Carthago Standard Batteries

[Sideshow Bob]

Hi - I am buying a new Carthago which has 2 x 80A Gel batteries as standard
I am thinking of getting a decent solar panel and controller fitted maybe 160W
my question is would you add another battery on top of the 2 x 80amp ones or just keep them as they are?

 

[stevewagner]

Upgraded mine to 2 x 100amp Lifpos

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Thanks Steve - Out of interest what would you do with two brand new 80A ones?

 

[WESTY66]

Thanks Steve - Out of interest what would you do with two brand new 80A ones?

He would say “give em to Westy66”

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Put them up for sale in the classified section on here.

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[Solwaybuggier]

I needed to replace the hab batteries in our Carthago, and was delighted to find (via the Carthago Owners FB group) that someone was replacing the gels in their new Liner for Two with lithiums! I think you’ll sell them no problem.

 

[NicM]

Guess it would depend on how you intend to use the van most, off grid or on hook up.

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Mainly thanks

Guess it would depend on how you intend to use the van most, off grid or on hook up.

mainly on sites but off grid from time to time

 

[G7UXG]

I added an extra 80a/h gel to mine, identical to the 2 originals. Cost me £160. Changed the charge system to a Votronic triple charger and added 240watts of solar (cost quite a bit). Much as I’d like to upgrade to lithiums at some time, it’s a massive expense and I have never yet run out of power, or even come close to it, and weight isn’t a problem for me on a 5 ton tag axle.

Lithiums may be the way to go if you need to save weight but I’m guessing that’s not likely to be a problem on a C Line as they’re all at least 4250kg (I think)

 

[NicM]

Sorry, also what you intend to run when off grid, you will probably be fine if low power need.

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[Sideshow Bob]

I added an extra 80a/h gel to mine, identical to the 2 originals. Cost me £160. Changed the charge system to a Votronic triple charger and added 240watts of solar (cost quite a bit). Much as I’d like to upgrade to lithiums at some time, it’s a massive expense and I have never yet run out of power, or even come close to it, and weight isn’t a problem for me on a 5 ton tag axle.

Lithiums may be the way to go if you need to save weight but I’m guessing that’s not likely to be a problem on a C Line as they’re all at least 4250kg (I think)

Thank you - sounds a plan, I’ve updated to 4500kg so hopefully should be ok - did you fit this kit yourself or get somebody to do it?

 

[G7UXG]

Did it all myself

 

[G7UXG]

Take a look at this thread for details

Carthago Split Charging Unit

I'm exploring the possibility of putting a B2B charger on my Carthago, but I understand that I'll need to disable the existing split charging unit. Does anybody know where it is? Is it a separate unit, or is it built into the electronic gubbins in the boot? I can't even identify a fuse for it...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Thank you very much indeed

 

[Dorset Diver]

Sideshow Bob I have been using my van in the way you plan to use yours with a 140w SP and the original batteries fitted by Carthago for the last six years without issue.

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[Dorset Diver]

Upgraded mine to 2 x 100amp Lifpos

stevewagner Steve did you have to add / change much other kit as well?

 

[mitzimad]

my advice would be to use what you have as it will probably be suficent , solar is always a benifit especially if your set up charges both batteries for times when your not using the van

 

[Sideshow Bob]

stevewagner Steve did you have to add / change much other kit as well?

Thanks Roger, that’s great to hear, I might just keep the 2 x 80A Gel batteries and get a 160W solar panel and split regulator to also charge the van and take it from there, if I have to change out the batteries in the future so be it

 

[Minxy]

We have 2 x 80ah gels and 2 x 100w solar panels and never worry about running out and we only ever wild camp/use aires etc. Unless you are a very, very heavy user you should be fine with just the addition of a solar panel and MPPT controller - you can get the usual Victron and Votronic ones if you want but they are IMO expensive, we have one which was fitted by the dealer which although not as well known has performed faultlessly.

NDS Sun control regulator - ours is the older style but you can see them here:

Sun Control NDS

Sun Control SC 300M è il regolatore di carica MPPT perfetto per i tuoi pannelli solari

www.ndsenergy.uk

Roadpro sell them but others will too:

MPPT Solar Regulators

Find and shop for Solar Regulators & Monitors 1 - MPPT Solar Regulators products online at everyday low prices at RoadPro

www.roadpro.co.uk

 

[stevewagner]

stevewagner Steve did you have to add / change much other kit as well?

I already had a Sterling B2B charger but added a Sterling Battery Master and then turned off the mains charger. All works perfectly.

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[stevewagner]

Thanks Steve - Out of interest what would you do with two brand new 80A ones?

I agree with others, try and sell them.

 

[two]

Hi Bob.
I think you'll get along fine with what's supplied. It's so difficult to say what you'll actually need as everyone's use varies so much.
I have survived with two 85Ah gels for six (less the Covid lock-down) years, without any solar, using a mix of sites with and without EHU.
Capacity drops with time and I now need to find EHU or move on after three days (especially in Winter).
Start with what you're given and see how you get on. I wouldn't bother with a third one (you might even need to get a bigger charger.
Lithium would save weight and space. If that's an option, that's the way I'd go on a new van.
PS: Carthago UK owners club may be another good source of Carthago-related information (if you use FB).

 

[Sideshow Bob]

We have 2 x 80ah gels and 2 x 100w solar panels and never worry about running out and we only ever wild camp/use aires etc. Unless you are a very, very heavy user you should be fine with just the addition of a solar panel and MPPT controller - you can get the usual Victron and Votronic ones if you want but they are IMO expensive, we have one which was fitted by the dealer which although not as well known has performed faultlessly.

NDS Sun control regulator - ours is the older style but you can see them here:

Sun Control NDS

Sun Control SC 300M è il regolatore di carica MPPT perfetto per i tuoi pannelli solari

www.ndsenergy.uk

Roadpro sell them but others will too:

MPPT Solar Regulators

Find and shop for Solar Regulators & Monitors 1 - MPPT Solar Regulators products online at everyday low prices at RoadPro

www.roadpro.co.uk

Thanks Minxy
sounds perfect
think I will keep with the standard batteries sounds like it will be fine

 

[Sideshow Bob]

Hi Bob.
I think you'll get along fine with what's supplied. It's so difficult to say what you'll actually need as everyone's use varies so much.
I have survived with two 85Ah gels for six (less the Covid lock-down) years, without any solar, using a mix of sites with and without EHU.
Capacity drops with time and I now need to find EHU or move on after three days (especially in Winter).
Start with what you're given and see how you get on. I wouldn't bother with a third one (you might even need to get a bigger charger.
Lithium would save weight and space. If that's an option, that's the way I'd go on a new van.
PS: Carthago UK owners club may be another good source of Carthago-related information (if you use FB).

Thanks Two - brilliant advice which I will definitely take

 

[WESTY66]

Lithiums may be the way to go if you need to save weight but I’m guessing that’s not likely to be a problem on a C Line as they’re all at least 4250kg (I think)

You would like to think so, but with a near empty garage, no water, no wife or dog, or even full food or clothes I’m at 4240, but I run at 4500kg and allowing for a 5% overweight tolerance (is there such a thing) that’ll bump me up to 4700kg ish

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[Pappy]

We have 2 x 80ah gels and 2 x 100w solar panels and never worry about running out and we only ever wild camp/use aires etc. Unless you are a very, very heavy user you should be fine with just the addition of a solar panel and MPPT controller - you can get the usual Victron and Votronic ones if you want but they are IMO expensive, we have one which was fitted by the dealer which although not as well known has performed faultlessly.

NDS Sun control regulator - ours is the older style but you can see them here:

Sun Control NDS

Sun Control SC 300M è il regolatore di carica MPPT perfetto per i tuoi pannelli solari

www.ndsenergy.uk

Roadpro sell them but others will too:

MPPT Solar Regulators

Find and shop for Solar Regulators & Monitors 1 - MPPT Solar Regulators products online at everyday low prices at RoadPro

www.roadpro.co.uk

Hi Minxy Girl
Where does your extra battery go? I've just had someone look at ours and he says that he would have to create a new box for it and additional wiring, although "wiring for extra batteries" is shown as standard on Compactlines.
Also - what kind of inverter do you use and what can it be used for?
Thanks

 

[two]

Hi #Minxy Girl
Where does your extra battery go? I've just had someone look at ours and he says that he would have to create a new box for it and additional wiring, although "wiring for extra batteries" is shown as standard on Compactlines.
Also - what kind of inverter do you use and what can it be used for?
Thanks

Not all Compactlines are the same: They have moved things like gas bottles and battery storage around between years, but I'd expect there to be a "square-ish" space to accommodate two 85Ah batteries, side-by-side. As you say, two batteries are an option, so there should be enough space for two, unless one of them is unusually large. It's best to have two identical batteries, for balance.
You will need two short wires (same thickness as the existing ones) between the two batteries.
For inverter, size will depend on what you intend to power, but I would encourage you not to aim for high power consumption as I believe it will shorten the life of your batteries. Get a modest (150W) pure sine wave. I'd even question the need for an inverter at all...

 

[Pappy]

Not all Compactlines are the same: They have moved things like gas bottles and battery storage around between years, but I'd expect there to be a "square-ish" space to accommodate two 85Ah batteries, side-by-side. As you say, two batteries are an option, so there should be enough space for two, unless one of them is unusually large. It's best to have two identical batteries, for balance.
You will need two short wires (same thickness as the existing ones) between the two batteries.
For inverter, size will depend on what you intend to power, but I would encourage you not to aim for high power consumption as I believe it will shorten the life of your batteries. Get a modest (150W) pure sine wave. I'd even question the need for an inverter at all...

I'm going to have a look tomorrow but it is tricky to get at, looks like there is a metal plate with 4 screws that need removing. I might also ask Go European as they originally sold the van.
The inverter would mainly be for charging the battery for Julie's e bike.

 

[Minxy]

Hi Minxy Girl
Where does your extra battery go? I've just had someone look at ours and he says that he would have to create a new box for it and additional wiring, although "wiring for extra batteries" is shown as standard on Compactlines.
Also - what kind of inverter do you use and what can it be used for?
Thanks

I think you've got a different model to us, in ours the batteries are in the large underfloor locker accessed via the hatch just inside the hab door - they put the 2nd batter next to the original battery and straighten the angled side panel so they are both behind it.

We just have a small inverter as we don't charge up high powered stuff, usually hubby's shaver etc, it's just a standard one, not a pure sin-wave

 

[two]

I'm going to have a look tomorrow but it is tricky to get at, looks like there is a metal plate with 4 screws that need removing. I might also ask Go European as they originally sold the van.
The inverter would mainly be for charging the battery for Julie's e bike.

The metal plate and need to remove screws seems unlikely. I think your battery is covered by a loose white panel, under one of the lounge seats (if it's a new model). I'm sure that you can fit a second battery alongside the supplied one (which seems to be 80Ah these days).

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