL in June....really can't wait and as I retired at Christmas I plan to get away more often.

Quite a dilemma Dave and Helen. We love keeping up with new models and having owned both these layouts, we would go for the rear island bed and central washroom every time. It’s down to practicality of whether one of you wants to go to bed earlier than the other or if you have grandchildren with you. Just remember how many times they want to visit the loo. 😂 The financial aspect is very individual to you and no-one can make that choice for you without knowing how big your pot is and how often you will use the van. So long as you don’t need to change your car to heave this bulkier monster up and down to Scotland, then the £20K may seem less of a drag on the old pot. Ask yourself, if not now then when ? Life is for living and enjoy it while you can. Really enjoyed looking round with you. Coincidentally I was looking at a Coachman with similar features this morning priced at £35K. Beautiful 😍 Trev

Hi Dave, another interesting vlog. We prefer the end bed on our van for the simple reason that if you have guests, the shower room is accessible from both ends of the van. You mentioned the L shape layout. Again we have this and it is ideal for two people but with the Swift table it's difficult to seat four without extra seating. These are personal views and everyone has different choices as to what works for them. As you say that £20K does not go back in the pot but you're only here once. Cheers Terry

Hi Dave & Helen Hard decision, but I would vote to keep yours it’s a lovely caravan. As said in other comments £20,000 is a lot of money. Then there’s a new motor movers, new solar panel, if these aren’t in the price. But in the end it’s your money and you can spend it how you like. Good luck with your decision. Great post as usual.

Hi we have a swift fairway. It's a lot of money is the conqueror, I'd stick with what you have. Take care xx

So beautiful elegant home and appliances

Nobody knows how long they will be fit and well enough to enjoy getting out and about in a caravan. We had our last caravan for 16 years! Got a new one last year which is identiacal in layout and a similar spec to the 560 you showed us last on your (excellent) video. Ours is a 2022 Swift Icon Trend 560 (which is a dealer special from Kimberley Caravans). Its MIRO is 1464kg and the MTPLM is 1660kg. We've only had it 10 months but used it quite a lot until last October (will be dusting it down very shortly to start 2023) and, apart from an issue with the oven/fan regularly blowing a fuse, which Kimberley sorted out, the build seems to be fine and the caravan is doing what it said on the tin/in the brochure. Same very comfortable bed as in the Conqueror 560 you showed (it may be the dealer special with its various upgrades is somewhere between the Challenger 560 and the Conqueror 560 but the interior seems almost identical to the 560 you showed and the bathroom is great). The Alde system heats up the van + hot water really well on gas and on hook-up, which we rarely use, is certainly enough to provide background heating and heat the water with 2kw though we would be careful not to go higher for fear of tripping the hook-up fuses with other things running as well. Using the caravan is a lifestyle choice. A hobby that gets you out and about, able to visit parts of the country without using hotels (and sleeping in your own bed, using your own bathroom etc). You can take all you need with you. You have freedom to do what you want. At the end of the day the choice must be yours. Keep the extra £20K in the bank - against - for what rainy day? When WOULD you spend it? Enjoy it while the sun shines and while you can enjoy it? Keep using the old van without spending that amount - against - the old one being 6-7 years old, the new one might give you the same years PLUS another 6-7 added on at the end and at THAT stage you might think it's not worth spending to buy another van). So spend now? What does your old caravan already give you - against - what more would the new one give you? Do you spend the money now (what on?) - against - do you save it (for what purpose?). We are retired and decided we should get what we wanted now, whilst we can enjoy it. We don't know for how many yea surely, when we wrs we will be able to do that and we thought that when we were saving the money, it was so we could do things we enjoyed in the future. The future hs arrived. It is unlikely to arrive (for us) in 20 years time....or so we thought! Anyway, onve more, that was a very enjoyable video. Think about what's best for you and then get on with whatever you decide upon. I hope it works out well for you either way.

Hi Dave & Helen, how exiting to be looking at new vans and with such a healthy budget. I am sure you will make the right decision for you. For me I'd go for the rear bedroom, more practical in my view, taking extra family along and if you have different sleeping profiles to your better half. Also some food for thought, have you considered a used van and then add on all the extras to your budget, E&P leveling, auto engage motor mover, dual sim wifi, roof full of solar + lithium, aircon, now that would be my kind if van. Good luck with your choice and congrats on a great channel, I watch lots and your one of the best!

Hi both, Currently got same as you Eccles 580 , only been out twice , total newbies, we have enjoyed both trips, but we don’t like the island bed , my fault, it was all about the look as opposed to the practicality of nightly toilet visits ...😅apparently there are quieter elephants.... We have decided that our future purchase will be the Swift Conqueror 565 , fixed single beds , great access to all cupboards , walk through to washroom, extra day benches if required ... First of all we have to make sure that caravanning is for us , we are so use to all inclusive abroad holidays.... Ps , that middle located shower is a bit small ...Good luck , and agree the conqueror is stunning 😊

If you can afford it? I mean you use the caravan so much it's a big big part of your lives so over the years you'd get a massive return on your investiment on happiness alone!!... and it's not like your throwing all the money down on a roulette wheel... you'd still have an assett worth a big lump of cash that over time may depreciate a little but so does money... and so do we for that matter 🙂... gone down that route myself, just recently retired and upgraded to a brand new caravan and I'm not loaded at all but very happy with our van and it'll see us out probably... but at the end of the day the choice is for you guys... just one life and we all have to walk our own path... best of luck with whichever decision you come to... Dave and Jane 👍

Very nice the 1st one is same layout as ours and we love it. Yours now is a lovely caravan and does the same job . I'd stick with the one you got . Spend the 20k on trips away. X

hi Dave & Helen i would stick with what you have got, which is a very lovely van, by the way the extra water point outside is a shower the clue was on the lid as you lifted it a symbol of a shower.

Nothing but praise for the team at Greentrees as we’ve used them for years Was silly enough last year to get the wife to ask them to make me an offer I couldn’t refuse for our old Challenger. Came away with a new Challenger 580 with the transverse bed. 😂. Loved the conqueror but the car wasn’t up to it.

Have the 560. Love the layout. Having the doors separating makes it feel less like a big open space and having to sit in your front room staring at the bed. Sounds daft but feels more apartment/ lodge and less caravan. Also we are family of 4 so people sleeping either side means either side can use toilet with having to wake everyone up walking past them.

We changed our Challenger 580 for a 560 as we found climbing round the bed near impossible. A much better layout for our needs. However, we only had a £7000 to pay. I do like the 8ft width but I have found on occasions when the 7ft 6in during towing was easier. The Conqueror is a lovely van and the fridge is larger than the one we have under the sink. You do have a lovely van which seems to work for you. Good luck on your decision.

Hi Dave and Helen, both nice caravans, it's really only both of you can make the desicion, £20K is a lot out of a pension pot, when we changed from MH to caravan, I did get a really good deal and enough money to upgrade the car to tow the caravan and a bit of money for saving pot, I did decide to get a loan for car from Halifax at a good rate (better than car dealers) & left money from part Exchanging MH in our saving account, I pay the loan out of the savings, were happy with what we have & would find it difficult to fund another new caravan in the future 👍

Hi, we have recently purchased a swift Conqueror 480 £30,495 Less than 24hrs the Dometic fridge door completely fell off, lucky enough it was empty. The soft panel around the window, had come away due to poor screw fixings I have lost count of how many screws i have screwed back in, very poor workmanship from factory. We haven’t even been away and used the new van, so time will tell 😩 This is how first Swift caravan, after moving back from owning a Motorhome, i am now thinking should we have gone for somthing older, and saved some of our hard earned cash 🤔 Happy Holidays 🍻 PS. Save your cash, and keep your old one 👍

Same layout as our 2022 Major 4 SB. We love our layout. For us the end bedroom made it feel a bit more closed in. We looked at both of these models. Always nice getting something new, I would suggest sitting down with a piece of paper and writing down the pro and cons and then consider what you could use the 20.000 pounds on. If you can afford it just go for it.

I would have the 580 in heartbeat if I had the money, but as the first comment said think of the holidays you could have with the money....... by keeping your current van. Decisions, decisions....

Hi, we currently have the Challenger 580 2021 model. Love the look of the Conqueror 580 which is 2 inches wider than the 2021 model, but not 8ft as this would not work for us at the storage yard. The only issue with it, is that we would miss the small shelf by the door. This is where we have the TV which works for us both. A TV on the front just wouldn't work. We chose the 580 over the 560 because if the end bathroom. During the day in the 560, we would want the door closed to the bathroom, making the van feel smaller inside. At night, the same, we would want the doors closed to the bathroom and this again would make the bedroom feel closed in (plus the dog would want to be in with us. She is happy to sleep on the front seat at present). The perfect van for us would be if swift brought back the 645 (twin axel non 8ft version of the 580) in the conqueror range (fingers crossed for next year, lol)

Hi Dave + Helen They are great looking caravans the choice is yours really. But you know what,you only get one shot at this life so you both go for it enjoy. ATB . Joe + Tracey

Got a Swift Celeste 560, great caravan but if you're over 5'10" the beds not much good as your feet will touch the wall at the end of the bed, the under bed storage is completely useless as well due to it being at the end of the caravan, no idea how people use the cycle carrier!! We had the choice of a 580 and a 560 and whilst I don't regret my choice, I'd go for the 580 layout next time, the other issue is the towcar, we had a 3 litre diesel BMW X3 and on paper should have been the ideal match for a 1600kg caravan,in reality though it was awful and always felt like it was on the verge of snaking, not ideal when you're driving 800 miles to France, that being the case I sold the X3 and got a Ford Ranger, great towcar but not much good for anything else, unless you're a landscape gardener - which I'm not!! AHH yes, the clips that hold the blinds together won't last very long either

We are both retired and have just taken delivery of a new Coachman at the same price. Remember at some stage we won’t be involved in tomorrow so enjoy your self today.

Hi Dave If I was going to upgrade and have grandchildren or friends that are coming away to stay, I would go for the end bed, as you pointed out no one has to push past when going to the toilet in the middle of the night, I have this layout and it works really well, the only thing about the Swift end bed vans is they have the fixed bulkhead at the end of the bed, I am 6'2" and didn't fancy my feet touching that all night so went for the Bailey layout instead where you have a center door leading to the bathroom.

Both lovely vans Dave but if it were me, I’d hold on to the cash. Nothing wrong with the van you have and I would use the money to travel even more. Great vid, thanks Steve

I would go for it life is too short enjoy your money on what you love. We upgraded to a new Buccanner took delivery in June last year changed before I’m due to retire couple of years. If it is 8 feet wide don’t be put off by some comments of 8 foot wide vans being a problem. Yes you do have to plan ahead but I’ve had no issues and I tow my twin axle Buc with a LR Discovery around Cornwall and south west France last summer no problems. Just go for it and I prefer end bedroom layout which I have in my Buccanner commodore but each to their own. Good Luck

My opinion is do it, if you part ex your van well it’s no to old it’s less to put towards upgrade. With caravans going up in price may well be worth doing it.

Really enjoyed this one , do like the vans , prefer the end washroom ourselves , been looking at a Coachman 575 , thing is if you don't change now , prices will go up , sounds like you have made your mind's up tbh , good luck in whatever you do

Hi Helen and Dave. Both vans are beautiful. Personally i prefer the lounge /tv layout you have now to either of the conqueror's. But if I had to choose 1of those i would go for the 560.You mentioned the L shaped lounge layout at 1 point in the video. Have you looked at the challenger grande 560L / 560L SE. 8ft wide, better tv position and more space for Princess 🐶 Bella too.As your van is still modern in style and you look after it very well. I would only change it for a different layout . Like others said do the upgrades. Whatever caravan you choose enjoy it . And keep making the vlogs as they are great 👍

I have a 2013 quattro by swift, and 15 months after purchase the roof started to bow upwards in the summer heat and it pulled all the screws from the top cupboards. Swift didn't want to know cos I didn't have a service. I failed to see what having the service on brakes and running gear and the correlation to a structural roof issue. Anyway I still have the van and have done ALL repairs myself including a cracked front panel and fully wallboarded some damp in 2023. Basically I've come to realise that unless you have deep pockets then you have to be a competent DIY er. That being said I have a friend who has Baileys and they are no better

The second one for me, but what a price.. eeek ... things have gone up at bit since we bought our last caravan lol... take care both, enjoy your trip when you get away,

Hi Dave and Helen, nice looking van as a long time swift owner " Elegance" at the moment take a really good look at the layout first , check the bed length.. Im to tall lol , think we would go for a Coachman next I do think they are built better , all the best guys 👍 Glyn

The Qonqueror is a lovely Caravan, I prefer the 580 model before the 560 simply because if you have the door open you can see the Loo from the lounge. I am sure you have but if not have you looked at the Challenger 580SE same lay out a little less expensive and lighter and I think you can get it at 8' wide. Not as Plush though. All that said your retired you love your caravan and look after it so don't compromise if it's affordable then have it. I buy my caravans from the NEC show always get a free mover and a good deal, I ordered my Challenger 580SE last October and pick it up next week from my local dealer. With the show on again next week you might want to get your order in now to beat the rush. Enjoy

Hi, I’m in a similar position. We have a transverse bed and want to move away to a fixed island bed for ease of getting around. Also prefer the end bedroom with med bathroom. The only thing that I can’t settle on with the swifts (and to be fair some others) is the fact the door opens into the kitchen which would mean it’s more often closed than open which closes the caravan in for us. I know there’s then the central bulkhead anyway between the bathroom and bedroom but I would much prefer if the door opened into the bathroom to extend the feeling of space as it could be left open more often or even permanently as it is in some makes. The only comments I’ve heard about the central bulkhead is it reduces feet dangling over the bed room if you’re tall which I am. There’s so much to like about the swifts and I would edge that way but for the door opening inwards towards the kitchen and foot dangle room. Of course I’ve not actually used one so I could be wrong but they are my ignorant non user views so to speak. We also looked at the coachman but the front lounge seemed “snug” which put us off but otherwise that was really nice. Ended up with the Bailey Pamplona as our favourite but with a catch, the new series 5 seems more style over substance with some issues so we’re looking for a late series 4. And there we are back at the dilemma! What’s actually wrong with older models! How will spending 20 grand bring you more joy, new caravan, 4 or 5 nice holidays, something else or a nice funeral.

Gorgeous vans and to be honest id go for one as you use your caravan a lot. Its not lost money as caravans keep their value well now so you might as well enjoy life to the max, we never know what tomorrow will bring x Plug under cooker is actually for the elec ring on hob ( we always unplug ours when not in use as has been lots of fires as the knob is so easily turned on and no failsafe device to stop it , lid down etc does not stop it coming on accidentally if knocked ) . Plug for microwave will be higher up somewhere.

Both are nice caravans. I personally prefer a layout with two single beds. In that respect, both caravans have 'island beds', which allows the same advantage of single beds in that you don't need to climb over your partner to go to the toilet in the middle of the night. The caravan width at 228 is really as far as you want to go. I personally think the 8ft caravans are more trouble than they are worth on the road. Back to the Conquerors, if your favoured destinations are found down single track lanes and on narrow B roads as found in Wales and the highlands and islands of Scotland. I would really consider whether that extra width is going to hinder you or add to your enjoyment. Remind yourselves that caravans are straight sided and that means that the top of the caravan is also wider, meaning it is more prone to hitting branches too. Just food for thought.

We purchased a 2022 Swift Conqueror. Absolutely no complaints. We are adding the self leveling system in March (saves fitting the bottle jacking points). 👍

Very nice, did I understand in your last video your caravan was 4 years old if so in another 4 years to upgrade it would cost another £20,000 that’s a lot of money, but it is really nice

Hi Dave and Helen, hmmm, you already have a beautiful caravan with the 580 layout, had you thought about the 580 Grande SE or 660 SE (8ft wide) if your fancied a change? I must admit retro fitting on your current van sounds like a great idea. Good luck on whatever you decide…☺️

Lifes too short - if you like it and can afford to do so just go for it - you've given yourselves time to think so not impulsive- I think the extra width makes a big difference and great for those grandkids 😄 whatever you choose to do will be right for you good luck 👍

20k quite a lot of dosh. However at the end of the day it’s your dosh. We are sure you will make the right choice for you. Helluva a lot of ghost ship… 😂 Jim and Joyce

Thank you for the shout Dave 👍. All great caravans, Gail prefers the mid washroom / end bedroom model. I noticed a shower symbol on the cover of the second water point, could it be an external shower for muddy paws etc ? Would these vans fit between your garage and security posts ? You could have an Omnivent roof extractor retrofitted in your current caravan. Ours was a direct replacement for the Heki rooflight. All the best, Rob & Gail 😀.

My own intention when we eventually retire is to buy a new caravan that will see us through our retirement adventures however long that maybe, as they say you can't take it with you 😂. £20,000 is a lot of money but it's £20,000 now in a few years that's going to increase as the trade in price of your own van goes down and the new prices go up. We have the 560 layout at the moment which we love, the wife hates the concertina doors and having the bed so close to kitchen. Each to their own however.

Lovely vans (and video as always). Would I buy it? If my savings pot was £20k and that would wipe it out then no. If my savings pot was say £40k or more then yes I probably would, life is for living, no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Make memories. Take care.

Your radio is all worked from your swift command centre above the door. 👍

Hi Helen and Dave, I agree with other people's comments you have a wonderful caravan everything works, why spend £20000 on a new caravan get the most out of the one you have now, I have a Bailey Ranger 510/4 from 2005 I would never trade it in, I have upgraded the caravan all lighting is led, solar panel, and the best thing about my caravan it doesn't leak and that is rather unusual for this model, I live in Norfolk to we should meet up on a local campsite to show you that a old caravan can have everything you need and more, if it is well cared for. So save your money for a rainy day.

The water inlets are one for direct feed and the other is to fill on board tank.

Hi if your thinking of changing your van i would go for it yes its a lot of money but im sure you ll get your moneys worth out of it. Prices are going up so in a few years you,ll have to pay more and your van will decrease the longer you have it. Life is short enjoy it while you can 😁

There is a 580 for sale now at Teesside Caravans, , new but a 2022 model £25 995. Supposedly down from £29495. Been to the showroom it is in, it looks nice ! Wouldn't mind it myself ?

Hi Dave and Helen I’ve got a fitting vid for purple line Jake in my vlog’s if that helps. Try find a 535 as that has a rear transverse bed with mid wash room. We sold our swift spite in August and got our money back + 150 so happy about that. We getting a new Motorhome which has taken over a year. But due delivery 08/03/23. Would we buy yes cos you can’t take it with you is what we said. Don’t envy you the choice have fun all the best ❤🎉 Dave Julie & Toby

Dave and Helen Mark at the caravan place on you tube have one of those on 2 months old I think it’s 27k a big saving and I think it’s got air con as well Just a thought 🎉

Hi Dave Taking £20,000 from your savings to buy a new van is quite a decision. Do you think you need a new van if so go for it but if you have any doubts then perhaps you should keep your present one it’s a nice van so are going to be better off if you change. If you have doubts keep the van that you have on the other hand you only live once, a hard decision. Brian 33:38

I must admit I like the 560 Xx

Dave you can have a lot of holidays with 20K. The choice is yours, whatever you do enjoy spending your hard earned pennies.

Not liking the TV points, like to stretch out watching TV, so the TV would be better mounted by the entrance door ... I think the 2023 Challenger maybe a better option. The radio is part of the Sargent Control unit and the extra external water point is the outside shower 🚿 ...

Personally I think the dealer should give you a lot more than 2 grand off for last year's model as well as being outdated it's also been sitting in all weathers for a year.

Lovely new vans, me I'd swing to the end bed, as for the trade in, could you not get a better deal if you sold privately then went for an all cash deal, whereas your van is very well looked after, serviced annually, repaired when required, do you really need to upgrade to keep up with the Jones's, £20k is a lot of money to part with, think of all the fun you can have in your current van with £20k in the bank !!!! Remember you'd also have to spend money on your solar system should you wish to have that again

PS if it helps, we prefer the mid layout 😁

Love the black trim and floor colour .. its a question do you really need a new van end of the day it's only a base .. and as you say the money will come out the pot ..personally I would keep the current van as you say there is nothing wrong with it ..

Hi, I have a 2021 swift and tbh I would keep the van you have, the build quality is nothing like what you have, ours has been back to greentrees for faults as many times as we have used it, we are looking at changing to an Adria

Use it for another season it will save you lots of money , it’s so easy to get bogged down and to fall into the new model trap

It’s a tough one. But personally I would stick with what you have already. Your van is so nice. And look after it so well. I have a question, Where can I get one of those fantastic mugs?

Great caravans ,does it mean also a upgrade on your towing vehicle at some point ? My neighbour has a coachman largest on a single axle he can have, 1800kg max weight he tows with a Ford Kuga 2.0 ltr . Hopefully take our Eldiss 304 explore out soon. Maybe hold fire on decision and view some more vans ,I think you could achieve a better trade in on your current van . All the best Phil.

If I had to chose it would be the 580 for the reason you mentioned ( bathroom being central) and the shower cubicle being a one piece construction unlike the other one who's corners may separate over time...but I would hold on to your caravan as it's a much better design in it has the TV mounted over near the entry door and the couch on the entry side has the lip to rest a cushion/ backrest so you can sit with your feet up taking in the views out the front windows ( when there's views)... having the TV at the front is going to obscure the view and stop a lot of national light coming in and will be a pain to pack away and replace everytime you move and the having a "draw in side a draw" is just silly...the 8ft is great till you go along country Lanes and narrow village streets then it a bit of a nightmare...no I'd stick with the ”OLD GIRL" and keep the 20k in the bank...on a personal note , the caravan vloggers cheap shot at you guys really 😡me off so I unsubscribed ..how you care for your van is as a result of your years in the forces and is on point and top shelf...and not checking the road lights is criminal!!!.💕🇬🇧🇺🇦

Morning Dave. Think your caravan is in tip top condition and not worth paying out another £20,000 at your age 😂🤣 think of all the trips you could go on for that. Just one thing I didn’t like about the Conqueror was the only option for watching tv in the lounge was in the front window. Personally I like to cozy up on the couch in the corner with my feet up facing the other way. Preferably with a G&T 👍

Don't like the TV position,I like to lay out on one of the couches and look at the TV placed inside the van, out of the glare of the sun as this one would be, in the window. You would have to be sat up all the time to watch TV. Also a mid transverse bed is harder to navigate around during the day to get to the toilet. Much prefer a mid wash room and shower. Penny pinching on curtains on an expensive van as well.

Very interesting. I had ordered a 23 Conqueror 580 to replace my 18 Elegance 580. However had a slight change of plan and gone for the slightly upgraded Bessacarr 580 instead. Swift and Couplands who sell the Bessacarr agreed to supply one to my friendly dealer in North Lanarkshire. Should be here soon. As for 560 or 580. For me the 580 tips it with the more open layout. So would I go for it? I'm still working so probably a slightly easier decision but yes my savings are about to take a huge hit ... have gone for air con and a new mover too just to make the hit even worse. Overall I'm in the go for it camp!

I'd stick with what you've got for another year.

My thoughts have always been 'you are a long time dead' enjoy what you have while you can. I took 20k out of my pension pot last year to buy a brand new challenger 650 and I don't regret it one bit

Adventure before dementia.... go for it. 🙂

Be farefull with mptlm .kia sportage is rated at 1650 legal Great tow car. Ive got one

Hello greetings from N.I. So that makes your Caravan worth 15k who do I make the cheque out to, and i'll pay you for the Kojack as well !! LOL😂.The vans are lovely and enjoy your vlog as we are looking to buy a van in the coming future so it's nice to see what others do.

Think you would be upgrading your towcar aswell both vans will be above the kerb weight of the Sportage I have just got rid of a 13 plate Sportage and wouldn't want to tow 1700kg with it you are in Sorrento range there with that weight. We are also considering both layouts but Carnt decide

We got the Elegance 580, and I feel it feels more of an open space than 560. The only issue is that if family comes away with us and needs the loo, they have to pass through the bedroom. The 560 to us feels a bit cramped, and you have to be careful storing anything under the bed due to it being at the back. Some yourtuber pointed an issue with that central bathroom layout on swifts....you can't open the bathroom door if the oven grill door is open... Maybe it's been addressed by now.

Hi, it depends on how many more years you want to caravan for? Will your old caravan last thar long? Sounds a good deal to me. so I'd snap their hand off before any dreaded damp etc gets a hold on your old caravan. Personally I prefer the 580 as it is a more usable space. We take our grandchildren once a year and they've never needed the loo at night. Also it's only once a year and you have all that room.

We were looking online at a used Swift Elegance 650 just this morning, it was so beautiful but far too heavy for us. It said POA, is that because if we need to ask we can’t afford it? 😂

How much???????!!!! Got a new Cabrerra 2021 for £28k!! Admittedly not an 8ft wide!

There is no potential about it, once you start looking it will happen. 😃😃 Not keen on either but then they do not have an engine at the front. If I had to go with one it would be the 580 but I will stay with Dessmond.

radio in the command centre

External shower outlet

Sorry to say Swift just don't cut it. Too modern looking , definitely not worth upgrading from your current van. Why don't Swift have stable doors? I know it's a personal choice but Bailey all the way. Their Evora is top class for a few grand more.

Not sure about the weight of the 560 on the back of a Kia Sportage. It's almost at 100% of the Kerb weight of the car. The 580 is way too heavy.

Wouldn’t both of them be too heavy for the Kia Sportage?

It’s funny that Iv ordered the kojack off james video he must be on commission

Keep your existing van wait till you need to change it