Carthago Compactline 141: scooter in the garage or tow bar?

[Pocket Rocket]

We’re off to look at a Carthago compact line 141, but although it’s obviously quite narrow and short, it still might be a bit large for some of the tiny alpine climbs. So we are considering getting a scooter.

Does anyone know if this motorhome could accommodate a scooter in the garage - taking account of size and weight? Or on a tow bar mount at the rear? We really do not want to tow anything!

Thanks in advance

 

[Orion]

A tow bar should never be bolted through the garage floor tread plate or not as the floor is not a structural support and if the chassis extensions flex will rip the garage floor away from the body.

Maybe not a tow bar as such, but I’ve recently been in discussions with Armitages regarding fitting one of their scooter/bike racks that uses the rear chassis extensions to mount up to. They specifically mentioned bolting through the garage floor if required provided it was completely chequer plate so it could be used as a large spreader plate.

 

[Steve and Denise]

Maybe not a tow bar as such, but I’ve recently been in discussions with Armitages regarding fitting one of their scooter/bike racks that uses the rear chassis extensions to mount up to. They specifically mentioned bolting through the garage floor if required provided it was completely chequer plate so it could be used as a large spreader plate.

Yes to a honycomb sandwich floor panel attached to the side wall of your van,
Last year I came across a guy who had done just that and the whole garage floor had come away around the side of his van but the towbar was still well fixed to the now floating floor.

 

[Minxy]

@Minxy - could I ask how you get on with the 6 speed auto gearbox? It sound the same as on the motorhome we are going to look at (6 speed, 2019, 150bhp)

Yes same box & engine. Hubby loves it most of the time! It's certainly a lot easier than manual gears as we do lots of twisty roads and otherwise he'd end up 'pudding stirring' all the time. You soon get used to it's foibles which aren't really an issue, one thing we've found is that if you're wanting to pull out of junction fastish don't keep your foot on the brake but use the handbrake instead as there's a split second delay moving once you release the foot brake, same with a fair few autos (our Smart does the same). It tramps well and can certainly move if needed for overtaking etc, the only time you really notice a little loss of power and gear downshifting is when going up long steep inclines but again its not a massive problem and certainly no worse than any other MH/camper we've had.

 

[MichaelT]

Yes same box & engine. Hubby loves it most of the time! It's certainly a lot easier than manual gears as we do lots of twisty roads and otherwise he'd end up 'pudding stirring' all the time. You soon get used to it's foibles which aren't really an issue, one thing we've found is that if you're wanting to pull out of junction fastish don't keep your foot on the brake but use the handbrake instead as there's a split second delay moving once you release the foot brake, same with a fair few autos (our Smart does the same). It tramps well and can certainly move if needed for overtaking etc, the only time you really notice a little loss of power and gear downshifting is when going up long steep inclines but again its not a massive problem and certainly no worse than any other MH/camper we've had.

Use the Up button for steephills both up and down.

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[Minxy]

Use the Up button for steephills both up and down.

We do, but sometimes no matter what you do, you simply can't override gravity!

 

[Roger S]

We do, but sometimes no matter what you do, you simply can't override gravity!

Thats something im struggling to do

 

[Pitmen2007]

First question is what chassis is it on and what is it plated to and what can't go to? Do you have a C1? Rear axle and overall weight will be the issue. Some scooters are long so maybe tight on a compactline, our Honda Sh350 just fits into the garage on our c-tourer, the previous KTM790 was shorter by quite a bit. Payload is everything so well worth checking. If you don't have the payload for one in the garage it is very unlikely you will have the availability on a tow bar, further back so effectively more weight on the rear axle.

Hi
I'm new to the site. I own a Carthago 148 C-Tourer. Is your garage larger? I measured the opening on mine and its 1110mm to bottom of the gas strut. Do you have to let air out of your tyres to fit the Honda 350 in? I need a motorbike or scooter large enough to carry 2 people who aren't exactly light (15BHP+)
I do not wish to tow a trailer and can't find anything light enough to carry on the rear. I have the upograded AL-KO chassis 4500kg.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[cyberyacht]

Fitting a scooter into the garage would be preferable to a towbar rack as it moves the weight a bit nearer the axle.

 

[Vansflyer]

Hi
I'm new to the site. I own a Carthago 148 C-Tourer. Is your garage larger? I measured the opening on mine and its 1110mm to bottom of the gas strut. Do you have to let air out of your tyres to fit the Honda 350 in? I need a motorbike or scooter large enough to carry 2 people who aren't exactly light (15BHP+)
I do not wish to tow a trailer and can't find anything light enough to carry on the rear. I have the upograded AL-KO chassis 4500kg.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi.
If you have single beds the garages are the same size, double bed version has less height in the garage.. The SH350 fits straight in, I think the 300 is slightly larger. Mirrors off and drive it straight up the ramp into the sliding floor frame, no tyre or suspension adjustment needed.
I will measure the door frame later and advise height.

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[Vansflyer]

Here you go.
If you need anymore info shout up, happy to help. Measurement is from highest point on door sill.
Second shot to show that it is tight on length for the scooter but does fit.

 

[WESTY66]

Hi.
If you have single beds the garages are the same size, double bed version has less height in the garage.. The SH350 fits straight in, I think the 300 is slightly larger. Mirrors off and drive it straight up the ramp into the sliding floor frame, no tyre or suspension adjustment needed.
I will measure the door frame later and advise height.



View attachment 1023764

Same as us, the SH 350 goes in with mirrors and topbox off, it’s tight once it’s in but as you say, no alterations to tyres or suspension

 

[Vansflyer]

Same as us, the SH 350 goes in with mirrors and topbox off, it’s tight once it’s in but as you say, no alterations to tyres or suspension

That is what I like to see, a fully used garage

 

[CazPaul]

I’d much prefer to have a dedicated chassis mounted scooted rack if the payload/axle weight allows, no messing about moving everything in and out every time you want to use it.

 

[WESTY66]

That is what I like to see, a fully used garage

I’m sorry y’all, I didn’t read the title
I’m cheating, I don’t have a compactline, it’s a chic c line at 5 tons, hence the “full” garage.
Sorry to mislead you all

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[MichaelT]

I’m sorry y’all, I didn’t read the title
I’m cheating, I don’t have a compactline, it’s a chic c line at 5 tons, hence the “full” garage.
Sorry to mislead you all

But all that weight in the scooter, surely better to get rid and use it for more beer and wine

 

[Pitmen2007]

Thank you so much for all your help. Much appreciated and extremely helpful.

 

[Pitmen2007]

1. What year are your Hondas? I might have to check if they've changed the model.
2. What ramp did you use to get the bike in please?

 

[Lenny HB]

Is the you are looking at on Maxi chassis at 4250kg?
I have a 141 on the light chassis I've just upgraded to 4000kg and added semi air the the rear to increase axle limit to 2240kg and we are on the axle limit with a couple of e- bikes. I don't think you would stand a chance with a scooter on the light chassis.

 

[WESTY66]

1. What year are your Hondas? I might have to check if they've changed the model.
2. What ramp did you use to get the bike in please?

Mine is a SH350 on a 21 reg, and the ramp I use is this one

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/38438879...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

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[Vansflyer]

1. What year are your Hondas? I might have to check if they've changed the model.
2. What ramp did you use to get the bike in please?

Mine is also a 21 and this is the ramp, triple version. Old shorter one rubbed on the bottom of the scooter at the front.

Biketek Aluminium Folding Motorcycle Loading Ramps, transportation accessories

www.bikermart.co.uk

 

[Lenny HB]

Just realised this is quite an old thread Pocket Rocket what happened?
I just looked back through the posts and see it was on the light chassis so not really possible.

 

[Pitmen2007]

Thanks for the speedy replies. Looks like I'll be purchasing the SH350.