Please refresh your browser to access this website. Update my browser now
Martin Bailey built his first caravan, the Maestro, in 1948. Despite requests from his customers, Bailey adamantly refused to build motorhomes, preferring to stay in the caravans.
However, things have changed, as the manufacturer has become one of the most successful motorhome builders. After extensive evolution and testing, the first Bailey vans were available for the 2012 design year.
Prior to launch, they were affectionately called “flying pigs” because traders believed that “pigs will fly before Bailey builds an RV. “So it was a wonderful thrill to tell you that all the Gloucester Old Spots were full of fuel and in a position to drive!
From the outset, all Bailey motorhomes have been built with the manufacturer’s new Alu-Tech construction. This fastens the laminated and glued sidewalls and roof to an extruded aluminum internal frame, locked in combination by T-bolt fasteners. The result is incredibly strong. Strong enough that one vehicle can be placed on the roof of another!
Like singer Vanessa Williams, I saved the maximum productivity for last. As part of rigorous pre-production testing, a fully supplied frame and skeletonized cockpit were subjected to the most rigorous crash tests, with an effect of 20G. I know, Bailey is still the only UK converter to do so.
All Approach SE models have been built on the Peugeot Boxer cab with galvanised Al-Ko AMC chassis extensions and independent springs, and is the first UK-built motorhome to be crash tested.
In addition, Bailey removed the diversity of autographs from his website. See what I did with another recent addition to the Practical RV Hall of Fame, the Mini Wildgoose (1963-1968).
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews, and features delivered straight to your door or inbox every month?Take advantage of our brilliant SUBSCRIPTION OFFER from Practical Motorhome magazine and SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER to receive regular weekly updates on all things motorhome.
KnightJack Bancroft