New forward fold Hard Floor

[hairymick]

Been researching hard floors for a while now and came across this one from Market Direct.

http://www.marketdirectcampertrailers.com.au/products/camper-trailer-models/expedition-series-crusader-ff

At 20k, I think it might tick a lot of boxes.

I did a search here on market Direct but the only thread i could find is a year old.

What do you fine people think?

[KingBilly]

Can't view all the pics here at work but looks like a Modcon copy to me.

http://modcon.com.au/campers?camper=6

KB

[Jeepers Creepers]

Do ya homework, check 'em out and then and only then, make an informed decision.

Where on the fraser coast are you?

[MY0080]

Whats the canvas rated ?

[hdj80]

Knock off of a Modcon for sure. 

I think I would spend the extra $12k and get one that I knew was built to last  and will hold its value.  Unlike a chinese built camper.  They devalue like a Great Wall 4WD.

[Pauly]

For 20k I think i would be looking at better quality canvas. Im pretty sure MDC started out as an ebay seller selling chinese campers and are now brick and motor store selling the imports, I may be wrong. Is it similar to this. http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/675486035/High_quality_camper_trailer_with_Australia.html

[gutters]

I can't comment on the MDC trailers as I haven't had any experience with them, but I can vouch for the quality of the Modcon Campers. If you are after this style of camper take the time to see Kerry and Phyllis at Modcon  you will be really impressed with their product and their customer service.

[Bird]

Whats the canvas rated ?

cheap as possible

I think I would spend the extra $12k and get one that I knew was built to last

An extra $12,000 to some people might be another 4 years of saving.

I'd buy something second hand.

[westvic]

Whats the canvas rated ?

interesting option....go to the link and scroll all the way to the bottom.

"The tent in this camper trailer package is also available as an option in Australian Dynaproofed Outback Rugged Canvas manufactured by Wax Converters."

[noel_w]

Had a look at the first 360° camera shots and the jockey wheel is already looking sus, got a big lean on it.

[Marschy]

What's up with all the hatchet job comments that seem to be permeating this forum of late.

If anyone would like to contribute to this thread based on experience with MDC I'm sure there would be a few members who would like to hear your opinions based on something a little bit more substantial than giving your opinion of a picture of a wonky jockey wheel.

[noel_w]

I'm just saying it as I see it, Did I do a hatchet job on it? The proof is there to see.
I have been to check out MDC campers and walked away non plussed. They build to a price I guess and it shows.
My point is that if the jockey wheel is wonky on their showroom exhibit then how is their quality control for the rest of their product.
The OP did ask for our opinions if you looked and I answered.

[hairymick]

G'day guys,

Thanks for all the replies.  I really do appreciate all your input and you have certainly given me some food for thought.

Currently we own an Austrack Soft Floor jobby. As i understand it, the trailer is Made Locally and fitted with a Chinese tent. We haven't been able to fault either the trailer or the tent and are very happy with the CT.

We are both rapidly heading towards 60 however and the time will come unfortunately, when the tent is just too heavy to lift onto the trailer and the climbing a ladder to get into and out of bed is also a worry.

My heart says go with an Aussie camper but as someone has said the extra 12k is hard to justify. We are not wealthy and 12k is a lot of money to us. I am sure Modcon build a brilliant camper but I have to ask is it a 12k better camper?

I think the Modcon knock off might be well worth a look

[Marschy]

I'm just saying it as I see it, Did I do a hatchet job on it? The proof is there to see.
I have been to check out MDC campers and walked away non plussed. They build to a price I guess and it shows.
My point is that if the jockey wheel is wonky on their showroom exhibit then how is their quality control for the rest of their product.
The OP did ask for our opinions if you looked and I answered.

You gave an opinion of an entire product based on a photo of a wonky jockey wheel manufactured by a third party. Hardly informative.

[crackacoldie]

get one that I knew was built to last  and will hold its value.  Unlike a chinese built camper.  They devalue like a Great Wall 4WD.

I have a 2 year old Australian made camper, with Australian Canvas, it has dropped 10k in value in 2 years.  Hindsight tells me If I'm going to write off 15% per year in deflation, then it would occur on the cheapest product to start with.

[noel_w]

You gave an opinion of an entire product based on a photo of a wonky jockey wheel manufactured by a third party. Hardly informative.

I did not give an opinion of their entire product. I gave an opinion on the jockey wheel they have on their example on their web site. Big difference. The OP asked for opinions so I gave one. My CT has a similar jockey wheel which is now stuffed and my CT has a tare 300Kg's less than this one. Will it last?, I know mine hasn't. It may be made by a 3rd party but they have decided to use that style of Jockey wheel on their CT. Good decision? Time will tell.
Sheesh, get a life.
Let's agree to disagree.

[Marschy]

Whatever

[noel_w]

I apologise to hairymick for the direction your thread has taken.
My take on MDC is that they fill a very valid section of the market. True they may not be as tough or as well made as some other makes but it not to say they don't do as they are designed to do. They also do not cost as much which has been pointed out already. I was looking at them seriously when I was in the market to buy but ended up buying second hand and am very happy with my purchase.
They have improved heaps since when I first looked at their products and are getting people out there camping which is the main aim.

[hdj80]

cheap as possible
An extra $12,000 to some people might be another 4 years of saving.

I'd buy something second hand.

Yep $12k is a lot extra - sorry no its not isn't that a weeks wages for your average politician? 

But the old adage of "penny wise pound foolish" comes to mind.  I would not throw my $20k at a cheaply built chinese unit when a bit more saving or debt/pain would see me in a better aussie made unit.

I would agree that unless you can afford to jump to the real deal brand new you would be far wiser spending your $20k on a good aussie made used unit. 

I would think that if you search a while you can find a KK, Aussie Swag or the like in a HF for that sort of $$.  There are bargains to be had if you are not in a mad rush.

[ozbogwam]

I like the concept, very small footprint which is very appealing, opens up alot of campsites .

Build quality can only be determined by seeing one, but I'd imagine you would still be infront with repairs/mods than paying the extra 12k.

Second hand is no guarantee either of fault free CT and you have no recourse if that goes pear shaped.

I reckon buy it so you can then report back to us

[evolution]

I think that they give people another choice in campers. I have seen one in the tin so to speak, and I thought overall they looked pretty good. Didn't appear much/obvious Wrong with it. The canvas is definitely  Of the better Chinese quality.
Would I buy a MDC? Yes, seriously considered one for awhile as they seem the best in that class.
Would I buy an MDC for 20k? No, I think that they are good if wanting to start out in camping and don't have tens of thou to spend. Yes it creates a smaller footprint, but a rear fold cub, kk, swag etc don't take that much. For 20k you really could buy a great camper that is proven.
Allot of MD campers are proven and they have seemed to fix problems with newer models.
so I would probably wait until they have "sorted the bugs" so to speak.

Having said that, they look great and practical. If it suits your budget, lifestyle and what you expect out of a camper for you, then GO for it.   

Just remember, like anything you buy go over it to ensure you are getting what you handed your hard earned cash for.

Cheers
Evo

[Kit_e_kat9]

Just remember, like anything you buy go over it to ensure you are getting what you handed your hard earned cash for.

Good Advice Evo. 

Easy way to compare what you are getting is to visit some "other" campers and see what you get from them for the money.  Take notes on all and make your decision based on facts rather than the excitement of having a camper (which I know is hard). 

Don't just look at the canvas or the features ... look at the bones of the structure (hinges / welds / etc) ... you will want something with good bones.

Kit_e

[hairymick]

Do ya homework, check 'em out and then and only then, make an informed decision.

Where on the fraser coast are you?

Mate, Sorry for the tardy reply. I am at Hervey Bay.

Guys, I spoke to the bloke from MDC Brisbane today. He answered all of my questions. I can upgrad to wax converters canvas for an extra 2k and to an innerspring mattress for the workbench for an extra $200. This sounds pretty reasonable to me.

I had another look ad the modcon range and a modcon with all the fruit that the mdc has as standard is closer to 50k, i reckon.

I am a boily by trade so will have a fair idea of what i am looking at when i climb underneath it.

At arond 22k with quality canvas and 100 x 50 RHS with 4mm wall thickness chassis and crossmembers througjout, I think the basics could be there for a very robust camper. I will have a better idea when i crawl underneath it.

Thanks again for all the replies.

[evolution]

Let us know how you go mate, it sounds tops.

Cheers
Evo

[Boxhead 71]

$20K [and less] will get you a very good 2nd hand late model Cub camper. These have the boat winch style opening and closing mechanism. On their web site a 6/8/10 year old girl is opening and closing the camper [no offense to young girls  ]. The advertising blurb places a lot of emphasis on how easy it is to open for elderly or slightly less able people.