Oh heck ... yet another very, VERY expensive show ...

[barsteward]

I will have you know that my new Swift has Alde heating dear boy!

Does the heated barn have Alde as well

 

[Hettie's Crew]

Don't think we'll have an issue with putting our stuff in!

You’ll have no problems with weight, our Hymer is 3035kg MIRO (supposed), a lot heavier than your Carthago. We have HPC jacks, rear air assist with compressor, Fiamma side awning, spare wheel, twin batteries, two large solar panels and two 11kg refillable gas bottles. With the two of us and the dog ready to go with clothes, supplies and water we weigh in at 3570kg, as verified by SV Tech at Peterborough Show. So we have 270kg spare with the rear axle at 1970kg.

 

[StephDeLux]

Loads of A Class on the AMC light chassis, nearly all Hymer's up to 7.2 m available on it, latest versions have the even lighter SLC chassis.

I'd beg to differ a bit on this. I would say the SLC chassis is remarkably light for a double floor of its width. But if I compare the weight of a B-MC T 580 (2900 kilos) to an ML-T 580 (2910 kgs), there is not much difference, which is surprising given the considerable weight of the rear transmission and the all steel, very utilitarian chassis of the ML-T. Of course, the ML-T is 7 cm narrower, which saves weight and that might account for the apparent paradox. On the other end, the furniture appears to me to be sturdier in the ML-T than the B-MC, but that's more a feeling than objective measurement.

But the end result, in terms of weight, is very close.

 

[Lenny HB]

I'd beg to differ a bit on this. I would say the SLC chassis is remarkably light for a double floor of its width. But if I compare the weight of a B-MC T 580 (2900 kilos) to an ML-T 580 (2910 kgs), there is not much difference, which is surprising given the considerable weight of the rear transmission and the all steel, very utilitarian chassis of the ML-T. Of course, the ML-T is 7 cm narrower, which saves weight and that might account for the apparent paradox. On the other end, the furniture appears to me to be sturdier in the ML-T than the B-MC, but that's more a feeling than objective measurement.

But the end result, in terms of weight, is very close.

The FWD Merc is 50 kg lighter than RWD but that is on a panel van.

 

[StephDeLux]

The FWD Merc is 50 kg lighter than RWD but that is on a panel van.

Then I think it is safe to say the SLC benefit is in having a double floor while keeping weight reasonable, but it is not lighter that a "normal" van.

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[Lenny HB]

Then I think it is safe to say the SLC benefit is in having a double floor while keeping weight reasonable, but it is not lighter that a "normal" van.

Hymer now use the SLC on Fiat as well they claim it is lighter.

 

[Lenny HB]

Wow it just shows how construction has changed, our little 2005 A class Concorde 6.48 metre, basic weight is not far off a tonne more than yours.

Our 7.5m Hymer with all factory fit options we had is only 3340 kg.

 

[CazPaul]

Our 7.5m Hymer with all factory fit options we had is only 3340 kg.

Ours is 3700 with the options but GVW of 4900 so loads of payload for a short van 6.48 metres
Rear axle 3100 had an incredible 900kg remaining when I weighed it so no chance of ever overloading

 

[Blue Knight]

Crickey, Mel, I'm off-line for 7-weeks and you go off and buy a 'Bubble Box' which has just enough payload to carry a million cubic feet of air.

You'll miss the Globecar and its heavy chassis for sure.

Have you got time to cancel the order.

 

[Minxy]

Crickey, Mel, I'm off-line for 7-weeks and you go off and buy a 'Bubble Box' which has just enough payload to carry a million cubic feet of air.

You'll miss the Globecar and its heavy chassis for sure.

Have you got time to cancel the order.

You missed the bit about me buying another Smart car then!

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[Blue Knight]

You missed the bit about me buying another Smart car then!

It gets worse Mel

An 'A-class with a toad' only means one thing, i.e. your OAP status is upon you.

You were the queen of modifications and coolness the other week and now..........let this be a valuable lesson to all of us Globecar owners: "old age is just an A-class away".

 

[Minxy]

It gets worse Mel

An 'A-class with a toad' only means one thing, i.e. your OAP status is upon you.

You were the queen of modifications and coolness the other week and now..........let this be a valuable lesson to all of us Globecar owners: "old age is just an A-class away".

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo ... you've got the wrong end of the stick ... we won't have a toad as the new Carthago is only 5 cms longer and 7cm wider than our Globecar, hence why we decided to change as we didn't want a much longer or fatter vehicle, therefore there's no need to tow anything.

The 'new' Smart is a ForFour and for home pootling round only so as for old age ... its a Sports version with lowered suspension, bigger wheels and gear change paddles on the steering column so we can have even more fun with it, opposite of OAP status (ie old and creaky) ... brummm, brummm, BRUMMMMMMMM ... zzzzooooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmm.

As for mods ... I'll still be doing some, just no need to do the basics such as fitting solar etc.

 

[Blue Knight]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo ... you've got the wrong end of the stick ... we won't have a toad as the new Carthago is only 5 cms longer and 7cm wider than our Globecar, hence why we decided to change as we didn't want a much longer or fatter vehicle, therefore there's no need to tow anything.

The 'new' Smart is a ForFour and for home pootling round only so as for old age ... its a Sports version with lowered suspension, bigger wheels and gear change paddles on the steering column so we can have even more fun with it, opposite of OAP status (ie old and creaky) ... brummm, brummm, BRUMMMMMMMM ... zzzzooooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmm.

As for mods ... I'll still be doing some, just no need to do the basics such as fitting solar etc.

A-class is Age-Class;

......and flappy paddles, lowered suspension and bigger wheels on a, errrrrrrrr, Smart Car; only an old person would be exited by that.

I'm going to 'case study' you Mel to ensure that I don't come to the same horrible end.

Poor Mel

 

[Minxy]

A-class is Age-Class;

......and flappy paddles, lowered suspension and bigger wheels on a, errrrrrrrr, Smart Car; only an old person would be exited by that.

I'm going to 'case study' you Mel to ensure that I don't come to the same horrible end.

Poor Mel

... you don't want to know about the Sym 125cc scooter we bought then ...

 

[lekkerSA]

Crossing the Humber was always dangerous!!

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[Minxy]

Update for anyone who's interested.

Solar: We can't have 2 x 100 panels due to supply/size issues so having 1 x 150w instead, should be sufficient for our needs but if not the controller they're putting on will take 300w so can add to it (I already have a 50w semi-flexible panel anyway so could stick that on).

Tracker: Arranged for a SmarTrack tracker to be fitted next Wednesday morning at a cost of £199 + £399 for lifetime subscription to Global Telemetrics.

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[Minxy]

Fettling: Blue Knight you'll be pleased to hear that although I probably won't need to install any extra lights or sockets I've already started on a list of stuff to do including:

Hab area

Make/fit worktop flap, kitchen roll holder & tea/coffee/sugar rack

Put up dog photo frame, coat hooks, clock, temp gauge, smoke & C0 alarm, fire extinguisher & blanket

Protect table & put Fablon over glass hob/sink lids

Make duck board for washroom floor & step for toilet

Fit/make dog gate for hab door

Line cupboard, drawers etc

Fit rear window blind barrier

Make laundry slot from hab into garage?

Fit carpet/rugs (make cover/mat for large dash area?)

Sewing

Make/alter hab and cab seat covers & alter bedding

Make roof vent covers

Make external windscreen cover/alter existing

Other

Fit Gaslow cylinders & filler point

Sort out garage storage/racking, bike fixings & secure spare wheel

Put reflective tape on mirrors

Fit extra stays to garage doors?

Fit extra locks to lockers/doors?

Fit 50w solar panel to roof or put in connector to use it as a portable one

Fit 'gutter' above driver's side window

Do list of where stuff is!

 

[Wagoneer]

I admire your detailed to-do list especially the laundry-shoot into the garage from the hab - very ingenious.

You mention the tracker system but no mention of an alarm system - is that an oversight or do you have that covered in other ways, like central locking integrated with an alarm ???

 

[Minxy]

I admire your detailed to-do list especially the laundry-shoot into the garage from the hab - very ingenious.

I made on in our current PVC and it works an absolute treat and means it makes use of an otherwise difficult to access space in the rear. I'm not sure how/if I can put one in the new MH but will see what can be done when I get my grubby paws on it next week.

You mention the tracker system but no mention of an alarm system - is that an oversight or do you have that covered in other ways, like central locking integrated with an alarm ???

We're having an alarm fitted as part of the purchase deal, it's an Autowatch 695 with extra PIR sensor internally in the rear in case someone gets in via the back window, plus sensors on the 2 garage doors and the 2 lockers that would allow internal access (for a contortionist!).

There's no central locking on the new MH but as there are only 2 doors, and we'll likely mostly use the hab door its not a hardship. It does mean, however, that when we unlock a door it's ONLY that door that will be open, whereas with the central locking we have on our PVC it either opens both cab doors, or the sliding and rear doors together, so from a security point of view not having central locking may be a good thing ...

 

[Lenny HB]

We're having an alarm fitted as part of the purchase deal, it's an Autowatch 695 with extra PIR sensor internally in the rear in case someone gets in via the back window, plus sensors on the 2 garage doors and the 2 lockers that would al

Nooooooo, don't have the PIR sensor, had one in the last van pain in the butt.
They set the alarm off if you leave the roof vents open when you go out also if you leave the heating on and when the battery goes flat in them.
Very unlikely anyone will get in the rear windows with the height of them.

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[Lenny HB]

There's no central locking on the new MH but as there are only 2 doors, and we'll likely mostly use the hab door its not a hardship. It does mean, however, that when we unlock a door it's ONLY that door that will be open,

On an A Class you rarely use the driver's door, only for fuel stops so don't really need central locking. We never have it, expensive option and you have to carry a bulky key around.

 

[Minxy]

Nooooooo, don't have the PIR sensor, had one in the last van pain in the butt.
They set the alarm off if you leave the roof vents open when you go out also if you leave the heating on and when the battery goes flat in them.
Very unlikely anyone will get in the rear windows with the height of them.

We've got a PIR in our Globecar and have never had any issues with it at all, I suspect its partly down to positioning as to whether you'll have problems or not ... hopefully not!

 

[Minxy]

Solar: We can't have 2 x 100 panels due to supply/size issues so having 1 x 150w instead, should be sufficient for our needs but if not the controller they're putting on will take 300w so can add to it (I already have a 50w semi-flexible panel anyway so could stick that on).

Great news - GMC have just rung us to say they can't fit a single solar (150w or 140w) panel on the rear, only on the front which will cause wind noise issues so they've 'suggested' we have 2 x 100w on the rear instead ... which is exactly what we wanted in the first place!

 

[Lenny HB]

We've got a PIR in our Globecar and have never had any issues with it at all, I suspect its partly down to positioning as to whether you'll have problems or not ... hopefully not!

I wouldn't risk if too much hassle if it plays up.

 

[Minxy]

I wouldn't risk if too much hassle if it plays up.

... it wouldn't DARE play up with me as it would get a swift kick! "Hi-yah!!!!" (as Miss Piggy would say). ?

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[Blue Knight]

... you don't want to know about the Sym 125cc scooter we bought then ...

It really is all over then

 

[Minxy]

UPDATE ... again.

We went to collect our new baby Carthago today, setting off around 9.30am arriving at 12.20pm having stopped en-route for a dog pee break and a cuppa. It wasn't a bad drive to get there and we found them easily and saw him parked out front so went and plonked our Globecar next to him.

As you can see there's not a massive difference in width at 7cm extra, and the length is only 5cm more, its just the height as we've gone up by 24cm from 2.65cm to 2.89cm.

By the time we had gone over everything (had a couple of nice hot chocolate drinks), made the bank funds transfer, done the hand-over, moved our bits and bobs across (dog beds, covers etc), done the insurance swap and had lunch time was getting on and we prepared to set off. Hubby wanted the 'wing' mirror adjusting on the passenger side but even though I was sure I was twiddling the knob correctly the mirror didn't budge ... hmmm ... one of the chaps was nearby so we asked him about it and he said we had to have the engine running, okay ... er, nope, still no action! He came over and had a look and then told us that I was using the wrong knob! Well, I was and wasn't ... apparently as Carthagos are built mainly for the LHD market the UK passenger side door has a knob on for adjusting LHD drivers to adjust the mirrors with, which is the one I was using, but its just a dummy as they install one on the right for the UK driver to use - this meant that no amount of my twiddling with the knob was every going to get it to work! Why they don't remove it and put in a blanking cap instead I don't know ... certainly confusing.

We set off shortly after and got some fuel at Asda eventually arriving home at around 6.00 pm, tired but happy! He drove and travelled beautifully with the only noise being from the oven/grill ... must stuff a tea-towel in it! He's really lovely and had that wonderful 'new van smell', we are glad we decided to buy him as we are never likely to ever do this again. He's now safely tucked up on our drive and we'll have a good explore tomorrow weather permitting and start to think about where stuff is gonna go and get measured up for me to make seat covers, fit carpets, put shelves in the wardrobe, fit Gaslow etc ... I can see a good few days spent 'playing'!

 

[Millcourt]

UPDATE ... again................

even though I was sure I was twiddling the knob correctly........ one of the chaps was nearby so we asked him about it .........He came over and had a look ............

Mel - you obviously need more practice at knob twiddling!!!

 

[Lenny HB]

Carthagos are built mainly for the LHD market the UK passenger side door has a knob on for adjusting LHD drivers to adjust the mirrors with, which is the one I was using, but its just a dummy as they install one on the right for the UK driver to use - this meant that no amount of my twiddling with the knob was every going to get it to work!

What do you expect if you buy one with the steering wheel on the wrong side. Bet you haven't even got a driver's door.

Enjoy.

 

[Minxy]

What do you expect if you buy one with the steering wheel on the wrong side. Bet you haven't even got a driver's door.

Enjoy.

No UK driver's door but having the door on the left is good as it means we've got one on each side for getting/in our and especially when letting the dogs out, if it was a LHD it would make using the front door difficult so it works for us ... however it does mean hubby has to walk a little bit further to get to a door to get out ... a bit more exercise ... every little help!

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