MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Alan Loy on March 09, 2019, 03:35:50 PM

Title: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Alan Loy on March 09, 2019, 03:35:50 PM
Just came across these, http://modcon.com.au/c3-hybrid (http://modcon.com.au/c3-hybrid) made OS as all the new Modcons seem to be. Does anyone know how tough they are? Any other comments?
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Kangaron on March 09, 2019, 04:07:07 PM
There seem to be a plethora of these coming out of China lately, many different brands, all look very similar. We had a look mat a few at the Bendigo Leisure fest last November, very claustrophobic, but one mans meat is another mans poison.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Steffo1 on March 09, 2019, 04:51:39 PM
There seem to be a plethora of these coming out of China lately, many different brands, all look very similar. We had a look mat a few at the Bendigo Leisure fest last November, very claustrophobic, but one mans meat is another mans poison.

Had a look at one a couple of weeks ago. Have to agree with the claustro.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Moxley on March 09, 2019, 05:11:42 PM
Must be pretty strong because they’re pretty heavy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: tryagain on March 09, 2019, 05:36:38 PM
Basically a complete campsite exodus knock off, there was a post or two about them a little while back.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Alan Loy on March 09, 2019, 06:24:21 PM
Basically a complete campsite exodus knock off, there was a post or two about them a little while back.
Love the complete campsite exodus, I imagine the $70/80,000 extra buys you more than just Australian labour costs
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Alan Loy on March 09, 2019, 06:25:50 PM
Must be pretty strong because they’re pretty heavy.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm not sure weight equals strength ( I suspect you agree  :laugh: :laugh:)
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Bird on March 09, 2019, 06:42:09 PM
Quote from: Kangaron
very claustrophobic,

I see most of them like that.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Moxley on March 09, 2019, 08:36:09 PM
I'm not sure weight equals strength ( I suspect you agree  :laugh: :laugh:)

My dear Watson...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: KingBilly on March 09, 2019, 10:05:05 PM
What about this?

https://www.jayco.com.au/promo/crosstrak (https://www.jayco.com.au/promo/crosstrak)

KB
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: MarkVS on March 10, 2019, 03:46:02 AM
Scott looks good in the video
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: tryagain on March 10, 2019, 05:06:52 AM
Love the complete campsite exodus, I imagine the $70/80,000 extra buys you more than just Australian labour costs

Yeah, decent quality control, adaptability when ordering, and probably better materials  in many instances. For some (probably many) the price difference over the CC Exodus means that they are things they are happy to live with.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: tryagain on March 10, 2019, 05:11:02 AM
Here is a previous post on them http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=54920.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=54920.0)
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: PWE on March 10, 2019, 10:04:14 AM
Yeah, decent quality control, adaptability when ordering, and probably better materials  in many instances. For some (probably many) the price difference over the CC Exodus means that they are things they are happy to live with.

Correct, people are willing to pay less and compromise on toughness and quality, just look at how many people buy vehicles other than a Toyota??
It is a good thing the internet was not around when Snowy 1.0 was built, Toyota got a kicking in the paper and it would have been worse if the internet was around.
Anyway, for me it is about a principle that you do not knock-off someone else design (skip the R&D fun part) and sell it as your own. Most will see $80k vs $40k, and to be honest, more people camping means holiday money stay in Australia, which is good.
At least China is buy the iron ore from Australia.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: KingBilly on March 10, 2019, 10:26:30 AM
At least China is buy the iron ore from Australia.

And the alumium, and the copper, and the coal, and the gas, and the etc., etc., etc..

Without China, Australia would be on the skids.

KB
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: McGirr on March 10, 2019, 11:23:10 AM
I think we would all like to spend $70k plus on Australian made hybrids but reality is we cannot.

As mentioned imported brands are getting better compared to years ago. There are some good Chinese models on the market and nearly all look the same  ;D. The "they copied this and that from them" argument doesn't have any pull these days.

Regarding paying less for quality, the norm in the Australian made caravan industry is expect issues when buying new.

Mark
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: tryagain on March 10, 2019, 11:57:43 AM
Regarding paying less for quality, the norm in the Australian made caravan industry is expect issues when buying new.

Mark

Best off sticking to campers then  ;)
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: outbackogre on March 10, 2019, 05:36:07 PM
What about this?

https://www.jayco.com.au/promo/crosstrak (https://www.jayco.com.au/promo/crosstrak)

KB

Thanks KB.  I didn't know about these until your post.  Has anybody seen one in the flesh?  They look ok on paper, and a reasonable price.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: whitey001 on March 10, 2019, 05:49:15 PM
Thanks KB.  I didn't know about these until your post.  Has anybody seen one in the flesh?  They look ok on paper, and a reasonable price.

Saw it at the Caravan & Camping show.  On paper, I liked it.  In the flesh, not so much.  Not enough kitchen storage.  Small fridge slide.  Under bed storage not accessible enough from the outside & no protection for the underside of the cooker.  Door doesn't open properly with the awning out.  Too many things that aren't an easy fix.  For me, the C3 is a much better option.

Al.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: JusyApples on March 10, 2019, 05:55:26 PM
There is a Facebook group for modcon owners. Early indications from the new C3 owners seem to be positive but it’s only early days so I guess wait and see


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: tryagain on March 10, 2019, 06:24:29 PM
for me it is about a principle that you do not knock-off someone else design (skip the R&D fun part) and sell it as your own.

I have a little sympathy for Modcon in this regard after developing the forward fold, for everyone else to then copy it.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: edz on March 11, 2019, 07:03:35 AM
Wonder if they still just Blow holes in the chassis with an oxy, looks pretty ugly or they place them and drill them properly before they get gal dipped ..?  Could be  possible they missed a couple of proper vent holes and the Gal Dippers did it, Would have to crawl under for a look .
From the vid ..    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MEICQ-Adw8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MEICQ-Adw8)
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: outbackogre on March 11, 2019, 07:30:36 AM
Saw it at the Caravan & Camping show.  On paper, I liked it.  In the flesh, not so much.  Not enough kitchen storage.  Small fridge slide.  Under bed storage not accessible enough from the outside & no protection for the underside of the cooker.  Door doesn't open properly with the awning out.  Too many things that aren't an easy fix.  For me, the C3 is a much better option.

Al.

Thanks Al.  I think the C3 claims to have a full queen size bed.  Do you happen to know how wide the bed is on the Crosstrak? 
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: whitey001 on March 11, 2019, 02:45:08 PM
Thanks Al.  I think the C3 claims to have a full queen size bed.  Do you happen to know how wide the bed is on the Crosstrak?

I reckon it was a bit smaller in width than a queen size from memory. 

Al.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: outbackogre on March 12, 2019, 06:50:52 AM
Thanks Al.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Studogg on March 14, 2019, 10:35:07 PM
This is exactly the sort of thing I am looking for. Have owned a soft floor camper for 11 years. We want to upgrade to a hybrid caravan that basically needs no setting up. Goes off road but on easy tracks. Not after Toyota Tuff. Inside only want queen bed, two bunks for kids and some storage. No inside kitchen at all. Just want to sleep inside. Want an outside kitchen and a pantry sort of thing built into the side. I had done up my own drawing and it was very similar to the modcon camper. Was thinking of building one but for the price of this thing I wouldn't bother.

The only thing I am unsure of on this thing is the annex. We like having a bigger under cover outside area. We cut the annex off our camper and setup a 6m x 6m tarp over it. I have been thinking of solutions for mounting a bigger annex to a hybrid caravan type thing. Once again this comes back to ease of setup verses how big it can be. It will be a little while before we can afford one but I will keep watching with interest.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: edz on March 15, 2019, 07:58:58 AM
Eazy enough to do extensions onto an awning track for longer / wider awnings ..
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: paceman on March 15, 2019, 08:14:25 AM
This is exactly the sort of thing I am looking for. Have owned a soft floor camper for 11 years. We want to upgrade to a hybrid caravan that basically needs no setting up. Goes off road but on easy tracks. Not after Toyota Tuff. Inside only want queen bed, two bunks for kids and some storage. No inside kitchen at all. Just want to sleep inside. Want an outside kitchen and a pantry sort of thing built into the side. I had done up my own drawing and it was very similar to the modcon camper. Was thinking of building one but for the price of this thing I wouldn't bother.

The only thing I am unsure of on this thing is the annex. We like having a bigger under cover outside area. We cut the annex off our camper and setup a 6m x 6m tarp over it. I have been thinking of solutions for mounting a bigger annex to a hybrid caravan type thing. Once again this comes back to ease of setup verses how big it can be. It will be a little while before we can afford one but I will keep watching with interest.

we are in exactly the same position...

don't want to cook inside... just a bed, bunks and storage...

we have started really getting to like using our 3m gazebo for extra space next to our soft floor awning and i reckon we would use it with a new camper as well...

flexible, easy to carry and set up...
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: 2010banditsa on March 15, 2019, 09:35:59 AM

we have started really getting to like using our 3m gazebo for extra space next to our soft floor awning
flexible, easy to carry and set up...

Plus they seem to hold up really well in reasonable wind from what ive seen
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: paceman on March 15, 2019, 10:09:40 AM
Plus they seem to hold up really well in reasonable wind from what ive seen

we have an alloy outdoor connection 3m gazebo and it's been great in wind...

i just made up some stronger tie down ropes with decent pegs and it's good to go...
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: macca on March 15, 2019, 11:57:06 AM
I'm the same, have a 3 metre Oztrail Deluxe and have made heavy ropes that tie to the frame and hold them in the ground with four of BrettB's pegs, holds up in all sorts of wind even with the walls on it

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: bear92 on June 10, 2019, 03:08:59 PM
We previously had a 2017 Patriot X1GT and did some awesome trips with that - couldn't fault it.  We ended up selling it as we weren't going to get the use out of it for a couple of years ... well not enough use to justify having that much money sitting around.  We sold it easily and went back to the tent until we could justify getting another trailer.  We really miss the X1 but we made the right decision.

We're still not ready (maybe next year) but decided to go to the Brisbane Caravan & Camping show just to get an idea of what was available and to start thinking about what we would like next time.  We're thinking something like a hybrid.  Something with a lot less canvas as we don't have much space at home to dry things out.  We like cooking/living outside and only go inside the tent/trailer to get changed or to sleep.  We don't want a bathroom setup inside as we rarely need one set up and they take up a bit of room that could be used for storage.

So off to the show we went.  I really wanted to see the new Jayco CrossTrak.  Jayco hadn't really done anything that could do serious off-road stuff so this looked like it was a step in that direction.  We really liked the CrossTrak but there were a few things I would look into further if it stays on the list when we're ready to buy.  The spare wheel being exposed under the trailer was a concern for starters.  Interestingly the rep said it was the only Jayco van that is warranted against corrugations.

We looked at a lot of other hybrids but nothing stood out.  We don't want anything where you have to slide the bedroom out, some designs we didn't like (eg having to close the sink/stove lids to access the pantry/kitchen storage - really annoying if cooking).

Eventually we had a look at the ModCon C3 and we both loved it.  Plenty of storage, lots of water storage, Queen bed and we could upgrade it to how we would want it set up.  Not interested in the TV or stereo.  I love my music but we choose to not listen to music or watch TV when camping.  When we were away for 3 months we never missed it.

The bunks are not needed but are not wasted as they are the seating when packed away, plus we can open the bunks up if needed.  We like the idea of the option to set up the outside shower tent but we'd put a room divider in it.  I'm not sure about how see-through the shower room would be of a night when lit up.  The photo on the official site shows it all lit up from the inside and if it had a person standing in it, it'd be like taking an x-ray  8)

Luckily we live about 10 minutes from the Jayco dealer and the Modcon factory is only about 20 minutes from our place so we'll be dropping in to check them out a bit more.  I'll have a lot of questions for them but the C3 is winning by a lot at the moment.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: envee on June 11, 2019, 08:20:36 PM
We had a good look at them at the Brisbane show as well.  When we bought the Mitchell a couple of years ago, our first choice was the Complete Campsite Exodus but they were out of our price range, so we went for the Mitchell. 

The C3 is a very similar design to the Exodus and certainly much more affordable and we liked it a lot.  Doesn't have everything we want but access is pretty good to allow things to be added quite easily.  The no plumbed hot water was probably our major concern about it but we were told that one is being made at the moment with a water heater unit and hot water to the sink and shower so it's something that Modcon are working on. 

We're seriously considering changing to one.

Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: rockman on July 07, 2019, 06:51:34 AM
has anyone actually bought a C3 that can offer up proper experience on them ?
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: envee on July 07, 2019, 10:49:52 AM
has anyone actually bought a C3 that can offer up proper experience on them ?

Have a look on facebook. There's a Modcon users group and quite a few C3 owners on there.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: wilson79 on July 08, 2019, 02:25:13 PM
Have a look on facebook. There's a Modcon users group and quite a few C3 owners ob there.

X2 there are plenty of C3 users on this page, most with good reviews, only a couple with any issues. From memory the issues were seals, dust getting in and condensation in the storage boxes causing items to rust and get mould..
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: jkwpajero on October 03, 2019, 08:04:59 PM
We too are in the process of looking at hybrid campers. My number one choice would have been a Modcon C3 but I am hearing ball weights in the 250kg to 290kg ball weight loaded from owners. Good grief! My recently departed Modcon HFA forward fold weighed in at 220kg on the ball loaded and I am looking under that, if possible. We has a long hard look at a Jayco Crosstrak today in a dealers showroom, and Crosstraks are a little thin on the ground at dealers around central west NSW. The interior was well designed for our wants, remembering Jayco quality. The chassis and running gear were well made and finished. However, overall underneath was very poorly executed as far as electrical and ancillary plumbing were concerned. Too many corners cut and very poor quality control. As poor as any Chinese import I have seen, maybe worse. Simple things like no 240v GPO in the fridge slide despite the supplied fridge being 12V/240V.  I have emailed the dealer with my concerns and I'll see what sort of reply I get. I am still leaning toward one, IF my concerns can be addressed. Australian made maybe, but import quality I'm afraid. In my picky eyes anyway. Spending an unspecified amount to sort out manufacturing quality issues should not be needed. And upgrading what is purported to be a good electrical charging system with the addition of a DC/DC charger at my expense gets my goat, as one is not an option.

 :cheers:
James
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: gronk on October 03, 2019, 09:47:35 PM
Simple things like no 240v GPO in the fridge slide despite the supplied fridge being 12V/240V.   And upgrading what is purported to be a good electrical charging system with the addition of a DC/DC charger at my expense gets my goat, as one is not an option.

 :cheers:
James

Our previous van had a 12/240V fridge. It was even plugged into a power point, but in 6yrs never got used on 240V.

As a DC/DC is not regarded as a must have, Jayco just simplifies things to keep their costs down. Knowing how they like using undersize wires, installing yourself is probably a better option anyway.
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: jkwpajero on October 04, 2019, 07:37:26 AM
Our previous van had a 12/240V fridge. It was even plugged into a power point, but in 6yrs never got used on 240V.

As a DC/DC is not regarded as a must have, Jayco just simplifies things to keep their costs down. Knowing how they like using undersize wires, installing yourself is probably a better option anyway.

My recently departed Modcon HFA had a Engel Combi fridge/freezer that auto switched between 12v and 240v, when hooked up to mains power. I can see that Jayco, or any manufacturer, cuts costs where ever they can. The cheap fridge only in the Crosstrack would need to be replaced by the same as we had. A dedicated DC/DC would also be fitted, and there are many other quality issues I would have to bring up to my standard. And yes I am a picky old bugger who keeps a tight hold on my wallet.  My point is that Jayco make a song and dance about being Australian made, but the quality in many areas is on par, or below the imports. Still, the Crosstrack is appealing if I can get some answers back directly from Jayco about the issues I have with build quality.

 :cheers:
James
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Benduro on October 06, 2019, 08:15:01 PM
Keep us in the loop re CrossTrak issues as we too are considering due to weight saving and Aus Made compared to C3.
We had a good look over the 16 Bunk/Family and liked the layout, but not the finish and lack of 240 for fridge and DCDC charging.
 :cheers:
Title: Re: ModCon C3 Hybrid Caravan
Post by: Aaron Schubert on October 08, 2019, 07:56:04 AM
Have you looked at the Reconn R2?

Might be another option to throw into the mix, with a lower towball weight

Aaron

We too are in the process of looking at hybrid campers. My number one choice would have been a Modcon C3 but I am hearing ball weights in the 250kg to 290kg ball weight loaded from owners. Good grief! My recently departed Modcon HFA forward fold weighed in at 220kg on the ball loaded and I am looking under that, if possible. We has a long hard look at a Jayco Crosstrak today in a dealers showroom, and Crosstraks are a little thin on the ground at dealers around central west NSW. The interior was well designed for our wants, remembering Jayco quality. The chassis and running gear were well made and finished. However, overall underneath was very poorly executed as far as electrical and ancillary plumbing were concerned. Too many corners cut and very poor quality control. As poor as any Chinese import I have seen, maybe worse. Simple things like no 240v GPO in the fridge slide despite the supplied fridge being 12V/240V.  I have emailed the dealer with my concerns and I'll see what sort of reply I get. I am still leaning toward one, IF my concerns can be addressed. Australian made maybe, but import quality I'm afraid. In my picky eyes anyway. Spending an unspecified amount to sort out manufacturing quality issues should not be needed. And upgrading what is purported to be a good electrical charging system with the addition of a DC/DC charger at my expense gets my goat, as one is not an option.

 :cheers:
James