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

Am going back down today but don’t no what to do service say no history but does that say it’s a bad sign so get my deposit back or ask for what
 
Btg said:
They saying no history with them on any hab or motor checks from south downs
Click to expand...
A Fiat Professional dealer can check whether the Fiat services have been carried out. Adams Morey at Portsmouth (023 9269 1122) are very helpful. Carthago used to issue stamps to verify the required water ingress checks had been completed but for the last couple of years they have dropped them and appear to register the inspections online. Again the dealer should be able to verify this. If Southdowns seem short of answers you could see if Reliance Caravan and Motorhome Services near Chichester can help, they are approved by Carthago for warranty work and water ingress inspections so should have access to the online system (01243 940050).
 
Does it’s a 2018 but registered in 2020 matter or is this a red flag
 
Pausim said:
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.
Click to expand...
Agree about the drop down - we have had both and much prefer the cupboards. extra skylight, headroom and openness vs the bed.
 
Markawill said:
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
Click to expand...
We have had an E Line 51 tag, and now an S Plus 61, both were stock vans so not exactly as I would have specced, however that avoided the long waiting times and price increase.

As for must haves: The garage floor finish is quite abrasive as standard, on the E we ended up putting in a rubber chequer-plate style mat (£60) very good for keeping stuff from sliding and not as heavy as metal - On the S we have the factory chequer-plate. Extra sockets pack was on the E not on the S and so we will be adding some. Oven under the sink - the one offered over the fridge is small but works OK, but is too high to be properly safe.

Nice to haves: Driver assistance packs on both vans have worked well - Leveling - Air suspension (Essential on the S Plus) - Lithium batteries for which I would order the van standard and upgrade it to Lithium myself, not sure the factory offering would meet our usage. Much the same for the inverter - the Carthago fit Dometic seems to have problems over time with the auto changeover and is 1800w. Our E had this and the coffee machine the S had neither but strangely the lift mechanism for the coffee machine was fitted, so we added it and a Victron Multiplus II inverter with Lithium. Solar pack on the S was 200w, we added a further 350 and changed controller to 2*Mppt, would have done the whole lot if I had the choice again. Gaslow refillable -- Ceramic Loo/SOG if not standard -- Twin Lens reversing camera on the E was nice Single Lens on the larger S works well enough. Superpackage added some useful stuff and I would do that again.

Other points: We have had carpets on both, dark brown seems to be the only option, I would go for a nicer quality probably from one of the boat carpet firms local to us - - Fitted sheets & cushions (sleeping pack?) had these on both vans would probably not again because there is more choice from many suppliers - - Rear bedroom TV does require an additional aerial to be added since there is no cable run back to the bedroom. The electrical stuff is very well integrated on the CBE system and works well if a little bit unambitious in terms of specification we used it hapily on the E, when we changed to the S we wanted more capacity so added lithium, an appropriate charger/inverter and extra MPPT solar. We lost some of the indicators showing on the control panel and chose not to have a remote for the inverter as we had in the E Line, but the Victron Bluetooth controls are better in many ways, and a victron control panel can be added if needed. -- Overall stuff that is part of the base vehicle is more difficult to add later I think, so worth deliberating over, other "converter" added stuff can be done later albeit it might not be as neat, and wont be in Carthago's warranty of course.
 
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Btg said:
Does it’s a 2018 but registered in 2020 matter or is this a red flag
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Btg said:
Southdowns selling it they say no history but bought from them
Click to expand...
Surely they would know, I guess they may have had it as a showroom model and then delay due to Covid but they must have records. Is Tracey still there?, she was very good.
 
but why a 2018 but 2020 registered n no history doesn’t add up
 
Covid was 2020 not 2018

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Do Southdowns mean that they have no history in the record file of the hab check/service record, or that the van was not registered with DVLA?
 
Ye no history with hab or service since they sold it in 2020
 
Btg said:
Ye no history with hab or service since they sold it in 2020
Click to expand...
Hmmm, think I would want a clear explanation of what happened to the van from 2018 onwards - Could understand if it was a 2018 model year, delivered to Southdowns in 2019 sold in 2020 for example, but I would want to see a full hab check and vehicle report - and have full service inc any belts etc and age related items to 2018, including tyres if they are date stamped over 5 years ago, then it is about price and any available alternatives
 
There could be perfectly good reasons such as above for date of first registration and then ill health preventing owners doing a service, it’s only been just over 2 years.
If it’s not been back to Southdown’s then one can assume nothing has gone wrong with it. ?
 
Ok Thankyou will have to make my mind up

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Btg said:
Ye no history with hab or service since they sold it in 2020
Click to expand...
2 discussions going on here?
We took over a year to get what we thought was the right vehicle - Malibu made by Carthago
We saw Lots! of newish Hymers and Carthago s with no water ingress warranty cheks or undertaken by AWS repairers so not valid. New owners unaware of requirements?
Some dealers stated this in the description others did not divulge this info until later - most wanted max price.
Ours has no manufactures water ingress due to being carried out incorrectly - but we still bought as we researched the dealer - the model etc asked questions on herefelt confident and right price.
Carthagos rarely have water ingress problems - Fiat engine - thats whole other story.
If you have Any Doubts - walk away - There will be other Carthagos come up for sale that you are more confident about - Massive expense and hassle ! if there are problems and I don't know what type of warranty South Downs give but beware if its an insurance backed warranty. Jims checklist is very usefull no matter how experienced we think we are - so easy to miss something very costly
Good luck with any purchase -
 
Thankyou all good all sorted southdowns was amazing to us n we pick-up in three weeks but thanks to all that gave good advise we used all the questions you said to use and got appropriate answers a gold 2 yr warrenty aswell so very exited to get my last motorhome after having 7 previous cheers 👍
 
Congrrats! Bought our E Line from Southdowns, and they were good for us as well.....
 
Gordo said:
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
Click to expand...
Hi Gordo, we ended up getting a C-Tourer i50 on Merc chassis. It's pretty well speced but we are going to Install E&P and Air suspension in the new year. I'm trying to figure out best layout/fixings for the rear
garage, I would be interested to know how you have kitted out yours and where you got your Led strip lighting. Thanks
 
AdrianChen said:
We have had an E Line 51 tag, and now an S Plus 61, both were stock vans so not exactly as I would have specced, however that avoided the long waiting times and price increase.

As for must haves: The garage floor finish is quite abrasive as standard, on the E we ended up putting in a rubber chequer-plate style mat (£60) very good for keeping stuff from sliding and not as heavy as metal - On the S we have the factory chequer-plate. Extra sockets pack was on the E not on the S and so we will be adding some. Oven under the sink - the one offered over the fridge is small but works OK, but is too high to be properly safe.

Nice to haves: Driver assistance packs on both vans have worked well - Leveling - Air suspension (Essential on the S Plus) - Lithium batteries for which I would order the van standard and upgrade it to Lithium myself, not sure the factory offering would meet our usage. Much the same for the inverter - the Carthago fit Dometic seems to have problems over time with the auto changeover and is 1800w. Our E had this and the coffee machine the S had neither but strangely the lift mechanism for the coffee machine was fitted, so we added it and a Victron Multiplus II inverter with Lithium. Solar pack on the S was 200w, we added a further 350 and changed controller to 2*Mppt, would have done the whole lot if I had the choice again. Gaslow refillable -- Ceramic Loo/SOG if not standard -- Twin Lens reversing camera on the E was nice Single Lens on the larger S works well enough. Superpackage added some useful stuff and I would do that again.

Other points: We have had carpets on both, dark brown seems to be the only option, I would go for a nicer quality probably from one of the boat carpet firms local to us - - Fitted sheets & cushions (sleeping pack?) had these on both vans would probably not again because there is more choice from many suppliers - - Rear bedroom TV does require an additional aerial to be added since there is no cable run back to the bedroom. The electrical stuff is very well integrated on the CBE system and works well if a little bit unambitious in terms of specification we used it hapily on the E, when we changed to the S we wanted more capacity so added lithium, an appropriate charger/inverter and extra MPPT solar. We lost some of the indicators showing on the control panel and chose not to have a remote for the inverter as we had in the E Line, but the Victron Bluetooth controls are better in many ways, and a victron control panel can be added if needed. -- Overall stuff that is part of the base vehicle is more difficult to add later I think, so worth deliberating over, other "converter" added stuff can be done later albeit it might not be as neat, and wont be in Carthago's warranty of course.
Click to expand...
AdrianChen, sorry to tke so long to reply. Thanks for the detailed inventory, some very useful information for me. Thanks again

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Markawill said:
Hi Gordo, we ended up getting a C-Tourer i50 on Merc chassis. It's pretty well speced but we are going to Install E&P and Air suspension in the new year. I'm trying to figure out best layout/fixings for the rear
garage, I would be interested to know how you have kitted out yours and where you got your Led strip lighting. Thanks
Click to expand...
Congratulations! You'll love it.

Not sure you need E&P and air suspension (I'd drive it for a while before spending money on air, unless you really need it to add payload on the rear). We love our E&P and find the normal ride is fine - tyre pressures worth playing with if you find it too harsh.

In terms of the garage, I've done the following:


Have just taken various pics for you (first two from when it was empty but when I'd just fitted the LED lights). The last pic is today - there are usually only two bikes in there so the aluminium runners and straps keeps everything on the back wall and means we can slide the bikes out without constantly taking everything out. We were away in it last week so lots got stuffed in it when we got back as I didn't have time to sort it).

Shout if you want any other ideas (I've enjoyed myself working through the van addressing all of the bits and pieces to make it work for us - incl table top, extra USB sockets, sorting the front stereo (and TV speakers), side seat, solar controller, shunt to bluetooth monitor batteries, new solar panels, LED lights in the wardrobes etc). There are also bits of kit which are very handy (like Karcher windo vac, thermal screen cover (ours from Minster), seat covers from Shein (dog) etc.

Cheers

Gordo

IMG_1470.JPG IMG_1471.JPG IMG_2899.jpg IMG_2900.jpg IMG_2901.jpg IMG_2902.jpg IMG_2903.jpg IMG_2905.jpg
 
Gordo said:
Congratulations! You'll love it.

Not sure you need E&P and air suspension (I'd drive it for a while before spending money on air, unless you really need it to add payload on the rear). We love our E&P and find the normal ride is fine - tyre pressures worth playing with if you find it too harsh.

In terms of the garage, I've done the following:


Have just taken various pics for you (first two from when it was empty but when I'd just fitted the LED lights). The last pic is today - there are usually only two bikes in there so the aluminium runners and straps keeps everything on the back wall and means we can slide the bikes out without constantly taking everything out. We were away in it last week so lots got stuffed in it when we got back as I didn't have time to sort it).

Shout if you want any other ideas (I've enjoyed myself working through the van addressing all of the bits and pieces to make it work for us - incl table top, extra USB sockets, sorting the front stereo (and TV speakers), side seat, solar controller, shunt to bluetooth monitor batteries, new solar panels, LED lights in the wardrobes etc). There are also bits of kit which are very handy (like Karcher windo vac, thermal screen cover (ours from Minster), seat covers from Shein (dog) etc.

Cheers

Gordo

View attachment 840893 View attachment 840894 View attachment 840896 View attachment 840897 View attachment 840898 View attachment 840899 View attachment 840900 View attachment 840904
Click to expand...
Hi Gordo, Lots of great information there; I'm very grateful. I have ordered the Extruded Aluminium sections plus fastenings. I was thinking of maybe attaching marine ply (Covered in grey felt) to the rear of the garage so I could fix the sections to it plus any other fastenings. We have only had the MoHo for some weeks and have been away, so lot to consider to get the set-up we want. We spent the first night in it on Saturday, It was -6 degrees with us and the electric heater didn't cope well, much better on gas. I'm interested to know what you have done with your table as already we are finding it, a bit on the large size. We have extra USB sockets fitted so that shouldn't be a problem. Also interested in your speaker upgrade. Solar and Batteries, we are going to wait and see what our demands are, I have 2 x Ecoflow batteries as backup. I visited Minster on the way home and found them really helpful, they made me a screen cover as I waited, approx 1 hour. We also popped into Motorhome Seat Covers, Stockport as we have a dog, I'm awaiting a quote. Not sure if you are on Carthago UK's Facebook page, they are also very helpful. Thanks again.
 
Markawill said:
We are looking at Chic C-Line, preferably with 4500kg GVW as I have a C1 . Thanks for input.
Click to expand...
I have a chic c-line and had to up plate it to 5ton (for the 350 scooter) but I’m still 100kg over on the rear with everything full, it does have a lot of toys on it though👍👍

:doh: Sorry just seen it’s an old thread! Doh🙄🙄
 
Markawill said:
Hi Gordo, Lots of great information there; I'm very grateful. I have ordered the Extruded Aluminium sections plus fastenings. I was thinking of maybe attaching marine ply (Covered in grey felt) to the rear of the garage so I could fix the sections to it plus any other fastenings. We have only had the MoHo for some weeks and have been away, so lot to consider to get the set-up we want. We spent the first night in it on Saturday, It was -6 degrees with us and the electric heater didn't cope well, much better on gas. I'm interested to know what you have done with your table as already we are finding it, a bit on the large size. We have extra USB sockets fitted so that shouldn't be a problem. Also interested in your speaker upgrade. Solar and Batteries, we are going to wait and see what our demands are, I have 2 x Ecoflow batteries as backup. I visited Minster on the way home and found them really helpful, they made me a screen cover as I waited, approx 1 hour. We also popped into Motorhome Seat Covers, Stockport as we have a dog, I'm awaiting a quote. Not sure if you are on Carthago UK's Facebook page, they are also very helpful. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Carthago do like a big table! We will have a smaller top made by a local furniture guy, the rough idea is to just cover the sliding mechanism underneath, ours also has an extra pop up central leaf intended for banqueting I think, and we will have another made to match the new top.

Seat covers are a good idea - we use sheepskins and throws etc, and are constantly putting them back as the dogs ruck them up.
 
Sorry I can't help but :hiya2: w2f

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WESTY66 said:
I have a chic c-line and had to up plate it to 5ton (for the 350 scooter) but I’m still 100kg over on the rear with everything full, it does have a lot of toys on it though👍👍

:doh: Sorry just seen it’s an old thread! Doh🙄🙄
Click to expand...
oh s""t me too:ROFLMAO:
 
Markawill said:
Hi Gordo, Lots of great information there; I'm very grateful. I have ordered the Extruded Aluminium sections plus fastenings. I was thinking of maybe attaching marine ply (Covered in grey felt) to the rear of the garage so I could fix the sections to it plus any other fastenings. We have only had the MoHo for some weeks and have been away, so lot to consider to get the set-up we want. We spent the first night in it on Saturday, It was -6 degrees with us and the electric heater didn't cope well, much better on gas. I'm interested to know what you have done with your table as already we are finding it, a bit on the large size. We have extra USB sockets fitted so that shouldn't be a problem. Also interested in your speaker upgrade. Solar and Batteries, we are going to wait and see what our demands are, I have 2 x Ecoflow batteries as backup. I visited Minster on the way home and found them really helpful, they made me a screen cover as I waited, approx 1 hour. We also popped into Motorhome Seat Covers, Stockport as we have a dog, I'm awaiting a quote. Not sure if you are on Carthago UK's Facebook page, they are also very helpful. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Morning Mark

Seat covers - we just got cheap ones from Shein in various colours and they're great as means we can swap them over / wash them etc (muddy working cocker). 2 single and a double of each from memory (we have grey and brown for if the dog's with us, cream if not) https://www.shein.co.uk/1pc-Stretchy-Sofa-Seat-Cover-Grey-Removable-Seat-Cushion-Cover-Scratch-Resistant-Sofa-Cushion-Cover-For-Living-Room-Cushion-Couch-p-11934624-cat-3495.html?src_identifier=st=2`sc=sh2211027530784484`sr=0`ps=1&src_module=search&src_tab_page_id=page_home1701774282372&imgRatio=3-4&main_attr=27_1000133&mallCode=1

Table top - I swapped the top (it's only held on by screws) for this one - we're pleased with it and it's a lot more practical than the massive thing it came with. I'd have liked a nice folding one (e.g. yacht tables that fold in half) but couldn't find anything sensible https://www.woodbypost.co.uk/grey-nebraska-oak-tabletop-750-600. Final pic below shows the table (and, on the left hand seat, there's a grey Shein cover fitted so you see what they look like - the cream throws were something my wife experimented with but they've been banished as kept sliding off etc).

Speakers. Ours sounded awful (tinny, little sound coming out of the side (door) speakers and the rear ones (which double for the TV) were just annoying whoever sat in the back whilst travelling. I did 4 things :
1. rewired the centre speaker (common Mercedes sprinter issue where they mis-wired it in the factory - simple job to swap the connectors round but need to google to find out the details). I also added a damper for this speaker made by Alpine which means it doesn't overwhelm the others
https://caraudiocentre.co.uk/products/alpine-car-audio-exa-21ca252
2. Swapped the door speakers over - I couldn't work out how to fit bigger than the standard 4" without messing the door moulding up so just put Apline ones in (Alpine S-S40 4" 2-Way Coaxial Speakers)
3. Fitted tweeters (the toughest bit of the job as meant a leap of faith to remove sections of the dash sections - turned out they're just attached with double sided tape). https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/pio...MIqKLj55X4ggMVBrLtCh1zEgeJEAQYASABEgKV_fD_BwE
4. Removed the fascia to get at the rear speakers and disconnected them completely). We have a couple of UE Boom speakers with 3.5mm inputs so use those for the TV and they're great (only use one at a time).
That's improved the speakers for when driving enormously - I can now listen to radio / audiobooks etc no problem. It's not hifi quality (would need bigger door speakers and a subwoofer for that but haven't done the latter as it's good enough and I've already learned the hard way that removing the passenger seat without disconnecting the battery triggers an airbag error which you then have to get sorted!).

Solar - ours came with a 160w panel and a really basic solar controller. It wasn't obvious how much power it was generating and it wasn't man enough for the job. First thing I did was put a Victron MPPT (100/300 on it to be able to monitor the solar output using my phone. I then added a victron smartshunt 500 (that's when I learned the lesson about removing the passenger seat which I did to run a monitoring wire to the van battery!). That's proven invaluable as, at times, our battery charger decides to turn itself off e.g. if we've overloaded a campsite supply causing that to trip - the smartshunt means I can quickly check hab battery status using my phone). So the next job was to add solar - I put 4 x 130w on the roof https://www.craigsolar.co.uk/shop/1...medium=email&utm_source=customer_notification. Since then we've been self-sufficient (even last week on a cloudy day the panels pretty much topped up what we'd used). We only have normal AGM batteries but they're fine - I haven't felt the need to spend money on lithium as yet! Pics attached - one with the old panel on (under the trees), one when I'd removed it and then with the new panels fitted (ignore the paint tins - they were used as weights to hold down polythene sheets whilst the adhesives cured).

As others on here have done, I also made a new section for the side seat - if 3 of us are in the van the standard one isn't strong enough when extended. Have attached pics - and you'll also see the replacement table top in them as well.

have fun!

Gordo

IMG_2156.jpg IMG_2168.jpg IMG_2170.jpg IMG_1463.jpg IMG_1464.jpg IMG_1465.jpg IMG_1437.jpg
 
Gordo said:
Morning Mark

Seat covers - we just got cheap ones from Shein in various colours and they're great as means we can swap them over / wash them etc (muddy working cocker). 2 single and a double of each from memory (we have grey and brown for if the dog's with us, cream if not) https://www.shein.co.uk/1pc-Stretchy-Sofa-Seat-Cover-Grey-Removable-Seat-Cushion-Cover-Scratch-Resistant-Sofa-Cushion-Cover-For-Living-Room-Cushion-Couch-p-11934624-cat-3495.html?src_identifier=st=2`sc=sh2211027530784484`sr=0`ps=1&src_module=search&src_tab_page_id=page_home1701774282372&imgRatio=3-4&main_attr=27_1000133&mallCode=1

Table top - I swapped the top (it's only held on by screws) for this one - we're pleased with it and it's a lot more practical than the massive thing it came with. I'd have liked a nice folding one (e.g. yacht tables that fold in half) but couldn't find anything sensible https://www.woodbypost.co.uk/grey-nebraska-oak-tabletop-750-600. Final pic below shows the table (and, on the left hand seat, there's a grey Shein cover fitted so you see what they look like - the cream throws were something my wife experimented with but they've been banished as kept sliding off etc).

Speakers. Ours sounded awful (tinny, little sound coming out of the side (door) speakers and the rear ones (which double for the TV) were just annoying whoever sat in the back whilst travelling. I did 4 things :
1. rewired the centre speaker (common Mercedes sprinter issue where they mis-wired it in the factory - simple job to swap the connectors round but need to google to find out the details). I also added a damper for this speaker made by Alpine which means it doesn't overwhelm the others
https://caraudiocentre.co.uk/products/alpine-car-audio-exa-21ca252
2. Swapped the door speakers over - I couldn't work out how to fit bigger than the standard 4" without messing the door moulding up so just put Apline ones in (Alpine S-S40 4" 2-Way Coaxial Speakers)
3. Fitted tweeters (the toughest bit of the job as meant a leap of faith to remove sections of the dash sections - turned out they're just attached with double sided tape). https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/pio...MIqKLj55X4ggMVBrLtCh1zEgeJEAQYASABEgKV_fD_BwE
4. Removed the fascia to get at the rear speakers and disconnected them completely). We have a couple of UE Boom speakers with 3.5mm inputs so use those for the TV and they're great (only use one at a time).
That's improved the speakers for when driving enormously - I can now listen to radio / audiobooks etc no problem. It's not hifi quality (would need bigger door speakers and a subwoofer for that but haven't done the latter as it's good enough and I've already learned the hard way that removing the passenger seat without disconnecting the battery triggers an airbag error which you then have to get sorted!).

Solar - ours came with a 160w panel and a really basic solar controller. It wasn't obvious how much power it was generating and it wasn't man enough for the job. First thing I did was put a Victron MPPT (100/300 on it to be able to monitor the solar output using my phone. I then added a victron smartshunt 500 (that's when I learned the lesson about removing the passenger seat which I did to run a monitoring wire to the van battery!). That's proven invaluable as, at times, our battery charger decides to turn itself off e.g. if we've overloaded a campsite supply causing that to trip - the smartshunt means I can quickly check hab battery status using my phone). So the next job was to add solar - I put 4 x 130w on the roof https://www.craigsolar.co.uk/shop/1...medium=email&utm_source=customer_notification. Since then we've been self-sufficient (even last week on a cloudy day the panels pretty much topped up what we'd used). We only have normal AGM batteries but they're fine - I haven't felt the need to spend money on lithium as yet! Pics attached - one with the old panel on (under the trees), one when I'd removed it and then with the new panels fitted (ignore the paint tins - they were used as weights to hold down polythene sheets whilst the adhesives cured).

As others on here have done, I also made a new section for the side seat - if 3 of us are in the van the standard one isn't strong enough when extended. Have attached pics - and you'll also see the replacement table top in them as well.

have fun!

Gordo

View attachment 841132 View attachment 841133 View attachment 841134 View attachment 841135 View attachment 841136 View attachment 841137 View attachment 841138
Click to expand...
Hi Gordo

More great info. I have ordered the Shein Seat Covers and a tabletop plus what I have ordered for the garage should give me plenty to get on with.

I will need to get my big boy pants on to tackle the radio/speakers and as I said Solar/Batteries are one for another day.

Very much appreciate the detailed response as it has saved me a lot of research.

I didn't realise the side seat was extendable, that's another job for me.

Thanks again
Mark
 

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