A trip to the Motorhome and Caravan Show allows you to see just what difference a dealer special can make to a standard van. This model, the Wanderer 19TB from Wandahome Knottingley, is a case in point.

It is based on Coachman’s best-selling Acadia 575, part of the brand’s entry-level range, giving the dealer scope to offer all sorts of goodies. But do those extras add up and is this worth considering if you’re looking for the best 4 berth caravan? I took a look at the recent October Show.

Pitch and set-up

The most obvious additions to the 19TB are external. Apart from exclusive graphics, you get heavy-duty corner steadies. The caravan ATC system and the AKS 3004 stabiliser are part of the Coachman spec list, but Wandahome aims to make setting up a bit easier by including the offside services light that Coachman only offers on the VIP range and above.

I like this addition – it means no more scrabbling around in the dark or with a torch to find the connections. It’s a feature that I also appreciate as it will be important here because although the BBQ point and mains socket (both Coachman features) are on the nearside as usual, everything else is on the offside.

You will need to buy the best caravan wheel lock though as one isn’t included with the Wanderer – that can be an addition on some dealer specials, but usually with a more upmarket range. You do get a receiver for an Al-Ko lock.

The spare wheel is a Coachman fixture, as is the nearside external locker door.

Lounge in the Wandahome Wanderer 19TB

Step inside and the upholstery might look familiar – the sumptuous settees and thick grey curtains are essentially the same as you find in Coachman’s upmarket Lusso, such as the Lusso III.

Dealers making specials can, after all, pick and choose their extras from a wide variety of the manufacturer’s products, not just the next range up. I thought the cushions in particular are a step up from what you get in standard Acadia, such as the Acadia 460.

The lounge includes a large sunroof and windows
Large sunroof and windows let in lots of natural light

You do, however, get the standard Acadia patterned walls, which didn’t win everyone over when they were launched, but in the subdued lighting at the NEC, added a little warmth. I also thought it was good to see that the panels have proper wooden edging now, not tape.

Apart from the addition of a wireless charging pad (next to USBs and a socket on the front sill), the lounge is standard Coachman – and, in my opinion, none the worse for that.

Inside the Wanderer
Floorspace allows for good access to the washroom

There are bolsters for extra comfort, and a pull-out shelf on the central chest, while the foldaway table is stored by the door – on my test model, it was a tight squeeze.

Kitchen in the Wandahome Wanderer 19TB

The kitchen is pretty much standard Acadia, with a four-burner dual-fuel hob above a separate oven and grill. I think the work surface could just be large enough even without the extension flap. The area is well lit, too, and has one mains socket handily placed.

The dual-fuel four-burner hob and separate oven and grill
Well-equipped kitchen has a four-burner dual-fuel hob and separate oven and grill

You could also make use of the worktop above the fridge (at 91 litres, this is possibly on the small side for the food of four) and under the microwave. The TV socket is here, though, so I reckon it’s likely to be otherwise occupied for those of you who want to enjoy watching your favourite shows on the best caravan TV.

Washroom in the Wandahome Wanderer 19TB

The terrazzo patterning behind the basin really stands out, and in dim light, I thought it could even guide you to where you need to wash your hands, if you don’t want to turn the light on and disturb sleepers at night.

When you do turn the light on, you will find a spacious room with a ladder radiator and a large, fully lined shower cubicle.

The single door makes access a bit tight, and you need to be careful not to knock it against the basin. However, the headroom is good, and you get a useful double shelf. But there is only one drainage hole.

Sleeping in the Wandahome Wanderer 19TB

When it is rolled out, the transverse island bed leaves enough space at the foot for easy access to the washroom, something which can be an important feature in this type of caravan. The wardrobe and cupboard combination on each side of the bed includes a handy little shelf.

The transverse island bed
There is ample overhead locker storage space above the transverse island bed

The basic dresser on the nearside front corner of the unit includes a mains and a TV socket, should you want a second set.

The lounge settees are only 4ft 10in long, so are only suitable as singles for children. But I found it was easy to make up a huge double bed by pulling out the slats.

Storage in the Wandahome Wanderer 19TB

Both underseat areas in the lounge have access flaps, although the offside space is partly taken up with the Alde boiler. Up above you get one shelved overhead locker and a corner locker on each side.

There are three more overhead lockers in the bedroom, as well as the wardrobes and the sizeable area under the bed. The dresser has a cupboard and a column of shelves, although they aren’t lipped.

The kitchen houses a double cupboard with a drawer, and a pan locker under the oven. There are two double cupboards above, one with crockery and mug racks.

The washroom has open shelving, and a cupboard underneath the handbasin.

As always, don’t forget to make sure you’re aware of the relevant caravan weights before loading up your van!

Alternatives to consider

For those who are after an entry-level couple’s caravan with four berths which is a bit shorter in length, the Swift Sprite Exclusive Alpine 4 could be worth considering. The tourer has a large rear bedroom and what we considered to be a great spec. If you have the budget and are after a more luxurious interior, the 2024 Coachman VIP 575 could be the tourer for you – the four-berth comes with an excellent build quality and a luxurious layout throughout.

Technical spec of the Wandahome Wanderer 19TB

  • Price: £32,795
  • Berths: 4
  • MiRO: 1385kg
  • Payload: 155kg
  • MTPLM: 1540kg
  • Interior length: 5.76m
  • Shipping length: 7.39m
  • Overall width: 2.26m
  • Contact: wandahome.co.uk

Spec list

  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Al-Ko galvanised steel chassis
  • Steel spare wheel
  • Al-Ko AKS 3004 stabiliser
  • ATC
  • Shock absorbers
  • Receiver for Al-Ko wheel lock
  • External BBQ point and mains socket
  • Teleco Teleplus TV aerial
  • Alde wet central heating
  • LED spotlights
  • USBs in lounge and bedroom
  • Thetford dual-fuel hob with separate oven and grill
  • 91-litre Thetford fridge
  • Flatbed microwave
  • Thetford C262 swivel toilet with electric flush
  • Smoke alarm
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Front double bed: 2.01 x 1.35m Or two singles: 1.47 x 0.73m
  • Rear double: 1.88 x 1.37m

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