Swift caravans have been built in East Yorkshire since 1964. This guide covers the Swift and Sprite ranges and how they’re built. It also explains the warranty and what to check on a used one.
Swift caravans are among the most popular tourers on UK sites. The story began in Hull in 1964, when Ken Smith and Ken Day built their first caravan, The Ten.
Since 1970, Swift has built caravans at Dunswell Road in Cottingham, East Yorkshire. Today, it makes two caravan brands: Sprite for value and Swift for comfort and premium touring.
For 2027, there are 26 caravan layouts across Sprite, Challenger, Conqueror and Elegance. So the choice runs from light family tourers to eight-foot-wide twin-axles.
Grande versions are eight feet wide, for extra living space.
Entry level
Aimed at first-time caravanners, with four single-axle layouts for four people. Swift calls it the UK’s best-selling family caravan. A six-berth Sprite Grande twin-axle is also available.
Mid range
Modern and practical, with six single-axle layouts for two to six people. Its Truma CombiNEO boiler gives continuous hot water.
Mid range, wider
Eight feet wide, for four to six people. There is one single-axle layout and three twin-axle layouts.
Premium
For experienced caravanners who want more comfort, in three single-axle layouts for two to four. For 2027, the new 565 has twin fixed single beds.
Premium, wider
Eight-foot-wide caravans for four, in two single-axle and two twin-axle layouts. In addition, L-shaped lounges get a pop-up TV unit.
Flagship
Swift’s top range, with four twin-axle layouts for four people. Every model is eight feet wide.
1964
Ken Smith and Ken Day build the first caravan, The Ten, in Hull.
1965
Ken Smith buys out his partner and sets up the company.
1970
Swift moves to Dunswell Road, Cottingham, still its home today.
1972
After Ken Smith’s death, his wife Joan and son Peter run the business.
2012
SMART construction arrives, replacing the wooden frame.
2024
Swift celebrates 60 years of building caravans.
Since 2012, Swift has built its caravans with SMART construction. In simple terms, the body has no wooden frame. Instead, it uses a plastic-based frame, a foam core and glass-fibre skins inside and out.
The roof is hail-resistant too. However, the floor still has a plywood inner layer, so it isn’t completely wood-free. Older caravans built before 2012 have a timber frame, so a damp check matters even more.
Recent Swift caravans come with a three-year SuperSure warranty and a six-year body shell warranty. First owners can also get extended body shell cover up to ten years.
The SuperSure and six-year cover can pass to a new owner. However, the caravan needs a full service history, and you must report the change. Even so, the ten-year extension is for the first owner only.
Each annual service must fall within 90 days before or 60 days after the purchase anniversary. So a missed service can affect a claim later.
With 26 layouts for 2027, there’s a Swift or Sprite for most tourers. So start with how you tour, then pick the range.
Before you choose, check the weight against your tow car. Also, remember that twin-axle and wider caravans need more storage space. The caravan weight limits guide and Caravanning Costs will help you plan.
Used Swift and Sprite caravans are easy to find, and parts are widely available. Even so, the warranty depends on the service history, so check it carefully.
The best way to choose is to step inside. First, visit a local Swift dealer, where you can compare layouts side by side. Then, if you can, go to the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham. It runs each October, and most makers show their new models there.
When buying used, a dealer usually costs more than a private sale. However, you get legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act. Also, many dealers include a habitation check and a short warranty. In contrast, a private sale is cheaper, but the checks are down to you.
Whichever you choose, read Buying a Caravan first, and keep the caravan checklists handy for collection day.
In Cottingham, East Yorkshire, where Swift has built caravans since 1970.
Sprite is the value range for first-time caravanners. Meanwhile, the Swift ranges (Challenger, Conqueror and Elegance) add more comfort and features.
SMART is Swift’s body construction since 2012. It has no wooden frame. Instead, it uses a plastic-based frame, a foam core and glass-fibre skins.
Partly. The SuperSure and six-year body shell cover can transfer with a full service history. However, the extended ten-year cover is for the first owner only.
The Elegance Grande. Every model is eight feet wide, with a twin axle.
Yes, two. The Swift Owners’ Club covers all Swift Group makes. Also, the Sprite Sterling Swift Caravan Owners Club dates back to 1959.
Save campsites, plan upcoming stays and meet other tourers in the Community. Joining is free and takes under a minute.
