As you might expect in a caravan aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, there is a good range of extras fitted on the outside

It is difficult to believe that it is now five years since we first tested a Swift Basecamp. In that time Swift’s “crossover” vehicle has developed, with the addition of a window in the rear door, then a four-berth model a couple of years ago. But the basic idea remains the same: a caravan very much geared to the adventure sports enthusiast, to which you can add a dedicated Vango awning (a cost option we’re not reviewing here).

The big development this year has been the launch of a six-berth, with two dinettes in the rear that converts into two sets of bunks.

you might expect in a caravan aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, there is a good range of extras fitted on the outside, including a BBQ point in the nearside front corner, an exterior mains socket on the nearside, and an external shower connection near the cassette hatch.

Having a door at the rear means you can easily load any bikes you are taking along.

With an unladen weight of 1165kg, the new Basecamp 6 is relatively lightweight for a six-berth, and like all Basecamp models, this season it benefits from an AKS 3004 stabiliser.

Lounge

The funky interior, upholstered in black, grey and orange, really adds to the Basecamp 6’s sporty image, as do the black worktops.

The lounge is, however, a bit on the narrow side. Outside mealtimes (when you have to collect the foldaway table from the wardrobe, beyond the kitchen), any children might prefer the rear dinettes. There’s only just enough room for six up front, and taller folk might not want to squeeze in against the wall.

That said, the central window opens wide and the lounge is well lit, with dimmable lighting and two spotlights with USBs. TV sockets are on the outer edge of the kitchen, so you could mount a small set there – if you’re after one, our guide to the best caravan TVs fills you in on the standout products on the market.

The two rear dinettes are comfortable, considering the seat cushions are essentially parts of the bunk mattress folded up. The tabletops are stored on the far side of the kitchen. Both dinettes have an LED light, and there is also a pair of USBs under each of the rear seats. Everyone gets a charging point!

Kitchen

The stylish worktop is lit by a strip light, and looks very impressive with a three-burner gas hob. You are well supplied if you bring a kettle, with two mains sockets with plenty of space around them, and you can always use the socket that’s part of the TV set-up.

The round sink is a good size and, below, you get Dometic’s Series 10 two-way opening AES fridge. At 83 litres, it is a little small for the food of six, but this is a van designed for quick adventure trips over long tours. You only get a Thetford Duplex combined oven and grill, however, and there is no microwave.

Washroom

The long mirror by the washroom door is useful, and there’s another large mirror over the basin. The shower is in the centre – the wheel arch intrudes a bit and there is only one plughole. But there is a second strip light under the locker, a large roof vent and a towel ring.

Beds in the Swift Basecamp 6 are fantastic.