It had a sneak preview at the February Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC in February, but 2027 will be the first full season for Joa by Pilote, the new name for Pilote’s budget brand that was previously known just as Joa Camp.

Pilote has taken the opportunity to add two new models to the range, which feature larger washrooms spread across the middle of the ’van. I got the chance to look at the 75 TB, a motorhome with fixed single beds at the back, at Pilote’s 2027 season launch (don’t miss my review of the Pilote Galaxy G740FGJ Expression, which was also on display there).

There’s more than a change in the name here. Previously Joa Camp had plenty of blue accents, including on the logo. Now the logo is all red, a theme that is picked up inside with russet-red scatter cushions.

Cab and lounge in the Joa by Pilote 75 TB

For an entry-level ’van, however, you don’t see much skimping on the driving experience, which can be an important factor when choosing the best motorhome.

An automatic gearbox comes as standard, and you still get cruise control, cab air conditioning, driver and passenger airbags and a long list of safety features. All Joa by Pilote models are based on a Fiat Ducato, too (early Joa Camp models ran on Citroën Relays).

The Fiat Ducato cab
Fiat Ducato cab is familiar to many and none the worse for it, with good ergonomics

There’s a new two-tone look to the imitation leather upholstery in the front lounge. The two parallel settees transform relatively easily into two travel seats. The sunroof and large windows let in plenty of light, even if you go for the optional drop-down bed which our test model featured.

The front lounge
The front lounge is a very comfortable space with faux-leather upholstery and plenty of natural light

If you do go for this £1760 option, you also get extra LED lights in the panel underneath the bed that helpfully light up the night.

You’ll find the control panels for the Truma Combi heating and other services over the door, as well as USB and USB-C ports. The sockets for the best motorhome TV are tucked away in the locker above the fridge, but can be accessed through a hole.

The kitchen in the Joa by Pilote 75 TB

Having fixed beds at the back and a washroom spread across the van can result in the kitchen being compromised, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here.

There is still plenty of workspace on the grey worktop. The sink admittedly is only average size and is positioned right on the edge, and there are only two burners on the hob.

The kitchen
You don’t get a big kitchen in this ’van, but it’s perfectly adequate for creating less complicated meals

However, the area is well lit with a large window and striplights under the locker, and a large window, while accessories include a handy spice rack.

The cutlery drawer
Handy cutlery divider in the kitchen where there is a good amount of utensil storage

There is a 133-litre two-way-opening slimline motorhome fridge on the other side of the aisle.

UK-bound models also get a motorhome oven.

The washroom in the Joa by Pilote 75 TB

There is a bit of a step up to the washroom, and although it is a central washroom, only one side has a solid door: the other side is a curtain. That is perhaps one sign of this being a budget ’van. The shower cubicle has a pronounced step in the middle to take account of the wheel arch, and only one drainage hole, but it is a reasonable size and is well lit with a big rooflight, and there is a cubbyhole for shampoos and a larger riser on the shower itself.

The shower and washroom
There’s a step in the shower cubicle as it’s located over the wheelarch, and only one drain hole (left); In the washroom the loo is tucked to one side and there’s a stylish salad-bowl-style washbasin (right)

The loo in the main washroom, like the sink in the kitchen, is pushed right over to the side. (Access to its cassette will also most likely be within any awning you put up.) But the salad-bowl-style washbasin is well lit, with a good mirror and a handy shelf for cosmetics.

Sleeping in the Joa by Pilote 75 TB

There is only one step up to the beds (with a ladder provided as an alternative). But that could actually be a plus point, because there is plenty of space to get dressed between them as a result.

There’s a handy mains socket for a hair dryer here, too. You can also pull out a panel and put in an infill cushion to make these two single beds more like a double.

The double bed at the rear
Double bed at the end of the ’van is comfortable, especially with headboards and mini spotlights

The beds come with cute little headboards and adjustable spotlights.

If you go for the drop-down bed, you can still squeeze past it when lowered to get to the door. There is also a single bed that you can make by lowering the table and changing around the settee cushions.

Storage in the Joa by Pilote 75 TB

When it comes to loading the motorhome, general storage is heavily weighted towards the rear. There are three overhead lockers at the back here, plus a hanging wardrobe at the end of one bed, and a huge shelved wardrobe under the other. Unfortunately these can only be accessed through their doors – you can’t lift up the slats as well.

Two of the overhead lockers
Overhead lockers in the front lounge are pleasingly robust and there’s plenty of room in there

The front lounge just has three small overhead lockers, a shelf over the cab, and a bit of space around the battery under the side settee.

One of the overhead lockers in the front lounge
There are three overhead lockers in the front lounge, this one and two opposite

The kitchen has one quite large overhead locker. The base unit in our test model had two drawers and a good size cupboard, but the oven in UK models will probably replace the latter.

The cupboard beneath the kitchen sink (left) and a kitchen drawer (right)
The sink is tight up against the end of the worktop, but there’s decent storage space underneath (left); Kitchen drawers open smoothly and there’s plenty of space for food prep and dry goods

The washroom has two cupboards. Last but not least, this ’van comes with a sizeable garage.

Alternatives to consider

You could always consider the Swift Trekker 584, a ‘van with fixed single beds that has good level of kit and good storage.

There’s also the Adria Compact Supreme DL, a motorhome which has a comfortable lounge, large beds at the rear and a good spec.

Technical specifications of the Joa by Pilote 75 TB

  • Price: £68,400
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Belts: 4
  • Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
  • Engine: 2.2-litre 140hp with 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Length/width/height: 7.45/2.3/2.85m
  • MTPLM: 3500kg
  • Payload: 470kg
  • Water (fresh/waste): 130/95 litres
  • Leisure battery: 95Ah
  • Gas: 2 x 13kg
  • Web: joabypilote.fr/en

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related.