Road tripping with the Swift Voyager 494: Is It Time for Us to Upsize?
We hired a Swift Voyager 494 from Swift Go to test whether a larger island-bed motorhome would genuinely improve the way we tour, sleep, store our kit and explore the UK by road.
Swift Voyager 494 at a Glance
- 4 berth motorhome
- Rear island bed
- Ford Transit chassis
- On-board Wi-Fi
- Smart TV
- Rear garage storage
- Bike rack
- Solar panel
- Suitable for couples and families
- Collected from Swift Go, Stockport
For several years we've travelled the UK in smaller and mid-sized campervans and motorhomes while researching routes for Uncover Britain. They've taken us all over the country and have generally struck a good balance between comfort and practicality.
However, there was one layout we'd never used: an island bed motorhome.
Like many owners of smaller vehicles, we've become used to making up beds every evening by folding down seats, pulling out bases and rearranging cushions. It works perfectly well, but after enough trips you start to wonder whether a fixed bedroom would genuinely improve the experience.
When the opportunity arose to update our North Wales Road Trip Guide, we decided it was the perfect chance to hire a Swift Voyager 494 and see how the extra space and island bed would work for us. Over several days, we revisited destinations including Llangollen, Betws-y-Coed, Llandudno, Conwy and Anglesey, updating route information, checking practical details, capturing fresh photography for future guide updates and creating a little blog of our most recent North Wales road trip with a motorhome.
We collected the Voyager 494 from Swift Go's Stockport depot, a convenient starting point for exploring North Wales and much of northern Britain. As the hire arm of Swift Group, one of the UK's best-known motorhome manufacturers, Swift Go offers a wide choice of motorhomes with different sizes and layouts, making it easy to find a vehicle suited to different styles of travel and touring preferences.
Throughout the process, from booking through to collection, communication was straightforward and the team were helpful in answering questions and offering advice on layouts and vehicle options.
The collection process took around an hour in total, including the paperwork and handover. We simply needed to bring our driving licences and a proof of address document, after which we were ready to get on the road.
Why this layout stood out
The Swift Voyager 494 felt less like simply hiring a larger motorhome and more like testing a different way of touring. The separate rear bedroom, permanent island bed and extra storage made the vehicle feel calmer, more organised and easier to live with over several days.
First Impressions of the Voyager 494
The Voyager 494 is a four-berth motorhome built around one key feature: a permanent rear island bed. This is what drew us to choose this one and I have to admit, I, in particular, was very taken with the idea.
The layout also includes an overcab double bed, a spacious lounge with rotating cab seats, a well-equipped kitchen, washroom with a loo, foldable sink and even a shower, and a surprisingly large rear garage storage area.
What immediately stood out was how open the living space felt. The rear bedroom, with its concertina door, creates a natural separation between sleeping and living areas, giving the motorhome a much more “residential” feel than those that didn’t have a door to shut the living space out.
As the motorhome was built on the Ford Transit chassis, it meant the Voyager would offer a familiar driving experience with many of the driver-assistance and comfort features motorists will already be used to from modern vehicles.
The Handover Process
Swift Go does a great handover.
Collection was straightforward, with a clear handover covering the vehicle's key systems, controls and practical day-to-day operation. Whether you're new to motorhome travel or have previous experience, the process helps ensure you're comfortable with the vehicle before setting off.
Even though we already had motorhome experience, it's reassuring to have everything explained properly before setting off, especially given the upgrade in touchscreen control pads that have advanced a lot since the vans we had.
The team took us through the key systems, including fresh water filling, waste water operation, gas supply, toilet cassette, heating and hot water and electric hook-up procedures.
It was really handy to see the vehicle dimensions on a label behind the driver's sun visor for any quick reminders.
For anyone hiring a motorhome for the first time, this is probably one of the most important parts of the experience.
Nothing felt rushed and, importantly, everything was demonstrated rather than simply explained, which made it much easier to remember.
One feature we particularly liked was the onboard control panel. Modern motorhomes can sometimes feel intimidating with multiple switches and systems, but the Voyager 494's setup was refreshingly straightforward and visible with relevant icons.
Throughout the trip it was easy to keep track of everything without feeling like we were constantly managing the vehicle.
Living “Off-Grid”
Although the Voyager is supplied with a mains hook-up cable, we didn’t actually need it during our mid-week short trip because we used the leisure battery to run the lights and electric, and the fridge also ran on gas when needed, as well as the battery.
The vehicle arrived with a full fresh water tank and we also found this was ample for what we needed, including a few dishwashing loads and washing our face and teeth. We also had access to campsite facilities during part of the trip, but it was reassuring to know the motorhome's own hot water and washroom facilities were available whenever we needed them.
The motorhome felt very self-sufficient, especially with the heating and hot water system. We did not need the heating in the 30-degree heat, but we found the fan without heat was useful for creating air movement on the hot nights.
For the type of touring we enjoy, that flexibility is a huge benefit.
The Island Bed: The Feature That Changed Everything
We suspected we'd like the island bed. Ok, I did. My partner is more easy going than me, and it wasn’t top of his list like it was mine. I knew I’d love it, and I sure did. Every evening it felt great, strolling into the rear bedroom and going to bed under the feather duvet. It felt just like at home.
I totally appreciated no rearranging cushions, no moving bags and coats out of the way, and no reversing the process the following morning.
After years of travelling in vehicles where making up the bed was simply part of the daily routine, this felt like a genuine luxury.
But the best thing? The mattress itself was also excellent. Comfort is often overlooked when comparing motorhomes, but after several nights on the road we genuinely slept well.
The other thing we loved in the bedroom was the large side windows and rooflight, which bring plenty of natural light into the space. The addition of little curtains alongside the blackout blinds is a nice touch, making the bedroom feel more homely. The large windows were particularly noticeable when parked overlooking the Menai Strait, providing a good view from inside the motorhome.
Storage: More Useful Than We Expected
The rear garage proved incredibly practical.
Outdoor gear, bike equipment and other travel essentials all had a dedicated place rather than migrating around the motorhome throughout the trip.
We especially loved having the bikes on the back, but also having the option for them to go in the garage if we wanted, depending upon our needs and how much stuff we had.
Inside, there was also storage throughout the living area and kitchen, and the kitchen was pre-stocked with crockery and cooking implements so we only needed to remember the salt, pepper and kitchen roll. Shout out to the idea of having real crockery. Yes, it rattles a bit in the cupboard, but how much nicer is it to eat off real plates? And tea tastes so much better in a china cup.
Nothing felt cramped and everything had somewhere sensible to live. For longer trips, this alone could be a compelling reason to move up to a larger vehicle.
Features We Appreciated
One surprisingly useful feature was the Dometic fridge. The ability to open the fridge from either side sounds like a small detail until you start using it every day. It’s one of those things that made life easier and one of those thoughtful design touches you quickly stop noticing because it works so well.
The onboard Wi-Fi was also useful for checking routes, updating travel information and staying connected while travelling. The Smart TV provided a welcome option on the evening we had a storm and we found some game shows to watch on the telly as the rain bucketed down.
As seasoned road trippers, we’d say neither feature is essential, however both can elevate your experience.
Driving and Parking
One aspect we were particularly interested in was how the Voyager 494 would feel on the road compared with the smaller and mid-sized motorhomes we've used previously. Despite the larger dimensions, it quickly felt comfortable and confidence-inspiring to drive, especially because of the elevated driving position which provided excellent visibility.
Features such as cruise control, cab air conditioning — it was around 30 degrees when we hired, so this was particularly useful — and the rear reversing camera helped reduce driver fatigue on longer journeys. The rear reversing camera was particularly useful when manoeuvring in car parks and campsites, making it much easier to judge positioning and adding an extra layer of confidence when handling a larger vehicle.
On a mix of motorways, A-roads and the narrower roads often found in North Wales, the motorhome felt stable and predictable. You are naturally more aware of vehicle size when navigating tighter spaces, which in North Wales are part of the course, but once underway the Voyager felt remarkably easy to live with, making longer touring days relaxed rather than tiring.
Parking a Larger Motorhome
Of course, moving to a larger vehicle comes with compromises.
Parking was the most obvious one. Was this a problem? No. This is because from experience we expected that we would have to head for the car parks that are usually long stay, on the outskirts of town, and allow for more space. Forearmed is forewarned.
In places such as Llangollen, Conwy and Betws-y-Coed, we always found suitable parking, but it wasn't always the closest or quickest option. However, we never felt restricted.
The trade-off was simply a little more planning in exchange for considerably more comfort.
Returning the Motorhome
Returning the motorhome was just as straightforward as collecting it. After unpacking our belongings, the vehicle was checked back in by the Swift Go team, with the whole process taking a little over half an hour. Like the collection process, everything felt efficient and well organised, providing a relaxed end to the trip.
So, Would We Upsize?
We wanted to know whether moving to a larger island-bed motorhome would genuinely improve our touring experience.
After several days living in the Swift Voyager 494, the answer is probably yes.
The additional space was welcome. The storage was excellent. The technology was easy to use. The self-sufficiency was impressive.
But ultimately it all comes back to that rear island bed. It's the feature that transformed the experience more than anything else.
For travellers who enjoy extended road trips and spending several days exploring an area at a time, it creates a level of comfort that's difficult to appreciate until you've lived with it.
The larger size inevitably requires a little more thought when parking, but for us the benefits comfortably outweighed that compromise.
As a test of whether we'd consider upsizing our own touring setup, the Voyager 494 made a very convincing case.
The Voyager 494 proved an excellent base for exploring North Wales, but one of the advantages of collecting from Swift Go's Stockport depot is that you're also within easy reach of many other Welsh road trip routes. If you're planning a longer adventure, the following resources may help.
Useful Resources for Planning Your Wales Motorhome Road Trip
If you're considering hiring a motorhome from Swift Go and exploring Wales, these resources may help you plan your trip.
Wales Road Trip Guides
North Wales Way Road Trip: Castles, Coast & Mountains
A flexible route covering Anglesey, Snowdonia (Eryri), Conwy, Llandudno and the Welsh Borders.
Wales' West Coast Road Trip – The Coastal Way
Explore Cardigan Bay, Pembrokeshire and the spectacular west coast of Wales.
The Cambrian Way: Cardiff to Conwy
A journey through the Brecon Beacons, Welsh Valleys and Snowdonia.
Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Road Trip
Ancient woodland, riverside scenery and market towns close to the Welsh border.
Stargazing in Wales Road Trip
A guide to some of Wales' best dark sky locations and astronomy experiences.
Wales Inspiration & Planning
Road Trips Along The Wales Way
An overview of Wales' major touring routes and how they connect together.
Top 12 Places to Visit in Wales
Ideas for attractions, viewpoints and destinations across the country.
Motorhome & Road Trip Planning
What to Pack for a Road Trip
A practical packing checklist for motorhome, campervan and car-based adventures.
Road Trip Recipes
Easy recipes, store-cupboard essentials and printable meal ideas for the road.
Road Trip Playlist
A ready-made playlist to help soundtrack your next adventure.
Fuel-Saving Driving Tips for Your Motorhome or Campervan Road Trip
Simple techniques to improve fuel economy and reduce driving costs.
Choosing the Best Sat Nav for Your Motorhome
Key considerations when selecting navigation suitable for larger vehicles.
To hire from Swift Go, please visit swiftgo.co.uk.