Black Series & MDC forward fold Camper trailer opinions

[topic97 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close topic97]

Ok, So ill start with a disclaimer : Yes I know Aussie built are better, canvas is better & resale is better.
Unfortunately the budget doesn't allow for a decent spec aussie built one, so I am looking at either of these.

I have read good and bad about both of them, so its really hard to wade through the truth from the bullshit.
One thing I have heard that they have both improved in quality over the past few years.

Both seem to be similar specced, I'm leaning more towards the black series, but then should I just steer clear from either of them altogether?
The only issue we have at the moment is that, it will be a good couple of years at least before we could realistically start looking at aussie ones for the extra $20k plus in difference, and we want to get the kids out in the bush pronto!

So what are peoples opinions that have actually used/owned either a Black Series or MDC forward fold?

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Second hand off road Cub or Campermatic? Lots available for $10-15k. Second hand is often great value- the depreciation is done and they are often hardly used. Either of these 2 will go anywhere in Aus on any track [I have 98 Campomatic-$8k - goes anywhere. Be aware that front folds can be a real PIA because you can't open the rear door of your car unless you unhook the camper. This is not an issue with rear folds. Kids can sleep on mats on the floor.

[topic97 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close topic97]

Hmm, I might have a look at them.
Im going to go to the 4wd show next month and suss them out a bit more.
I found last time I went I was actually surprised that some of the more well known quality brands had not as nice finish as the "cheap" brands.

Brother in law just bought a Kimberly....id love to have the money to do the same....

[photoprado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close photoprado]

If you're stuck for funds, I'd also suggest buy a good one second hand.

Have a trawl through the camper sales sites. You will find that most have had some nice mods to make them better and more livable, and their price tag is often very reasonable.

http://www.myswag.org/index.php (look for camper trailers under the 'The Trader' section)

http://campertrailers.org/camper_trader.htm

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/

[dazzman Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dazzman]

Ditto to second hand. Check out gumtree as i found mine on there 2 years ago. I got a Challenge (Aussie made in Adelaide). I paid $8k for mine only 8 months old with a few extras the original buyer had added. New price for the same would have set me back close to $16k. He needed a quick sale as he needed the room for his caravan which was arriving.

Ours has done the Strezlecki and Cameron Corner and several other outback adventures with no issues at all.

I would try and stay clear of imported brands as i have heard some horror stories of suspension breaking in the outback and canvas leaking etc. Just my thoughts for what it is worth.

As what Photoprado says secondhand is the way to go.....

cheers

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

A key thing to consider is whether you plan to do any serious dirt eg. Oodnadatta Track, Tanami etc.These sorts of tracks will sort out the rubbish. If you plan to stay on the tar then the imports may make more sense. It is the hidden things like the quality of welds, suspension parts etc.If you see lots of pop rivets on anything the alarm bells should be ringing...... corrugations will rattle them loose.

[9magenta Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 9magenta]

Mate go a Johnnos , our recent trip up north I saw two MDC campers with blown oil shockies, the suspesion is just not up to it

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Also take note of how long they take to set up. The bigger the tent section the more poles the more time...... ok if you are going to 1 place for a week or two but a real PIA if you have to do it each night.

[peter_mcc Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peter_mcc]

Also take note of how long they take to set up. The bigger the tent section the more poles the more time...... ok if you are going to 1 place for a week or two but a real PIA if you have to do it each night.

I think that's a hugely important thing to consider. We move every day or two - with a Tvan the tent setup is about 5 mins, perhaps 20 mins total (including setting up all the beds/clothes bags/etc - if I managed to leave the useless stuff behind one day it would be quicker). Some friends of ours with a "tent on trailer" type one were quite happy that after weeks of travelling they had their setup down to 90mins... quite a difference.

[SOL Find all posts View Profile Close SOL]

Mate do not narrow the field down. It took me 12 months to get a list. Then had a long weekend in Brisbane to look at all the brands. We had a $20000.00 limit ended up with Modcon Quattro. Best thing is go and look and play with them.

SOL.

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

Mate of mine has an Black series side fold. It's ok but has one hundred and seventy gamillion poles for the annexe. Build quality is ok but he is a caravan park person. so drives there, stays put and leaves after a week or two. Does him perfectly for what he needs.

I had a look over the Balck Series and the build quality is much better than back in the day, but still a few things that caught my eye (no grommets on the trailer wiring at the front as it passed through the body.

MDC have also lifted their game.

You are not that far from Albury Wondga, I'd head over to Regional campers, or give NIck a call, and check out the modcon FF1. http://www.regionalcampers.com.au/ff1

(no affiliation, but have heard good things about their support and service via Myswag)

[adrian5800 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close adrian5800]

Saw a one day old black series dominator on the back of a tilt tray returning to Sydney yesterday. Lost a wheel and studs half way to Grafton. It doesn't inspire confidence in the product if they can't even tighten wheel nuts at the factory or check them on a pdi.

Food for thought

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

Black series are rebranded GIC. You won't find too many negative reviews online or people willing to comment...

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=31568.0

[adrian5800 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close adrian5800]

Kinda sums it really hey?

[Fearless Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fearless]

Thats because if you read the history you find that any complaint, warrantry issues on line, general bagging etc are handled by their lawyers.

I own a GIC front fold, had problems. They were solved however no more claims in respect to any faults. Would I buy another one. Not on you life.

Have a good shop around.

Cheers

Frank