Carthago Compactline. (12 Viewers)

[NorfolkRed]

Hi Peeps,

Was on here a few weeks ago introducing myself back (Was a member on here a few years back), and at that time was wanting to get back into the motorhome world.
We were not in a position to purchase at that time but we are now.
So a question too the learned folk that you are, we at the moment have narrowed our search down to the above motorhome (We think lol).
Can anyone who might own one or who has, give us any tips, information good or bad on the above please. The only thing that is a small worry at this present time is the payload.
Seriously would appreciate any info good or bad please. Must add I am currently driving on a non C1 licence and do not want to do the medical etc unless I really had to.

Cheers,

Mark & Jill

 

[Solwaybuggier]

The medical is really easy with d4d unless medical conditions

That all sounds straightforward - and the medical itself is fine. But , if you have any medical complications (& since the Glasgow bus driver case a few years back the DVLA seem to have an ever lower threshold for this) you are likely to have to take a treadmill test. And that is far less straightforward! My nearest centre is 85 miles away.

I passed it once, but have now downsized to under 3500kg, to avoid repeating it next year!

 

[Pausim]

That all sounds straightforward - and the medical itself is fine. But , if you have any medical complications (& since the Glasgow bus driver case a few years back the DVLA seem to have an ever lower threshold for this) you are likely to have to take a treadmill test. And that is far less straightforward! My nearest centre is 85 miles away.

I passed it once, but have now downsized to under 3500kg, to avoid repeating it next year!

One stress test was enough for me too.

 

[NorfolkRed]

Thanks to everyone for their input and help.

Mark & Jill

 

[DerryW]

I see it doesn't have the drop down bed, so that must save a bit of weight, also I thought those wheels were only fitted to the heavy chassis, so quite easy to upgrade.

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

 

[Lenny HB]

I see it doesn't have the drop down bed, so that must save a bit of weight, also I thought those wheels were only fitted to the heavy chassis, so quite easy to upgrade.

Cupboards only save 10kg.
Carthago only fit 16" wheels to the Compactline.

 

[NorfolkRed]

Well, have given this a lot of thought and come up with the decision to take the medical. All booked for next week.
It makes sense to do it. Once I know about the result then I can move forward and make a decision.
Hopefully if all good can buy the van I am after and have it up plated. I feel sure that the extra 350kg would help.
If not, then one that is 4000kg.
Again thanks to everyone for their help on this, it really is a good place to be on here.

Mark & Jill.

 

[Pausim]

Worth remembering that D4D only make a medical report, it is not something you pass or fail. The DVLA use that report to make the decision. If there are any medical issues they may want more information from your GP. You probably already know if you have any serious health problems and if not there is good reason to think you will be ok.

 

[Minxy]

Well, have given this a lot of thought and come up with the decision to take the medical. All booked for next week.
It makes sense to do it. Once I know about the result then I can move forward and make a decision.
Hopefully if all good can buy the van I am after and have it up plated. I feel sure that the extra 350kg would help.
If not, then one that is 4000kg.
Again thanks to everyone for their help on this, it really is a good place to be on here.

Mark & Jill.

Before you do that you need to be aware of the cost to uprate the rear axle so you can increase the payload and be able to utilise it, it costs over £2k as its on an Alko chassis and will only give you an extra 240kg taking it to 2240kg.

We have an i-138 and would have struggled to use it due to the original rear axle capacity if we hadn't uprated. The longer one will pretty much be impossible.

 

[Pausim]

My i143 on an Alko chassis was uprated to 3850kg without any modifications.

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

 

[NorfolkRed]

Thanks to all the latest replies from people, it all helps.

Mark & Jill

 

[Minxy]

My i143 on an Alko chassis was uprated to 3850kg without any modifications.

Heavy or light chassis? What axle weights have you got?

 

[Pausim]

Heavy or light chassis? What axle weights have you got?

Light. 2000kg and 1850kg. My 2019 i143 came with the option of registering at 3500kg or 3850kg. I have now sold it and enjoying a very nice Malibu Van.

 

[cyberyacht]

I'm on the light chassis and plated at 3500. Axle limits 1850/2000 but a max uprating allowed of 3700Kg on the Carthago sticker. Don't know where the other 150Kg went. Got to make sure I empty my tanks on Monday to allow for my booze allowance.

 

[Minxy]

Light. 2000kg and 1850kg. My 2019 i143 came with the option of registering at 3500kg or 3850kg. I have now sold it and enjoying a very nice Malibu Van.

I thought that was the case, you uprated but didn't actually gain any individual axle capacity as such, just able to use what you already had, and of course benefit from cheaper road tax.

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

 

[Minxy]

I'm on the light chassis and plated at 3500. Axle limits 1850/2000 but a max uprating allowed of 3700Kg on the Carthago sticker. Don't know where the other 150Kg went. Got to make sure I empty my tanks on Monday to allow for my booze allowance.

Yes ours was originally registered at 3700kg by the dealer as that was the highest that Carthago would go for the i-138 on the light chassis which was a major issue for them as we'd agreed they'd do it to 3850kg (it was on the purchase order) so they made a boo-boo by not checking with Carthago and had to pay SVTech to do it. We had rear air though put on though (£2000 ) so are at least able to make use of extra capacity on the rear as we got an extra 240kg which is where we wanted it, only saving grace is that with the dealer messing up we didn't have to pay for the uprating after we'd done the semi-air.

 

[cyberyacht]

Notwithstanding the savings in VED, I'm not sure the added payload is worth the restrictions one encounters when travelling if over 3500Kg. If you can manage at the lower weight, I reckon it's worth it, like L'Oreal.

 

[Lenny HB]

Notwithstanding the savings in VED, I'm not sure the added payload is worth the restrictions one encounters when travelling if over 3500Kg. If you can manage at the lower weight, I reckon it's worth it, like L'Oreal.

Nice not to worry every time you load the van for a trip. Never noticed any restrictions that cause any problems.
I would hate not being able to run with full tanks.

 

[cyberyacht]

I run with full tanks. Well, for the first few hundred metres anyway.

 

[Lenny HB]

I run with full tanks. Well, for the first few hundred metres anyway.

I noticed you kept quiet about your weight.

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

 

[Vic]

How do you feel about towing a 750kg trailer. One way around the 3500kg rule.

 

[Lenny HB]

How do you feel about towing a 750kg trailer. One way around the 3500kg rule.

Expensive on ferries and can be a pain for parking on Aires, I think it limits you quite a bit.

 

[cyberyacht]

I noticed you kept quiet about your weight.

20Kgs under, I'll 'ave you know.

 

[Vic]

Re aires and ferries, quite agree. But if you are adamant that you want that van and you don't want a C1 that could be your only answer.

 

[DT]

I'm on the light chassis and plated at 3500. Axle limits 1850/2000 but a max uprating allowed of 3700Kg on the Carthago sticker. Don't know where the other 150Kg went. Got to make sure I empty my tanks on Monday to allow for my booze allowance.

Same on my Burstner always managed at 3500kg as the garage is limited at 150kgs. I did an upgrade with no modifications just to be able to run with full water and spare wheel when in Europe. I honestly don’t think we miss taking anything with us on our trips and just wish wish I had an auto.

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

 

[NorfolkRed]

Just a quick update, had my medical on Saturday with D4 drivers.
All good as far as the doctor was concerned, forms posted, so it is all in the hands of DVLA now.
All a waiting game now, hopefully nit months.
Thanks again for everyone who replied.

Cheers,

Mark & Jill.

 

[Lenny HB]

Just a quick update, had my medical on Saturday with D4 drivers.
All good as far as the doctor was concerned, forms posted, so it is all in the hands of DVLA now.
All a waiting game now, hopefully nit months.
Thanks again for everyone who replied.

Cheers,

Mark & Jill.

If medical OK normally 7 to 10 days. When it's been processed it will show up on line.

 

[NorfolkRed]

If medical OK normally 7 to 10 days. When it's been processed it will show up on line.

Thanks Lenny.

 

[Broadway]

I visited a weighbridge last week having changed vans. The results were fine with sufficient headroom:
Front Axle: 1640Kg Plated 2100Kg
Rear Axle: 1900Kg 2500Kg
Full Vehicle: 3660Kg 4500Kg

Incidentally the Carthago 145 can be specified at 3500kg albeit with reduced capacity tankage, however I think this would be struggle given the temptation of the large rear garage.

Out of interest, I took the opportunity to weigh the items in the old van and also added items that some folks carry and others don’t in an attempt to make a comprehensive list.

Thought this might be useful given the context of the questions raised.

Weights April 2024	Kg. Full	Kg. Reduced
Passenger	75	75
Bikes with batteries	46	46
Panniers bike locks	6	6
Bike Gear 2 people	10	10
Water (Full)	150	75
Electric Box cables etc.	12.7	12.7
Water Box hoses etc.	7.85	7.85
Waste water carrier	3.1	3.1
Equipment tyre inflator, tow rope etc.	9.35	9.35
Maint.Box small tools etc.	2.5	2.5
Clothes / shoes 2 people	24	24
Technology ipads chargers etc.	4	4
Pots & Pans	4.8	4.8
Microwave	11
Air Fryer	5.15	5.15
Instant pot	4.4
Misc. kitchen stuff	9.5	9.5
Induction hob	2.35
Food & condiments	8	8
BBQ	4.2	4.2
Kettle Toaster	1.5	1.5
Glasses & Cups	5	5
Cutlery Utensils	5.25	5.25
Drinks	6.5	6.5
Toilet Chemicals	3.8	3.8
Kitchen Sink Box	5.15	5.15
Bathroom/ Toilet	3.3	3.3
Towels	5	5
Bedding pillows	14	14
Outdoor table	6.75	6.75
Outdoor chars	11.1	11.1
Awning	23
Wind break	8.7
Misc. 10	10	10
Gas cylinders	22	22
	530.95	406.5

 

[NorfolkRed]

I visited a weighbridge last week having changed vans. The results were fine with sufficient headroom:
Front Axle: 1640Kg Plated 2100Kg
Rear Axle: 1900Kg 2500Kg
Full Vehicle: 3660Kg 4500Kg

Incidentally the Carthago 145 can be specified at 3500kg albeit with reduced capacity tankage, however I think this would be struggle given the temptation of the large rear garage.

Out of interest, I took the opportunity to weigh the items in the old van and also added items that some folks carry and others don’t in an attempt to make a comprehensive list.

Thought this might be useful given the context of the questions raised.

Weights April 2024	Kg. Full	Kg. Reduced
Passenger	75	75
Bikes with batteries	46	46
Panniers bike locks	6	6
Bike Gear 2 people	10	10
Water (Full)	150	75
Electric Box cables etc.	12.7	12.7
Water Box hoses etc.	7.85	7.85
Waste water carrier	3.1	3.1
Equipment tyre inflator, tow rope etc.	9.35	9.35
Maint.Box small tools etc.	2.5	2.5
Clothes / shoes 2 people	24	24
Technology ipads chargers etc.	4	4
Pots & Pans	4.8	4.8
Microwave	11
Air Fryer	5.15	5.15
Instant pot	4.4
Misc. kitchen stuff	9.5	9.5
Induction hob	2.35
Food & condiments	8	8
BBQ	4.2	4.2
Kettle Toaster	1.5	1.5
Glasses & Cups	5	5
Cutlery Utensils	5.25	5.25
Drinks	6.5	6.5
Toilet Chemicals	3.8	3.8
Kitchen Sink Box	5.15	5.15
Bathroom/ Toilet	3.3	3.3
Towels	5	5
Bedding pillows	14	14
Outdoor table	6.75	6.75
Outdoor chars	11.1	11.1
Awning	23
Wind break	8.7
Misc. 10	10	10
Gas cylinders	22	22
	530.95	406.5

Broadway,

Thank you so much for taking the time to type that, really helps in the quest.

Cheers,

Mark & Jill.

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

 

[Broadway]

Broadway,

Thank you so much for taking the time to type that, really helps in the quest.

Cheers,

Mark & Jill.

You’re most welcome. I hope everything works out for you.