2021 Bailey Adamo 69-4 motorhome

Doing the continental

That name. It begs the question: was Adamo the first motorhome? It’s certainly a Ford first for Bailey, its motorhomes up to now all being built on a Peugeot/Al-Ko chassis combination. The initial Adamo line-up also hints at a more continental approach from Bailey, especially in terms of floorplans.

The 69-4 here is one of three Bailey Adamo motorhomes, but it’s the one gaining the most initial interest. All on Ford Transit chassis-cabs and – as is the Bailey way, all with a one-size-fits-all base vehicle specification that includes the likes of the 160bhp engine, alloy wheels, cab air conditioning and – possibly the biggest surprise – automatic transmission, as standard.

Typically Bailey, the Adamo motorhome is keenly priced, too, although you’ll want to compare it with Transit-based rivals coming into the UK.

The exterior look is, like the motorhome type, fairly low-profile, with flush-fitting side windows, an overcab sunroof, 80Watt solar panel, fixings for a bike rack, plus a lashing point for a dog lead, among the notable features. It features Bailey’s Alu-Tech bodywork, of course, with GRP inner and outer walls as well as underside.

Step indoors the Bailey Adamo and there’s more of the continental theme, thanks to a front lounge with Lippert drop-down electrically-operated double bed.

This is a full four-berth motorhome, with safe rear travel for two thanks to a fold-up forward facing seat in the base of each settee, with settee sections adding to the comfort.

Such fittings aren’t always the best when it comes to seeing out whilst travelling, but it’s a neat way around the issue of maintaining four-berth status whilst still being able to offer the UK preference for inward-facing settees when you’re on-site.

The Ford cab seats are particularly easy to swivel, too, thanks also to a drop-down handbrake action. It’s Ford’s usual well-executed dashboard, too, with its chunky steering wheel and lots of other car-like features.

Overhead, it’s an opening sunroof, with open shelving all round.

There’s a step down from cab to the main living quarters of the Bailey Adamo, with those settees starting immediately behind the cab area. Another typically continental touch is the fixed pedestal leg tabletop.

The slide-down double bed means less standing height in the lounge, but it’s an area where more typically you’re going to be doing most of your sitting. Doubtless that permanent bed will prove the favourite for sleeping on, but you can also make a double from the lounge seating.

The main kitchen is behind the lounge on the offside, where you get a full Thetford cooker with three gas rings, electric hotplate, separate grill and oven, and a circular brushed metal sink.

There’s a large Thetford fridge with freezer compartment opposite, where you’ll also spot a flatscreen TV holder. The fridge is set off floor level, making it seem even taller and thinner but, more critically, it’s that bit easier to access its contents.

You step up again to the Adamo’s washroom, with its tambour door. There’s space for a shower compartment – with Ecocamel water-saving showerhead and two drainage points.

A Thetford swivel-bowl toilet and countertop basin occupy the nearside.

If you’re worried about storage in the Bailey Adamo 69-4 (those rear travel seats do impinge in the settee bases, and the drop-down bed means no upper-level lockers in the lounge), take a closer look. That wardrobe in the washroom is huge, also boasting extensive shelving to three sides. True, it doesn’t offer a full drop… but that’s because there’s a decent garage space below, accessible from either side outside as well as internally.

Elsewhere, overhead lockers might be a bit minimal, but storage is very good, including the kitchen, which boasts more locker and drawer space than many motorhomes – note the exterior-access gas locker eats into the storage space here, but you still get generous upper-level locker capacity.

Commendably, this is all on a chassis rated at 3,500kg and with a fairly decent payload allowance. Factory-fitted options are kept to a minimum, but there are also plenty of accessories – some exclusive to the Adamo – via Bailey’s own accessories arm, Prima Leisure.

And despite keeping that price keen, there are plenty of luxury touches – concertina blinds and flyscreens, lounge lights have USB outlets, open shelving and coat hooks just inside the habitation door, Truma Combi 4E heating and hot water system, Status 550 TV aerial, and more. Plus that Dometic reversing camera with separate viewing screen with attract a small motorhome insurance discount with Caravan Guard.

Doubtless the Bailey Adamo 69-4 will prove more popular for couples who want to tour at any time (and maybe add a couple more on occasion). You’ll soon find, whatever size your family is, this is a motorhome that can cope.

Verdict: Ford-based four-berth that fits the bill

Plus: Competitively priced, practical layout (especially for two), well-specified Ford base

Minus: Low-set rear seats

In-a-nutshell: Bailey’s Ford for four to fall in love with

There’s more information on the Adamo motorhome range on the Bailey website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Benimar Tessoro 483, Chausson 640