Touring Caravan

Swift Challenger 480

Make/model: Swift Challenger 480

• Year: 2010
• £10,995
• Berths: 2
• Length: 4.75 m
• Width: 2.29 m
• MIRO: 1203 kgs
• MTPLM:1387 kgs

Typical tow car: Renault Kadjar 115 dci

The Challenger 480 is a popular used couple’s layout with its good spec but the exterior is looking more dated now, large front gas locker adds to the Challengers storage.

Layout: front end dinette, side kitchen, side dresser plus end washroom.

Pros: Good storage, decent kit including alarm, large Heki roof vent.
Cons: Starting to show its age in styling, rear washroom not as big as some in this class.

Look out for: Thetford fridge can be faulty, charger unit, upholstery lacking support

Extra equipment? Look out for optional upholstery, fitted mover.

Interior of the 2010 480 is still pleasing and offers plenty of roof locker storage also alarm sensor is fitted

Jenkinson’s opinion: The Challenger range has been around since 1985, it’s well known for its great value and upper market appeal. The Challenger is always easy to sell back on as people know it well. The Challenger 480 is a cracking tourer for two; it’s generally well built and offers a spec that includes such things as external mains socket and BBQ point. There is plenty of roof locker storage and I like the seat base access flaps, so much easier to get to bedding without lifting the entire seat up. Twin singles or a large double bed can be made up at the front lounge while the Challenger also has a central chest of drawers.

There is a large side dresser with large cupboards and ample worktop, the kitchen offers a full oven and built in microwave but do check the Thetford fridge is working ok, as some proved troublesome. The Challengers night lighting levels are very good and although upholstery is comfortable check that it’s not sagging, this of course depends on usage. The end washroom offers a cassette loo and circular shower but it’s not a washroom that’s as big as say the Elddis Supreme 462

The side dresser has great storage while it also houses the Truma dual fuel blown air heater system

How to find a good one
With the popularity of the Challenger, there is always one on a dealer’s forecourt. The 480 is one of the popular layouts and there is usually a 480 pre-owned at a Swift dealership for sale. Buying private, these models turn up and you need to keep an eye out for the fridge problems. Damp hasn’t really been a problem with these Challengers but do the usual checks especially around the front windows. Delaminating floors is also a problem you will find little of with the Challenger but we do say keep a look out for a spongy feel, especially around the kitchen area.

Make sure all service records are with the van and also look out for any poor repairs on the exterior of the van. By this model year, they had gone over to one piece aluminium sides, which were a thicker grade so were supposed to be dent resistant up to a point. Check the front windows for replaced units which don’t match the shade, replacing the original unit due to a fault with the double glazing rubbing each other.

Rear washroom isn’t the biggest but they are practical and have good shower and storage