Carthago Compactline stabilisers or self levelling

[Mountainbiker]

I'm taking delivery of our first motorhome - 7m Carthago Compactline - in Sept. I'm unsure whether I need corner stabilisers, a self levelling sytem or maybe none of the above. Any help gratefully received.

 

[CazPaul]

Use it first and see what you think, never buy anything you THINK you might need.

 

[PP Bear]

I don’t use anything. I have the rear legs that can be lowered, but haven’t put them down in over 10 years. As to self levellers, it’ll depend on your budget and spare weight capacity of your new van.

 

[KUSKUS]

if its 3500KG you probably wont have the payload to add self levelling, excellent quality vans but very heavy.

 

[cyberyacht]

I've got the shorter 6.4M Carthago. Never felt the need for steadies. Self-levelling would be nice but no payload spare running at 3500Kg. A longer one will be hard put to keep to that.

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[Guigsy]

Steadies don't level. They just reduce the amount of movement you get from the suspension when you move about in the vehicle when you're parked up.

Personally I've got full air suspension, which can level to a small degree. Ramps in the locker if it's really wonky. I have steadies, but I only bother with them if I'm parked up for several days. Which rarely happens. It seems to rock less now we're on air.

 

[Pausim]

I have a 7m Compactline and have never felt the need for steadies or levelling, I just use ramps to level it.

 

[Two on Tour]

We had fitted the E&P self leveling system because we do not like our van rocking about when you get up for a tiddle during the night or rolling out of bed when parked at silly angles, but that may well not bother you, so personally I would get a few trip out in your van under your belt and the you can make an informed decision on what you think would best suit you.

 

[DangerMousy]

Our previous MH (Rapido) had rear steadies....never used them so we took them off. But I do like to be level: things like the fridge not swinging shut on you as you're trying to fit everything in makes a big difference to me. So we've fitted self levelling to our current MH, and I absolutely love it.

Having said that, self levelling is an expensive option so I'd always recommend trying it out for a while before making a decision.

 

[Mountainbiker]

Thanks very much everyone that's great info.

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[Pappy]

I have a 7m Compactline and have never felt the need for steadies or levelling, I just use ramps to level it.

Same for us on our compactline.

 

[Lenny HB]

if its 3500KG you probably wont have the payload to add self levelling, excellent quality vans but very heavy.

At 7m it will be a 143 not really possible to run at 3500kg.

 

[Westbarn1]

E&P levelling, £6k well spent

 

[Abgs]

I won't have splashed out the £6k for the levelling system but I bought a one year Carthage 138 with the system having been fitted by the first owner.

Absolute game changer! Van doesn't rock around when moving about inside, it's always level and the system is quick and easy to deploy and retract. No more scrabbling around, invariably in the rain trying to level up on ramps ....

Wouldn't have another van without it now.

 

[Mountainbiker]

Should be ok weight wise as it's a heavy chassis at 4250kg - thanks

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[Lenny HB]

Should be ok weight wise as it's a heavy chassis at 4250kg - thanks

We have a 141on order on the maxi chassis

 

[Landy Andy]

Self levelling. Yes please. Would be definitely something I’d have fitted to a new van if I could afford it.

 

[Ray-Vic]

We've had our motorhome coming up 6 months now and have used it quite a few times. I am booking it this week to have the E&P system fitted as it does rock around when getting up for a pee in the night, and when it's windy you can definitely feel it. Levelling has not been too much of a chore with ramps when needed, but I think this being automatic will be a definite bonus, especially when Vic goes off on her own or with her friends.

Looking forward to it.

 

[cyberyacht]

The only way I'd have the payload to do it would be to leave OH behind but then I'd have to do the driving AND the cooking.

 

[daveclare]

We did a few trips away without levelling. Couldn't be bothered with all that messing around with plastic wedges. Because the van maybe a bit less wonky, but it still moved around. Then had SAP fit e&p.

Best thing we ever bought for the van. It would be top of the list if/when we ever change it

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[Ridgeway]

Had a MoHo for around 12yrs now and non have had any hydraulic levellers, thought it was all a bit of a faff and totally unnecessary.

I was quite wrong.

New van has them and the sheer pleasure in pressing that button upon arrival is worth the drive to get there

I’ve invented new USP’s for hydraulic jacks now

1) they level your van
2) they stop it rocking around…
3) as the van doesn’t bounce around then your awning stays stable and at the same height without being stretched
4) That fridge thing
5) dogs water bowl is level on the floor, less spills
6) ants can’t climb into your van if all your are wheels off the ground
7) weigh the van (feature on a few systems) really handy
8) can help you get out of a muddy field by allowing you to lift up the drive wheels and put boards under them
9) floating ice cream vans look cool
10) security ? Ok maybe that’s a bit too far…

If you have the payload and can afford them, then i believe you will never want to be without them again.