Despite rain and more rain, the Winnebago Burke continued to shine CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY IN OUR ONLINE MAGAZINE As we headed out of Brisbane with the new Winnebago Burke C X-Country in tow, the skies opened up…
Despite rain and more rain, the Winnebago Burke continued to shine
As we headed out of Brisbane with the new Winnebago Burke C X-Country in tow, the skies opened up and the rain came down. It looked like if we headed south to Darlington Park, a gap in the rain might coincide with our arrival. With a tare weight of only 2100kg, towing was a breeze on the wet country roads.
The 19-foot Burke was easy to manoeuvre into place. It was still raining when we arrived. A few minutes later, the awning was up providing some outside shelter from the rain and we were squared away.
This version of the Winnebago Burke C included the new X-Country option which features AL-KO Enduro Cross Country independent trailing arm suspension with single shocks, allowing it to be taken further than ever before. The X-Country features are now available across the entire Winnebago caravan range.
Along with the X-Country features, the Burke C sports a refreshed look both inside and out. One of the most notable new features is the large front window. The large red Winnebago logo has been replaced by more subtle decals.
A couple of the van owners camping nearby came over and had a look at the new Burke C. Their comments were, “I like the layout with the door where it is. It’s so roomy” and “I like the new colour scheme”. I have to agree.
The Winnebago caravan range has always been able to produce spacious vans with a low tow weight due to their use of composite materials to form the body. Composite panels with an insulative foam core certainly help with keeping the van at a comfortable temperature in summer or winter.
Inside
The inclusion of the front window certainly adds to the light and airy feel as you first walk in. Even on the dull rainy day that we had, the interior still felt light and welcoming. The lights were not needed at all, although I did turn them on for effect in the photos.
The Burke is a 19ft van and the forward door seems to add to the spacious feel while allowing loads of kitchen bench space. The queen-size bed with wardrobes on each side give plenty of storage as well as having charging points for phones and tablets. There is easy access storage under the bed as well.
An L-shaped dinette is provided opposite the kitchen. If there are three travelling, this converts to another bed. There are a few colour scheme options available. In this particular van, the cabinets were Shannon oak, the benchtops were alpine marble and the upholstery was beige leatherette. I feel this combination added to the spacious feeling of this Burke C.
The kitchen seems well-appointed, with a 190-litre fridge, 25-litre microwave and two burner/one electric hotplate stove above the grill and oven.
The large sink has a mixer as well as a filtered drinking water outlet. There is ample preparation area in the kitchen and the double-glazed window above this brings the outside in while enjoying your cooking.
For a 19ft van, nothing is lacking in the bathroom. Next to the electric flush swivel toilet is the 2.5kg top-loading washing machine. When this is not being used, it is hidden under the bench area which includes the hand basin. Above is plenty of storage in the vanity and mirrored cabinet. The 780mm x 760mm fully-enclosed shower stands to the right as you enter the ensuite. A roof hatch sits above the shower with a 12V fan to extract any steam.
In the ceiling above the dinette is the reverse-cycle 3.6kW air conditioner. The insulated body panels will minimise the need for aircon but it is great to have in our increasingly hot summers.
A Bluetooth stereo is located below the electrical control panel. A 22-inch LED TV/DVD centrally positioned completes the entertainment package that comes standard with the Burke.
Outside
Even on a dull rainy day, the Winnebago Burke looks great with its new colour scheme. The independent suspension of the X-Country is probably a good option if you plan to take the Burke to more out of the way locations. The inclusion of the five 16in wheels with mud+snow tyres comes with the X-Country.
The chassis and drawbar are hot dipped galvanised six-inch RHS. The structural composite panels forming the walls, floor and roof provide great strength, insulation value and minimise any dust or water ingress in the short and long term.
The fresh water storage is a total of 164-litre in two tanks and there is a pressurised town water connection. Power is via 240V in/outlet and 12V outlets. A 150W solar panel and regulator is included but the standard battery is only one 100 AH deep cycle. I would look at upgrading this if you are planning on staying off grid for any length of time. A second 150W solar panel can be added as an option.
Storage is good on the inside of the Burke. There is one storage area accessible from the outside and goes the full width of the van. This would be a good location for fishing rods, outside chairs and table.
