The collection date had finally arrived. After humping loads of belongings and bits and pieces from one motorhome to the other, it was time to hit the road with the 2013 Swift Kontiki. I will write a full review after a few trips away. First glances will show a new style exterior door, new style exterior awning light and inside, the ALDE 3010 heating system. My journey after collection to the first night stop was just over 90 minutes. In that time, the “heat exchanger” on the ALDE system had heated the hot water to a high temperature. This is a really useful feature when touring and means there is always hot water available. This can only help to lower our gas consumption.
One major difference between by 2012 spec Kontiki and the 2013 Swift Kontiki is the ALDE heating system. The photo’ below shows the alde control panel. Note this has another extra fitted within – a load monitor. A separate review will follow for this item.
2013 Swift Kontiki features the Alde heating system as standard “spec”
In addition to a good heating system we have had a Dometic B2200 air conditioning system installed for those long, sunny holidays!
The Kathrein CAP 900 satellite system will be re-installed at a later date, but in the meantime, we decided to have a Status system fitted as an optional extra – further review to follow soon!
Whilst the Kontiki has very generous storage, we have made a few little tweaks to enhance this further. Twin towel holders have been fitted in the washroom instead of the one fitted as standard. The pull out wire baskets are great for storing cooking ingredients etc. Two baskets are fitted as standard but we purchased a third one and re-alligned them so increase the storage capacity. This is ideal for those longer trips The shelf storage area at the top of the double door wardrobe has been almost doubled by fitting a second shelf.
The infamous kitchen roll holder has now been fitted to four motorhomes. I still can’t find a good quality replacement, so it moved once again! We also had two extra ceiling mounted LED lights fitted. These are operated by a separate switch to the general high level lighting and help to create different moods with alternate light levels.
As per the previous motorhome, we have fitted a rear ladder too.
2013 Swift Kontiki – a new name too!
My former colleague and good friend, the young Mr James Sutherland, had suggested my motorhome should be called Madam Cyn. I am not sure why this idea was his suggestion, but I have gone along with it, none the less.
Very nice van Russell, I hope you both have many happy trouble free miles in “Madam Cyn”
Looks smart, hope everything goes well in the initial shake downs..