I am often asked which extras or conversions can really add value to a light commercial vehicle at time of resale.

As is usually the case there isn’t a simple ‘one size fits all’ sort of answer and our experience has shown that while tail-lifts do add value, it is not always guaranteed.

A tail-lift can attract a premium of up to £500 if fitted to a chassis cab but won’t do so when fitted to a panel van in a way that limits the usage of that van for a subsequent user.

A tail-lift, with its size and weight, will reduce the payload of a vehicle and with health and safety and duty of care requirements, we are seeing more lifting aids and equipment fitted.

There is also a new trend emerging of a half width or a third width tail-lift being fitted, which offers the flexibility without fully affecting the payload or limiting the usage of the vehicle.

The majority of tail-lifts are fitted to chassis cabs.

A dropside with a tail-lift could add desirability but not necessarily a monetary uplift.

The majority are operated by plant hire / construction / infrastructure organisations where contract usage can devalue the overall asset.

A Luton box with a tail-lift is a specification where I would add up to £500 for the tail-lift providing the body was a standard spec (and minimum 14ft length/standard height/fit for purpose material).

This uplift reflects its practical application in second life use to rental companies, removal companies etc.

A box van with a tail-lift could add desirability but not necessarily a monetary uplift.

This would depend on body spec (length, material etc).

A long box van could overlap into Luton territory (albeit without the peak over the cab) so in a small number of cases the same £500 uplift could apply.

However, with panel vans, external lifts restrict flexibility as many full-width tail-lifts do not permit drivers to open rear doors without first deploying the lift.

Internal lifts do not add value. In both cases they are fitted to suit the first-life contract (eg tyre companies, engineers) but this can restrict second-life appeal.

The majority of traders would remove them if customers did not want them so they assign no value to them for uplift.

The half or part width lifts may be seen as more desirable as one of the rear doors can be opened when it is stowed, but buyers do not necessarily appear convinced.