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

Big-selling RV importer MDC is making a bold play for true-blue Aussie off-road caravan buyers, with a new range of loaded-up, tough-nut full-size caravans that will be marketed under a new brand name, Gold Class Caravans.

Initially launching with eight couple and family layouts, available in four body lengths from 16ft to 19ft, the Brisbane-based Market Direct Group (MDG) says its new 'option free' Gold Class Caravans range is "set to change the landscape of Australian caravanning", and is "designed to bring top-spec touring into the mainstream".

MDG Business Development Manager Adrian Di Vincenzo said a key point of difference is a 'fixed price, all inclusive' sales strategy for the new Aussie lookalike, Chinese-built vans, with prices ranging from RRP $84,990 to RRP $99,990 for the entry Luxe Class semi off-road models, and from RRP $114,990 to RRP $144,490 for the fully kitted out, off-grid-ready Adventure Class models.

"All Gold Class Caravans have been carefully engineered to include all sought after features as standard. As such, there is no need for options or upgrades," Di Vincenzo explained.

"Gold Class offers a bold new approach to luxury travel, where everything comes standard, and true capability and luxury is accessible to more Australians than ever before at a disruptive, industry-leading price point," he said.

"Every Gold Class Caravan is designed with best-in-class components as standard — no upgrade
packs required."

Base model Luxe Class vans come equipped with independent trailing arm coil suspension, a 300Ah Enerdrive lithium battery system with 2000W inverter and 350W-700W rooftop solar, an Eberspächer diesel heater and Dometic rooftop air conditioner, front load washer/dryer, internal induction cooker and slide-out kitchen, Thetford 224L compressor fridge/freezer, microwave, gas oven and an ensuite with separate shower and toilet.

Also included on most Luxe Class variants is a 28in TV and Fusion stereo, a Simarine four inch display screen and inclinometer, a powered awning and an electric lift dining table.

Gold Class Adventure vans come even better equipped for luxury off-grid camping with Airbag Man wireless auto-levelling suspension, a 600Ah Enerdrive lithium battery system with 3000W inverter charger and up to 1225W rooftop solar, and an elite storage bar at the rear.

Most Gold Class vans come with a 3500kg ATM, while there are plans to add bigger 21ft-22ft 4500kg ATM variants, that come loaded up with as much as 2000Ah lithium battery and 2000W solar capacity.

All Gold Class caravans get a hot dipped galvanised chassis and come fitted with an ARK XO-750 jockey wheel, alloy wheels and either all terrain or mud tyres, with a standard ball coupling for Luxe Class and a Cruisemaster DO-35 hitch for Adventure Class vans.

The vans are constructed with a welded aluminium body frame and one-piece aluminium composite exterior panels, along with a one-piece honeycomb composite floor.

"All GCC products are built in our exclusive (Chinese) facility, with final assembly of the Gold Class Caravans carried out in Australia," Di Vincenzo said.

Other standard features on the entry-level Gold Class Luxe model include a Cowfish Cosmo 12V Starlink Gen 3 power supply, LED mood lighting and twin Sirocco fans, Tuson asymmetric stability control, a reverse camera and two 80L fresh water and one 80L grey water tanks.

Gold Class Adventure vans also get a Gusto Dust Reduction System (DRS), external hot-cold shower, two front mounted MaxTrax recovery planks and "polyurea coated laser cut alloy tank armour" for the underbody water tanks.

The 'no option' approach even extends to interior colour palettes, with just two available: the darker Adventure Class interior (pictured above), which is described as a "bold, functional style with matte cabinetry, dark-toned finishes, and rugged materials".

While the Luxe Class interior fit-out (shown below) offers "a more refined, opulent feel with soft leatherette seating, dusk bronze fixtures, and warm-toned cabinetry".

After dominating the imported camper trailer and hybrid market for many years, MDC has more recently been steadily expanding its on- and off-road full-height caravan range, including adding new entry-level Forte and XT MkIII vans, not to mention unique American-market models, before announcing its latest flagship premium brand.

"The (Gold Class) range has been brought to life by one of the most experienced teams in the Australian RV industry; engineers, designers, and production experts with decades of combined experience across the country’s top RV brands," Di Vincenzo said.

The Gold Class 'vans will be backed by MDG’s nationwide service network, and come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and a lifetime structural warranty on the chassis and drawbar.

Select models will be available from June but, unlike other MDC products, the new GCC vans will only be available from independent retail outlets, with a dealer network expected to be announced soon on the new Gold Class Caravans website.

"Gold Class Caravans has been developed by Market Direct Group (MDG) as its flagship premium brand for independent caravan dealers nationwide," Di Vincenzo explained.

The new Gold Class range will be on display at the 2025 Let’s Go Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow at the Brisbane Showgrounds (June 4-8).