If you’re after a motorhome that won’t have you reversing into hedgerows every time you encounter a narrow country lane, the Bailey Approach 740 SE might just tick your boxes. At 7.5 metres long, it’s compact enough for most UK touring without requiring an HGV licence, yet Bailey has managed to squeeze in a proper French bed at the rear, something that’s not always guaranteed in this size category.
The 740 SE sits in Bailey’s Approach range as the SE variant, which means you’re getting a step up from the base model with some thoughtful additions. With its AL-KO AMC chassis and Alutech aluminium construction, this isn’t just another white box on wheels. There’s some proper engineering underneath that should keep the British weather at bay for years to come.
Size and Practicality of the Bailey Approach 740 SE
At 7.519 metres long and 2.42 metres wide, the Approach 740 SE falls into that sweet spot where you can still navigate most UK roads without breaking into a cold sweat. The 2.738-metre height means you’ll clear most car park barriers, though you’ll still need to watch for those sneaky 2.5-metre restrictions that seem to pop up everywhere these days.
The 3,500kg MTPLM keeps you firmly in car licence territory, which is crucial if you’re not keen on taking another driving test. However, with a payload ranging from 558kg to 870kg depending on the specific build, you’ll need to be fairly disciplined about what you pack.
That’s enough for two people’s gear and supplies for a decent tour, but you won’t be bringing the kitchen sink – literally or figuratively.
Behind the Wheel of the Bailey Approach
The Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDI engine with 130bhp provides the motivation, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This isn’t going to set any land speed records, but it should pull you up most hills without too much drama. The Boxer base is well-proven in the motorhome world, and parts availability shouldn’t be an issue when you need servicing.
You’ll find cruise control fitted as standard, which makes those long motorway stretches far more bearable. The cab air conditioning is another welcome addition; there’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination looking like you’ve been through a tumble dryer. Electric mirrors and windows might seem basic, but they’re the sort of conveniences you really notice when they’re missing.
Living in the Bailey Approach 740 SE
The layout follows a tried-and-tested formula: lounge at the front, kitchen in the middle, bathroom and bedroom at the rear. The front lounge features two single beds that convert into a double, giving you flexibility depending on whether you’re travelling as a couple or need separate sleeping spaces. Storage above and below the seating means your daily essentials won’t be scattered across every surface.
The swivelling captain’s seats extend your living space when you’re pitched up, and the sky-view window above the cab should help prevent that closed-in feeling you sometimes get in smaller motorhomes. Polyplastic double-glazed windows with blinds are fitted throughout, which should keep condensation at bay and provide proper privacy when needed.
Approach 740 SE Kitchen Layout
The kitchen runs along one side and includes everything you’d expect: sink with removable drainer, hob, oven with grill, and even a microwave. The full-length Dometic 95-litre fridge-freezer is a proper size for extended touring; you won’t be living on tinned beans and UHT milk with this setup.
The anti-shock oven is a thoughtful touch that should prevent your Sunday roast from ending up on the floor when you hit an unexpected pothole. The stainless steel sink with removable drainer gives you proper washing-up space, though you’ll still need to be strategic about timing if you’re planning elaborate meals.
Sleeping Arrangements in the Bailey 740 SE
The French corner bed at the rear is where the 740 SE really shows its worth. Unlike some compact motorhomes where you’re climbing over your partner to get out for a midnight visit to the loo, the French bed design gives you access from three sides. It’s a proper double bed size, not one of those narrow affairs that has you clinging to the edges all night.
The full-length wardrobe provides hanging space for proper clothes rather than just cramming everything into drawers. If you’re planning longer tours or need to pack for different weather conditions, this storage will prove invaluable.
The Bailey Approach 740 SE Bathroom
The bathroom manages to squeeze in a sink, mirror, toilet, and separate shower – no mean feat in a 7.5-metre motorhome. The Thetford cassette toilet is standard kit, and the skylight should help with ventilation. Having a separate shower rather than a combined shower-toilet arrangement makes a real difference to daily comfort, especially if you’re touring for more than a few days.
The bathroom positioning at the rear means you’re not traipsing through the entire motorhome for nighttime visits, which your fellow travellers will appreciate.
Bailey Approach 740 SE Systems and Equipment
The Truma Combi blown-air heating system should keep you warm during those inevitable British summer downpours. With Grade III thermal insulation, the 740 SE should hold its heat reasonably well, though you’ll still notice the difference compared to your house on a proper winter night.
The 100-litre fresh water tank matches the 100-litre waste capacity, giving you a decent balance for extended wild camping. The 100-watt solar panel should help keep your leisure battery topped up during sunny spells, though you’ll still need to manage your power consumption carefully.
The 13kg gas locker provides space for a decent-sized bottle, and the master control panel above the door keeps all your monitoring in one place.
Additional Features Worth Noting
The Fiamma F45 side canopy awning extends your living space when the weather cooperates, while the rear bike rack means you can bring proper transport for exploring once you’re pitched up. The reversing camera is almost essential on a motorhome this size; reversing into tight spots becomes far less stressful when you can actually see what’s behind you.
The CD radio with Bluetooth brings your entertainment into the current century, though you might find yourself missing DAB radio on longer journeys through areas with patchy FM coverage.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Bailey Approach 740 SE has caught your attention, you might also want to look at the Bailey Approach Autograph 740 3 Review: Higher Specification in a Familiar Layout, which offers a step up in specification and equipment levels within the same basic layout.
The Auto-Trail Apache 700 Review: An Alternative Take on Compact Motorhoming provides an alternative take on the compact motorhome formula, potentially with different layout options and equipment levels.
For a different approach entirely, the Bessacarr E560 Review: Alternative Layouts and Equipment Worth Considering might offer alternative layout solutions or equipment specifications worth comparing.
Final Thoughts
The Bailey Approach 740 SE appears to strike a sensible balance between size and functionality. You’re getting a proper French bed, separate shower, and decent kitchen in a package that won’t require a mortgage extension or an HGV licence. The build quality should be solid given Bailey’s reputation and the AL-KO chassis underneath.
This motorhome would suit couples who want the comfort of a fixed bed but don’t want to wrestle with a massive motorhome on UK roads. The payload limitations mean it’s not ideal for families or those who like to pack everything including the kitchen sink, but for two people touring sensibly, it should provide everything needed for comfortable adventures.
The main considerations would be whether the payload works for your touring style and if you can live with the space constraints during extended periods. At this size, every cubic centimetre counts, so you’ll need to be realistic about your storage needs and living requirements.
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