This particular example comes loaded with extras that would have cost nearly £5,000 when new, including full leather interior, air conditioning both in the cab and habitation area, and a reversing camera that’ll prove invaluable when manoeuvring something this substantial. With sleeping for seven and travelling seats for six, it’s aimed squarely at larger families or groups who want proper touring comfort rather than basic transport.
The twin-axle setup immediately tells you this isn’t your average motorhome – you’re looking at a 5-tonne gross weight with 1,250kg payload, which should give you decent carrying capacity for extended trips without the tail-wagging-dog feeling you might get from some large single-axle ‘vans.
Size and Practicality of the Burstner A 747 2 Active
At 8.16 metres long and 2.3 metres wide, you’ll need to think carefully about where you can take this Burstner. Height comes in at 3.15 metres, so most car parks are out, and you’ll be checking bridge heights religiously. The twin rear axles add to the overall length but provide the stability you’d want when carrying a full load of passengers and kit.
The left-hand drive configuration makes perfect sense if you’re planning continental touring; you’ll have proper visibility for overtaking on European roads. However, if you’re mainly staying in the UK, you might find roundabouts and country lanes more challenging than they need to be. It’s worth considering whether your intended use matches the vehicle’s obvious European touring bias.
Driving the A 747 2 Active
You’d likely find the twin-axle setup reassuring on motorways, particularly when loaded up with seven people’s belongings. The additional axle should reduce the bouncing and swaying that can make large single-axle motorhomes feel unsettled in crosswinds or when overtaken by lorries.
The 5-tonne gross weight puts you into C1 licence territory if you passed your test after 1997, so you’ll need to factor in additional licensing costs if applicable. The cab air conditioning (a £971 extra when new) would prove its worth during summer touring, while the sat-nav system and reversing camera should help with navigation and parking in tight European campsites.
Living Space in the Burstner A 747 2 Active
The full leather interior upgrade (originally £1,924) gives this motorhome a more upmarket feel than you’d typically find in a 20-year-old ‘van. You’ll have proper forward and rear-facing seats with three-point belts, allowing six people to travel safely, though you might find the rear-facing arrangement takes some getting used to.
Storage appears well thought out, with cupboards throughout and the clever touch of garage storage that connects under the floor to interior cupboards. This kind of through-loading can be genuinely useful when you’re trying to access kit without going outside in poor weather.
A 747 2 Active Sleeping Arrangements
With sleeping for seven, you’re looking at the overcab bed (1.95m x 1.58m with 600mm headspace) and the rear bed (2m x 1.44m), plus presumably additional sleeping options created from the seating areas. The overcab dimensions suggest it’ll suit children or shorter adults better than tall teenagers, while the rear bed should accommodate a couple comfortably.
The curtain separation between the bathroom/rear bed area and main living space provides some privacy, though you’d likely find noise travels fairly easily in a motorhome of this era. The two lights above the rear bed and leather pockets suggest Burstner put some thought into making the sleeping area functional rather than just adequate.
Kitchen Space in the Burstner
The three-burner hob with grill above gives you reasonable cooking options, while the 103-litre Dometic fridge should handle the needs of a larger group for weekend trips. You’d probably find the kitchen adequate for basic meal preparation, though cooking for seven people might require some planning and possibly outdoor assistance from the Fiamma F1 awning.
The kitchen layout isn’t detailed in the specifications, but in a motorhome this size, you’d expect reasonable worktop space and storage for the essentials. The water heater ensures hot water for washing up, though you might find yourself being economical with water usage given the number of potential users.
Bathroom and Shower Facilities
The separate shower unit is a definite plus point; you won’t be dealing with the shower-over-toilet arrangements that plague smaller motorhomes. This should make the bathroom more practical for a larger group, though you’d still need to manage water usage carefully.
The curtain separation provides privacy from the main living area, and the connection to the rear bed area suggests a sensible layout that doesn’t require traipsing through the entire motorhome for night-time visits.
A 747 2 Active Systems and Equipment
The Dometic habitation air conditioning with solar panel (originally a £971 extra) shows this motorhome was specified for serious touring. You’d likely appreciate this during hot European summers, though the solar panel should help offset some of the power consumption.
The control panel above the cab for electric and water systems puts the key controls within easy reach of the driver’s seat. The electric step and extra door security suggest attention to convenience and safety details that matter during extended use.
Storage and Practicality
The large rear garage with lighting and two access doors could prove one of this Burstner’s strongest points. Twin doors make loading easier, and the lighting means you won’t be rummaging around in the dark. The rear steadies (a £153 extra) would help stabilise the motorhome when parked up, particularly important given the size and weight.
The garage connecting to interior storage through the floor is a thoughtful touch that could prove genuinely useful. You’d be able to access frequently used items without going outside, which matters during poor weather or when parked in tight spaces.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the continental layout appeals but you want something more modern, the Bürstner Argos A747-2 Review: Modernised Continental Layout offers similar space with updated systems and potentially better build quality.
For those wanting German engineering with similar capacity, the Carthago Chic E-Line I 51 QB DA Review: Premium German Build provides premium build quality, though you’d pay considerably more for the privilege.
The Bürstner Elegance I810 G Review: Upmarket A-Class Design represents Burstner’s more upmarket approach, with potentially better interior design and systems integration than this older A-class model.
Final Thoughts
This 2002 Burstner A 747 2 Active appears well-specified for its intended role as a continental touring motorhome for larger groups. The twin-axle stability, generous payload, and comprehensive equipment list suggest it could handle extended European trips with confidence. However, the left-hand drive configuration and substantial size mean it’s not ideal for everyone.
You’d need to be realistic about the age; at over 20 years old, you should budget for maintenance and potential system updates. The extensive extras list suggests the original owner took touring seriously, which bodes well for the specification, but you’d want a thorough inspection of all systems before committing.
If you’re planning serious continental touring with a larger group and can handle the size and driving position, this Burstner offers the space and equipment to do it properly. Just make sure your intended use matches what is clearly a specialist touring machine rather than an everyday motorhome.
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