Post by: farcanal on February 04, 2023, 09:54:02 AM
We've just sold our beloved Kimberley which was ours for 15 years and about 80,000 kms. Our original thoughts were, as age is catching up, to graduate up to a caravan with ensuite. Strangely enough the missus is more opposed to this idea than me.
Anyway, I'm looking at a forward fold camper trailer as well as a couple of vans. The camper is an MDC Highside and comes with annex, ensuite tent and toilet, all of which takes a bit of setting up.
I've watched a video of the setting up of this camper and it seemed to take forever (4 minutes to be exact) The old Kimberley was up in 30 seconds.
So, just putting it out there, has anyone in this forum used one of these MDC campers and what are your thoughts?
Also any recommendations for other FF models. I'm looking at spending about $25,000
Cheers, TIA
farcanal
Post by: rkl71 on February 04, 2023, 12:44:39 PM
I seem to find a new maker every week but they all seem to be exactly the same height or more.
Post by: whatsa on February 04, 2023, 01:11:55 PM
I just replaced my old cub camper with a avan cruiseliner thats been lifted.
Same thing as you getting back into it (though back issues made the avan the choice)
Post by: farcanal on February 04, 2023, 08:39:04 PM
Highside looks nice
I just replaced my old cub camper with a avan cruiseliner thats been lifted.
Same thing as you getting back into it (though back issues made the avan the choice)
Yeah, I looked at an Avan cruiseliner with ensuite in my home town.
Apart from being quite cramped with the ensuite in the front left hand corner, it was the east/west bed that turned me off that particular van.
It was probably value to the right people at $16,500
Post by: lloydus67 on February 05, 2023, 07:51:27 PM
There forward folds are almost identical.
Sent from me
Post by: farcanal on February 05, 2023, 08:15:56 PM
Have you looked at Modcon in Brisbane or guardian, they are a Mackay company but also have a show room in the Sunshine Coast.Cheers, I'll have a look
There forward folds are almost identical.
Sent from me
Post by: Cube_Squared on February 09, 2023, 03:30:49 PM
Post by: loanrangie on February 10, 2023, 11:30:41 AM
Post by: paceman on February 10, 2023, 11:52:40 AM
guardian, they are a Mackay company but also have a show room in the Sunshine Coast.
I live in Mackay... not sure that Guardian Campers are a Mackay company...
I would probably steer clear of them anyways...
Post by: farcanal on February 10, 2023, 01:14:10 PM
I would steer away from any camper trailer, setting up canvas gets old quickly, i would be looking at hybrids and compact pop top vans.I had the KK camper for 14 years, didn't really mind setting up, although the Kimberley was very quick to open.
The awning and annex certainly took some time.
Looking at forward fold campers , the awning and annex are quite a bit smaller than the KK and I think, because of that, they're quicker to erect.
If we're off travelling time doesn't really matter....unless it's pissing down.
Post by: whatsa on February 15, 2023, 06:34:45 PM
I had the KK camper for 14 years, didn't really mind setting up, although the Kimberley was very quick to open.Yeah the forward or rear fold are good if touring too... basic quick open and sleep.
The awning and annex certainly took some time.
Looking at forward fold campers , the awning and annex are quite a bit smaller than the KK and I think, because of that, they're quicker to erect.
If we're off travelling time doesn't really matter....unless it's pissing down.
Post by: Bird on February 16, 2023, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: farcanal
... although the Kimberley was very quick to open.
The awning and annex certainly took some time.
I think thats most trailers.. the tent section folds out, 2 or 4 poles = done...
Awning = pain...
Post by: 6knights on February 17, 2023, 10:28:48 AM
Post by: BrettA on March 15, 2023, 05:37:46 PM
We have a motorhome in NZ. Looking to buy ute and camper trailer to tour Oz ( have been around a bit in rental campers)
Looking at Chinese makes, price is a factor.
So many choices. Like the look of Ezytrail's Stirling gt MK3 that seems to get pretty good reviews. $26,000.
Am considering the Cub Scout( Oz made as you'd all know) lighter all round than MK3, $37,000
We have no wish to do the Telegraph Road, by ones like Gibb River, or Birdsville, or Tanami are on the list.
Sorry farcanal, all this doesn't get you anywhere regarding MDC.
Be great to hear thoughts on the Ezytrail inparticuklar.
Post by: farcanal on April 01, 2023, 12:19:41 PM
Hi farcanal and others.
We have a motorhome in NZ. Looking to buy ute and camper trailer to tour Oz ( have been around a bit in rental campers)
Looking at Chinese makes, price is a factor.
So many choices. Like the look of Ezytrail's Stirling gt MK3 that seems to get pretty good reviews. $26,000.
Am considering the Cub Scout( Oz made as you'd all know) lighter all round than MK3, $37,000
We have no wish to do the Telegraph Road, by ones like Gibb River, or Birdsville, or Tanami are on the list.
Sorry farcanal, all this doesn't get you anywhere regarding MDC.
Be great to hear thoughts on the Ezytrail inparticuklar.
Hi Brett, we must be on the same page.
I did a fair bit of research, and finished up at the Perth caravan and camping show last weekend.
I had narrowed my search down to MDC Highside, Stoney Creek and the Easytrail Stirling.
At the show MDC didn't have the Highside, didn't seem that interested in me so I just gravitated between Stoney Creek and Easytrail.
I liked them both but the Stoney Creek just didn't seem to be as well put together as the Easytrail. They're both Chinese and quite similar in design etc.
Finished up with a good deal on the Easytrail Stirling GT Mk 3. $24500 on the road with TV, toilet , heavy duty jockey wheel and an off grid solar pack with dc to dc charger and solar blanket, plus inverter.
Delivery in about 4 weeks.
I'll keep you posted.
Post by: Fizzie on April 02, 2023, 07:16:36 AM
Post by: Traveller on April 18, 2023, 08:40:26 AM
We have watched friends with various FF campers over several long trips across some fairly rough country and the campers handled it easily. Set up went well, but neither of them set them up fully, usually didn't put stabilisers down or put bows in window awnings. Pack up appeared to take two people to get there. Both couples are retired.
The first couple arrived at the point that they were struggling to close the camper and had to reluctantly move it on, as they loved the layout the FF provided.
The second couple also loved the layout of their FF (obviously), but after a 6 week trip to the Gulf and back, they were tempted by a second hand Austrack hybrid that was for sale in their town. The FF was brand new and the main objection to it was that the heater failed to work, after they had spent quite a bit on getting it upgraded. We went north, in July, via Tibooburra, Dig Tree, Haddon's Corner, Birdsville, and at each of these places the overnight temperatures were very low, into the minuses at times. The lack of a heater was a very sore point, and by the time we returned home, again through very cold temps, they were over it. I know it was no doubt an easy thing to mend, but they were cheesed with it.
We have just returned from a 2 week trip up to Tibooburra, across to the Strzelecki, down to the Gammon and Flinders Ranges, and home. It was a fair test of the hybrid, and it went well. I couldn't believe how quickly it opened and packed up, and suited them to a tee. Obviously we had heat and not cold, but the relaxed way it closed seemed quite impressive.
Enjoy the new hybrid.
Post by: farcanal on May 08, 2023, 07:12:03 PM
Bit of confusion on the pick up day, after being told a week prior that it was ready, then arrived 8.15am for handover only to be told it wasn't ready, the off grid Victron solar charging system wasn't installed.
Long story short, grumpy farcanal and missus, over 4 hours waiting, told them numerous times we were driving 400kms to get home that day,
eventually hooked up and they realised we were far from happy....chucked in a gas hot water system to smooth things over.
Opened it up for the 1st time today to wet the canvas, which has to be done 3 times apparently.
Took about 20 minutes, but I'm sure we'll cut that in half after a few more attempts.
Very happy so far with what we've got.
I'll be removing and checking wheel bearings before we set off on our 1st camping trip which should be in a week or 3.