We’re well versed in weighing up the pros and cons of campervans. Whether you need a fixed bed or more wardrobe space, we’re continuing our mission of helping find the best campervan for you.
Although there is much debate on the best van for a camper conversion, Bailey chose a Ford Transit for their Endeavour B62. The booming van conversion market has found a recent recruit in Bailey, who launched the Ford- based Endeavour at the NEC Show in October 2023. The model in question is the Bailey Endeavour B62, one of the vehicles for the Bailey Sahara Challenge. We’re pitting it against the Pilote Vega V600G X Edition, which was named best two-berth motorhome in the Practical Motorhome Awards 2024.
A basic overview: Pilote Vega V600G X Edition / Bailey Endeavour B62
- Price: £71,220 / £69,999
- Berths: 4 / 2
- MTPLM: 3500kg / 3500kg
- Payload: 650kg / 627kg
- Length-width-height: 5.99-2.05-2.67m / 5.99-2.50-2.82m
Pilote Vega V600G X Edition vs Bailey Endeavour B62: exterior and cab
When it comes to choosing the best van for a camper conversion, many manufacturers opt for low-profile vans with simple designs, but their interiors can vary greatly.
Visually, the chrome blue exterior of the Endeavour and the Vega’s white and red design set the tone in the difference between the vans; both their interior decor and layouts have diverse offerings for a potential buyer.
The Pilote Vega is based on a Citroen Relay, unlike its cousin the Pilote V633M which is based on a Fiat Ducato and features in our best campervan guide. Bailey’s Endeavour runs on a standard Ford Transit and both vans are easily manoeuvrable at just under six metres long.
The different campervan layouts on offer can often affect the things that you compromise on. For instance, one of the major differences between these vans is the travelling capacity due to their layout: both models are equipped with a pair of swivelling cab seats, whereas the Pilote also includes a two person couch-seat since it’s primary bed is transverse.
Driving the Endeavour is overall an enjoyable experience, especially with the six-speed automatic gearbox and 155bhp engine. The Vega is similarly equipped with a 2.2 litre engine and 150bhp.
Pilote Vega V600G X Edition vs Bailey Endeavour B62: Lounge
As in most of the best campervans, the cab seats in both models can be turned to join the lounge area. In the Bailey, the two seats can be smoothly swivelled and each has an adjustable reading light. However, these seats are all you have in terms of a front ‘lounge’ area as the purpose-designed lounge is found in the back of the van.
In the Vega, the lounge is also found behind the cab, with the cab seats swivelling to join the couch and create seating around the extendable table. The spot is made extra cosy with the presence of two heating vents beneath the table.
There is plenty of light in the Bailey’s U-shaped lounge area, thanks to the two rooflights. In the evening, you can settle down with a book by virtue of the ambient spotlights in the rear corners. There are plugs mounted on the wall of the washroom, perfect for a TV.
The tables in both models are removable, differing only by their storage (the Bailey’s in the cupboard and the Pilote beneath the floor.) An added bonus of the Vega is that the table can be attached to a rail on the farside of the kitchen for eating al fresco.
Although there isn’t a sunroof in the Vega, a large Heki provides plenty of natural light during the day. When winding down in the evening, there are four ceiling-mounted LEDSs, a reading light for each cab seat and a striplight fixed beneath the overhead locker. Sockets are found above the table, where a TV can be mounted, and there are two USB outlets below the table.
Pilote Vega V600G X Edition vs Bailey Endeavour B62: Kitchen
We were particularly impressed with the kitchen in Pilote’s Vega, which is well-proportioned for the van’s size and replete with storage options. Another bonus is the tall slimline fridge to the right of the countertop, which eliminates the need to bend down. There’s not a wealth of counter space, especially if the sink and hob are in use, but that’s remedied by the fold-out extension flap to the left of the hob.
The Endeavour also makes use of a fold-out extension to the work surface to the left of the three-burner hob. It slightly impedes on the seating space as it folds out towards the lounge but it adds a lot of work space.
Unlike in the Pilote, which only offers a hob, the Bailey also features a combination oven-grill below the hob. There are 3 handy mains sockets nearby and the half-height fridge is opposite, next to the washroom.
Pilote Vega V600G X Edition vs Bailey Endeavour B62: Washroom
The washroom in the Endeavour features a tambour door, which allows the aisle to retain its spacious width. The washroom itself has a surprising amount of headroom and two drainage holes in the oblong shower tray. Although there are no windows, the room is lit with ambient strip LEDs and houses a hand basin and mirror, towel hook, heating vent and circular toilet.
In the Vega, Pilote have employed even more space saving technology. The spacious basin can be folded away and there is a large mirror that slides aside for access to shelving. The round toilet can also be tucked away via a slider to make more room for showering. There’s also a small window and a rooflight, so there’s plenty of natural light in the washroom.
Pilote Vega V600G X Edition vs Bailey Endeavour B62: Sleeping
The U-shaped seating area of the Bailey consists of two good sized single beds as is, at about 1.9m long. If you want to make it a double, there is a hinged platform which is designed to rest on the couch’s ledges. The sofa cushions fold together to slot into the gaps and make a comfortable bed, but it can be tricky to fit everything together so you might find it a pain to convert it to seating every day.
In the Pilote, you’ll find a transverse garage bed that we thought was an appealing addition to see at the manufacturer’s launch. We found that it was more than comfortable, especially since Pilote removed the wardrobe to give the bed more width.
If you’re travelling with more than two of you, there is the option of a double bed, converted from the lounge and cab seats. Each of the cushions slot nicely together so there are no infills to grapple with.
Pilote Vega V600G X Edition vs Bailey Endeavour B62: Storage
When it comes to storage, the best motorhome brands will offer adequate storage, but may vary in the areas they choose to equip. The rear barn doors of the Bailey each have built-in shelving and from here you can easily access the underseat storage. The lounge features 4 deep overhead lockers and one narrower cupboard across the back of the van.
In the kitchen there is a decently sized cupboard beneath the sink with a cutlery drawer along with a deeper cupboard under the oven. Overhead, there is a locker with integrated shelving and each cupboard door is secured with a push knob.
In the Pilote, there is an impressive amount of kitchen storage, with 5 drawers (including a large pair under the hob) along with an overhead cupboard.
In the lounge area, you’ll find a large overhead locker as well as 4 overhead lockers above the rear sleeping area. The transverse bed can be folded and secured to make room for bulky items like awnings or bikes. However, there is no designated storage for hanging clothes.
Verdict
When finding the best types of campervan for you to consider, it’s always good to narrow down your needs. If you often travel with kids or friends, you’ll probably want something with a secondary sleeping area. This could mean sacrificing the storage that you’re more likely to find in a two-berth campervan.
We liked the U-shaped seating area in the Bailey, but it was a bit of a pain to set the bed up, so if you don’t need extensive seating , maybe the Pilote would suit you better.
The Bailey would be great for a cosy night in, whereas the Pilote would work well in warmer weather, since it has a smaller lounge but the table can be used outside. The kitchens in both vans are spacious enough, but the washrooms differ quite significantly in set up.
In this instance, the Bailey is perhaps better for a couple who enjoys pitching up and enjoying a site, whereas the Pilote might be better for an outdoorsy family who don’t mind the space-saving features.
Pilote Vega V600G X Edition vs Bailey Endeavour B62: Tech/Spec
Pilote Vega V600G X Edition
- Price: £71,220
- Sleeps: 2 (4 optional)
- Belts: 4
- Base vehicle: Citroën Relay
- Engine: 2.2-litre, 150bhp
- Length/width/height: 5.99/2.05/2.67m (19’7”/6’7”/8’8”)
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2850kg
- Payload: 650kg
- Water: (fresh/waste): 110/90 litres
- Leisure battery: 105Ah
- Gas: 2 x 13kg
Bailey Endeavour B62
- Price: £69,999
- Sleeps: 2
- Belts: 2
- Base vehicle: Ford Transit
- Engine: 2.0-litre, 155bhp with auto gearbox as standard
- Length/width/height: 5.99/2.50/2.82m (19’7”/8’2”/9’3”)
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2873kg
- Payload: 627kg
- Water (fresh/waste): 100/56 litres
- Leisure battery: 92Ah
- Gas: 1 x 6kg
Alternatives to consider
Still not convinced? Take a look at the Swift Trekker range, a sleek and modern alternative to these models which is perfect for outdoor living while embracing a little luxury.
