Thinking of buying an Offroad TBox V3, has anyone had any experience with them,
Cheers Tonks
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Thinking of buying an Offroad TBox V3, has anyone had any experience with them,
Cheers Tonks
Hey mate I have the Step Through V3. If I was given a second chance to buy this or any MDC product again? Hell no!
This is the first time I have openly spoken about this camper I only purchased late last year. I'm quite embarrassed to tell you the truth but people need to know. i looked at so many campers before I went out and bought this one and I though I was on a good one. But you know what start the alarm bells ringing? Was too late by then anyhow as we had paid for it, the guy at MDC told me Roothy has got his tockley dangling in the chaff bag too now with MDC. I should have cancelled my cheque there and then and walked out.
I'll give you a list of issues I have found...
- Tested the kitchen sink pump out two days before we went camping, water pissed out through the barb fitting on the tap. Went to tighten it up and the barb fitting snapped off. The hose used was too big for the barb and would tighten up. fixed it myself...
- small side skirts I supposed you'd call them with led side lights on them were all loose, seems that they can't even use a rivet gun properly. Even though it seems half the trailer is held together from them. Fixed it myself...
- Having a gas bottle holder in one of the side cupboards, when you already have two others!!! Not an error but a useless waster of space...
- The gas bottle holders only sort of held in by two 6mm bolts and the bolts weren't even long enough to catch on the nyloc section on the nut!!!! WTF!!! Removed gas bottle holder...
- All the fittings to the water tank under the trailer are made from plastic!!!! Again. WTF! One hit from even a small stone and they will snap of and there goes your water.
- The holes cut in the paneling for the water hoses to go through don't even have a rubber grommet around them to stop the sharp metal edge of the holes cutting through the hose. Again. WTF!!!
- The holes cut in the paneling for the electrical cables to go through don't even have a rubber grommet around them to stop the sharp metal edge of the holes cutting through the cables. Again. WTF!!!
- Found numerous loose bolts on the trailer.
- No pegs were supplied to hold the annex down. Only found this out once we got to camp. AT 8PM!!! I wasn't happy that evening...
- Trailer wiring. Seriously MDC! Atleast use seven core wire to make it look half proffessional. Not 5 core plus a row of twin core next to it. I want to hook up some led reverse lights to the rear of the trailer. Think this should be an easy thing to do? Yes? Easy, find the black wire at the plug and then find it down the back at the lights. Well, the black wire is cut off at the plug and not even attached to the plug. Even if they don't use it, its there FFS! attach it! Then I head to the rear of the trailer, find the other end of the five core, and the black has magically turned to blue at this end!!! What happen MDC? You run out of cable half way through the job and used what ever you had?
- There is some cover they have made up that go over the back of the lights to protect the wiring. There is two, twin core wires poking out of this cover going to the pump and a socket. BOTH are almost cut right through as the LAZY F%$Ks must have found it too hard to file out a small section of this cover so the wires don't get squashed.
- The amount of advertising splashed all over the eff'ing thing is ridiculous. Remove all of it bar the largest piece on the rear of the cover. Thinking of changing the sign to POS campers!!!
- The hold down latches on the lid for the trailer are not attached correctly so over adjusting of the latches is required to get it to pull down tight enough on the lid.
- The battery box was going to be put in one of the side cupboards, on the side you have the annex on. I asked them to move it to the other side as the cupboard on the annex side will be handy to store items you need to grab whilst in the annex. The box was moved into the tool box on the front...:clapping:
If they actually assemble the trailers they import properly they might even be a half decent camper. Me? I'm stuck with mine now, so I am just making it better myself from here on, changing things as I see them fark up in front of me. I've only had it for less than two months, while it has done what we want it to do I am not real ecstatic about the workmanship. I'm sure I will find more issues as I go along, I'm just hoping that they will stop, eventually. I suppose its like when I first started to do stuff to my Patrol. I was cursing the old owners for all the crap they had done. As I am sure most of us have done. I still do actually...
I know the should haves and could haves, its all too late now, but we need a trailer large enough to store the 75L Combi Engel in the trailer. This trailer was the only one that could, in any brand, in our price range.
So thats ll the cons I have found so far. For the pro's...
- Good size, I wanted a big trailer.
- Fits our fridge in it.
- Oodles of storage space.
I forgot to add another issue...
- Finally went camping in it and the pump only lasted for around 20 minutes before it just stopped and made all sorts of noises. Once we got home I pulled the pump apart and found it full of black plastic shavings. I soon realised it was from the black plastic tank.Finally went camping in it and the pump only lasted for around 20 minutes before it just stopped and made all sorts of noises. Once we got home I pulled the pump apart and found it full of black plastic shavings. I soon realised it was from the black plastic tank, when the threaded holes get cut. The idiots didn't even bother to clean out the tank before plumbing it up.:animierte-smilies-f
Not good but at least you have the tools and the know how to notice/fix these issues.
imagine some of the less fortunate driving around Australia to find out they are with no water and no gas and wiring that's a time bomb waiting to catch fire!.
How are the welds over all ? and have you checked out the brakes? Did it come with brake pads? Lol
I have checked the welds, they actually look pretty good. Its all the bolt on bits that I'm not happy how they have done it. Not very well is how. As for the brakes, I am taking them off during the week to have a look at them as I am a bit sus that they are working. But my knowledge of elec brakes iv very limited.Quote:
Originally Posted by megatexture
Do you have a manual lock up on your controller ? Just adjust your controller to max and hit the manual knob/ lever and they should lock up and skid,when stationary if you hit your brakes and you can't hear a buzzing sound close to the brakes (two ppl job) there's a good chance they aren't working
I'll get that a shot tomorrow. My controller has all the bells and whistles on it. I have set it too high TBH. I think I need to have a play around with it as last trip my car brakes were smelling a bit funky after coming off a long hill on the brakes. I touched the brakes on the trailer and they were just warm...
I have to adjust my brakes between on and off road or it will lock up on dirt and sand roads or be too soft on road and not contribute to the braking enough. Easy to change and I've marked the spots I like to make it easier.
Mdc are on truelocal web site so you could give them a nice review if you like .. But they can report the review to get it reviewed and removed . Just cut and paste lol
http://www.truelocal.com.au/business...s/acacia-ridge
Also check your leaf springs regularly as they straighten out flat:(
If you have shocks, chuck them and put new ones in. Those are there for looks only
I copied and pasted my review, with a little editing. Just waiting on the moderators to o.k my review. Don't like my chances.Quote:
Originally Posted by megatexture
Sounds a bit like the GIC saga, promoted by Roothy and of similar quality to your experience with MDC.
The actual structural side of things to me look good. Its the way they went in adding all the "bolt on bits" to the trailer. We won't be doing any "off road" adventures in it. Too farkin heavy for that. Plus we have kids and the amount of crap they bring, plus the wife, amounts to as much as the trailer in weight...Quote:
Originally Posted by TimE
When the kids don't want to go camping anymore or have moved out etc etc then I will get a real off road camper just for the two of us.
Yep have to agree, picked ours up just before Christmas after sitting in the waiting room (display model) for 2.5 hrs after we were told we could pick it up. Multiple issues straight away (ie. wrong poles, insufficient poles, broken drain on kitchen sink, missing drain hose, steps don't seal, pin hole in fridge compartment about 2mm diameter and the tent wasn't secured on trailer properly) just to name a few. While there have been a lot of hassles and the trailer still isn't fixed we took it on a 4 night camp trip and it is very comfortable and easy to use and tow. All in all shocking and I mean absolutely shocking quality standards apron collection they are all pretty easy fixes BUT after paying over 20k for a camper trailer I shouldn't be putting in a warranty claim less then a month after taking receipt.
Thanks for sharing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Warwick89
That's a pretty long list of faults.
By the time they fix it all it will be well and truly second hand.
Push for a replacement unit maybe.
But we all know that'll never happen.
I'd rather push for a refund. But I have already fixed half the issues and will be modifying the others. After that and after if add a few things I will end up a much better camper.Quote:
Originally Posted by MEGOMONSTER
Its still a trailer and a tent for what $20K get serious
Better off getting a Jayco dove and fitting 16" wheels to it
Then you have medium off road ability, cause its got be beat why you want to take a trailer 4x4ing
Plus a kitchen and plenty of beds etc for little ones
Quote:
Originally Posted by threedogs
It's interesting. I own a Tambo Camper and it's a good unit. Spent about $16k on it at the time and got it how I wanted it. I have added a heap of stuff to it too.
In hindsight a Jayco Outback would have been a much smarter buy. A little more out of pocket but you should not tow a camper across the likes of the Simpson and CSR anyway!
Go the Jayco Off-road for my money next time.
@ MR I would not want to burden other 4x4ers for my short comings on my camper if it failed where ever.
I would never tow to the Cape, CSR or the simmo. too much pressure on other users when it fails
Still RLMFAO $20k for a 6x4 trailer and a tent, there are good ones out there but for what they ask no way
Jayco Dove for me when the time comes
jayco built down to a priceQuote:
Originally Posted by MudRunnerTD
Hindsight is a wonderful thing isn't it? Not point listening to the should haves, I will just make mine better, which im already doing. I will bother about a better camper just fir me and the missus when the kids get sick of it.
yes i agree, i am a big bloke and lifted the seat cushions of the Jayco before i went eh camper trailer and thought id break them quickly. Look nice though and the convenience of the Jayco is very nice.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevin07
Your right Mudski, as long as the purchase price was in line with the product them make the changes. if you paid big bux then the quality should be there, its reasonable.
They may be in contact with you to verify your claims as they have to be carefully what they allow but fingers xQuote:
Originally Posted by mudski
We have had two reviews on us removed as one was a competitor who gave us and another a bad review , the other was some moron commenting to get in a competition
Well bugger me they posted my rant on True Local...
It's been put up and they will get a notification that a review has been posted and when they look at it and possibly report it it will be removed pending investigation and that's when they may contact you.. But that's only if they report it.Quote:
Originally Posted by mudski
I have been surprised by some of the comments in this thread about camper trailers. I have one, and love it. My wife loves it. They are not the convenience of a caravan but a lot easier to store when not in use. I would without hesitation take mine to the top end or across AU. I believe in the old adage, you get what you pay for, you pay what you can afford. I believe they all come with there problems, you either fix it yourself or put up with it.
Same here I've taken ours over some rough terrain in the past and wouldn't think twice about it ( not a mdc ).
it was a basic camper when we got it, and we have modified it to suit our needs
Yeah don't get me wrong my Tambo is built for the roughest terrain. That was the point. I have taken it across some very tough country and it past with flying colours. I would have no hesitation taking it to the tip.
Not long after buying the camper some really crappy club politics kinda wrecked that whole experience for me and I have not used it much since damn it. I had intended to get a mountain of use.
In saying that I have also set myself up for remote touring running light and would now choose to travel light into the hardest stuff with the OZ tent and avoid the duress on the equipment both vehicle and trailer. Hence doing the Simpson with the OzTent and the flinders with the trailer.
Have they banned use of them on club trips?Quote:
Originally Posted by MudRunnerTD
No they turned out to be pretty Average people! Sometimes true colours come shining through mate and they let you down.Quote:
Originally Posted by megatexture
People can be very disappointing sometimes. Shame.
Attachment 39753Attachment 39752I think the clubs ban them for insurance reasons and holding up other members if something goes wrong.
I've built my camper using the best quality gear available as in Orac off road greasable shackle leaf springs
I might fit shockers yet not sure. I also use an O'Brien off road coupling which I find easy to set up.
Cant see the chassis breaking as its 40x40x3 fully welded with a triple 100x50 draw bar 1800 long.
Tows great very stable, easy to set up etc. but I wouldn't take it across the Simmo just for somewhere to sleep for 3 days.
Nor would I take it to the Tip. Infact I'm just about to sell it as its overkill for be being solo all the time
I've got a hawk outback and it's a great camper, but I don't use it on outback trips as a camper would cramp my style.
Thus we have decided to sell it as all our trips are in a tent, much easier!
I agree with you on everything you said mate except for the fact I paid 25k and the doors don't even seal lol. But I have no issues taking camper trailers anywhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve4wdin
It shouldn't come with any problems if buying brand new. Especially the problem I have had, i would expect that if buying second hand though. So, I am fixing them myself as I won't put up with it. Nor will I even bother taking the trailer back to MDC as we all know whats the outcome of that would be. So I just accepted the fact that it was built in a real hurry, and I will fix the issues myself properly and I will make the trailer even better than what it was when it rolled of the showroom floor. As for taking it up to the tip. I have no doubt that after a few tweaks it would do it. Would I though? Erm, mine being one of the largest and heaviest models, I would have to carefully think about it. I would definately take it up the Strezlecki or Birdsville though. Nothing but flat dirt and the odd corrugation on those tracks. Well was like that when I was on them last.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve4wdin
I don't mean to argue Mudski, how ever, I give a prime example. Nissan Patrol.ZD30. Look a there inherit problems. Engine detonating, wheel nuts coming loose, for say a price of $54k. My point is if you buy some thing, yes it "should be" right when it leaves the factory but some times there are issues. By the sounds of it you are a perfectionist, that's good.
Now I will duck for cover.
Wheel nuts are any car, I know 2 landcruiser a navara and a hilux that have lost studs/ wheels
Getting off topic but my point was why tow a trailer across the Simmo or CSR.
There must be heaps of wrecked trailers on the side of the road,
Why burden fellow traveller in your convoy let alone the extra fuel you will use
Birdsville is a HWY even though its a track, book in advance and hire a cabin they are awesome
I 100% agree with you John, if I was travelling by myself, I reckon the ideal set up would be awning with a side or two, and a swag. Small amount of real estate and quick to set up at end of a day travelling. I generally travel with my wife and daughter, hence the camper trailer.Quote:
Originally Posted by threedogs
Lol I just got a call frpm MDC. They somehow have lost their paperwork or invoices and asked me if I can email them a copy of mine as they dont have a record of the deposit I gave them. Great work...:thumbup:
Did you expect anything more mate??Quote:
Originally Posted by mudski
Piss poor..
If you can get your hands on the latest 4x4 austrailia mag there is an interesting article on flat packed campers.
The Australian camper trailer makers in the $15k und under bracket can't and wont put a trailer on the market
to compete with the cheapies, who bolts on a drw bar WTF I'll try and put a link, you might change your mind , you might
As the article states just because you own a welder doesn't mean you are one .
Anyway its the feb 2014 edition and well worth reading , it has 4x4 of the year on the cover