MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: turbo ninja on July 03, 2014, 08:30:09 AM
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Hi all, new here but learning so much very quickly. I am currently looking at my options for buying my first CT for under $13K.
After reading "Camping Trailer Australia" magazines, we are looking at the MDC Step Through V4 $12,990. They seem to be pretty packed with extras.
The MDC Step Through V4 received the magazine's award for best CT under $15K (which I am sure you already know!) What are they like? Quality wise? I guess I will need to read some reviews and get the honest opnions of people who have purchased one. I realise this MDC topic has been covered in other threads but I am interested in CURRENT reviews on the V4 2014 model.
regards turbo ninja ;D
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Hi Turbo Ninja,
Welcome to the forum, in my opinion when looking at Import trailers just go in with eyes open and don't get side tracked buy all the flash inclusions as it is very easy to get side tracked by all the bells and whistles.
I too am looking at an import trailer and I must say that it was very easy ( for me anyway ) to get sucked in by these free or cheap add on's..
I am eventually settling for an import trailer assembled by a well know Australian company known for building Excellent quality Australian built units. Which for me gives me some peace of mind that the Imported trailer they sell has been assembled and built to the best standard as possible.
Good luck and happy camping
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Go to the factory, touch and feel everything......
Then go to a factory that makes / welds in Australia.
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I am also considering what to buy. I have tried to consider what is the most important things about a camper. For me they are
1. Must be tough enough to follow my Patrol over corrugated out back roads for long distances
2. Must be quick to set up
3. Must be able to set up in my driveway
Once I decided that these were my priorities it helps me getting the shortlist to manageable levels and stops me getting carried away with "nice to have" inclusions.
You will have your own prioities and if you can work out what the important ones are it will make the selection process easier
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Go to the factory, touch and feel everything......
Then go to a factory that makes / welds in Australia.
x2
Don't get sucked in by all the 'extras' that get punched out on these import trailers.
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Hi all,
The MDC Step Through V4 received the magazine's award for best CT under $15K (which I am sure you already know!) What are they like? Quality wise? I guess I will need to read some reviews and get the honest opnions of people who have purchased one. I realise this MDC topic has been covered in other threads but I am interested in CURRENT reviews on the V4 2014 model.
regards turbo ninja ;D
I know you only wanted CURRENT reviews from the 2014 V4 but i think it is just as important to to research all owners of this breed. I have included a link to Product review if you are interested.
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/mdc-off-road-deluxe-v3.html (http://www.productreview.com.au/p/mdc-off-road-deluxe-v3.html)
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Look at as many reviews on the Brand and the model as possible, and work out if you want to spend your hard earned $ with that company.
Make sure that there will be after sales service when you need it, and that they wont fob you off. Buying a $13K camper is a big investment for most people, so do your research.
This forum is a good start, google, Exploreoz, 4x4Earth..... There is no shortage of information out there.
Also, look at the camper thouroughly, check the quality of all the flashy bits.... they might just be that.. flashy.
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Hi all, new here but learning so much very quickly. I am currently looking at my options for buying my first CT for under $13K.
After reading "Camping Trailer Australia" magazines, we are looking at the MDC Step Through V4 for $12,990. This is right on our budget limit but they seem to be pretty packed with extras. Perhaps we wouldn't need to spend more for a little while at least??
The MDC Step Through V4 received the magazine's award for best CT under $15K (which I am sure you already know!) What are they like? Quality wise? I guess I will need to read some reviews and get the honest opnions of people who have purchased one. I realise this MDC topic has been covered in other threads but I am interested in CURRENT reviews on the V4 2014 model.
regards turbo ninja ;D
Hi and good luck with your purchase for whatever camper trailer you decide to buy.
I had researched different camper trailers for about 18 months before buying a Lifestyle camper trailer.
As I live in SA being able to see the camper before purchase was not an option so I could only rely on opinions from people who have dealt with the companies that made my short list.
What sold me in the end was that there were very few problems from owners of the Lifestyle and when they did have an issue it seemed to be fixed without any hassles.
When our camper arrived it had been damaged on the tonneau cover in transit. 1 phone call to Darren and sent some photos and a new cover was ordered and sent arriving 2-3 weeks later. They also sent all rivets and allowed me to find a repairer near me and they had no hesitations paying the bill to replace.
Although we bought the Australian built model I've also heard good reviews on the entry model walkthrough and in my opinion ther is no substitute for good after sales service.
So all I can say is research as much as possible and try to buy the best you can afford then as I did pray that it is all ok :D
:cheers:
Damo
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Have a look here http://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/model/lifestyle-delux-gen-ii/ (http://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/model/lifestyle-delux-gen-ii/) at the Lifestyle Delux Gen 11 Walkthru for under $11K. Mate just bought one and after all his research and due diligence found it to be the best value/quality walkthru out there. Not only that I have only ever heard positive reports on their after sales service.
They also have a full Australian made walkthru called the Lifestyle Extenda for under $14K http://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/model/lifestyle-extenda/ (http://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/model/lifestyle-extenda/)
I am sure you wont go wrong with either and will have much better resale value the other brand you are looking at.
Good luck with it, and note I have no affiliation with any particular brand of CT as my CT is homemade.
Wartim
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thanks for all your input so far. I have had a good read of MDC reviews and discussion forums both here and on numerous other sites. The internet, coupled with real peoples honest opinions, is a powerful research tool. It is amazing what researching and reading will do. I literally spent the whole day reading reviews and there is so much out there. My eyes are slowly opening. This CT scene is huge! I will chalk this thread up to a 'positive education' and move on.
PS: I have just spent an hour reading/watching Lifestyle Camper information - thanks for the heads up. Just gives me another great option.
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I have the 2013 model step thru and couldn't be happier, a couple of minor problems but nothing major and were fixed without any drama
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Good luck with it mate, it is a huge industry now, but what ever you choose, make sure you get out and use it. No point buying it if it gets parked in the back shed :) ;)
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Have a look at used trailers.. Much more value in them than some of the newer "bargains"
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I have a 2013 step through and we love it.
Yes there have been a few issues, but when I have mentioned them to MDC Sydney they have said no-worries bring it in and we will get you sorted.
It is a heavy and very large camper but for us it works a treat - getting us out there seeing and enjoying nature.
I am a happy owner - just have to get down to MDC and pick it up from its 1 year service tomorrow :-)
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Just today a guy said to me
" a good quality bucket with 500ml of water"
Or
"a cheap bucket with with 5 ltrs of water'
which one will have water at the end of a rough road..?
all the extra bells an whistle are generally cheap anyway so don't be swayed by them, i replace lots of cheap elec components sold as EXTRAs ..ask for the name brand of all the EXTRAS you will prob find they are worth very little in any case..
Great time to be shopping though.. but as others have said a good 2nd hand Aussie built unit will give better service and better resale than any import. IMHO.
Jet ;D ;D
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Just today a guy said to me
" a good quality bucket with 500ml of water"
Or
"a cheap bucket with with 5 ltrs of water'
which one will have water at the end of a rough road..?
all the extra bells an whistle are generally cheap anyway so don't be swayed by them, i replace lots of cheap elec components sold as EXTRAs ..ask for the name brand of all the EXTRAS you will prob find they are worth very little in any case..
Great time to be shopping though.. but as others have said a good 2nd hand Aussie built unit will give better service and better resale than any import. IMHO.
Jet ;D ;D
Where's your proof that Aussie made will give better service. For the same price as your Aussie made, I could buy 6 import trailers and the resale would be exactly the same. After all, everyone knows that Australia was made in China anyway. ;D
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I know you only wanted CURRENT reviews from the 2014 V4 but i think it is just as important to to research all owners of this breed. I have included a link to Product review if you are interested.
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/mdc-off-road-deluxe-v3.html (http://www.productreview.com.au/p/mdc-off-road-deluxe-v3.html)
Hi Turbo Ninja,
There are 8 reviews on this link posted by Muzza01, we sold more than 8 units today across our dealer network of more than 180 stores and with more than 20,000 Camper trailers in the market since our inception in 2005, that must mean we have 20,000 happy customers in Australia enjoying their MDC's. So it is hardly an indication of MDC's quality.
The Stepthrough Camper trailer holds it own and stands up quite well when being compared to cheap Australian made camper trailers in the sub 15k Market. If you want an expensive fully Australian Made camper trailer we have the Aussie Nomad available at $39,990 with all the bells and whistles including TV, Inbuilt Toilet, Marine BBQ, 170 Litres Water, Australian Dynaproof Canvas, Lasercut Press Folded, welded and powdercoated all here in Brisbane.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
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Hi Turbo Ninja,
There are 8 reviews on this link posted by Muzza01, we sold more than 8 units today across our dealer network of more than 180 stores and with more than 20,000 Camper trailers in the market since our inception in 2005, that must mean we have 20,000 happy customers in Australia enjoying their MDC's. So it is hardly an indication of MDC's quality.
The Stepthrough Camper trailer holds it own and stands up quite well when being compared to cheap Australian made camper trailers in the sub 15k Market. If you want an expensive fully Australian Made camper trailer we have the Aussie Nomad available at $39,990 with all the bells and whistles including TV, Inbuilt Toilet, Marine BBQ, 170 Litres Water, Australian Dynaproof Canvas, Lasercut Press Folded, welded and powdercoated all here in Brisbane.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
MDC Insider,
Do you even realise that Muzza01 has a fully imported Chinese camper himself? He is not trying to bag out your brand, he's just trying to do the right thing by making sure people do their homework. Even if you did actually sell 20000 units in 5 years, you need to realise that its all about quality not quantity. You must have a very long handled shovel mate, cause you're digging your hole deeper and deeper with your comments on here.
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MDC Insider,
Do you even realise that Muzza01 has a fully imported Chinese camper himself? He is not trying to bag out your brand, he's just trying to do the right thing by making sure people do their homework. Even if you did actually sell 20000 units in 5 years, you need to realise that its all about quality not quantity. You must have a very long handled shovel mate, cause you're digging your hole deeper and deeper with your comments on here.
Thanks Grafy :cheers:
I didn't post the link to "Product Review" to cause any problems here. I always use product review and other forums and reviews prior to purchase. For example, I am buying a Bluetooth speaker this avo prior to going camping this weekend. (I like to have a disco when I camp ;D ) my decision on what and where to buy is based on reviews I have found on the net.
Kirk out!
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that must mean we have 20,000 happy customers in Australia enjoying their MDC's. So it is hardly an indication of MDC's quality.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
Quote of the week!
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Hi Turbo Ninja,
There are 8 reviews on this link posted by Muzza01, we sold more than 8 units today across our dealer network of more than 180 stores and with more than 20,000 Camper trailers in the market since our inception in 2005, that must mean we have 20,000 happy customers in Australia enjoying their MDC's. So it is hardly an indication of MDC's quality.
The Stepthrough Camper trailer holds it own and stands up quite well when being compared to cheap Australian made camper trailers in the sub 15k Market. If you want an expensive fully Australian Made camper trailer we have the Aussie Nomad available at $39,990 with all the bells and whistles including TV, Inbuilt Toilet, Marine BBQ, 170 Litres Water, Australian Dynaproof Canvas, Lasercut Press Folded, welded and powdercoated all here in Brisbane.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
still no posting a name.. good show.!
Promoting your product needs to stay in the showroom.
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Reviews are a great place to start, but nothing beats physically inspecting the camper trailers. Compare them all, aussie, imports and a combination of both. Welds/steel/hinges/seals etc are a perfect indication of their quality
Aaron
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What is funny (but not funny haha if you know what I mean) is that it's nearly impossible to start a thread to seriously discuss imported camper trailers on myswag without it turning into the same old crap.
Some, maybe most, but not all, imported campers have proven to have issues to varying degrees.
Some, possibly only some, maybe most, Aussie made campers have proven to have issues to varying degrees.
MDC insider is allowed to defend his product, and is perhaps slightly defensive, but I can't blame them given the constant bagging their product gets. Warning people off buying an entire type of product or from a single manufacturer doesn't help people who come here seeking genuine feedback and support.
I am typing this on my Chinese made iPad!
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But there is genuine feedback in here, and from all the reviews I have read on the product, the one common complaint, actually is not their product itself. Every product has issues it's how they are handled, but to quote that because you have sold 20000 units it means you have 20000 happy campers out there, I found funny, that's all.
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Hi Turbo Ninja,
There are 8 reviews on this link posted by Muzza01, we sold more than 8 units today across our dealer network of more than 180 stores and with more than 20,000 Camper trailers in the market since our inception in 2005, that must mean we have 20,000 happy customers in Australia enjoying their MDC's. So it is hardly an indication of MDC's quality.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
MDC Insider, again I must correct you. You are assuming that 20,000 people bought your product and were happy enough to keep it. There is a fairly good chance I think, that some of those 20,000 sales have been sold on by people who were NOT happy with the product. So the question is, and rightly so, how many of the 20,000 were happy enough to keep the product. :angel: Turbo Ninja, go and see for yourself what the camper is like and take someone with you who you trust and has some knowledge about build quality. Then, compare the camper you are interested in with some competitors, and then make up your own mind. Unfortunately opinions can be biased, both ways. That is human nature. Personally I would not purchase any of the current imports, BUT that is not to say that they will not improve to the point where my views change. Quality changes to suit the market place I believe. But that is another long topic. :laugh:
:cheers:
James
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We own an import camper and are mostly happy with it, nothing that would make me regret the decision to buy it.
My advice would be dont be blinded by inclusions, first and foremost have a look at the quality of the build. Having independent suspension might be nice, but the shine wears off if it fails under normal use circumstances, in short inclusions aren't much a consolation prize if the rest of the camper is rusting or falling apart around you.
Alot of the import campers are of a much better quality these days but it can still be a case of buyer beware, so make sure you do your due diligence and have a thorough look at the unit, read reviews of the product and company and where possible talk to people who have the same camper and/or have had dealings with the company.
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Hi all
It seems this thread I started here has become a bit of an "import v aussie" argument. That was not my intention. originally I was interested in the quality of the MDC, I have more information on that now. My wife and I have done plenty of research since I started this thread and our eyes are opening. There is just so much to take into consideration. Obviously there a MANY MANY MANY campers both import and local (it is a head spin!) Both have some good points and some bad. ie price, quality , after sales, spare parts etc
At this stage we have narrowed our search to aussie made camper trailers.
thanks for the discussion - it is all very informative. there are some clever people on myswag and they have some honest opinions, and these opinions, personal reviews and observations have helped our research (keeping in mind there are also business identities lurking too! lol :laugh: )
regards - turbo ninja
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Good luck with your search.
Swannie
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While I don't post on here much, I do have some experience with MDC. There were a few teething problems with the stitching on the canvas, a gas leak and a latch that stopped latching which were all attended to when MDC were made aware. Actually as I have worked for a caravan company years ago I did the canvas work myself with tools supplied by MDC. Not that they refused to repair it, I just trust my skills.
I looked at many Aussie made products. You know aussie steel and aussie canvas etc. At least one large company that tells you it is aussie steel is not quite right. They buy from an aussie company which is true. However some (a Large amount at times) of the steel is imported and retagged here in Australia. This due to production restrictions in Australian mills. I cannot tell you who, where or when as I like my job and want to keep it for a while.
At no time is the steel sub standard, it does meet all standards in Aus and NZ, as does much of the steel used in imported trailers.
I don't get into the Aussie versus import argument. Look at what you get. Is it value for money? Are you happy with the layout, accessories etc.?
I am happy with my MDC so far, It has seen a fair bit of corrugations and dirt, it has not fallen apart. Even still running the factory Taiwanese tyres without issue. September will be a test with a 6,000klm trip planned. I don't expect any problems.
Chris
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MDC Insider,
Do you even realise that Muzza01 has a fully imported Chinese camper himself? He is not trying to bag out your brand, he's just trying to do the right thing by making sure people do their homework. Even if you did actually sell 20000 units in 5 years, you need to realise that its all about quality not quantity. You must have a very long handled shovel mate, cause you're digging your hole deeper and deeper with your comments on here.
Hi Grafy82, no need to attack me on this forum mate. I know all about Muzz01's camper trailer, I sent him one of our 12V Electrical Panels from our Voyager Rearfold. http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=30421.msg614966#msg614966 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=30421.msg614966#msg614966) IMO Our Quality is just fine, best quality for price you can buy in the Australian market, hence the 20,000 + MDC's running around the country.
The proof is in the pudding so to say.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
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MDC Insider, again I must correct you. You are assuming that 20,000 people bought your product and were happy enough to keep it. There is a fairly good chance I think, that some of those 20,000 sales have been sold on by people who were NOT happy with the product. So the question is, and rightly so, how many of the 20,000 were happy enough to keep the product. :angel: Turbo Ninja, go and see for yourself what the camper is like and take someone with you who you trust and has some knowledge about build quality. Then, compare the camper you are interested in with some competitors, and then make up your own mind. Unfortunately opinions can be biased, both ways. That is human nature. Personally I would not purchase any of the current imports, BUT that is not to say that they will not improve to the point where my views change. Quality changes to suit the market place I believe. But that is another long topic. :laugh:
:cheers:
James
G'day James,
More than 20,000 people have bought the product, and those who have onsold their MDC's have sold them to people who were :angel: happy :angel: to buy them, otherwise they wouldn't have forked out their hard earned.
We are more than happy to show anyone through our products, even MySwaggers with campers.
We've got nothing to hide, show us where we don't stack up, and we'll change the points across our whole range immediately :)
We have the personnel, drive, passion and leadership to win the market.
One day we will have the best camper trailer in Australia.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
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Fair enough MDC. Your crossover at-10 looks very tempting!
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G'day James,
More than 20,000 people have bought the product, and those who have onsold their MDC's have sold them to people who were :angel: happy :angel: to buy them, otherwise they wouldn't have forked out their hard earned.
We are more than happy to show anyone through our products, even MySwaggers with campers.
We've got nothing to hide, show us where we don't stack up, and we'll change the points across our whole range immediately :)
We have the personnel, drive, passion and leadership to win the market.
One day we will have the best camper trailer in Australia.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
MDC Insider,
I think I might be long gone dead by then. :D You should start up a MDC breakfast cereal to go with the campers. The slogan could be "Start your day with a bowl full of ego. It keeps you regular" Only joking !! :angel:
:cheers:
James
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G'day James,
More than 20,000 people have bought the product, and those who have onsold their MDC's have sold them to people who were :angel: happy :angel: to buy them, otherwise they wouldn't have forked out their hard earned.
We are more than happy to show anyone through our products, even MySwaggers with campers.
We've got nothing to hide, show us where we don't stack up, and we'll change the points across our whole range immediately :)
We have the personnel, drive, passion and leadership to win the market.
One day we will have the best camper trailer in Australia.
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider
Well, top marks for ambition mate.
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MDC Insider,
I think I might be long gone dead by then. :D You should start up a MDC breakfast cereal to go with the campers. The slogan could be "Start your day with a bowl full of ego. It keeps you regular" Only joking !! :angel:
:cheers:
James
Good to see some light hearted banter on here for once :cheers:
Happy Camping ;)
MDC Insider