If you’re hunting for a motorhome that can genuinely accommodate a large family without everyone feeling like sardines, the 2008 Burstner Argos A747-2 deserves serious consideration. This isn’t your typical weekend getaway van; at nearly nine metres long and weighing in at 5,000kg, it’s a proper touring machine designed for families who refuse to compromise on space or comfort.
The German engineering shows in the thoughtful layout, with seven proper berths and a garage that runs the full width of the vehicle. You’d be hard-pressed to find many motorhomes from this era that offer such generous accommodation whilst maintaining the build quality Burstner is known for. The 2008 model year puts this firmly in the sweet spot for buyers wanting proven reliability without the eye-watering prices of newer equivalents.
What sets the Argos A747-2 apart is its practical approach to family touring. Rather than cramming beds into every available corner, Burstner has created distinct living zones that actually work when you’re living cheek by jowl for extended periods.
Size and Practicality of the Argos A747-2
At 8.86 metres long, 2.30 metres wide, and 3.25 metres tall, the Argos A747-2 commands respect on the road. You’ll need to think carefully about your touring destinations; those narrow Cornish lanes or tight Scottish village centres might prove challenging. The 11.8-metre turning radius means three-point turns become five-point affairs, and you’ll want to recce campsites beforehand to ensure you can actually get in and out.
The 5,000kg gross weight puts this firmly in C1+E licence territory if you passed your test after 1997, which might catch some buyers off guard. However, with a 775kg payload, you’ve got reasonable scope for loading up with kit, water, and provisions without constantly worrying about weight limits. That’s particularly important when you’re catering for seven people’s worth of gear.
The height means you’ll be ducking under most car park barriers, and you’ll need to be vigilant about low bridges. At 3.25 metres, you’re in that awkward zone where some routes are fine whilst others definitely aren’t.
Driving the Burstner Argos A747-2
The three-axle Fiat Ducato base provides the backbone for this substantial motorhome, with the 3-litre turbodiesel engine producing 160bhp and 400Nm of torque. On paper, that might seem modest for such a large vehicle, but the six-speed gearbox helps make the most of the available power. You’d likely find motorway cruising comfortable enough, though don’t expect sparkling acceleration when joining dual carriageways.
Fuel consumption of 13.5 litres per 100km translates to roughly 21mpg in old money; not brilliant, but hardly surprising given the size and weight. If you’re planning extended European tours, budget accordingly for fuel costs. The cab comes equipped with cruise control, which you’ll appreciate on long stretches of French autoroute.
The reversing camera is a godsend given the length, though you’ll still want someone outside guiding you into tight spots. Electric mirrors and windows add a touch of convenience that wasn’t always standard in 2008 motorhomes.
Living Space in the Argos A747-2
The interior layout demonstrates Burstner’s understanding of family dynamics. The four belted seats (two forward-facing, two rear-facing) create a proper social area that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The large single bench seat converts to provide additional sleeping space, giving you flexibility depending on your group size.
Storage lockers above the seating area help keep the living space tidy, which becomes crucial when you’re touring with children. The glass cabinet storage in the kitchen area suggests Burstner expected owners to treat this as a proper home rather than just a camping vehicle.
The roof-mounted air conditioning unit indicates this motorhome was designed for year-round use, not just British summer holidays.
Combined with the Alde wet central heating system and double-floor winterised design, you could realistically use this in shoulder seasons when many motorhomes become uncomfortably cold.
Argos A747-2 Sleeping Arrangements
Seven berths in a motorhome often means compromised sleeping, but the Argos A747-2 takes a more sensible approach. The fixed double bed above the garage provides the master bedroom, with storage lockers above and a wardrobe to one side. This feels like a proper bedroom rather than a converted dinette.
The double bed above the cab gives you another permanent sleeping area, whilst the convertible seating provides flexibility for varying group sizes. You might find the cab-over bed suits younger family members better than adults, given the access arrangements.
The fixed bed arrangement means you don’t need to convert seating areas every night, a real blessing when you’re touring with tired children who need to get to bed at different times.
Kitchen Space in the Burstner
The kitchen specification suggests serious cooking intentions, with a full oven, grill, hob, and sink arrangement. The 150-litre Dometic fridge-freezer provides proper food storage capacity, essential when you’re catering for seven people and want to avoid constant supermarket runs.
The microwave tucked behind a door keeps worktop space clear, whilst the cooker hood suggests Burstner understood that proper cooking produces proper smells and steam. You’d find the glass cabinet storage useful for keeping crockery secure whilst travelling.
The full-length fridge arrangement maximises storage without dominating the kitchen area, though you’ll need to plan your loading carefully to maintain weight distribution.
Bathroom Facilities in the Argos A747-2
The split bathroom design shows thoughtful planning, with a separate shower and a separate toilet area. This arrangement becomes invaluable when you’re touring with a large group; no more queuing for the loo whilst someone’s having a lengthy shower.
The additional toilet, sink, and radiator in the garage area provides welcome redundancy. If you’re wild camping or using sites with questionable facilities, having backup options reduces stress considerably. The garage toilet also means muddy boots and wet weather gear can be dealt with without traipsing through the living areas.
Storage and Garage Space
The full-width garage represents one of the Argos A747-2’s strongest selling points. At 2.3 metres of vertical clearance, you can store bikes, outdoor furniture, and all the paraphernalia that accumulates during extended tours. The underfloor lockers running side to side maximise storage without compromising interior space.
This level of storage capacity transforms how you can tour. Rather than carefully rationing what you bring, you can pack for different weather conditions, activities, and contingencies. If you’re planning to spend weeks away or tour with sports equipment, this storage capacity becomes genuinely liberating.
Power and Water Systems
The Alde wet central heating system represents a significant upgrade over basic blown-air heating. You’d find this provides more even heat distribution and better comfort during cold weather touring. The double-floor winterised design suggests this motorhome was built for serious year-round use.
The roof-mounted air conditioning indicates continental touring was anticipated, where summer temperatures can make motorhomes uncomfortably hot. The LED downlighters throughout provide good illumination whilst minimising power consumption.
USB ports at the rear bed show Burstner was thinking about modern connectivity needs, even in 2008 when such features weren’t universal.
Technology and Convenience Features
The Parrot Bluetooth system might seem dated now, but in 2008 this represented cutting-edge connectivity. The cab air conditioning, electric mirrors, and electric windows create a more car-like driving experience than many motorhomes of this era offered.
The Fiamma F45 electric awning provides substantial additional living space at the touch of a button. When you’re touring with seven people, having outdoor space becomes essential for maintaining sanity.
The roof rack and rails suggest Burstner expected owners to carry additional equipment; perhaps kayaks, bikes, or solar panels. The tow bar opens up possibilities for bringing a small car or trailer for local exploration.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
The Burstner A 747-2 Active Review: Modern Update with Improved Systems offers a more recent take on the same basic concept, with updated styling and potentially improved systems.
The Burster Argos A747-2 Review: Alternative Layout in the Same Range provides an alternative perspective on the same model range.
For those wanting even more luxury, the Burstner Elegance I821 G Review: Premium Luxury Motorhome with Enhanced Features represents Burstner’s premium offering with enhanced appointments and features.
Final Thoughts
The 2008 Burstner Argos A747-2 represents serious family touring capability wrapped in German engineering. If you need genuine seven-berth accommodation with proper storage and year-round usability, few alternatives offer this combination of space and thoughtful design.
The size demands respect and planning, whilst the weight requires appropriate licensing. However, for families who’ve outgrown smaller motorhomes but aren’t ready for the complexity of an A-class, this represents a compelling middle ground. The build quality should ensure many more years of reliable service, making it a sensible choice for buyers wanting proven capability without new-vehicle depreciation.
You’d need to budget for higher fuel costs and potentially more expensive ferry crossings, but the storage capacity and accommodation quality could transform how your family tours. Just make sure you’ve got somewhere to park it when you get home.
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