Caravan review: Swag Off-Road Campers SCT17

Looking for a capable and affordable couples van that will tackle rough tracks and deliver a roomy, comfortable interior? This Swag 17-footer has all you need and can be towed by most mid-range vehicles.

In brief:

• Compact composite build couples van
• Capable of off-grid and offroad
• Suits a range of tow vehicles

For an idea of the quality of the Swag Off-Road Campers brand, consider that Caravans Coffs Coast is a dealer. Long regarded as home to authentic offroad caravans, it chose Swag as a more wallet-friendly alternative to its beefy, fully optioned counterparts. Please don’t take that as a put-down of the Swag lineup, because after spending a day exploring the hinterland around Coffs Harbour, I’m impressed.

The well-equipped and robustly engineered SCT17 competes on value and will be a serious consideration for anyone with a restricted towing capacity. The tare weight is approximately 2300kg, depending on the equipment level, and the 2900kg ATM puts it within the capability of many mid-range tow vehicles. So, you don’t need an expensive car to blow your budget.

I was surprised to see that the 17ft (5.2m) version stands out in the Swag lineup as a ‘semi-offroad’ model and the explanation from the design team is simply that the van’s width is 2.4m (7ft 9in), while the rest of the range is 2.27m (7ft 4in). Given that the construction and suspension are the same as those of its narrower brethren, it’s equally capable. It demonstrates a degree of real-world experience that might be rare in marketing language.

Going bush with the compact Swag SCT17

About Swag Off-Road Campers

The Swag team has been delivering offroad campers and hybrids since 2008. Initially starting with campers, the range has expanded to include hybrids and caravans. The bodies are imported from China and fitted out at the factory on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane. This multi-continent construction method is a familiar model in Australia, but the level of experience, attention to detail and use of quality inclusions sets Swag apart.

How is the Swag SCT17 constructed?

The build process begins with designs created in the Australian headquarters from 3D CAD drawings, which are submitted for local engineering compliance to a local compliance engineer.

Every true offroad van needs a robust and well-engineered chassis underneath. The Swag features a 150mm x 50mm x 3mm hot-dipped galvanised steel chassis and A-frame with flanged strengthening struts underneath in high-stress sections, ensuring it’s engineered to withstand rough travel head-on.

A compact and affordable offroaderThe robust and well-engineered chassis is designed for offroad travel 

The suspension is a heavy-duty trailing arm setup. Swag partnered with Sydney-based Tough Dog 4WD Suspension to optimise mounting point locations and angles for effective shock absorber dampening. Not many imported vans (and even some Australian versions) go to this extent to ensure optimum offroad durability. A Cruisemaster DO35 hitch connects to the tow vehicle and delivers wide articulation on undulating tracks and steep creek crossings.

Tough Dog 4WD Suspension shock absorbers

The body is a full composite construction. The walls and roof are German-engineered panels of two layers of fibreglass over a foam core with built-in aluminium supports for windows and doors. The floor is a single honeycomb panel. As shown in the images here, the sturdy aluminium corner joints on the roof and walls add to the strength and help maintain a permanent water-tight seal.

The underside is spray-protected, and a raptor-style urethane coating covers the lower side sections of the body. It looks the part, is lighter than checkerplate and is easily repaired if scratched on tight tracks.

Two 100L freshwater tanks are shrouded with shiny checkerplate protection, and 120L of grey water capacity is on hand for those parks that require it. Underbody protection is thorough, and the ground clearance appeared suitable for navigating challenging roads, provided the vehicle was driven sensibly. The alloy wheels are rated to 1550kg, and a set of 265/75R16 mud tyres enhances the all-terrain impression, making them practical on rough tracks due to the side walls of these mud tyres being more resistant to damage when the pressure is reduced.

The interior fitout is neat and well-finished, using lightweight cabinetry and a mix of high-quality components. All the gas and electronics fit outs are finished using local trades, and the quality looks neat and professional.

Eye-catching decals

External features and outdoor setup

With walls of bright white fibreglass and a high offroad ride, the Swag’s looks are appealing and on trend. We like the composite panels for their smooth, clean lines and superior thermal properties. Meanwhile, a set of robust scrub bars along the lower leading edge and an oversized black storage box up front speak an unmistakable offroad language. A single spare sits on a neat pole/fishing rod carrier at the back.

Along the side, we see two locking picnic tables, and further forward, a hatch that reveals a heavily built stainless-steel slide-out kitchen with four gas burners, a cutlery drawer, wind deflectors, a serving bench and a sink. It’s a beauty and looks like it should last years of service. Many owners will take advantage of the external kitchen to prepare meals, and there’s a 5m (16ft 4in) wide awning that rolls out for weather protection.

Loads of storage up front

The external slide-out kitchen is great for a weekend escape or a longer adventure in the great outdoors

Inside the van: Layout and comfort

Swag’s caravan series mixes elements of a hybrid with the more liveable aspects of a full-height caravan. Many buyers opt for a larger van, and while the appeal of the extra space is genuine, after sitting in the van for a while, it’s difficult to see what you miss in its compact footprint.

A supplied removable step gets you inside to a generous 1.95m (6ft 4in) ceiling height. The ensuite runs full width across the rear of the van, the queen size island bed is located up front, and the living space is situated centrally, so it’s a traditional Aussie layout that offers maximum bed privacy, which is essential to many buyers. Timber veneers on the tables and benchtops help keep the matte black joinery against the white walls and ceiling from looking too stark, and it makes a nice change compared to the fake marble seen in many imported vans.

The Swag SCT17 comes with a removeable step

The ensuite is reasonable for the size of the van and offers a separate shower enclosure and a vanity with a built-in, fully plumbed washing machine for when hooked up to power and water. A cassette toilet is on the driver’s side, and there are storage options that will be handy for towels and spare bedding. So, everything you need is available in the compact space. Good lighting and matte black tapware and sink lend a contemporary feeling.

A tried and true layout inside with a nice colour palette and five-star comfort

Good design means that the van accommodates a walk-around north–south bed, and that’s a real bonus in a van this size, while still providing usable living space. Overhead and side cupboards surround the bed, and a high, quilted headboard continues the upmarket fitout. Large drawers pull out from under the bed, and the mattress lifts to reveal most of the electronics, which again have a neat and professional installation. Two narrow windows on each side of the bed offer views and a good flow of air, bringing an added layer of security.

A bench lounge for two on the passenger side has two removable tables that swing around for easy access and to form one larger dining setting. Opposite is the kitchen, where a Dometic two-burner cooker and a large stainless-steel sink allow you to prepare a quick cup of tea or a snack inside. The 188L two-door compressor fridge is conveniently located and is a good size for a couple.

Plenty of convenient features for a couple to head off-grid

Readers often bring us to task for including large and expensive vans in these pages, and that’s probably fair to some extent. Not everyone needs a big van, and not all oversized vans suit buyers’ needs. So, the Swag is a counterpoint to the ‘big is better’ ethos, and I’d suggest buyers take the time to check out the ‘little’ Swag we see here to confirm their priorities.

Full-width ensuite with built-in washing machine

Off-grid setup: Power, water and self-sufficiency

Swag owners will most likely have remote camping in mind, so they will need a suite of self-sufficient equipment. High-end Victron products were chosen for their efficiency and reliability. We see Victron increasingly part of RV fit outs for a good reason. For many years, Victron has been a top choice for all things yachting, so it knows how to make its electronics withstand harsh environments.

Roof-mounted solar panels generate 400W of power, which is sent to a 300Ah lithium battery through a Victron MPPT 100/50 Smart solar charger. Additionally, a Victron Orion 50A DCDC unit and an Anderson plug enable charging the battery from external sources, such as the tow vehicle. A 2000W/80A Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger provides 240V off-grid power and charging to the Swag.

For most owners, there will be enough self-sufficiency for extended stays in the bush. Indeed, the supply will keep the fridge running and provide power for small appliances, such as coffee machines and an air fryer.

The 200L of fresh water is a generous amount for this size van, and the 120L grey water tank ensures you are compliant and welcome in council RV parks and certain national parks, especially in Western Australia, where authorities are cracking down on ensuring you are correctly set up.

Easy-to-use controls inside

How does the Swag SCT17 tow?

We towed the SCT17 with my 200 Series LandCruiser. With approximately 100L of water on board, the all-up weight would have been 2400kg. The ATM is 2900kg, leaving a payload of 600kg, which, as I mentioned, opens the van to a range of mid-range tow vehicles, including the popular Isuzu MU-X and Prado wagons, as well as most dual-cab ute options. We’ve got a guide to popular dual-cabs, so check it out.

Andy from Caravans Coffs Coast guided me northwest out of town into the Conglomerate State Forest, where we followed a maze of dirt roads over mountains and through lush scenery. The Swag SCT17 was well-balanced and towed perfectly behind, making it a pleasure to tow. Its nimble footprint showed its value when we had to turn around in a tight clearing. Braking was progressive and efficient, and there was no bounce or wandering throughout our journey.

Tow testing the SCT17 with John’s 200 Series LandCruiser

Measuring up

Pros

• Composite build
• Well-equipped compact couples van
• High-end equipment

Cons

•  A composting toilet would be an improvement

SWAG OFF-ROAD CAMPERS SCT17 RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

$85,000 … it’s excellent value for a capable couples offroader

TOWABILITY

Tows like a dream, suits mid-size tow vehicles

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

A couple will appreciate the compact travel advantage and well-designed interior

BUILD QUALITY

Heavily engineered for the track. We liked composite construction for its excellent weather resistance

LIVEABILITY

It’s compact, but everything you need is there

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Enough power and water for a couple of weeks in the bush with frugal water use

CUSTOMER CARE

Two-year warranty on the body, five years on the chassis. Appliances as per the supplier

INNOVATION

Bringing a valuable suite of equipment to the range sets Swag apart

X-FACTOR

Looks like a capable offroader without too much drama

SWAG OFF-ROAD CAMPERS SCT17 SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Swag Off-Road Campers SCT17 price from $85,000 + freight and dealer delivery fees

OPTIONS FITTED

N/A

Swag Off-Road Campers SCT17 price as shown $85,000 + freight and dealer delivery fees

MORE INFORMATION

Swag Off-Road Campers

P: 1800 792 422

E: sales@swagcampers.com.au

Caravans Coffs Coast

186 Pacific Highway

Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

P: 02 6652 5523

THE NEXT STEP

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