The truth is - I am an owner of an XT12 . I regret this decision hugely . I’ve had the worst experience including complete lack of support and currently dealing with design flaws that are not being addressed. I’ve had a terrible experience with the Australian team as well. I would never buy from this company.
I think MDC makes a good product. The big issue is they tend to be very heavy compared to some of the offerings from US based manufacturers. My only other issue is in the USA they are over priced compared to Australia. A camper that sells for the equivalent of under 21K USD in Australia but is over 40K in the USA. Importation from Australia isn't enough to justify the price difference.
@@EthosAtheos There are lots of things to consider on pricing. First the numbers you gave are not accurate. There are tons of changes done in coming to the USA like reverse engineering the whole line. Also, they run a completely different model in the US and it cost more than AUS (direct to consumer vs Dealerships) of course the cost to ship and do all the USA compliance etc. You can’t really compare AUS and the US on pricing. They are completely different markets and if you compare the to other US manufacturers (teardrops, Embers, Imperial outdoors, Pause) These are not only inline but actually much better priced for similar or better quality. Last thing, have you put your hands on them in person? The weight is for a reason. Not sure which other trailers you comparing that are lighter? The trailers that are similar quality are the same weight that we have looked at. 😀
@@CrPio167 The import costs are only shipping. I looked up the import duties on RV's between the USA and Australia, there isn't one. (fixed spelling...)
@@BoostDeuce I don't know where they import them from into the USA. My understanding is that the Australian market ones are partly made in China, then finished in Australia. At least that is what MDC claims in their sponsored videos to the Australian market. Now I don't know just how much is finished in Australia, it could be just a final inspection and putting the tires on for all I know. If they really are importing the USA market ones directly from Chin. That makes the prices even worse.
Hey y'all, been researching these for a while and hired what the Aussies call a Hybrid MDC Van on a recent trip to Aussie. It was good by comparison to what's available here in the US. Over there they are considered cheap Chinese vans, built in China and finished in Australia. They are not built in Australia. The Aussie van market is hyper competitive, with many manufacturers and they are always innovating, with some amazing genuine Australian manufacturers but the really good stuff is very expensive, and you can pay double what MDC charge for their Chinese built vans.
@@somejodude No, the US and AUS units are different and will always have different features and specs. There will be updates but they are not going to ever be the exact same models moving forward. They will have similar but different specs and model names. 😊
MKIII is primarily a different electrical package based on 230VAC. Base trailer is same and the US electrical system is better than what the MKII in AUS had.
Thanks for the rant! Love all of the content about MDC, they really seem like a solid company and after this it pretty much confirms it. They definitely have their stuff together, what a cool company of course not as cool as ROA ;)
Thanks Shane… enjoy your reviews, glad you discovered our great vans in Aus, introducing and adapting them to suit the US market. Vehicle size is a limiting factor, generally 3000T (6500lb) tow capacity. Yes we do have the big US trucks available, but they are more expensive and difficult to drive and park around our big cities. I have a small hybrid 4500lb, and tow with my Nissan Navara (Frontier), it suits our needs for now. Will consider upgrading once we fully retire soon and do our lap around Australia. I’m liking the XT19, but will need a bigger tow vehicle. You need to come down under to learn more about our camping culture first hand.
You can custom fab one of these for a third the cost, maybe less.
The truth is - I am an owner of an XT12 . I regret this decision hugely . I’ve had the worst experience including complete lack of support and currently dealing with design flaws that are not being addressed. I’ve had a terrible experience with the Australian team as well. I would never buy from this company.
With hybrids SUVs and trucks getting more popular, a much lighter towable is needed. This is a beast.
I think MDC makes a good product. The big issue is they tend to be very heavy compared to some of the offerings from US based manufacturers. My only other issue is in the USA they are over priced compared to Australia. A camper that sells for the equivalent of under 21K USD in Australia but is over 40K in the USA. Importation from Australia isn't enough to justify the price difference.
@@EthosAtheos There are lots of things to consider on pricing. First the numbers you gave are not accurate. There are tons of changes done in coming to the USA like reverse engineering the whole line. Also, they run a completely different model in the US and it cost more than AUS (direct to consumer vs Dealerships) of course the cost to ship and do all the USA compliance etc. You can’t really compare AUS and the US on pricing. They are completely different markets and if you compare the to other US manufacturers (teardrops, Embers, Imperial outdoors, Pause) These are not only inline but actually much better priced for similar or better quality. Last thing, have you put your hands on them in person? The weight is for a reason. Not sure which other trailers you comparing that are lighter? The trailers that are similar quality are the same weight that we have looked at. 😀
ROA salesman have to make their salaries and put bread on the table. That plus import cost is the reason for the price inflation.
@@CrPio167 The import costs are only shipping. I looked up the import duties on RV's between the USA and Australia, there isn't one.
(fixed spelling...)
....they are made in China though, just down the road from black series. It's not an australian import
@@BoostDeuce I don't know where they import them from into the USA. My understanding is that the Australian market ones are partly made in China, then finished in Australia. At least that is what MDC claims in their sponsored videos to the Australian market. Now I don't know just how much is finished in Australia, it could be just a final inspection and putting the tires on for all I know.
If they really are importing the USA market ones directly from Chin. That makes the prices even worse.
Hey y'all, been researching these for a while and hired what the Aussies call a Hybrid MDC Van on a recent trip to Aussie. It was good by comparison to what's available here in the US. Over there they are considered cheap Chinese vans, built in China and finished in Australia. They are not built in Australia. The Aussie van market is hyper competitive, with many manufacturers and they are always innovating, with some amazing genuine Australian manufacturers but the really good stuff is very expensive, and you can pay double what MDC charge for their Chinese built vans.
Shane, when will you be getting the Mkiii xt16ht
Great video Shane. Our most successful sales team is our owners, such a big proportion of our business starts as a customer referral.
Are you going to bring into the US the MK III line from MDC?
@@somejodude No, the US and AUS units are different and will always have different features and specs. There will be updates but they are not going to ever be the exact same models moving forward. They will have similar but different specs and model names. 😊
MKIII is primarily a different electrical package based on 230VAC. Base trailer is same and the US electrical system is better than what the MKII in AUS had.
Will the MDC XT19 be coming to the U.S?
@@RaaJra1992 It has not been officially announced. 😊
@@ROAOffRoad thanks! That answer is enough to make me wait rather than buying a 16 Island. Great videos and information!!
I can’t wait for the MDC 19 to make it to the states. Love hearing feedback from actual owners.
Really wanna see that 19 here in the US!
Thanks for the rant! Love all of the content about MDC, they really seem like a solid company and after this it pretty much confirms it. They definitely have their stuff together, what a cool company of course not as cool as ROA ;)
I see someone’s comment got deleted…. 🤔🤔🤔
@@jerryclleung
Perhaps? If people say foul things or swear, we report them on our social and they get deleted. Good eye though. 👍😊
@@ROAOffRoad Shane, I gotta say, I’ve watched that video with you Vaughn at least 4 times already, because of the XT12☺️
Uhmm... A "top contributor" asking about how good is the company?
Thanks Shane… enjoy your reviews, glad you discovered our great vans in Aus, introducing and adapting them to suit the US market. Vehicle size is a limiting factor, generally 3000T (6500lb) tow capacity. Yes we do have the big US trucks available, but they are more expensive and difficult to drive and park around our big cities. I have a small hybrid 4500lb, and tow with my Nissan Navara (Frontier), it suits our needs for now. Will consider upgrading once we fully retire soon and do our lap around Australia. I’m liking the XT19, but will need a bigger tow vehicle.
You need to come down under to learn more about our camping culture first hand.
@@georgecurrenti Thanks and we do love the MDCs. We are hoping to get the team out there next year for the big red bash! 😀
@@ROAOffRoadwill the 19 be coming to the U.S?
@@RaaJra1992 Fee free to reach out to us directly for more details. 801-860-0035
ROA OFF-ROAD, I enjoy your content a lot, wanna be friends?