2022 Bailey Adamo 75-4DL motorhome

When Bailey introduced its trio of Ford Transit-based coachbuilts, for the 2021 season, it was this, the 75-4DL, that attracted the most interest.

One of three models, all Adamo motorhomes are 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 alloy wheels, cab air conditioning and – possibly the biggest surprise – automatic transmission (there’s no manual option), as standard. Coupled to the two-litre, 160bhp engine it makes for easy, relaxed driving with a fair bit of oomph in store for when you really need it.

At nearly 7.5m in length, the Bailey Adamo 75-4DL motorhome is by no means small. Encouragingly, though, it manages to come in at a driving licence-friendly 3,500kg, even if payload is a little on the tight side.

The chassis can be upgraded by a company called SvTech, with prices starting from around £312. The MPTLM can be increased from 3,500kg to 4,000kg without modification but if you want to increase it further to 4,100kg then you will need an air assist kit to the rear axle. Ask your dealer if you want to increase payload.

It’s stayed keenly priced, too. Even with 2022 price rises taken into account.

Doubling up on the lounging and sleeping

Billed as a four-berth, the main appeal is no doubt going to be to couples, who still make up by far the largest portion of new motorhome buyers. Nevertheless, it will be a particular type of couple – maybe those who want to sleep in separate beds? Or sit in separate lounges? Or just want optimum flexibility as to where they sit as well as sleep. Arguably, too, the best combination of interior space and comfort for day- as well as night-time use.

Although, with two drop-down double beds the Bailey Adamo 75-4DL motorhome could also appeal to families with two children, with no beds to make up at night?

If the thought of two proper double beds and two pretty generous lounges doesn’t tempt you, perhaps the garage storage will. There’s access from both sides (full height on the nearside) and lashing points, lighting and even electrical sockets in here.

The rear lounge is U-shaped, with windows to each of its three sides. Behind the lounge, there’s also a deep shelf and storage – a wardrobe in the offside corner and a shelved locker nearside (also with exterior access), plus two upper-level lockers in between.

Moving forward, the kitchen is particularly well-equipped, thanks to a full Thetford cooker with a separate oven and grill as well as a dual-fuel hob (three gas burners, one electric hotplate). Also from Thetford is a full-size fridge/freezer – all 141 litres of it.

In truth, it’s a compact kitchen unit that doesn’t leave much for storage, although the worktop extension is very handy.

Over on the offside, the washroom is also something of a space-saver. There’s a fixed basin and a swivel-bowl toilet – and it’s always good to see an opening window for best ventilation – but locker storage is restricted to a unit under the basin, and you use the whole room when you want to shower, with a curtain provided to keep water off the other fittings.

Now, the Bailey Adamo 75-4DL is a full four-berth motorhome, so the front lounge – which has parallel settees for on-site use – provides travel seating for two folk thanks to Aguti seat backs that are in the settee bases. These simply hinge back when you want to carry extra passengers, with sections of the settee dropping in to act as the squabs. It’s all fully safety-tested; indeed, Bailey is something of a pioneer in this respect.

Underpinning all this is Ford’s impressive Transit chassis. Latest versions get a reversing camera, cab concertina blinds, as well as chassis extensions that allow for the fitting of a towbar.

It’s a well-executed cab, with lots of car-like cues – notably the steering wheel and dashboard. Overhead is an opening sunroof and open shelving all round.

Fixtures and fittings are up there with the best. Truma’s Combi 4E provides the heating and hot water. A multi-directional TV holder will take flatscreens up to 24in. It’s also pre-wired for wi-fi. And a solar panel is standard, albeit it’s only rated at 80 Watts.

In this video we take a look inside the Bailey Adamo 75-4 DL motorhome:

Verdict: Clever interior opens really opens up the living, sleeping and storage space

Plus: Two drop-down double beds, two lounges, sizeable garage, impressive Ford base

Minus: Small washroom without separate shower cubicle, no chassis upgrade option

In-a-nutshell: Formidable Ford-based four-berth

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

Alternatives: Auto-Trail F72, Benimar Tessoro 482, Chausson 644