Another Factory Fit Question -Cathago 1800w Invertor

[G1969]

Sorry any question!

Does anybody have a Cathago fitted with the factory fit invertor, if so what do you think?

If not what do you ALL think about the option/ benefit or not of being factory fitted- currently cost of £1760 ( including coffee machine) which not too bothered over.

I have only used a small self fitted invertor before, not one that self switching etc. I know other companies offer these but Again not sure about the advantages/ disadvantage of retrofitting

Again your opinions welcome

 

[Googlebot]

That’s a lot of money and you could get it done cheaper.

But then it’s also an easy option.

For that sort of money you could get this fitted.

Victron Energy MultiPlus 12v Inverter Charger Compact 12/2000/80-30 VE

Victron Energy MultiPlus 12v Inverter Charger Compact 12/2000/80-30 VE.Bus – CMP122200000 The MultiPlus, as the name suggests, is a combined inverter and charger in one elegant package. Its many features include a true sine wave inverter, adaptive charging, hybrid PowerAssist technology, plus...

vanjunkies.co.uk

Far more flexible than just an inverter and a real quality bit of kit.

 

[stevewagner]

I just bought a 2000w pure sine wave invertor with built in auto changeover for my Carthago, for £249

 

[Googlebot]

I just bought a 2000w pure sine wave invertor with built in auto changeover for my Carthago, for £249

That seems too good to be true.

Having literally been burnt by a cheap inverter, give it a real good test at full load before fitting it.

 

[Deadloss]

As far as I'm aware the Carthago inverter that is part of the coffee package (which the OP said he's not bothered about) only powers the socket that the coffee machine is plugged into, which is not very handy, tucked away behind and above the sink. So if not used for powering the coffee machine it will be very awkward to use for anything else.

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[G1969]

As far as I'm aware the Carthago inverter that is part of the coffee package (which the OP said he's not bothered about) only powers the socket that the coffee machine is plugged into, which is not very handy, tucked away behind and above the sink. So if not used for powering the coffee machine it will be very awkward to use for anything else.

I think it powers all the sockets, but good point , need that clarifying and linked to one controller ( I think the model manufacturer is dometic)

 

[AdrianChen]

As far as I'm aware the Carthago inverter that is part of the coffee package (which the OP said he's not bothered about) only powers the socket that the coffee machine is plugged into, which is not very handy, tucked away behind and above the sink. So if not used for powering the coffee machine it will be very awkward to use for anything else.

In my e line the inverter powered all sockets including the coffee machine. It also included the extra wiring and mcb in the consumer unit, so was a neat install that kept the fridge, heating, aircon etc on ehu only.

 

[camoyboy]

The factory fit Dometic inverter is connected to all sockets, not that there are many (and don't bother with the extra socket pack as they are put in places where you don't need them). It has an auto changeover relay built in, which has been known to cause a few problems but generally works fine. As already said, if you are not interested in the coffee machine you could have one fitted much cheaper after purchase.

 

[Steve and Denise]

Sorry any question!

Does anybody have a Cathago fitted with the factory fit invertor, if so what do you think?

If not what do you ALL think about the option/ benefit or not of being factory fitted- currently cost of £1760 ( including coffee machine) which not too bothered over.

I have only used a small self fitted invertor before, not one that self switching etc. I know other companies offer these but Again not sure about the advantages/ disadvantage of retrofitting

Again your opinions welcome

Ours was factory fit and supply’s all sockets ex fridge heating air con, so works fine for us.
If I was doing it again a Victron multi plus is a superb tool if you have the skills to fit it yourself as most dealers do not have the nessasary knowledge to fit them,
Also we removed our coffee machine and replaced it with a kettle that is used everyday

 

[stevewagner]

That seems too good to be true.

Having literally been burnt by a cheap inverter, give it a real good test at full load before fitting it.

In my last Carthago I fitted a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter from Amazon, that powered the entire mains installation and that worked faultless for over two years. The new one I've bought from Renogy,

2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter With English Standard Socket (with UPS Function)

The 2000W inverter is capable of producing cleaner and smoother electricity to operate tools, fans, lights, and other electronics without interference.

uk.renogy.com

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[Stealaway]

In my last Carthago I fitted a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter from Amazon, that powered the entire mains installation and that worked faultless for over two years. The new one I've bought from Renogy,

2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter With English Standard Socket (with UPS Function)

The 2000W inverter is capable of producing cleaner and smoother electricity to operate tools, fans, lights, and other electronics without interference.

uk.renogy.com

That looks good and this one would do me.

1000W 12V to 230V/240V Pure Sine Wave Inverter with English Standard Socket (with UPS Function)

Whether for a van or a cabin, the Renogy 1000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter acts as a DC to AC converter that allows you to power your household appliances.

uk.renogy.com

 

[stevewagner]

That looks good and this one would do me.

1000W 12V to 230V/240V Pure Sine Wave Inverter with English Standard Socket (with UPS Function)

Whether for a van or a cabin, the Renogy 1000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter acts as a DC to AC converter that allows you to power your household appliances.

uk.renogy.com

I've also bought their 60amp B2B charger and will be fitting them both soon.

 

[Deadloss]

Based on some of the replies above, it would appear the dealer I was talking to doesn’t know his product very well.

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Sorry any question!

Does anybody have a Cathago fitted with the factory fit invertor, if so what do you think?

If not what do you ALL think about the option/ benefit or not of being factory fitted- currently cost of £1760 ( including coffee machine) which not too bothered over.

I have only used a small self fitted invertor before, not one that self switching etc. I know other companies offer these but Again not sure about the advantages/ disadvantage of retrofitting

Again your opinions welcome

As most of the replies it actually feeds all of the sockets and the £1400 or so it includes the inverter wiring to each socket which would be a challenge to retrofit so I personally think it’s worth it
we use it a lot when on the move to boil the kettle as it’s cheaper than wasting gas so it works well for us - also as it feeds all sockets it’s great for charging iPads and phones etc
the only thing I don’t like is having to reach under the floor to switch it on and off because it’s no good left running when you are on mains as I don’t think long term it would do it any good and also you can hear the cooling fan

 

[Gover]

I had a dealer after fit an Inverter to my Carthago. It was 2000x cheapie as detailed above. They fitted it near the battery and blocked access from the outside into a cupboard. They fitted extra 240v power points because they could not wire into the exiting 240v sockets. A total disaster!!

The factory fitted inverter is fitted well out of the way of blocking any access to the locker access. It also integrates into the existing 240v sockets without a problem. It does not need any additional switch over mechanisms so that is what I would recommend.

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[Scout]

ours works fine, all does power all the sockets, a nice bit of kit, mind you we bought the van at 2 years old, so it was an all in price, go for it unless your a DIYer

 

[Lenny HB]

When my Carthago eventually comes I'm going to fit a Multiplus 3000 although I won't use the mains side of it much it's only a few hundred quid more than a decent Victron inverter & if I do need to charge the batteries quickly it has an 120 amp charger.

 

[Steve and Denise]

As most of the replies it actually feeds all of the sockets and the £1400 or so it includes the inverter wiring to each socket which would be a challenge to retrofit so I personally think it’s worth it
we use it a lot when on the move to boil the kettle as it’s cheaper than wasting gas so it works well for us - also as it feeds all sockets it’s great for charging iPads and phones etc
the only thing I don’t like is having to reach under the floor to switch it on and off because it’s no good left running when you are on mains as I don’t think long term it would do it any good and also you can hear the cooling fan

If it’s a factory fit waeco it has a remote switch facility above the door

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Hi Steve, it’s the Dometic unit maybe Waeco and Dometic are now the same, however for the life of me I can’t figure out how to use the panel above the door, when the dealer demonstrated it to me he showed me the switch on the side of the inverter under the floor and told me that you couldn’t control it from the panel

 

[Steve and Denise]

That’s the one above the door

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[Sideshow Bob]

Thanks but mines different and I can’t figure out how to turn the inverter in with it

 

[Steve and Denise]

Thanks but mines different and I can’t figure out how to turn the inverter in with it View attachment 724542

Have a look on the Dometic website

 

[jongood]

As most of the replies it actually feeds all of the sockets and the £1400 or so it includes the inverter wiring to each socket which would be a challenge to retrofit so I personally think it’s worth it
we use it a lot when on the move to boil the kettle as it’s cheaper than wasting gas so it works well for us - also as it feeds all sockets it’s great for charging iPads and phones etc
the only thing I don’t like is having to reach under the floor to switch it on and off because it’s no good left running when you are on mains as I don’t think long term it would do it any good and also you can hear the cooling fan

I n our much older system but cutting edge for then there is only one set of wiring to the sockets and the changeover relay just changes the source. I would imagine that the motorhome would be wired this way, just need to know where Cathargo fit it.

That’s a lot of money and you could get it done cheaper.

But then it’s also an easy option.

For that sort of money you could get this fitted.

Victron Energy MultiPlus 12v Inverter Charger Compact 12/2000/80-30 VE

Victron Energy MultiPlus 12v Inverter Charger Compact 12/2000/80-30 VE.Bus – CMP122200000 The MultiPlus, as the name suggests, is a combined inverter and charger in one elegant package. Its many features include a true sine wave inverter, adaptive charging, hybrid PowerAssist technology, plus...

vanjunkies.co.uk

Far more flexible than just an inverter and a real quality bit of kit.

I considered doing this but you do need to know where all the wires go, and if it fails all your electrics are u/s.

I had a dealer after fit an Inverter to my Carthago. It was 2000x cheapie as detailed above. They fitted it near the battery and blocked access from the outside into a cupboard. They fitted extra 240v power points because they could not wire into the exiting 240v sockets. A total disaster!!

The factory fitted inverter is fitted well out of the way of blocking any access to the locker access. It also integrates into the existing 240v sockets without a problem. It does not need any additional switch over mechanisms so that is what I would recommend.

This sounds like typical sloppy dealer fit to me. I would take a lot of convincing to allow a dealer to do this. There are plenty out there on the aftermarket who know how and where to do it properly.

 

[funflair]

My guess would be that you need it on first and can then switch it off if that makes sense

 

[Sideshow Bob]

My guess would be that you need it on first and can then switch it off if that makes sense

Tried that without success, I feel that there is some sort of switch missing as I can’t select anything in the menus visible to me
I’m sure I’m not the only Carthago 2022 owner pondering this so let’s hope others have had more success

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[stevewagner]

As most of the replies it actually feeds all of the sockets and the £1400 or so it includes the inverter wiring to each socket which would be a challenge to retrofit so I personally think it’s worth it
we use it a lot when on the move to boil the kettle as it’s cheaper than wasting gas so it works well for us - also as it feeds all sockets it’s great for charging iPads and phones etc
the only thing I don’t like is having to reach under the floor to switch it on and off because it’s no good left running when you are on mains as I don’t think long term it would do it any good and also you can hear the cooling fan

It doesn't require wiring to each socket just picking up the supply at the consumer unit. It's then wired through the auto changeover switch if separate or through the invertor if integrated. The one I've bought has a built in changeover switch and a remote switch which I will fit at a convenient point in the hab area.

 

[Lizbiebrowne]

When my Carthago eventually comes I'm going to fit a Multiplus 3000 although I won't use the mains side of it much it's only a few hundred quid more than a decent Victron inverter & if I do need to charge the batteries quickly it has an 120 amp charger.

Do you plan to use it in conjunction with the VE Digital Multi Control? If I understand it correctly you can set it up so that the inverter will come on if your van‘s needs exceed a specified current - could be handy when, say, a site limits you to 6 A.

 

[Lenny HB]

Do you plan to use it in conjunction with the VE Digital Multi Control? If I understand it correctly you can set it up so that the inverter will come on if your van‘s needs exceed a specified current - could be handy when, say, a site limits you to 6 A.

No, I will use a Raspberry Pi can do the same for a fraction of the price. We rarely use sites or EHU maybe 4 or 5 nights out of up to 150 nights a year.

 

[Rob Turner]

Thanks but mines different and I can’t figure out how to turn the inverter in with it View attachment 724542

When you plug in the EHU the inverter fires up so ideally you need to turn it off and not leave it in parallel.
Press and hold the round knob to turn off and just press once to turn on.

 

[Lenny HB]

When you plug in the EHU the inverter fires up so ideally you need to turn it off and not leave it in parallel.
Press and hold the round knob to turn off and just press once to turn on.

It shouldn't do that if it did there would be a hell of a bang.

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