Gold Class chases Lotus and Titanium buyers

The Brisbane-based Market Direct Group is going after Lotus and Titanium buyers, with its launch of the priciest, heaviest and most off-grid capable Chinese-built caravan to date.

The new range-topping 22ft Gold Class AC22C couple's 'van is the first model from MDG's fledgling upmarket caravan brand to receive a 4500kg ATM rating -- a weight segment dominated by Aussie 'heavy hitter' aspirational manufacturers like Lotus, Titanium, Bushtracker and Kedron.

The Gold Class AC22C's RRP price tag of $184,990 is also a high point for a Chinese-built 'van, putting it into the $150-$200K off-road, off-grid segment untouched by imported brands until now.

It's also $40,000 more than the previous Gold Class range-topper, the AC19C, partly due to an uprated off-grid power system that includes a 1380Ah Enerdrive lithium battery bank, 2090W rooftop solar and a 3000W Enerdrive inverter charger, with Simarine digital monitoring.

However, a Gold Class spokesperson said the new off-grid model built at MDG's Chinese factory and finished off in Australia, is still "close to $30grand cheaper (than comparable Aussie-built models) with arguably more stuff in the 'van...".

To fit that amount of solar, Gold Class has gone for a powered roof mounted sliding solar panel system; something we've already seen in various forms on a number of big-ticket Aussie 'vans including from Kedron, Royal Flair and Kokoda.

The spokesperson said the solar roof slide arrangement on the AC22C has been tested locally and the mechanical actuator used is common across the roof lifting mechanisms in the MDC range of pop-tops.

Gold Class has also gone one-touch 'electric' on a range of items including a powered spare wheel unloader along the rear wall, powered entry steps, an electric awning and powered corner stabilisers.

The premium priced 'van also features a swag of brand name appliances including an externally-accessed NCE 3kg washer/dryer, internal Kleenmaid dishwasher, NCE 23L flatbed microwave, Eberspächer diesel air heater, Dometic FreshJet 7 air-conditioner, NCE 40in Smart TV (outside) and two NCE 28in TVs (inside), Cowfish Cosmo Starlink Gen 3 connectivity and internal/external Fusion stereo.

There are also two fridges (224L internal, 60L external) plus a slide for another 95L fridge, along with 320L freshwater and 120L grey water storage.

Like you see on the latest Lotus and Titanium models, the Gold Class range-topper also gets an aluminium fabricated 'one stop shop' external entertainment hub, to go with a rear platform bar, front toolbox and roof rails.

There's also an external laundry bench and collapsible wall-mounted clothesline near the washing machine, and a slide-out external kitchen with three-burner gas cooktop and sink, to go with the internal cooking facilities that also include a Dometic two zone induction cooktop and flatbed microwave.

The Gold Class AC22C also benefits from a hot dip galvanised chassis with black painted drawbar, Cruisemaster DO-45 coupling, an in-house wireless Airbag Man airbag suspension with auto height control, Tuson asymmetric stability control, 12-inch electric brakes, ARK XO750 jockey wheel, polyurea coated alloy tank armour, 16-inch alloy wheels with mud terrain tyres, front mounted MAXTRAX, a rear service ladder and a Gusto DRS.

Body construction includes a welded aluminium frame and aluminium composite external cladding.

Another first for Gold Class is the big lap-friendly, apartment-style rear club lounge/central ensuite layout, which includes an electric lift table, kitchen benches along both sides, separate shower, cassette toilet and vanity, and an island queen bed.

Like other Gold Class 'vans, it all comes with a 'no options' RRP price, with no customisation available as a way to keep the price down and facilitate a faster delivery time.

Highlights of the 'like it or lump it' Adventure Class interior design include black leatherette upholstery, wireless charging pads, three Sirocco fans and 12V LED mood lighting.

Gold Class says the 2.39m wide, 22ft tandem axle couple's van hits the scales at approximately 3820kg Tare, with the 4495kg ATM providing a payload of around 675kg.

The 22 footer is covered for full off-road use including corrugations and restricted water crossings, with a two year manufacturer's warranty and lifetime structural warranty on the chassis and drawbar.

Gold Class currently has six dealers, in Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

“The 22ft premium off-road couples’ segment is one of the most competitive parts of the Australian caravan market," said MDG's General Manager, Commercial and Product, James Field.

“Buyers in this category are experienced, well researched and very clear on what matters to them. With the AC22C, we wanted to deliver a model that gives customers the capability, comfort and specification they expect without making them navigate endless options or upgrade packs."

The AC22C will be on display at the Let’s Go Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow at the Brisbane Showgrounds (June 3-7).

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