MDC launches new lightweight touring caravans

Big-selling caravan and camper importer MDC is hoping to grab an even bigger slice of the Australian RV market, with the launch of a new range of lightweight touring caravans.

Following in the tyre tracks of its latest sub-$100K off-grid caravan range, the new Forte SR on-road caravan range is available in seven body lengths, from 9ft to 19ft, with a variety of couple and family bunk layouts on offer; all with ensuites except for the smallest 9ft pop-top.

MDC says Tare weights for the new Forte SR pop-top and full-height vans are up to 30 per cent less than MDC’s equivalent offroad caravan models, making them appeal to owners of smaller or less capable tow vehicles.

Weights range from around 1250kg Tare, 110kg towball mass and 1700kg ATM for the entry-level 9ft non-ensuite model, to around 2370kg Tare, 204kg towball mass and 3000kg ATM for the range-topping 19ft luxury ensuite couple's variant.

All Forte SR vans come standard with a galvanised chassis and aluminium framed composite panels, a 50mm ball coupling and independent coil spring trailing arm suspension with alloy wheels and all terrain tyres.

Also included across the range is a 200Ah lithium battery system with 350W rooftop solar and a 1600W inverter, along with twin 9kg gas bottles and up to 160L freshwater and 80L grey water capacity.

An external shower, rear camera and electric awning are also included, while larger models get a rooftop air conditioner, microwave, top-load washing machine and up to 175L fridge/freezer. The two smallest models get hybrid-style external kitchens, while the rest of the range comes with a full internal kitchen.

They're all priced to sell, ranging from $29,990 for the Forte SR9 twin berth entry-level model to $64,990 for the largest Forte SR19 couple's van.

"Drawing from over 15 years of expertise in building some of the toughest offroad caravans in Australia, MDC has incorporated numerous identical design principles into the development of its new Forte SR series," the Brisbane based company said in a media statement.

"Built upon its own in-house engineered and manufactured hot-dipped galvanised chassis with independent trailing arm suspension and aluminium body frame, much of MDC’s DNA is clearly evident in its latest on-road caravan series offering."

The new Forte SR series is backed by MDC’s five year structural/ chassis and
drawbar warranty, and will be on display at shows as well as MDC's retail network around the country.

“I’m thrilled with the release of our newest Forte SR on-road caravan series, which showcases our unwavering dedication to quality while providing a lighter, more affordable choice for our customers," said MDC founder and Managing Director Vaughan Hindley.

"The Forte SR series not only enables more Australians to enjoy their adventures but also instills confidence, knowing they're doing so in an MDC."

For full details head to the MDC website.