Carthago C-Tourer i150 vs Rapido 9090DF for all seasons

[jimjam337]

Hey folks. I'm looking for my first motorhome that I want to take to the Alps in winter as well as summers around Europe and UK. Looking to spend up to £80k max and these 2 have caught me eye. I'll be looking to take a motorbike in garage too. Does anyone have any advice on one vs the other? The Carthago has 22k miles on a 16 plate (£75k) and the Rapido has 10K on a 16 Plate (£70k). Thanks!

 

[cantonalegod]

Regarding quality, I think the general view will be that the Carthago is superior in this respect.

Rapido are still a quality brand, but maybe just a level down

I am not fully conversant with the layouts, but that should probably be the most important factor in your choice.

Depending on your perception, the price difference is not that massive, and both mileages still low.

Don't know about the motor cycle part, sorry!

 

[Minxy]

Having had both makes I can confirm that the Carthago is definitely a better quality product by quite a way, the way they make/build the furniture ensures it doesn't come apart (glued, dowelled and screwed). Rapido just screw so can creak more and come apart ... In our Rapido the end panel for the French bed came away from the wall due to short screws, a common problem with them.

 

[Vansflyer]

We looked at both makes and ended up with a C-Tourer 149LE (twin beds not double). In heavy chassis mode it is pretty much king of garage space and payload for that size van. Up-plated ours to 4800kg with rear air and new tyres to give 2700kg rear axle load, loads of payload spare with full fresh water, KTM 790 Duke + 2 x Brompton bikes and 4 seasons clothing loaded for a 90 day trip.
Not been in temps lower than about -8c but the van was still toasty with the heating on and inboard water tanks remove most of the danger of freezing pipes etc. Note the garage height with the double bed is slightly less than the twin bed option, that may influence the motorbike carried and if the mirrors etc need to be removed before loading.
Good luck hunting.

 

[Lenny HB]

Carthago by far the best both are very low mileage so mechanics need careful checking I would prefer something of that age that has been used rather than spent most of its life sitting around.

To carry a motorbike in the garage really needs to be on the 4250kg maxi chassis.

Although you could probably get away on the light chassis by adding air and may need a change of tyres that's going to cost a few grand.

You don't say which models to get a motorbike in the garage it has to be the twin bed not a chance with an island bed.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[jimjam337]

Thanks guys. Really useful comments. Looks like a hard choice but the quality of the carthago certainly seems great, though I've yet to see that one. I did see the rapido 2 days ago, and it was also superb, although the owners had not had it serviced since 2018! Still, will only 10K miles, hopefully not the end of the world...

 

[jimjam337]

Carthago by far the best both are very low mileage so mechanics need careful checking I would prefer something of that age that has been used rather than spent most of its life sitting around.

To carry a motorbike in the garage really needs to be on the 4250kg maxi chassis.

Although you could probably get away on the light chassis by adding air and may need a change of tyres that's going to cost a few grand.

You don't say which models to get a motorbike in the garage it has to be the twin bed not a chance with an island bed.

We're deff after an island bed, and I need 108cm garage clearance for the bike (prob will be a royal enfield but not bought yet). I measured the Rapido garage which was big enough with the bed raised.

 

[Minxy]

Thanks guys. Really useful comments. Looks like a hard choice but the quality of the carthago certainly seems great, though I've yet to see that one. I did see the rapido 2 days ago, and it was also superb, although the owners had not had it serviced since 2018! Still, will only 10K miles, hopefully not the end of the world...

Assuming that's on the Fiat (F at end of number) then you need to allow for having the cam belt etc changed which should have been done at 5 years (unless it hasn't got one).

 

[Minxy]

We're deff after an island bed, and I need 108cm garage clearance for the bike (prob will be a royal enfield but not bought yet). I measured the Rapido garage which was big enough with the bed raised.

Don't forget to check the maximum carrying capacity of the garage.

 

[Vansflyer]

We're deff after an island bed, and I need 108cm garage clearance for the bike (prob will be a royal enfield but not bought yet). I measured the Rapido garage which was big enough with the bed raised.

RE tend to be heavy for their size so will be more of a "handful" whilst loading and on a ramp, especially if the van is raised on ramps / jacks.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[jimjam337]

Assuming that's on the Fiat (F at end of number) then you need to allow for having the cam belt etc changed which should have been done at 5 years (unless it hasn't got one).

thankfully it's a 180 hp chain cam.

 

[Minxy]

thankfully it's a 180 hp chain cam.

That's good, but if it's been stood for a while make sure the tyres are checked for cracking and it has a good eyeballing by a garage, give the internal stuff a good check too as they may need attention, eg toilet seal stuck etc.

 

[jimjam337]

That's good, but if it's been stood for a while make sure the tyres are checked for cracking and it has a good eyeballing by a garage, give the internal stuff a good check too as they may need attention, eg toilet seal stuck etc.

Good points thanks. All tyres do need replacing but had not thought of seals etc. Was planning on a habitation check before purchase in any case which should expose all that stuff (I hope).

 

[Jackd]

We're deff after an island bed, and I need 108cm garage clearance for the bike (prob will be a royal enfield but not bought yet). I measured the Rapido garage which was big enough with the bed raised.

I can confirm that the C-Tourer garage entrance is 110cm high & 105cm wide at the entrance. It also states that the garage is good for 350kgs, but it’s axle weights you would have to be careful of.

 

[Ditcha]

Assuming that's on the Fiat (F at end of number) then you need to allow for having the cam belt etc changed which should have been done at 5 years (unless it hasn't got one).

I thought the DF at the end of the number stood for double floor on the rapido,s might be wrong though it wont be the first time

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[cantonalegod]

I thought the DF at the end of the number stood for double floor on the rapido,s might be wrong though it wont be the first time

Yes, df is the double floor designation.

 

[Minxy]

I thought the DF at the end of the number stood for double floor on the rapido,s might be wrong though it wont be the first time

I was going from when we had a Rapido 709F as I was told it represented F for Fiat.

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

French bed came away from the wall due to short screws,

Assume longer screws on the bed would be better

 

[jimjam337]

I can confirm that the C-Tourer garage entrance is 110cm high & 105cm wide at the entrance. It also states that the garage is good for 350kgs, but it’s axle weights you would have to be careful of.

Thanks JackD

 

[Mr B]

After owning a Rapido 9095DF, 2011MY on a light chassis, I was really impressed by the build quality and the amount of storage space. But the downside was it was on a light chassis, although upgraded to 3850 kg. We have now moved onto a 7065FF Rapido, on a heavy chassis upgraded to 4600 kg and although it’s a 2015MY using the 3.0 fiat/Iveco engine with a Comformatic gearbox, I think that the build quality is slightly worse than the earlier 2011 A Class. But my friend has a 2020 E line Carthago on a Mercedes. That has not been without its problems, having electrical problems with the inverters and other problems with the interior.
One thing I will say, and this is my own opinion….. when buying an A Class from across the water, it has to be left hand drive. If the big round thing is on the right, you have no door on the drivers side, only have a sliding window instead of a power window, and other slight differences.
Plus, when you come to resell an A Class, your market (LHD) is not just limited to the English market.
Like others have said, it’s the layout that works for you that should be foremost in your mind, as both marques use much the same running gear…chassis, engine, heating, fridges etc.
One last thing, Rapido use GRP for their bodywork and Carthago use aluminium on their sides.
Enjoy which ever you decide on.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[jimjam337]

After owning a Rapido 9095DF, 2011MY on a light chassis, I was really impressed by the build quality and the amount of storage space. But the downside was it was on a light chassis, although upgraded to 3850 kg. We have now moved onto a 7065FF Rapido, on a heavy chassis upgraded to 4600 kg and although it’s a 2015MY using the 3.0 fiat/Iveco engine with a Comformatic gearbox, I think that the build quality is slightly worse than the earlier 2011 A Class. But my friend has a 2020 E line Carthago on a Mercedes. That has not been without its problems, having electrical problems with the inverters and other problems with the interior.
One thing I will say, and this is my own opinion….. when buying an A Class from across the water, it has to be left hand drive. If the big round thing is on the right, you have no door on the drivers side, only have a sliding window instead of a power window, and other slight differences.
Plus, when you come to resell an A Class, your market (LHD) is not just limited to the English market.
Like others have said, it’s the layout that works for you that should be foremost in your mind, as both marques use much the same running gear…chassis, engine, heating, fridges etc.
One last thing, Rapido use GRP for their bodywork and Carthago use aluminium on their sides.
Enjoy which ever you decide on.

Thank Mr B. Regarding the LHD issue, surely selling it in the UK is more difficult than RHD? That's deff where I'd be selling it in the future. Also, in the only LHD MH I've driven (Dethleffs), the door pillar obscured the left mirror, so was unusable for me (I sit quite far back), and I guess the door position is fairly standard (?) which kinda limits me to RHD anyway. Also, the whole heavy/light chassis is really confusing be as both seem to have wildly varying max weights. Can anyone explain this to a newbie? Thanks all.

 

[Mr B]

I can only speak from my selling experience as regards our LHD A Class, yes your correct in what you say regarding selling a LHD in this country, but from my personal view, I didn’t like being hemmed in on the right with no door (even though some A Class Motorhomes have only a habitation door) and as it was sold back across the water after having no interest over here. It’s just the personal driving experience of a LHD A Class that did it for me…
And regards chassis and weight, a heavy on a Fiat probably starts a 4400kg from the manufacturer, having bigger brakes, suspension, wheels etc. I’ve upgraded ours, with rear air assist on the suspension, front suspension is getting done later this year, but that’s my personal thing as I bought some stronger front units off a Fun member who had upgraded to full air. The difference between a light chassis and a heavy is a revelation, especially if your filled to the max if your touring on a long trip (and the wife needs everything for every type of weather )
Plus, the heavy chassis is classed as Private HGV, and being from Yorkshire makes the road tax £165 for the year.

 

[Ditcha]

I can only speak from my selling experience as regards our LHD A Class, yes your correct in what you say regarding selling a LHD in this country, but from my personal view, I didn’t like being hemmed in on the right with no door (even though some A Class Motorhomes have only a habitation door) and as it was sold back across the water after having no interest over here. It’s just the personal driving experience of a LHD A Class that did it for me…
And regards chassis and weight, a heavy on a Fiat probably starts a 4400kg from the manufacturer, having bigger brakes, suspension, wheels etc. I’ve upgraded ours, with rear air assist on the suspension, front suspension is getting done later this year, but that’s my personal thing as I bought some stronger front units off a Fun member who had upgraded to full air. The difference between a light chassis and a heavy is a revelation, especially if your filled to the max if your touring on a long trip (and the wife needs everything for every type of weather )
Plus, the heavy chassis is classed as Private HGV, and being from Yorkshire makes the road tax £165 for the year.

Was your experience of selling over the water before or after leaving the EU just I understand things have changed considerably now ?

 

[jimjam337]

I can only speak from my selling experience as regards our LHD A Class, yes your correct in what you say regarding selling a LHD in this country, but from my personal view, I didn’t like being hemmed in on the right with no door (even though some A Class Motorhomes have only a habitation door) and as it was sold back across the water after having no interest over here. It’s just the personal driving experience of a LHD A Class that did it for me…
And regards chassis and weight, a heavy on a Fiat probably starts a 4400kg from the manufacturer, having bigger brakes, suspension, wheels etc. I’ve upgraded ours, with rear air assist on the suspension, front suspension is getting done later this year, but that’s my personal thing as I bought some stronger front units off a Fun member who had upgraded to full air. The difference between a light chassis and a heavy is a revelation, especially if your filled to the max if your touring on a long trip (and the wife needs everything for every type of weather )
Plus, the heavy chassis is classed as Private HGV, and being from Yorkshire makes the road tax £165 for the year.

Mr B are you saying that generally your payload will be a lot larger in a heavier chassis than in a light chassis, even if the latter is up-plated a bit?

 

[Mr B]

Was your experience of selling over the water before or after leaving the EU just I understand things have changed considerably now ?

2019, when I sold ours..but my friend with the new Carthago sold his 20 year old coachbuilt Carthago (LHD) to a chap from down south, who wanted a LHD for touring the continent.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Ditcha]

2019, when I sold ours..but my friend with the new Carthago sold his 20 year old coachbuilt (LHD) to a chap from down south, who wanted a LHD for touring the continent.

Okay if your buying new but not secondhand.

 

[Mr B]

Yes, the payload is a lot greater as you say, on a Maxi chassis,
After looking at your budget, have you seen the Hymer A class for sale in the fun classifieds

Hymer B 680 Starline S

My beautiful Hymer is for sale. I have just purchased my dream motorhome and fate has determined that I will never be able to use it, I will be losing my C1 due to a heart condition. Hymer has six brand new continental tyres, new twin reversing...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Lenny HB]

One last thing, Rapido use GRP for their bodywork and Carthago use aluminium on their sides.
Enjoy which ever you decide on.

Internal walls on Carthago's are aluminium, they are timber on Rapido.

Thank Mr B. Regarding the LHD issue, surely selling it in the UK is more difficult than RHD?

Nope just as easy to sell in the UK, originally A Class's were only imported in LHD so people are familiar with them.
I wouldn't want a RHD A Class they are not designed to be RHD so it doesn't work very well.

Was your experience of selling over the water before or after leaving the EU just I understand things have changed considerably now ?

Our Belgium dealer is still happy to accept UK registered vans as a trade in.

 

[Lenny HB]

Also worth noting as carry a lot weight with the motorbike you defiantly want the maxi chassis the brakes are far better.

 

[Ditcha]

Internal walls on Carthago's are aluminium, they are timber on Rapido.

Nope just as easy to sell in the UK, originally A Class's were only imported in LHD so people are familiar with them.
I wouldn't want a RHD A Class they are not designed to be RHD so it doesn't work very well.

Our Belgium dealer is still happy to accept UK registered vans as a trade in.

Limits choice though vastly proberbly why you went with a UK dealer this time