Swift Motorhome Review- 496 Esprit
We love looking around other motorhomes and I’m sure you’re no different, so have a look inside ours- a Swift 496 Esprit (the newer models are called Swift Bessacarr Motorhomes.)
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Why buy a Swift Motorhome?
We wanted several things from our new motorhome when we changed from our old McLouis:
- Under 3m
- End lounge
- Separate dinette
- Drop-down bed if possible
We didn’t set out to specifically buy a Swift motorhome, but this happened to be the one we found with the layout we wanted, within our price range.
Facts about the Swift 496 Esprit
Our Swift motorhome is a 2015 496 Esprit (Same as a Swift Bessacarr 496)
| Height | 2.9m |
| Length | 7.75m |
| Width | 2.3m |
| MTPLM | 4250kg |
| MRO | 3300kg |
| Payload | 900kg+ |
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Seatbelts | 6 |
| Gas locker capacity | 2 x 13kg bottles |
| Layout | End Lounge |
| Engine | Fiat Ducato 2.3L/ 130MJT |
| Chassis | AL-KO Low-line Chasses |
| Max Braked trailer weight | 2000kg |
See inside our Swift Motorhome
Take a look inside our Swift 496 Esprit!
Pros of this Motorhome
- SO Much space, especially for a family.
- Low profile
- Lots of light
- Great under seat storage
- 6 seatbelts and 6 sleeping berths
Cons of the Motorhome
- Galley storage is RUBBISH. Seriously, what’s with the weird cupboard that’s not wide enough to put anything in?
- Bathroom is the biggest compromise
- Drop-down bed just doesn’t work. We have to completely repower it!
- Over 3.5 tonnes
- Longer than we would prefer.
We’ve been all over Europe in this van- and it’s been a great adventure machine. Sure, there are things we’d change and there are definitely compromises, but it’s one of the best layouts we’ve found for a family who need two living areas and lots of storage.
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Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.
Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.
If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.
Hi both. Just watched your review of your van and picked up some great storage ideas! Can you tell me more though on 1) how you fixed the iPad to the dash and 2) how you fixed the telescopic ladder to the bike rack.
Great website btw – I always pick up something new and useful when I read it. I’ve been scratching my head to think of a retirement present for a good friend who recently bought a camper van. I found exactly what she needs on your site so thanks!
Carolyn x
Hi Carolyn. The mount we use is in this post. The ladder is fixed on with thin ratchet straps to the bike rack- it’s not come loose yet!