Bailey Advance 76-4T - Practical Motorhome

The revamped range now includes this bang-on-trend model with fixed single beds ahead of a transverse rear washroom. Sarah Wakely takes a look inside.

Verdict

Bailey’s new Advance range has impressed our testers from the start, and this latest model is no exception. Check that the fixed single beds are long enough for your needs if you’re tempted by this new layout, but otherwise, this is a fine motorhome that offers good storage space and an attractive price tag.

Pros

None

Cons

None

Bailey’s revamped Advance range was launched at the February NEC show, and featured six models with a variety of layouts.

In the biggest motorhome news from the manufacturer since then, the Bristol-based brand has released two new floorplans to the line-up, taking the buyer’s options to eight. Among these eight is our Motorhome of the Year, as revealed in our November 2018 issue – the 66-2.

Living

Interestingly, in the reviews of the 66-2 we’d noted the lack of shelving within the attractive cream-coloured lockers above the lounge. The prototype 76-4T that we tested for this review did feature some shelving.

When you’re travelling four-up, you can seat each person in comfort in the front lounge – the belted seats are a little upright to relax in, but both of the cab seats swivel to join the rest.

A dining table slots onto the wall and features an extension so everyone can reach it; when not in use, the table slides into a storage slot under the offside bed.

Kitchen

The kitchen isn’t huge, but does feature a good level of kit. Bailey did away with all of its options packs with the new Advance (except for optional matching bedding), so what you see is what you get – that includes a Thetford Triplex combination oven and grill, a microwave, and a Dometic 95-litre fridge with detachable freezer compartment.

There’s not a huge amount of work surface, but a lift-up flap increases the space, and the chef can make use of the unit at the foot of the bed on the opposite side of the ‘van.

Washroom

The transverse washroom in the 66-2 is one of its most impressive features; that in the 76-4T isn’t quite as big, but it’s still large enough to dress in.

There’s a sizeable shower cubicle and a large wardrobe. There’s no window in here, but the artificial lighting is pleasant.

Beds

Along with its 76-2T sibling, these are the first Advance models with fixed single beds, recognising the demand from couples who prefer the flexibility that such beds afford. At 1.80m and 1.93m, they’re not the longest we’ve seen, but they are extremely comfortable.

Spotlights above are ideal for reading at night, and an attractive headboard gives a more domestic appearance. The spotlights also have USB sockets, and the small shelf beneath each is ideal for your phone while it charges.

The cushions in the front lounge make up a small double bed, but there’s no room divider between the front of the ‘van and those fixed single beds.

Storage

Storage throughout is excellent, with plenty of space to store kit beneath the beds and front sofas. All of the new Advance ‘vans feature large payloads, and this is no exception: the 76-4T comes in at 593kg.