Review: Bailey Endeavour B62

With its compact footprint, flexible lounge, and all the comforts you’d expect in a larger motorhome, the Bailey Endeavour B62 is built for easy, spontaneous travel – the kind Kiwis love. Claire Smith takes a closer look.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the New Zealand motorhome market, you’ll know that while full-size motorhomes still rule the road, there’s a growing appetite for something a little more compact. With overseas trends pointing to an increase in demand for smaller, more agile campervans – and local interest following suit – it’s no surprise we’re starting to see some handsome new options cropping up in the van conversion space.

The Endeavour is the first campervan from Bailey, a long-established UK manufacturer with more than 75 years’ experience in building motorhomes and caravans. Sold exclusively in New Zealand by RV Mega, the Endeavour B62 is built on a Ford Transit and brings Bailey’s trademark mix of practical design and modern styling into the panel van format.

Making its New Zealand debut at September’s NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show in Hamilton, the Endeavour drew plenty of attention. In fact, the display unit was snapped up on day one by a seasoned motorhomer looking to downsize. His brief? Something more manageable to drive, easy to park, but still with all the essentials onboard – and the B62 ticked the boxes.

Bold in blue

With its striking chrome blue finish and smart black detailing, the Endeavour B62 makes a sharp first impression. The look is clean and confident, with an attention to detail that hints at the same design care you’ll find inside.

A Thule wind-out awning is mounted along the passenger side for that all-important instant shade, while an electric entry step makes for easy access through the main sliding door. And if you forget to retract it before hitting the road, no worries – it automatically tucks itself away when the engine starts. Add in the LED awning light above and you’ve got the makings of a pretty cosy outdoor setup.

Light and roomy layout

For a campervan that sits just shy of six metres, the Endeavour B62 makes the most of every inch. It’s got that clever mix of compact footprint and surprisingly generous interior space.
Step inside and you’re greeted by a light, open layout that feels instantly inviting. At the rear is a flexible lounge and sleeping zone framed by full-height double doors that open fully, instantly connecting the interior with the outdoors. A kitchen and bathroom sit neatly within the mid-section, with plenty of storage above and below.

Made for being spontaneous

Sitting in the back of the Endeavour B62, I could imagine the kind of weekends this camper was built for. The sort where you wake up on a sunny Saturday morning, shrug at the to-do list, and decide to pack up and head to the coast instead. And thanks to its size and drivability, the Endeavour B62 makes that decision a whole lot easier to follow through on.

Power comes from Ford’s proven 2.0L 165bhp engine with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, giving the Endeavour a smooth, car-like drive. The cab is well equipped too, with air conditioning, cruise control, electronic parking brake, and a 12” touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The panoramic overcab sunroof brings in plenty of natural light, and practical touches like USB ports, cup holders, and rear parking sensors round out a cab that’s just as comfortable on the move as it is parked up by the beach.

With a 100-litre freshwater tank, 58-litre grey tank, and a 105Ah leisure battery supported by a roof-mounted solar panel, it’s well set up for a few nights of freedom camping. Add in diesel heating, pressurised hot and cold water, provision for gas cooking, and you’ve got all the must-have creature comforts that make life on the road more enjoyable.

Alfresco dining

Campervans have a lovely way of blurring the line between inside and out. Slide the door open and suddenly the kitchen feels like part of the scenery. You can be brewing your morning coffee with the sun on your face or enjoy birdsong and fresh air while prepping dinner. Bailey has made the most of that setup, designing a kitchen that feels open and social, yet still practical when you need to get things done.

The cabinetry, finished in Bailey’s light oak, looks smart and feels sturdy. The drawers and cupboards are fitted with proper catches, so everything stays put when you’re on the move, and the benchtop even has a handy drop-down extension for extra prep space when you need it.

Practicalities are well covered with a three-burner hob, oven and grill combination, and an 84-litre fridge with a small freezer compartment. The round stainless-steel sink with mixer tap is a simple, functional addition, and there’s enough storage for the bits and pieces you’ll use day to day. It’s not a big kitchen, but it’s a practical one – and for two people on the road, that’s exactly what you need.

Space-saving bathroom

Campervan bathrooms are compact by design. But manufacturers have become pretty ingenious at making the most of the space. The Endeavour is a good example with a nifty bathroom door system that not only looks smart, but is a genuinely clever way of making a small bathroom work well.

Rather than swinging into the walkway, the curved tambour screen slides around to enclose the washroom when needed. When it’s not in use, the screen tucks and a small floor panel drops in to cover part of the shower tray, providing extra ‘walkway’ room.

To be fair, my first impression was that it seemed a bit fiddly. But once I tried it a couple of times, it made sense. You get extra living space plus a fully functioning washroom. And it’s got everything you need including a swivel Thetford cassette toilet, corner basin, storage cupboards and shelves, and an Ecocamel shower that also doubles as the sink tap.

Living and sleeping

The lounge/sleeping zone of the Endeavour is where you’ll probably spend most of your time, and it’s a space that feels flexible, comfortable, and well thought-out.

It’s nice and spacious too, with a full U-shape seating arrangement including a rear middle section that can be lifted out, allowing you to walk straight through the van to the outdoors.

Overhead lockers line the space, and there’s loads of clever storage tucked away under the sofas – ideal for bulky gear like paddles, fishing rods, or even skis.

When it’s time to turn in, the lounge converts into either two singles or a large double bed. At 6’3” long, there’s plenty of space for taller travellers.

For dining, a floor-mounted pedestal table can be brought out and set up easily, with its own dedicated storage when not in use. Soft furnishings finish things off nicely, with premium fabrics, scatter cushions, and drop-in carpets that make the space feel homely. And for entertainment, the lounge comes prepped with a wall-mounted TV bracket, and sockets for 12v and 230v. And if you want to stay connected, it’s even pre-wired for an optional Avtex mobile wi-fi system.

Lighting is bright but not harsh, with a mix of ambient and task lighting throughout the living space. There are reading lights where you’d expect them, plus handy USB sockets built in.

Heating and hot water are taken care of by a Truma Diesel Combi D4E system, which is efficient and easy to use.

Best of both worlds

The Endeavour B62 is all about balancing comfort with freedom. You’ve got all the creature comforts you’d expect in a larger motorhome – a proper kitchen, a practical bathroom, and a flexible living and sleeping space – but all wrapped up in a compact, easy-to-handle package.

I can picture it suiting all sorts of travellers. For some, it would be a sweet little retreat for sports weekends or concert and events. For others, it could be a comfortable base for a few weeks exploring. Wherever it’s used, the Endeavour feels like a campervan designed to slot neatly into real life, making adventures that much more doable, and that much more fun.

For more information, visit rvmega.co.nz

Bailey Endeavour B62 specifications