Carthago is a premium German motorhome manufacturer that occupies a distinctive position in the European market — sitting above mass-market brands like Swift and Chausson, competing directly with Hymer and Niesmann+Bischoff, yet remaining independent of the major corporate groups. With five Motorhome of the Year podium finishes, Carthago is the most awarded premium brand in the industry.

The current range spans several model lines across different price and specification levels:

The C-Tourer range represents Carthago's entry point — though still firmly premium — offering practical all-rounder motorhomes in various lengths and weight classes, including models manageable on a standard 3.5-tonne licence. The C-Compactline is the lightest vehicle in the integrated 3.5-tonne premium class, designed for urban touring.

The Chic series is the heart of the range: the Chic C-Line on Fiat or Mercedes AL-KO chassis, the Chic E-Line with its extraordinary 211cm interior height, and the Chic S-Plus on Iveco Daily rear-wheel-drive with dual wheels. At the pinnacle sits the Liner-for-Two, a unique four-room A-class designed for touring couples who want the absolute best.

Carthago motorhomes are characterised by innovative engineering, premium materials, and construction methods that minimise the use of wood — reducing the risk of damp damage that plagues many competitors. The double-floor construction across most models provides excellent insulation, flat interior floors and protected service routing.

Carthago was founded in 1979 by Karl-Heinz Schuler in southern Germany. The company began by offering tailor-made motorhome conversions to individual customer specifications, using whatever base vehicle suited the brief. This bespoke approach established the quality-focused ethos that defines Carthago to this day.

A pivotal moment came in 1991 when Schuler brought the first complete, factory-built Carthago motorhome to market, moving from bespoke conversions to series production while retaining the premium positioning. In 1998, the launch of the M-Liner on Mercedes-Benz chassis marked Carthago's entry into the luxury A-class segment and was a transformative moment for the brand.

The Chic series, launched in 2003–2004, proved a major commercial success and remains the centrepiece of the range. Carthago subsequently ceased VW-based production to concentrate exclusively on premium motorhomes built on Fiat Ducato, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Iveco Daily platforms.

In 2008, Carthago opened a second state-of-the-art production facility in Odranci, Slovenia for its C-Tourer range, while the premium Chic and Liner models continue to be manufactured at Carthago City in Aulendorf, one of Europe's most advanced motorhome factories.

Uniquely among major European motorhome manufacturers, Carthago remains privately owned by its founder. Karl-Heinz Schuler continues to lead the company, which now employs over 1,500 people and works with more than 250 dealers across Europe. This independence from the major corporate groups (Trigano, THOR/Hymer) gives Carthago an unusual degree of autonomy and consistency in its brand direction.

Founder-led independence — Carthago is one of the very few premium motorhome manufacturers still owned and run by its founder. Karl-Heinz Schuler's personal involvement ensures consistency of vision and an uncompromising approach to quality that corporate-owned competitors sometimes struggle to maintain.

Wood-free construction — Carthago pioneered the use of composite materials in place of traditional timber framing. This dramatically reduces the risk of damp damage and rot — the single biggest concern with used motorhomes. When one owner's Carthago missed its water ingress inspection, they weren't worried because there's no wood in the construction.

Award-winning premium quality — with five podium places in the Motorhome of the Year awards, Carthago is the most successful premium brand in the competition. The build quality is consistently praised by owners, with minimal rattles, excellent fit and finish, and attention to detail in areas that aren't immediately visible.

State-of-the-art manufacturing — Carthago City in Aulendorf is among the most advanced motorhome production facilities in Europe, with significant investment in quality control, testing and production technology.

Multiple chassis options — Carthago offers models on Fiat Ducato, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Iveco Daily platforms, giving buyers choice of driving experience, dealer network and mechanical characteristics to suit their preferences.

If you want premium quality without corporate compromise — Carthago's independent, founder-led status means decisions are made for quality and engineering reasons, not to satisfy shareholders or corporate targets. The result is a level of consistency and integrity that owners frequently compare favourably to Hymer and Niesmann+Bischoff.

If damp resistance matters — the wood-free composite construction addresses the single biggest concern in the used motorhome market. A well-maintained Carthago is far less susceptible to the damp damage that can devastate timber-framed motorhomes from other manufacturers.

If you tour extensively in all seasons — the double-floor construction, premium insulation and powerful heating systems make Carthago motorhomes genuinely comfortable in winter conditions. Many owners tour year-round without compromise.

If driving experience is important — particularly the Chic S-Plus on Iveco Daily rear-wheel-drive with dual rear wheels, or the Mercedes-based models. Carthago puts significant engineering effort into ride quality, noise reduction and driving comfort.

If long-term ownership is the plan — Carthago motorhomes hold their value well, the construction is designed for longevity, and the absence of wood means the vehicle should remain structurally sound for decades with reasonable care.

Premium pricing — Carthago motorhomes are expensive. New models typically start from around £80,000 for a C-Tourer and can exceed £200,000 for a fully-specified Liner. Used examples command strong prices reflecting the brand's reputation and build quality.

Payload limitations on 3.5t models — this is the most frequently cited issue among UK owners. Lighter-chassis models can have very limited payload capacity once the motorhome is equipped. Many owners have found it necessary to uprate to higher chassis ratings (3,850kg or more), upgrade tyres and fit air suspension to achieve adequate payload.

Spare parts can be slow — sourcing parts from the Aulendorf factory can be a protracted process. Multiple UK owners report that getting spares from Carthago takes longer than they'd expect for a premium brand, which can mean extended downtime for repairs.

Limited UK dealer network — while Carthago has UK representation through specialist dealers, the network is smaller than mass-market brands. Servicing options may require significant travel depending on your location.

Batch-specific quality issues — while overall build quality is excellent, isolated batch problems have been reported, including a floor delamination issue affecting specific production runs. Researching the specific model year before purchasing is advisable.

Interior design can feel conservative — some buyers find Carthago interiors less visually striking than Italian or some French competitors. The design prioritises durability and functionality over showroom appeal, which is either a strength or weakness depending on your priorities.

Check the payload capacity carefully — this is the single most important check on a used Carthago, particularly on Fiat-chassis models at 3,500kg. Weigh the vehicle at a weighbridge as equipped and calculate remaining payload. Check whether the vehicle has been uprated to a higher MTPLM and whether appropriate tyres and suspension have been fitted to support the higher weight.

Verify the water ingress warranty status — Carthago offers a water ingress warranty that requires regular inspections. Check that all required inspections have been completed and documented. A lapsed warranty isn't necessarily a concern given the wood-free construction, but it does affect the vehicle's resale value and buyer confidence.

Inspect the base vehicle thoroughly — on Fiat Ducato models, check cam belt history, clutch condition and standard Ducato weak points. On Mercedes Sprinter models, check for injector issues and service history. On Iveco Daily models, check the dual-wheel rear axle condition and service history.

Check the double floor — inspect access panels and look inside the floor void for any damage, moisture or loose service connections. While the composite construction resists damp, mechanical damage from grounding or impact can still occur.

Research the specific model year — join the Carthago Owners UK group before purchasing. Their technical support team maintains detailed notes on known issues by model year and can provide invaluable buying guidance specific to the vehicle you're considering.

Test all systems comprehensively — run heating, water, electrical and gas systems through a full test cycle. Premium vehicles have complex systems that are expensive to repair — ensure everything works before committing.

Carthago offers a comprehensive manufacturer warranty on new vehicles, including a specific water ingress warranty that requires periodic inspections to remain valid. When buying used, verify the warranty status and check that all required inspections have been completed.

The wood-free composite construction means Carthago motorhomes are inherently less susceptible to the damp damage that is the most expensive repair on timber-framed competitors. However, the premium pricing means that any repair — mechanical, electrical or habitation — carries correspondingly premium costs.

An independent warranty backed by the RAC is recommended for used Carthago purchases, particularly given the potentially slow parts supply from Germany and the high cost of specialist repairs on premium vehicles.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing essential protection on a premium brand where even routine repairs can carry significant costs.

When buying a used Carthago, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.