Off Grid Down Under by MDC

From remote tracks to breathtaking campsites, they share the real stories, hard lessons, and honest tips that only come from life fully on the road. Whether you're planning your first big trip or already out there chasing the horizon, this one's for you.  In this episode, we sit down with Daniel, Steve & Rolly who share their experiences of living off grid for long periods of time an...

For Mandy and Rolly, the open road wasn't just a holiday, it was a turning point. In this episode of Off Grid Down Under, the couple behind Memories Not Money share the story behind their lap of Australia, how time outdoors helped Rolly through a difficult mental health journey, and what they've learned about family, simplicity, and just getting out there.  One of our most honest and hea...

The wait is over. MDC has just launched the all-new XT MK4 range — eight models, 14 to 19 feet, and every single one built around a fully integrated Projecta 48V electrical system. This isn't just a power upgrade. It's a fundamentally different way to travel off-grid. Sam is joined by Shane Easton from Projecta, MDC General Manager James Field, and MDC Founder & Managing Director Vau...

Australia is approaching one million registered recreational vehicles on the road — so where is the industry actually headed?  In this episode, Sam sits down with Jason Plant, CEO of Caravanning Queensland (CTIAQ), alongside MDC Director Vaughan Hindley and National Sales Manager Wayne Chevis, to get a frank look at the state of caravanning in Australia right now. Jason's been in and around i...

Track closures, locked gates and restricted access to public land have become one of the biggest talking points in the Australian 4WD community. In this episode of the Off Grid Down Under podcast, we sit down with Tony Crooke from GME and the Outer Side podcast to discuss why more off-road tracks are being shut down across Australia — and what it means for the future of touring and recreation in A...

Fifteen years is a long time in any industry — so what does it take to keep a partnership that strong?  In this episode of the Off Grid Down Under Podcast, we sit down with Shane Easton from Projecta to unpack the relationship that powers every MDC caravan.  From the early days of basic battery chargers to the brand new Intelli-GRID Gen3 system rolling out in the Forté SR Series 2, we break down w...

In this episode of the Off Grid Down Under Podcast, we sit down with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), to unpack the standards shaping the Australian caravan industry. We dive deep into RVMAP (Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program), salesperson accreditation, and what these actually mean for everyday buyers. If you’re thinking about buyi...

What really drives someone to buy a caravan? In this episode, we sit down with Candace from MDC’s in-house finance team—someone who’s helped countless Aussies turn their dream of caravan ownership into reality. But this isn’t about numbers or approvals. It’s about people. We dive into the stories behind the decisions—families chasing more time together, individuals stepping into van life, and ever...

In 2024, MDC entered the on-road touring market with the Forte SR range. Now, with the launch of the all-new Forte SR Series 2, we’re not just updating a lineup—we’re raising the standard for what customers should expect from an on-road caravan. In this episode of the Off Grid Down Under podcast, we’re joined by: • James Field – General Manager (Commercial & Product), MDC • Wayne Chevis – Assi...

At MDC Campers & Caravans, we’ve spent over 20 years building off-road caravans for Australian conditions — but there’s one question we hear all the time: Why do we manufacture overseas? In this episode of Off Grid Down Under, Sam sits down with Wayne, Steve, and James Field (General Manager – Commercial & Product) to break down exactly how MDC caravans are designed, built, and quality che...

If you tow a caravan or trailer, understanding sway could save your life. In this video, we break down exactly what trailer sway is, why it happens, and how the Tuson Sway Controller helps keep your rig stable and safe on the road. We’ll cover how the system works, when sway is most likely to occur, and most importantly — what you should do if it happens. We also talk through whether a sway contro...

Getting into the 4WD and off-grid lifestyle can feel intimidating — especially if you’ve never been shown the basics. In this episode of Off-Grid Down Under, we’re joined by Cassie from Girls Day Out 4x4 Edition, who runs dedicated training days helping women learn how to 4WD with confidence. Alongside Banksy from Beach2Bush Adventures and Anya from MDC, we explore what it really takes to step int...

UHF radios are one of the most important pieces of communication gear for travelling off-grid in Australia.   In this episode of the Off Grid Down Under podcast, we sit down with Tony Crooke from GME and the Outer Side podcast to talk about how UHF radios help keep travellers safe, connected and informed while exploring remote parts of the country.   We cover: • Why UHF radios are still essential...

After an epic (and at times chaotic) trip to Moreton Island, we’re sitting down to unpack it all. Cass & Ant from InTwoTheView join Wayne and Sam to talk through the full adventure — towing the brand new Forbes 11, tackling Middle Road, getting bogged, exploring Champagne Pools and Cape Moreton, and finishing it all off at Castaways. What worked? What didn’t? And what’s it actually like stayin...

Struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift for the outdoor adventurer in your life? 🎄🔥 In this episode of Off Grid Down Under , we break down our best Christmas gift ideas for those who live the off-grid, outdoor, and adventure lifestyle. Whether they’re into camping, caravanning, 4WDing, or remote living, we’ve got gift ideas that actually get used. We cover: BBQ smokers and outdoor cooking...

Meet Nicole, the newest member of the MDC sales team — and a traveller who spent over a year exploring Australia, towing, camping, working remotely, and living full-time on the road with her husband, Gus.  Her hands-on experience gives her a unique understanding of what travellers truly need in a camper. In this podcast, we dive into how Nicole and Gus’ real-life adventures help Nicole guide custo...

In this episode of Off Grid Down Under , Sam sits down with Vaughan, Banksy, and Anya to break down everything you need to know about 4x4 recovery gear and techniques. From building your own recovery kit to understanding the difference between snatching and winching, the panel shares real experiences from the tracks, including lessons learned in Cape York. We explore essential gear, when to take s...

After completing one of the biggest adventures of our lives, we sat down with Shane and Cyntia from ROA Off-Road to unpack everything that happened on our massive Cape York journey. In this special podcast episode, we dive deep into the full experience — from conquering the Old Telegraph Track to cooking up a feast at The Tip , and everything in between. We talk about the challenges, the highlight...

Discover how community, confidence, and smart planning come together in the world of 4WD adventure. In this episode, we sit down with Robbie, President of the Brisbane 4WD Club, to explore what really happens behind the scenes of club life — from building lifelong friendships to developing the skills that make off-road travel safer and more enjoyable. Robbie shares her insights on remote touring,...

When you’re miles from anywhere, and something breaks, there’s only one thing that’ll get you back on the road — a bit of that good old Bush Mechanic mentality . In this episode of Off Grid Down Under , we’re joined by Mark Banks from Bush2Beach Adventures to talk about what it really takes to travel remote. From stories of things going wrong in the middle of nowhere to ingenious fixes that kept t...

Join us at the MDC Queensland Muster for a fun chat with Krisi and John Murphy — the duo behind Murphs in a Pod ! They share their adventures travelling Australia in their MDC Forte SR19 , what life on the road is really like, and their experiences meeting other MDC owners at events like the Mundi Mundi Bash . We also talk about Krisi’s empowering new book “Tow Like a Girl” , travelling with their...

In this episode, we chat with Kristy Bishop , a solo female traveller exploring Australia in her MDC XL15E MKII caravan , affectionately named “Hugo.” From the dusty tracks of Cape York to the vibrant energy of the Big Red Bash , Mundi Mundi Bash , and now the MDC QLD Muster , Kristy shares what it’s really like to travel solo across this incredible country. We dive into: 🚐 What inspired her to h...

Join us for an in-depth chat with Mark Banks from Beach2Bush Adventures , an off-road expert and suspension specialist. We break down the different types of suspension — coils, leaf springs, airbags, and more — and discuss which setups work best for your tow vehicle and caravan.  Whether you’re touring the outback or hitting the highway, learn what really matters in off-road suspension and if you...

In this episode of Off Grid Down Under , Sam and Vaughan from MDC Campers & Caravans sit down with Shane and Cyntia Stauffer from ROA Off-Road to share the stories, highlights, and hiccups from their recent adventure to K’gari (Fraser Island). From the breathtaking lakes and towering sand dunes to those heart-pounding moments when the tracks got soft and someone ended up bogged, it’s an honest...

Join hosts Sam and Wayne in this special episode of Off Grid Down Under as they sit down with two of the youngest off-road adventurers you’ll ever meet — Charlie and Oliver, both just 9 years old! With parents who work at MDC, these kids have grown up on the road, traveling all across Australia and even overseas, experiencing the caravan and camping lifestyle firsthand. From cooking damper over th...