When researching for posts to publish to our blog here at Caravan Helper to help caravan owners, we normally look for common problems that affect parts, components, or appliances. We then outline the potential causes of the problem and possible solutions.
This post is a little different, as we are focusing our attention not on just one component, part or appliance but on a whole vehicle – the Swift Elegance 565.
What’s the Problem With the Swift Elegance 565?
That really depends on who you ask. While most people have bought this caravan and had a lot of joy with it, there have been a few that have had a less than positive experience. One owner in particular cited around 57 different problems. If it were a second-hand van, you might reason that some issues would be expected. However, it wasn’t second hand, it was a brand new tourer.
The problems ranged from the LED mood lights failing, the curtains falling off, water pressure reduced and the battery box seal falling off to front panel cracks, rear panel splits and 12-volt sockets and the return valve on the water system failing.
The list goes on and on. Rather than asking what the problem with this tourer was, it would be easier to ask the opposite.
Is This Solely a Swift Problem or a Problem with the Elegance 565?
No, sadly this is not a problem that is restricted to just Swift or this particular line of caravans. What we have found is that there are a lot of issues like these, especially when buying new. Bugs and problems are not properly identified or addressed at the production stage and therefore are passed down to the dealer and then the buyer.
What Are the Solutions?
If this is the situation you find yourself in and you’ve just bought a new caravan, whether it’s a Swift Elegance or another make and model, it depends on how cooperative the dealer is with any issues you come across.
Although it may be the manufacturer that has knowingly or unknowingly cleared the faulty caravan for sale, if it is faulty or not sufficiently durable for its intended purpose, it is the seller that is in breach of the Consumer Rights Act and your statutory rights. Through the CRA, issues that occur within 6 years of the date you purchased are covered in England and Wales.
If the dealer is not willing to help with a replacement or repair work, you may need to escalate it. If you are a member of either the Camping and Caravanning Club or the Caravan and Motorhome Club, you should consider speaking to their legal helpline or if your home insurance (or another insurer you have a policy with) offers free legal advice and help, you should speak to them about what action you could take.
Many people mistakenly believe that the Act is only usable in defending statutory rights if repairs are offered and are not satisfactory, whereas the Act is actually usable from the moment you go through with the purchase.
Hopefully, this information will help you avoid having to pay out for costly repairs and the frustration of having a caravan that does not live up to your expectations.