Hello Everyone! I'm a newbie looking for any advice on purchase of new Carthago.

[Markawill]

As a non member, I have enjoyed the discussions on this forum overhead last few weeks. My wife and I have always been into caravaning, but now the kids are grown up we are about to make the much anticipated move to motorhomes. We are about to negotiate on a new Carthago and would very much appreciate any tips from other Carthago owners of any essential accessories we should be looking for and any other tips you may have. TIA

 

[Figaro]

I'm sure Carthago owners will be along soon to advise you

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[Gordo]

Which model are you looking at? I ask as they don‘t all have the same options. The biggest thing to keep an eye on is payload. We ordered a new E-line but cancelled it after working out we would have 3kg of payload with the extras we wanted, and that used Carthago weight figures which are notoriously inaccurate.

It’s worth joining on here and Fbook groups (Carthago UK and Carthago Owners UK)

Welcome aboard!
Gordon

 

[TinaLes]

Totally agree with above, Carthago are great vans, well built, solid etc, but never trust the nett weight figures, chose your options, deduct weights from the max weight etc, but make sure you get the van weighed fully loaded with fuel, fresh water, gas bottles, driver in place, with an independent new weigh bridge certificate, before handing over any money.
We were caught out, and needed to spend extra dosh to get it up plated, luckily I have a C1 license.
Its not always just a "Paper Exercise" to get it up plated either, suspension, wheels & tyres on some models need changing to make the van usable and legal.
I really don't think there is a Carthago coach built that can be under 3500KG,s loaded up, not even the compact ultra lites, with full tanks and gear on board.
LES

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[Pausim]

Carthago make good motorhomes, we love ours. Payload has already been mentioned and if you don’t have a C1 license it can be a challenge. We tried running our Compactline i143 at 3500kg and it was very marginal. Up-plating to 3850kg has made life very much easier but it does mean keeping a C1 license.

The trick when specifying extras is to assume that Carthago will already have made full use of the 5% tolerance they are allowed on weight. This means it will arrive with a MIRO 130kg heavier than advertised.

If you are thinking about buying an integrated model (A class) and only need 2 beds think about omitting the drop down bed at the front end. You not only get some very useful cupboards instead but save a bit of weight too. I think it looks a lot nicer too.

 

[Markawill]

Which model are you looking at? I ask as they don‘t all have the same options. The biggest thing to keep an eye on is payload. We ordered a new E-line but cancelled it after working out we would have 3kg of payload with the extras we wanted, and that used Carthago weight figures which are notoriously inaccurate.

It’s worth joining on here and Fbook groups (Carthago UK and Carthago Owners UK)

Welcome aboard!
Gordon

 

[Markawill]

We are looking at Chic C-Line, preferably with 4500kg GVW as I have a C1 . Thanks for input.

 

[Markawill]

Totally agree with above, Carthago are great vans, well built, solid etc, but never trust the nett weight figures, chose your options, deduct weights from the max weight etc, but make sure you get the van weighed fully loaded with fuel, fresh water, gas bottles, driver in place, with an independent new weigh bridge certificate, before handing over any money.
We were caught out, and needed to spend extra dosh to get it up plated, luckily I have a C1 license.
Its not always just a "Paper Exercise" to get it up plated either, suspension, wheels & tyres on some models need changing to make the van usable and legal.
I really don't think there is a Carthago coach built that can be under 3500KG,s loaded up, not even the compact ultra lites, with full tanks and gear on board.
LES

I have a C1 license also, looking at 4500kg GVW so weight shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for input

 

[Jo662]

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[Markawill]

Thanks to everyone for input on payload. My biggest question is which factory fitted options are must haves?
And which one's are not necessary. I am looking at Merc engine, Auto with Distronic

 

[ambulancekidd]

 

[Gordo]

I really would work out the payload - when I looked at the C-line I decided that one had 92kg of payload based on a 4,500kg chassis. Again that used Carthago weights....(there's a reason their website is now littered with regular pop ups making disclaimers on their weights!).

In outline, based on the C-Line I 4.9 LE, the base model was 3,440kg
The options I was looking at included the super package (+74kg), aircon (+30kg), gearbox/ alloys (+20kg net), electric roof awning (+60kg), chequered garage floor (+20kg), gas oven (+12kg), tv package (+15kg), drop down bed (+65kg), alde polar package and heating (=93kg), gaslow (+22kg), E&P self levelling (+55kg). Also added e.g. part leather, bigger MBUX (though now I have it it's not brilliant), LED lights, entrance step, kitchen extractor, socket package (a must), reversing camera double lens, carpets, carawinx bed, ceramic loo. Don't forget to also factor in the weight of solar/ inverter etc if you go that route plus a spare wheel.

Add on full fuel and fresh water, + some waste (never completely empty) and a couple of passengers and you soon crack through the payload. Again, this assumes Carthago's weights are correct.

92kg is nothing - our 3 ebikes weigh that with their chargers.

We decided it came down to either a liner for 2 (on the Iveco chassis), E-class (tag axle) but we didn't like the interior options really, or the C-Tourer, which is what we now have. We've uprated that to 4,500kg and, because it's lighter and after we've weighed it, we now have about 500kg of payload when it's full of water etc. We bought one a year old and love it so far. We've put the E&P on it (fantastic for lots of reasons) and I've done a few other mods (e.g. LED light strips and mountings in the garage).

Good luck!

Gordo

 

[Markawill]

I really would work out the payload - when I looked at the C-line I decided that one had 92kg of payload based on a 4,500kg chassis. Again that used Carthago weights....(there's a reason their website is now littered with regular pop ups making disclaimers on their weights!).

In outline, based on the C-Line I 4.9 LE, the base model was 3,440kg
The options I was looking at included the super package (+74kg), aircon (+30kg), gearbox/ alloys (+20kg net), electric roof awning (+60kg), chequered garage floor (+20kg), gas oven (+12kg), tv package (+15kg), drop down bed (+65kg), alde polar package and heating (=93kg), gaslow (+22kg), E&P self levelling (+55kg). Also added e.g. part leather, bigger MBUX (though now I have it it's not brilliant), LED lights, entrance step, kitchen extractor, socket package (a must), reversing camera double lens, carpets, carawinx bed, ceramic loo. Don't forget to also factor in the weight of solar/ inverter etc if you go that route plus a spare wheel.

Add on full fuel and fresh water, + some waste (never completely empty) and a couple of passengers and you soon crack through the payload. Again, this assumes Carthago's weights are correct.

92kg is nothing - our 3 ebikes weigh that with their chargers.

We decided it came down to either a liner for 2 (on the Iveco chassis), E-class (tag axle) but we didn't like the interior options really, or the C-Tourer, which is what we now have. We've uprated that to 4,500kg and, because it's lighter and after we've weighed it, we now have about 500kg of payload when it's full of water etc. We bought one a year old and love it so far. We've put the E&P on it (fantastic for lots of reasons) and I've done a few other mods (e.g. LED light strips and mountings in the garage).

Good luck!

Gordo

Thanks for the detailed breakdown. I had thought (Naively) that 4500kg chassis would be plenty for our needs, but after reading your breakdown of weights
on options, I will have to give some thought to which ones, I can live without.

 

[Gordo]

Glad to help - it's worth downloading the price/option list if you don't already have it and spreadsheeting what you're looking at (I guarantee you'll then be more informed than the dealer as well for when you're negotiating!).

Download | Carthago Reisemobilbau GmbH

Carthago Reisemobile und Wohnmobile - Reisemobil-Hersteller und Händler von Carthago Luxus Wohnmobile

www.carthago.com

I forgot to mention we have the Mercedes with the uprated engine and auto gearbox and it's terrific - a lot more powerful than I expected and achieving circa 25mpg even though I tend to have a heavy right foot.

Shout if there are specific options you're not sure about - if I don't know there are others that will.

Gordo

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[bigtree]

We bought an eline In May, it’s already heavier than what Carthago claim. I’m uprating the wheels and suspension to get a better payload.

 

[Vansflyer]

The payload is a problem on all of them but the more "bling" = less payload. The big issue is the rear axle limit, that will be the one to overcome.
Our C-Tourer 149 LE was over by about 100kg from the factory claim with no gas bottle, fuel, water or driver!
If you don't add the TV package you don't get the TV lift on some models so be aware of that, the dedicated bedding sheets are a rip off in price but fit perfectly and will be a good pattern when oem ones wear out and make getting into our wardrobes an easy task.
Factory inverter package seems trouble some with quite a few reported failures so maybe one to avoid. If you add the second TV in the bedroom they don't wire the aerial feed to it so useless unless you order factory sat option (expensive) or run a cable in.
Colin the Club chairman told me you can't up plate the Merc vans as Merc won't honour the warranty if changed. This may not be the case now but it was and some of the newer Alko chassis can only go to 4800 not 5000kg. The front springs are generally woeful and crash like mad, uprated springs are a must unless on perfect roads.... or of course full air suspension.
We up plated ours to 4800kg from 4250 with rear air and better tyres and that takes the overall weight and the rear axle to a safe and legal limit for when we are "full". Motorbike, 2 x folding bikes 150L fresh water, full tank of diesel and 3 seasons clothes... and obviously a bottle or two of wine.
Good luck hunting and don't believe a word the salesman says reference van weight... most of them lie!

 

[G7UXG]

I had a Chic C Line 4.9 T (coach build, not A class), a 2107 model. It was a 3 litre with Comfortmatic and a few extras, including E&P levellers. It was plated at 4250kg and fully loaded for touring, with nearly full tanks, it weighed about 4150kg, so under weight by 100kg.

It can be done but you have to manage it well, but it’s worth it because Carthago are a quality build.

We’re on our 3rd Carthago. The current one is an E Line at 8.85 metres and a tag axle. When I bought it (used vehicle) it was plated at 5000kg which, in my opinion is virtually unworkable on a van this size that is loaded with all the extras. I had semi air suspension fitted to the rear and uprated it to 5500kg. I knew it needed doing when I bought it. Now running at about 5350 kg fully loaded.

My advice would be to not be put off by the fact they’re a heavy van, just make sure you know the weight of the empty van and what you can uprate it to, if it needs it, and budget for it. You won’t be disappointed with the build quality.

 

[Markawill]

We bought an eline In May, it’s already heavier than what Carthago claim. I’m uprating the wheels and suspension to get a better payload.

Are you going for air suspension? Thanks

 

[Markawill]

The payload is a problem on all of them but the more "bling" = less payload. The big issue is the rear axle limit, that will be the one to overcome.
Our C-Tourer 149 LE was over by about 100kg from the factory claim with no gas bottle, fuel, water or driver!
If you don't add the TV package you don't get the TV lift on some models so be aware of that, the dedicated bedding sheets are a rip off in price but fit perfectly and will be a good pattern when oem ones wear out and make getting into our wardrobes an easy task.
Factory inverter package seems trouble some with quite a few reported failures so maybe one to avoid. If you add the second TV in the bedroom they don't wire the aerial feed to it so useless unless you order factory sat option (expensive) or run a cable in.
Colin the Club chairman told me you can't up plate the Merc vans as Merc won't honour the warranty if changed. This may not be the case now but it was and some of the newer Alko chassis can only go to 4800 not 5000kg. The front springs are generally woeful and crash like mad, uprated springs are a must unless on perfect roads.... or of course full air suspension.
We up plated ours to 4800kg from 4250 with rear air and better tyres and that takes the overall weight and the rear axle to a safe and legal limit for when we are "full". Motorbike, 2 x folding bikes 150L fresh water, full tank of diesel and 3 seasons clothes... and obviously a bottle or two of wine.
Good luck hunting and don't believe a word the salesman says reference van weight... most of them lie!

Thanks for input

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[Markawill]

I had a Chic C Line 4.9 T (coach build, not A class), a 2107 model. It was a 3 litre with Comfortmatic and a few extras, including E&P levellers. It was plated at 4250kg and fully loaded for touring, with nearly full tanks, it weighed about 4150kg, so under weight by 100kg.

It can be done but you have to manage it well, but it’s worth it because Carthago are a quality build.

We’re on our 3rd Carthago. The current one is an E Line at 8.85 metres and a tag axle. When I bought it (used vehicle) it was plated at 5000kg which, in my opinion is virtually unworkable on a van this size that is loaded with all the extras. I had semi air suspension fitted to the rear and uprated it to 5500kg. I knew it needed doing when I bought it. Now running at about 5350 kg fully loaded.

My advice would be to not be put off by the fact they’re a heavy van, just make sure you know the weight of the empty van and what you can uprate it to, if it needs it, and budget for it. You won’t be disappointed with the build quality.

Any idea of the cost of E&P levellers?

 

[bigtree]

Are you going for air suspension? Thanks

Yes, full air.

 

[G7UXG]

Any idea of the cost of E&P levellers?

Not sure. Cost me about £4500 I think in 2017. Current van already had them fitted when I bought it.

 

[stevec]

Any idea of the cost of E&P levellers?

Had ours done last month. Circa £6000 plus another £500 if you have the front springs changed which we did as we got an extra 2” ground clearance which was important to us as we scraped our exhaust getting on to our drive. No change in comfort level with them though. Changing tyre pressures did more (have Michelin Agilis fitted…..aweful ride!)

 

[Btg]

I’m looking at buying a 3yr carthargo c tour but only one thing holding me back it’s got no history but comes with a yrs guarantee shall I walk away or bit the bullet

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[Vansflyer]

I’m looking at buying a 3yr carthargo c tour but only one thing holding me back it’s got no history but comes with a yrs guarantee shall I walk away or bit the bullet

From new it would have had at least a 5 year water ingress warranty.... if it was hab checked by a Carthago dealer and they registered it on the "system". No paperwork indicates it hasn't been inspected or it has been lost.
You get a large folder with them, this contains all the instructions and the Conformity certificate which is important. If original number plates fitted can you get the details from them and contact the supplying dealer to see if they have a service record of it? Most people who spend that kind of money on a van will get at least a few inspections done.
Who is the dealer selling it and who underwrites the warranty they use?
Owners do loose the instructions / service records at times but at three years old it seems a bit odd unless it was a distressed sale post loss of a partner etc..

 

[Btg]

They saying no history with them on any hab or motor checks from south downs

 

[Btg]

Sorry southdowns selling it

 

[Btg]

Southdowns selling it they say no history but bought from them but in a delemer what to do it’s a lot of money so need to be sure

 

[Vansflyer]

Try asking the service department and not the sales person... if no books and no history it would have to be a very good deal before I purchased it. I bet they still want top money for it as well!

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