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Hi All, having made a mistake of moving back to a caravan last year, we have decided that we prefer motorhomes. Subject to budget we are considering a 2005 Burstner 681, but have some concerns on the amount of external storage available. In addition to the usual items that are necessary we also take 2x loungers smallish outside table (folds flat) BBQ etc etc. Any feedback would be appreciated along with any other pros & cons.
We had a 2005 681 for 5 years, before trading it in recently for a Mercedes based Frankia. We loved the 681 and the only reason for change was to get a fixed bed as well as the drop down so we could take our grandson away with us.
Regarding external storage we never had a problem. The double floor gives plenty of underfloor locker space (albeit only about 12" high). We carried 2 relaxer chairs plus foot stools, folding picnic table plus folding coffee table, windbreak, buckets, hoses, levelling ramps, hook up cables, awning winder, external silver screens, barbecue stand, etc with room to spare. The only problem was the Weber gas barbecue which was too high to fit in the underfloor lockers so this had to go in one of the underseat storage lockers.
I know I'm biased but we loved the 681!!
Thanks Tony. Appreciate your feed back & going to look at one on Monday. We had a Hymer S650 about a year ago & whilst a lovely van it lacked external storage space. Each time you get it wrong it eats into the available budget (especially when you have recently retired), so we want to get it right this time - if possible!!
Just a few more comments re the 681:
When we picked up our Frankia we really had a job fitting in everything that we had in the Burtsner 681!! There is as much storage in the Frankia but it is different - ie a large garage but much less inside storage. We have now got it sorted but I reckon that we could carry at least as much in the 681 and in a more orderly fashion as the garage just ends up as a bit of a tip! The 681 has plenty of internal storage (more and bigger overhead lockers than the Frankia, a really handy chest of drawers and a useful drinks cabinet!).
The one thing I would look out for is the weight. We carried 2 bikes on an external rack and sometimes towed a Smart car. The 681 has a relatively long overhang and with this weight on the back we were only just within the rear axle limit (2350kg if I recall) when fully loaded. Our model was on the 4 ton chassis - anything less than this and we would have had a problem, so I would suggest you check the weight plate before committing to buy!
Hi Tony, Thanks again for the feedback. We have had two motorhomes, a 2007 Autocruise Starblazer (coachbuilt with garage) & then a 2002 Hymer S650 on a Merc 2.7 base. The Hymer was a lovely van but not enough external storage for us. We then (stupidly) went back to a caravan!
Going to look at a 681 tomorrow so will check the weight plate. We do not carry bikes so that will help, but do plan to tow a car, probably a Corsa. Cheers Barry
No, it's in Hereford & a private sale on eBay. It's 2006 & the couple have had it from new. it's done 16,000m. Looking forward to seeing it.
I have looked on the web at two 'down south' one at Three Counties which originally also had a Smart car & trailer, but being sold separately + another which appears to have had an extra external door fitted to access the offside under sofa storage area. rgds Barry
I am assuming the 681 you are thinking of has the Tech Tower arrangement (oven above 160l fridge freezer). We had this arrangement and managed OK with the oven although it was a bit dodgy getting hot casseroles and the like out of it. I suppose its a matter of getting used to what you have and learning to live with it!
It certainly didn't put us off making toast for breakfast every morning.
Tony
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Burstner 681
