When it was first introduced as a late addition to the Pegasus Grande range, the Ancona provided a novel layout with an L-shaped lounge at the rear for the kids. All that has changed for the new GT75, where the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Ancona once again makes a late addition.

This time, the make of caravans has given it a pair of bunks towards the back on the offside, opposite a second dinette that makes up a wide single bed, and a rear washroom.

We thought the previous Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Ancona was a flexible solution, particularly for families with older children who might want their own space. So how does the replacement stack up?

Pitch and set-up

The Ancona remains a single-axle, unlike the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Amalfi, which was released at the same time. But if you find the prospect of towing an 8ft-wide caravan with just one pair of wheels alarming, you shouldn’t, as this model comes fitted with Al-Ko’s ATC stability system as standard, as well as an AKS 3004 stabiliser. True, that single axle means slightly less payload – but it also means a slightly lower price.

You get standard corner steadies, while black plastic grab handles indicate this caravan’s mid-market positioning.

Lounge in the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Ancona

A spacious lounge is likely to be an important requirement in the best family caravans. In the case of the Ancona, the lounge feels enormously airy, not just thanks to the 8ft width, but also because of the large window above the central chest.

The table is stored in the wardrobe, on the other side of the kitchen, so might involve negotiating with the chef as you retrieve it. Both sides fold out, to ensure that even, at this caravan width, everyone can reach the table. They can all sit comfortably, too, something which could be a deciding factor when choosing the best caravan.

Along with ambient light, there is a spotlight in each front corner; the offside one also provides a USB port.

Front windows in the lounge
Large front windows keep the living space airy and welcoming

Caravans with side dinettes can sometimes look a bit like a furniture shop, particularly if the dinette and lounge butt up against each other. So it’s nice to see that the two lounges here are separated by a cabinet that provides space (and relevant sockets) for a caravan TV. It also houses a Sonos speaker.

The side dinette itself is comfortable, with seats that curve towards the outside edge, and a clip-on table. It has two more spotlights, one with a USB port, and it’s conveniently near the kitchen.

Kitchen in the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Ancona

Beyond the lounge, the kitchen extends a good way down the offside wall. As a result, you have a huge permanent worktop, even with the four-burner dual-fuel hob in use.

There are two sockets here, with enough space nearby for a kettle and toaster. The area is well lit, from the window, an LED and a striplight. You also get a separate oven and grill, and a flatbed microwave.

Kitchen in the Ancona
Well-appointed kitchen has a sizeable worktop and plenty of storage space

The half-height fridge might feel a bit short of space in a family tourer.

Washroom in the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Ancona

The toilet is in the nearside corner, at the back, with an access hatch on the outside that could still be within an awning (see: the best caravan awnings if you’re looking for one). Next to it is a medium-sized rectangular basin on top of a vanity unit and in front of an illuminated mirror.

Washroom
Handbasin in the smart washroom sits on a vanity unit, with a mirror above

The fully lined shower cubicle on the offside has good headroom, and there are rooflights in the main washroom and the shower.

Beds in the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Ancona

The lounge settees could work as singles, but are more likely to be used as a double. You need a small infill to do this, but it makes for a huge and comfortable bed.

Making up the bed from the side dinette is also easy, this time with an infill joining the backrests over the lowered table.

The permanent bunks are solid – each has its own window and spotlight, but no USB. Each can be curtained off, as can the side dinette, so you could send children of different ages to bed at different times.

Spotlight above top bunk
Permanent bunks can be curtained off, and have a window and a spotlight

Storage in the Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Ancona

The nearside underseat area in the lounge is clear. The offside one holds the heater, but there is still some space that you can access through an internal flap. The central chest, overhead lockers and shelves in the front corners offer ample storage. There’s another locker over the side dinette, and cleverly designed doors maximise access to the space underneath the seats, although you have to remove the cushions to get there.

Wardrobe hanging space is limited for the clothes of five people, particularly as the table also goes in here. There is a small locker below. There is space under the bottom bunk, but you have to lift the mattress to get to it. Small shelves by the bunks are perfect for books, and there are more shelves by the main door. The washroom has shelves by the door, the vanity unit, and a locker above the toilet.

Over the kitchen, there’s a double and a single cupboard, plus open shelving, and below, there are two cupboards, a cutlery drawer and a shallow pan locker.

Alternatives to consider

The Bailey Phoenix GT75 762 offers an extra berth, sleeping six, and provides caravanners with an adjustable and family-friendly layout. If a four-berth could suffice, the Swift Challenger Exclusive 580 offers excellent storage and great spec.

Alternatively, it may be a more expensive option but the Swift Elegance Grande 760 is a single-axle tourer that comes with plenty of luxury and looks great.

Technical spec

  • Price: £29,899
  • Berths: 5
  • MiRO: 1414kg
  • Payload: 186kg
  • MTPLM: 1579kg
  • Interior length: 5.99m
  • Shipping length: 7.38m
  • Overall width: 2.45m

Spec list

  • ATC
  • AKS 3004 stabiliser
  • Truma Combi heating
  • Separate oven and grill
  • Dometic fridge
  • Four-burner dual-fuel hob
  • Flatbed microwave
  • Sonos speaker
  • Mains sockets
  • USB ports
  • 100W solar panel
  • External barbecue point
  • Front double bed: 2.12 x 1.46m or two singles 1.91 x 0.62m
  • Rear single: 1.83 x 0.95m
  • Two bunks: 1.86 x 0.68m

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