MDC joins 48V off-grid caravan brigade

The Brisbane-based Market Direct Group has joined Jayco, Avan, Goldsteam and other well-known local RV brands in offering the latest 48V off-grid power system from Projecta in some of its off-road models.

The new eight-variant MDC XT MK4 caravan and pop-top range that made its debut at this week's Queensland Caravan Supershow comes standard with a Projecta 48V 210Ah (10.8kWh) chassis-mounted lithium battery bank, 4000W inverter/charger, 10-inch colour touchscreen and up to 1500W rooftop solar.

MDC says the uprated Projecta 48V power system (equivalent to 840Ah at 12V), is designed to run more power-hungry appliances for longer, with quite a few fitted as standard to MK4 XT models (depending on the variant), including a built-in NCE 29L 4-in-1 air fryer convection microwave, Dometic two-zone induction cooktop, Dometic FreshJet 7 Series 48V air conditioner, Thetford 221L compressor fridge and NCE 3kg wall-mounted washing machine.

The new XT MK4 models also come standard with a Truma AquaGo Comfort Plus instant gas water heater, Eberspächer D2L Airtronic diesel air heater, Thetford-equipped external kitchen, outside shower, water filter, fully enclosed annexe and a collapsible wall-mounted clothesline.

MK4 updates extend to the exterior and interior look too, including a new squared-off body profile and XT Signature Graphics, and a fresh colour palette and finishes inside.

MDC founder and managing director, Vaughan Hindley, said the better equipped XT MK4 range reflects "the
company’s ongoing focus on real-world customer use and strong standard inclusions".

"We have always believed customers should get strong value, serious capability and the equipment they need as standard," he said. "It brings together off-road capability, modern comfort and a new level of off-grid power in a way that we believe will be very compelling for Australian caravan buyers.”

MDC says the Projecta 48V electrical system fitted to the MK4 XT range is valued at more than $27,000, and while the company is yet to release full pricing, the new, more off-grid capable models are expected to cost at least $10,000-$15,000 more than previous Mk3 models.

The two 3000kg ATM, XT Mk4 models on display at the Queensland Supershow included a 15ft X15 couple's pop-top with 965W solar and 130L fridge priced at $82,900, and a 16ft X16 couple's hardtop with 875W solar, 221L fridge and wall-mounted washing machine, priced at $99,990.

The XT MK4 models are built with composite bodies and a hot dipped galvanised chassis with Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling, ARK jockey wheel, MDC's in-house trailing arm suspension, Tuson ESC, 12in drum brakes and 16in alloys with mud tyres. They come fitted with 160L-200L fresh water and 80L grey water storage.

The new range will be available in body lengths from 14ft to 19ft, with couple and family layouts, both pop-top and hard roof, and single and tandem axle configurations.

The new 48V XT off-road range is the latest move from the Market Direct Group into the more upmarket, $100K-plus off-grid caravan segment (previously the domain of local manufacturers), and follows the release last month of the $184,990 4.5 tonne ATM AC22C couple's 'van from its Gold Class 'disruptor' brand.

Now in its 21st year, MDG builds caravans and campers under a number of brand names in China, with final fit-out in Brisbane and Perth, and sells them at 20 outlets across Australia and the USA.

Starting off with budget tent trailers, MDG says it's sold 40,000 campers and caravans since 2005, and it's currently believed to be the fourth biggest-selling RV brand in Australia, behind Jayco, Snowy River, and Crusader.

Related: MDC updates Forte SR budget caravan range

Related: Gold Class chases Lotus and Titanium buyers

Related: Cheap as chips new MDC pop-top goes on sale