MDC FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together a list of commonly asked questions asked about out MDC camper trailers and caravans below.
If you cant find what you looking for here please feel free to contact our Team either via our online chat, or click here to contact us directly.

General

Why buy an MDC?

There are many reasons why thousands of ordinary Australians have chosen to purchase a camper trailer from us. Click here to see just a few of them.

Where can I see the range of models?

We have 9 showrooms with most models available for viewing. Click here to find your closest showroom. You will also find us at many exhibitions around the country as well. Click here to see upcoming events and locations.

Where is my closest MDC showroom?

Click here to find your closest showroom.

What is our delivery time?

Delivery times are different from model to model. We aim for 2 weeks on most models.

How do I get my Camper/Caravan?

We can organise pickup from one of our showrooms or freight anywhere in the Australia Click here to see your nearest showroom.

Does the price include registration/on roads?

Costs vary across from state to state. Please ring 1300 494494 and speak to your local Showroom for a quote.

Can I get finance to purchase an MDC?

We can assist you in obtaining easy and competitive financing on all our camper trailer packages, or if you wish to obtain your own financing, then we’ll work with your lender to make it as easy as possible for you. Click here to find more information on how MDC Finance works.

How can I contact MDC?

Call us any time on our national service line 1300 4X4 4X4 (1300 494 494) and follow the prompts.

I’m not sure how part of my MDC works. Do you have any instructions?

For comprehensive instruction on how to uses each part of your MDC camper or caravan, we provide manuals on every current model. Click here to download your models manual.

We also have a dedicated in-house produced video series called MDC Masterclass, covering everything from set up and pack down instructions to hitching, from changing your wheel bearings to tuning your TV antenna. Click here for our full series.

Warranty

What sort of warranty do I get with an MDC?

We offer the Manufacturer’s Warranty set out in the link below to the original purchaser for all our models. This warranty is given in addition to any other warranties you may have or receive.

See our Warranty Terms and Conditions for more information. Click here to view our warranty terms.

What does the 12 month Manufacturers’ Warranty cover?

Any defects in the manufacturing or materials of the structure of the Camper or Caravan.

Is anything not covered?

This warranty does not cover fair wear and tear of the Camper or Caravan and its components, or replacement of any consumable items such as brake linings, magnets, tyres, wheel alignment, bearings and bearing seals. The warranty does not cover any damage or loss of function incurred to any part of the Camper or Caravan because of events which occur after you take possession of the Camper or Caravan. This warranty is not a replacement for insurance.

Any pre-installed appliances, such as refrigerators, Air Conditioners, battery chargers and stove-tops, may be subject to their own OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) warranty. If you are unsure, check your equipment manuals or contact us for further information.

I’m selling/buying an MDC as second hand, is the Warranty transferable?

This manufacturer’s warranty is only valid to the original purchaser and is not transferable. If you have any issue that you believe to be a defect in the manufacturing or materials of the Camper or Caravan, other warranties may still apply in some cases. Please contact us for further information.

How do I make a warranty claim?

Click here to complete our online claim form and one of our representatives will be contact with you, usually within 48 hours.

My Claim was denied! What do I do now?

If we deny your warranty claim, we will outline our reasons and will offer you alternative options. We may reject a claim because we have not received enough, or correct, information about your claim or situation. If you believe that the outcome of your claim was made in error, or if you wish to provide supplementary information after receiving an initial response, please contact us and explain the basis on which you believe there was a mistake, or the additional information which you believe we should consider. Providing us with additional information may not change the outcome of the claim.

Service & Repairs

Do Camper Trailers and Caravans need regular servicing?

Like any road vehicle, campers and
caravans have a lot of moving parts. These parts can wear and even breakdown
after regular use. Key parts such as your running gear (suspension, wheels,
tyres, brakes) require regular upkeep and occasional replacement of consumable
parts (bearings, seals, brake magnets)

We also recommend other parts of your
MDC get regular maintenance checks to ensure proper and safe function of these
parts. Such as external seals for hatches, doors and windows. Plumbing and gas
fixtures and electrical connections and safety components.

All new MDC vehicles are supplied with a maintenance schedule found in your owner’s manual.

It’s also important to keep your
servicing up to date to protect your warranties.

I live in a rural/remote location, how do I get repairs and servicing done?

Although we have MDC showrooms capable of general repairs and servicing, we can’t be in every suburb and town, so you are welcome to nominate your own service providers, even for warranty work!

We do also keep a directory of recommended service providers that we know and trust, so if you are looking for a provider contact us for assistance.

Does MDC do insurance repairs?

Yes, we will always accept for assessment an MDC camper or Caravan that need repairs, please have your insurance company contact us on 1300 4X4 4X4, option 4

Spare Parts

How do I find and order spare parts for my MDC?

We strive to have the most complete parts catalogue
as possible to ensure you can always replace any part of your MDC that may need
it, or if you just after having some extras on hand for a big trip.

We have an online store you can view and order parts online and hassle free. Click here to visit the store.

Or if you would rather talk to someone about your parts needs you can contact us with an enquiry form (you can even upload picture of what you want). Click here to submit a Spare Parts enquiry.

Tent and Canvas

People always talk about Seasoning and Weathering their tent canvas. What does that mean?

After purchasing a new canvas product,
be it a camper tent, awning or annex, it’s recommended to follow a process
called “seasoning” or “weathering” before it’s taken out into the world for its
first trip. During manufacture, the canvas is punctured 1000’s of times along
the seams where various pieces are sewn together. This stitching leaves tiny
pin holes which are prone to leaking the first few of times they are wet.
Seasoning a new canvas eliminates this leaking by causing the canvas to expand
and contract, in turn sealing up the holes. Seasoning is a very simple process
done over a couple of days that, when done correctly, will prevent a damp and
disappointing camping experience.

The procedure is as follows:

Set up the
tent in its entirety on a level surface. Use every peg loop, guy rope and all
the poles that its supplied with to ensure the tent is set up as perfectly and
symmetrical as possible (if you have your tent set up unevenly, or slouching in
one area, as the canvas expands and contracts it can cause it to permanently
favour that position.)
Grab a small hairspray bottle, fill it with water
and on the inside of the canvas, spray water along all accessible seams for
their entire length.
Once the inside is done, exit out, zip up all zips,
doors and close all the windows.
Get a hose and set the nozzle to ‘shower’ (do not
use a pressure hose or jet spray, this can damage the waterproofing treatment
on the canvas) and begin generously showering down the entire length of the
canvas being sure to give each seam a thorough dousing. You will notice at
first the canvas will bead the water, but as time goes on it will start to soak
in, especially in the seam areas. Continue this for 3-5 minutes or until the
canvas is saturated.
Leave the tent as is to completely air dry.
Repeat this process another two times over a couple
of days for best results, you should notice less and less leaking each time.
After
wetting for the final time, inspect the inside of the canvas to see if it's
watertight. If there is still water coming through, using a wax stick or
candle, rub the area applying a thin coating of wax over the seam on the
outside of that specific area.

HELP! My tent is covered in mould!

There are 3 easy steps you can do at
home to fight off and remove mould.

1. Dry your tent in direct sunlight, this will kill mould spores

2. Use a firm bristle brush to remove as much of the mould as possible

3. Use white vinegar and water with a damp cloth to remove mould stains. Ratio should be: 1-part vinegar to 5-10 parts water.

How do I stop mould from happening at all?

Mould growth can be easily avoided, simply remember the ABCD of mould prevention:

Air Dry – always air dry your tent in direct sunlight, never apply excessive heat to dry your tent.

Be Vigilant
– always be on the look out for mould spores, even one spore can trigger an
infestation.

Cleanliness
– keep your tent clean and dry. Dirt and mud can provide moisture for mould to
grow

Dehumidify
- always use dehumidifiers or moisture absorber packs when storing your camper

Running Gear

What stud pattern do my wheels use?

All MDC models use a 6 stud Toyota Land cruiser pattern (6x 139.7mm). Refer to your owners’ manual or draw-bar plate for torque settings

What wheel bearings and seals do I need to use?

10 Inch Hub Tapered Axle (pre 2018)
Inner Bearing	Outer Bearing	Seal
L68149 Cone: L68110	L44649 Cone: L44610	473317 or W16823231

10 Inch Hub Parallel Axle (2018 onward)
Inner Bearing	Outer Bearing	Seal
L68149 Cone: L68110	L68149 Cone: L68110	45 x 62 x 10

12 Inch Hub Tapered Axle (pre 2018)
Inner Bearing	Outer Bearing	Seal
25580 Cone: 25520	15123 Cone: 15245	W21233750

12 Inch Hub Parallel Axle (2018 onward)
Inner Bearing	Outer Bearing	Seal
25590 Cone: 25520	25590 Cone: 25520	55 x 85 x 12

Electrical

What type of battery does my MDC use?

All MDC campers and caravans (and most RV's in general) utilise AGM or ‘Absorbent Glass Mat’ batteries. Also commonly known as ‘Deep Cycle’ or ‘Marine’ Batteries, AGM batteries are sealed batteries with a very low internal resistance, this means that they have a relatively long service life, offer quick recharge times and can ‘deep cycle’ allowing a depth of discharge as far as 80%.

I have no power in my MDC. What do I do?

Most of the equipment in your MDC (lights, USB ports, TV’s
and Hot Water Systems) operate off 12V power supplied by your on-board batteries.
Just like your home these power systems have a main isolator switch and
auxiliary switches, so your batteries don’t constantly run flat trying to power
everything that is plugged in. If you are not getting any power, try checking
the following before calling for assistance:

Is power turned on? – check the main isolator
switch and the lower auxiliary switches to ensure that the circuit for the
thing your trying to use is open, you will find these on the main electrical
panel (refer to your owners’ manual for panel location)
Are your batteries charged? – Flat batteries can
be common, particularly if you have stored your MDC without putting it on
charge. Even when nothing is turned on or plugged in, AGM batteries will slowly
discharge due to ‘residual current’ that sits in the electrical wiring. Even a
disconnected batteries terminal will eventually ionise the surrounding air and
lose their charge.
Has a circuit breaker tripped? – All electrical
circuits are protected by circuit breakers if power surges or shorts out, refer
to your owners’ manual for information and location of breakers on your MDC
Is everything connected properly? – sometime a
loss of power can be simply from a loose terminal or broken wire, after an
off-road adventure, things can jiggle loose from time to time. Visually inspect
all terminals and connections to see if this is the problem.

My batteries aren’t working. Do they need to be replaced?

Unless your batteries are over 3-5 years old, it is likely
they are simply discharged and can be charged up. All MDC campers and caravans
came fitted with 240V battery chargers (for charging with direct mains power
from your home) and Anderson plugs (for charging from your tow vehicle). Select
models will also have DC-DC chargers for use with on-board solar panels and
charging via 12-pin towing plugs. It is always recommended to use the provided
charger and when possible use 240V charger to keep the batteries topped up.

Refer to your equipment manuals for how to operate the charger and troubleshoot any issues. If you are still having trouble, contact us for further information.

Why won’t my camper charge through the Anderson plug?

All MDC campers and caravans are fitted
with 50A Anderson plugs to let your tow vehicle alternator charge the MDC battery,
if you’re not getting charge through these means check the following before
calling for assistance:

Loose
connection? – Anderson plugs can only be connected one way but can require some
force to be fully connected (especially when weathered over time). Be sure that
the plug ‘clicks’ into the locked position whenever you are connecting up.
Has a circuit breaker tripped? – All electrical
circuits are protected by circuit breakers if power surges or shorts out, refer
to your owners’ manual for information and location of breakers on your MDC
Does your
tow vehicle have a ‘Smart’ alternator? – Modern vehicles are fitted with
‘smart’ alternators that have electronic controllers that detect the charge of
the vehicle battery and will automatically reduce the amount of power they
produce (they can even turn off completely) and you may need to ‘tell’ your
alternator that you have an auxiliary battery that you want to to charge. If your
MDC has a DC to DC charger fitted the blue trigger wire needs to be connected
via the trailer plug to the tow vehicle and supplied power engine is running.
If the trailer isn't fitted with a DC to DC charger, one may have to be
installed. If you not sure if you have a smart alternator, please contact your
tow vehicle dealer or an auto electrician