Gold Class LC17C 2026 Review

Think of Gold Class Caravans' LC17C semi off-road couple's caravan like ordering a hamburger with the lot.

You don't need the beetroot, bacon, pineapple, egg and extra cheese, but once it's all stacked neatly between the buns, you wonder why anyone would settle for less.

It's indulgent without being messy, loaded without being overdone, and surprisingly affordable for something that feels this complete on the road.

Related: MDC launches 'disruptive' new Gold Class off-grid caravan range

Related: Gold Class experience expands to more dealers

From the outset, the Gold Class Caravan LC17C feels like a deliberate pushback against the way Australian caravans have quietly drifted into option lists, upgrade packs and creeping price tags.

This one arrives with a clearer promise. What you see is what you get. And more importantly, what you get is already everything many modern buyers go looking for.

From the brand’s launch last year, MDC with its new upmarket Chinese-built caravan range has adopted a fixed price, all-inclusive sales strategy, to help set it apart from similar-style Australian-built rivals.

Currently, four entry-level Luxe Class semi off-road models sit between $84,990 and $99,990 RRP, with the higher-spec, full off-road Adventure Class line-up priced between $114,990 and $144,990.

No bundles. No add-ons. No uncomfortable conversation halfway through the build about what you forgot to tick.

That philosophy lands squarely in the LC17C couple's 'van, priced at an enticing $89,990 RRP. Rather than feeling stripped back or compromised, it feels thoughtfully complete.

Layout, storage, seating and sleeping arrangements have been engineered as a whole, not as a base shell waiting for upgrades. Gold Class has done the hard work upfront, specifying the features most buyers actually want and baking them into the standard build.

The Gold Class LC17C is a semi off-road caravan aimed at travellers seeking not only value, but who want something properly thought through from the outset, rather than pieced together from a long list of upgrades.

This is a caravan for couples or small families who like having options without carrying excess. The 2+1 layout makes sense for couples travelling with a child or grandchild, or for those who simply want the option of an extra bed without committing to a larger 'van.

It's worth noting that the third bed is created by converting the cafe dinette/lounge and is best suited to younger children.

Touring style matters here too. This 'van is aimed at those who like to mix their travel: one weekend at a powered site in a coastal park; the next on a gravel road to an unpowered showground or a quiet bush camp.

The LC17C fits comfortably in that middle ground; self-sufficient and capable enough for the odd off-the-beaten track adventure without being over-built or intimidating to tow.

MDC is steadily expanding the Gold Class Caravans' network of customer service and after-sales back up, with nationwide dealers currently sitting at seven, and counting. The 'vans are backed by a two-year manufacturer's warranty, with a lifetime warranty on the chassis and drawbar.

Under the watchful eye of industry heavyweight MDC, the Gold Class caravans are manufactured in an exclusive factory in China, set up to produce Gold Class models to a defined specification rather than generic builds adapted later for the Australian market.

The LC17C sits on a hot-dipped galvanised steel chassis designed for semi off-road touring. On top of this is a fully welded aluminium frame forming a skeleton for the body. One-piece aluminium composite panels are used for the walls and roof, paired with a honeycomb composite floor.

This construction method reduces joins, improves rigidity and helps minimise potential dust and water entry points. It's also good to see all external wiring and plumbing has been fully wrapped and protected in conduit, to reduce abrasion and long-term wear.

Suspension is heavy-duty independent with coil springs and shock absorbers, while braking is handled by 12-inch electric drum brakes with Tuson sway control fitted as standard.

Towing hardware is kept simple for this particular model, with a 50mm tow ball coupling and 16-inch alloy wheels with 265/75 Goodride all-terrain tyres.

Up front, there's a full-width storage box mounted on the A-frame that houses the diesel heater tank, twin gas bottles and a jerry can, while still leaving some room for storage. The box is solidly built, with catches that accept padlocks for added security.

Along the driver's side, practicality takes precedence. Instead of a tunnel boot, it features a sealed locker box, while on the opposite side is a pull-out external kitchen, complete with a Thetford three-burner gas cooktop and a stainless steel sink with hot and cold water.

While a nice feature for outside cooking, the layout does introduce a small but glorious absurdity. Because the kitchen's drawers pull out towards the front of the 'van, cooking requires you to walk all the way around the slide-out every time you forget something, like cooking oil, spices or a utensil.

An Anderson plug along the driver's side wall allows additional solar panels to be connected into the standard 300Ah Enerdrive lithium battery system. The 240-volt inlet also includes a hook for hanging the power lead when connected.

There's also a dedicated Starlink cable port that feeds directly to a purpose-built internal mount. Powered by a Cowfish Cosmo 12V Starlink Gen 3 supply, the system allows full off-grid connectivity without the need to constantly pack up and reinstall equipment.

Towards the rear, a tidy manifold system allows independent filling of the freshwater tanks, with a separate filler for flushing the grey water tank.

There's also a locker for the toilet cassette and a protection bar at the rear, along with a hard-case spare wheel carrier and reversing camera.

Back on the passenger side, an electric roll-out awning provides quick shade, plus there's a ready-made outdoor living area thanks to a fold-down picnic table with LED lighting, 240V outlet, USB sockets and a Fusion stereo. Entry is via a solid double manual fold-out step.

From a touring perspective, it’s worth noting that the LC17C does not include a rear bumper carrier platform as standard. So there's no provision at the back for mounting pushbikes, carrying firewood, fitting fishing rod holders, or attaching a ladder.

For travellers who like to carry bulky or long items externally to keep the interior uncluttered, this is something to factor in early, as aftermarket solutions or custom fabrication would be required.

That said, for those who pack light, stay organised, or don’t travel with bikes or external gear, it may be a non-issue — it really comes down to how you travel.

Overall, the interior strikes a thoughtful balance between comfort and function. However, step inside and the first thing that stands out is tone.

Dust bronze fixtures, warm cabinetry and fawn leatherette upholstery give the interior a welcoming feel that suits long stays as well as overnight stops.

If you don't like it, too bad! The only other option is the darker colour scheme on the pricier Adventure Class 'vans.

The matte-finish cabinetry delivers a modern high-end look while reducing glare and hiding everyday marks. The trade-off is that, while it disguises smudges well, it does require a gentle hand when cleaning, as aggressive scrubbing can lead to shiny spots over time.

The queen bed is corner mounted to keep the entry clear and the living space open. Beneath it sits a diesel air heater, neatly integrated and effective on cold mornings and alpine nights.

Seating is café style, with the dinette converting into the smaller plus-one bed.

Kitchen bench space is modest but functional, offset by a generous sink and a flexible cooking setup. A two-zone induction cooktop is paired with a gas oven, while a 23-litre flat microwave sits neatly overhead. The 224-litre compressor fridge includes an external door lock, while the pull-out drawer freezer earns particular praise.

Climate control is also taken care of with a 2900W roof-mounted air conditioner, supported by two 12V fans for natural airflow.

Monitoring is handled by a digital (Simarine PICO) system with inclinometer, making it easy to keep an eye on batteries, tanks and level. LED mood lighting sets the tone in the evening, while a 28-inch Google-ready 12V television provides access to streaming services when connectivity allows.

The ensuite is impressively usable for a 'van of this size and includes a wall-mounted 3kg washer/1kg dryer unit as standard.

For what is primarily a blacktop touring caravan the Gold Class LC17C gets an impressive amount of power equipment for off-grid stays, provided you accept that air-conditioning remains a mains power luxury.

Power comes from a 300 amp-hour lithium battery supported by 525 watts of rooftop solar, a 2000-watt inverter and 40A+ DC2DC battery charger. This comfortably runs lighting, fans, television, charging and everyday 240-volt needs.

Fresh water capacity totals 160 litres across two 80-litre tanks, which is adequate for several days of careful use. There's also an 80L grey water tank fitted underneath.

With a tare (unloaded weight) of 2769kg, the LC17C sits at the heavier end of the 17-foot segment so buyers need to consider tow vehicle ratings carefully.

The upside is a healthy 731kg payload thanks to a 3500kg ATM, giving genuine scope for water, food and touring gear.

However as Trent Austin, the managing director of Coastal Caravans (where we picked up the review 'van) explained, it’s worth noting that the LC17C in standard trim arrives fully kitted out and ready to tour, which can make its tare weight appear heavier on paper.

Towed behind our upgraded Isuzu D-Max with a 6200kg GCM, the combination remained compliant with a few hundred kilograms in reserve. On the road, the LC17C tracked straight and stable, remaining composed at highway speeds and on secondary roads.

Matched and set up correctly with the right tow vehicle, towing manners should be similarly calm, predictable and confidence inspiring.

Whether a caravan suits you is less about the spec sheet and more about how it fits the way you travel. In that context, the 17ft LC17C makes a strong case for itself.

Its greatest strength is that it arrives genuinely ready to tour. The fixed-price, all-inclusive approach removes the frustration of option lists and upgrade creep.

Off-grid capability is well judged, comfort levels are high, and practical touches such as Starlink integration and outdoor living features reinforce its touring-first mindset.

Weight is the one area where it loses some points but matched correctly it rewards with stability and usable payload.

Packing a lot into its $90K tow-away pricing, the LC17C shapes up as a thoughtfully designed, capable and confidence-inspiring touring companion.

Price: RRP $89,990
Travel length: 7833mm
External body length: 5212mm (17ft 1in)
Travel width: 2500mm
Travel height: 3200mm
Tare: 2720kg
ATM: 3500kg
Ball weight (Tare): 252kg
Body: Welded aluminium body frame with aluminium composite panels
Chassis: Hot-dipped galvanised chassis, 150mm x 50mm drawbar
Suspension: Independent coil spring trailing arm suspension with dual shock absorbers
Brakes: 12in electric drum
ESC: Tuson asymmetric stability control
Wheels: 16in alloy with 265/75 Goodride A/T tyres
Water: 2 x 80L fresh, 1 x 80L grey
Battery: 300Ah Enerdrive lithium with 2000W inverter
Solar: 525W rooftop panels
Power Management: Enerdrive 2000W/80A 12V inverter charger
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Hot water: Global Heritage gas/electric 28L
Cooking: Dometic twin induction cooktop, Thetford Duplex gas oven, external kitchen
Microwave: NCE 23L flatbed
Fridge/freezer: Thetford T2208 221L 12V compressor
Toilet: Dometic CTS 4110 cassette
Shower: Moulded fibreglass
Lighting: 12V LED
Air-conditioner: Dometic Freshjet 7 Series Pro 2900W
Space heater: Eberspächer D2L Airtronic AS3 2.2kW diesel
Washing: NCE wall mounted combo (3kg washer/1kg dryer)
TV: 28in 12V HD Google ready
Audio: Fusion panel (internal & external)
Awning: Electric roll out
Connectivity: Cowfish Cosmo 12V Starlink Gen 3 power supply
Rear view: Single eyeball with 4-pin connection
Supplied by: Coastal Caravans, Somerset, Tasmania
More info: Gold Class Caravans