In focus: Dealer specials

Dealer special edition caravans are a great way of buying distinctive, up-specced tourers for an attractive price. Find out more in this handy guide, and consult our listings to find out where to buy one

Find out why these ‘super-plus’ versions of best-selling caravan models could be a wise investment when it comes to buying your next tourer

WOULDN’T IT BE great if you could buy a ‘super-plus’ version of a desirable caravan, one that’s been made even more appealing with the addition of extra goodies for an affordable all-in price? Well, you can, thanks to the widespread availability of dealer special edition vans. These are special ranges produced by dealers around the country, in collaboration with the UK’S leading manufacturers. A dealer special will be based on a best-selling entry level or mid-market range, and feature a selection of factory- and dealerfitted options to boost the spec. You’ll see differences inside and out, and the range will have its own distinctive name – so if you’re the kind of person who cares about what you pitch up on site, you won’t be rocking the same look as everyone else. Added-value items on a dealer special can typically include Al-ko’s ATC anti-snaking system, a solar panel, external mains and gas barbecue points, external access to interior storage areas, pleated blinds and an alternative soft furnishings scheme. A tempting package like this could be worth up to £2000, but many dealer specials retail for just a few hundred pounds more than the standard model on which they are based. Effortless extras Some canny caravanners might say they don’t need all the extras offered on a dealer special, and they could fit the ones they really want themselves, saving a wad of cash to pay for extra holidays. That’s true, but bear in mind that a manufacturer and dealer working together will have access to accessories and equipment at bulk-buy prices. If you do manage to source what you want for a good price, who needs the hassle of having to find it, then give up valuable free time fitting it? With a dealer special, you sign on the dotted line and drive off with an even more desirable caravan, with all of the upgrades in situ. Another objection could be the alternative furnishings inside the van, which might not be to everyone’s taste. But dealers offering special edition vans have been doing it successfully for many seasons, so they have a good feel for the kind of look their customers will want. Think of the dealer special edition proposition another way. Buying one allows you to access some of the features found in a higher range, without having to shell out a few thousand pounds to make the jump up. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the UK’S leading dealer special edition caravans, arranged by the manufacturer of the ‘base’ van. We’ll look at models from Bailey and Swift Group in this issue, with Coachman, Elddis and Lunar following next month. Turn the page for an overview by model, with listings starting on page 74.