What happens when the grandson of the man who built the original Land Rover starts making the hitches that go on the front of your caravan? You get Cruisemaster — and one of the most quietly impressive engineering stories in Australian off-road history.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Andrew Goddard, Managing Director of Cruisemaster and AutoPacific Group, alongside MDC Managing Director Vaughan Hindley and General Manager of Commercial & Product James Field. Together, they trace the Goddard family's engineering DNA from post-war England all the way to Brisbane — and into the front of more than 40,000 MDC caravans currently out on Australian roads.

Andrew pulls back the curtain on how the DO35 came to be, why the patented Checklock cap exists (spoiler: a caravan came off the back of a car at 100kph on a test Run), and what it actually takes to build a product tough enough for the tracks Australians are increasingly headed down. Vaughan shares why MDC made the call to switch to the DO45 for the new Gold Class AC22C — and why, across 40,000-plus units, they've never once had a DO35 failure in the field.

In this episode, we cover: the Goddard family engineering legacy and the original Series 1 Land Rover connection, the evolution of the DO35 from fabricated prototype to V3 Plus, the move to the DO45 for MDC's Gold Class range, why real-world testing beats the lab every single time, the RAT Run origin story and what's been learned in the field, and how Cruisemaster has kept its identity after joining AutoPacific Group.

Explore the full MDC range at https://www.marketdirect.com.au — and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Escape with Confidence

Escape with Confidence

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 and doing it with an MDC caravan built for exactly these kinds of adventures.

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — search Off Grid Down Under by MDC
📱 Follow MDC:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_caravans_and_campers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MDC_AU
📻 Full podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjsVAcWloYAYA64q9ewHGiJ5uhgEGBJYZ

Escape with Confidence

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 heartfelt conversations yet.

Browse the full MDC range at https://www.marketdirect.com.au — and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Off Grid Down Under.
Escape with Confidence — MDC Campers & Caravans

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — search Off Grid Down Under by MDC
📱 Follow MDC:
Facebook: / marketdirectcampers
Instagram: / mdc_caravans_and_campers
YouTube: / @mdc_au
📻 Full podcast playlist: • Off Grid Down Under Podcast

Escape with Confidence

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 Vaughan Hindley to break down exactly what 48V means for Australian caravanners — and why it changes everything from how you cook to how long you can stay away from a powered site.

Explore the full XT MK4 range: https://www.marketdirect.com.au/camper-trailers-and-caravans/mk4-offroad-caravans/
Browse the full MDC range at https://www.marketdirect.com.au — and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Off Grid Down Under.
Escape with Confidence — MDC Campers & Caravans

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — search Off Grid Down Under by MDC
📱 Follow MDC:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_caravans_and_campers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MDC_AU
📻 Full podcast playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjsVAcWloYAYA64q9ewHGiJ5uhgEGBJYZ

Escape with Confidence

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 industry associations for over 20 years, and he brings an insider perspective that you rarely hear — from how industry bodies actually advocate for manufacturers and dealers, to what compliance really looks like behind the scenes at caravan shows.

They dig into the post-COVID normalisation, cost-of-living pressures, why younger buyers are entering the market in bigger numbers, and what Jason sees as the genuine growth opportunities ahead. Plus, a look at Caravanning QLD's free VanSafe program — and why every caravan owner should know about it.

Explore the full MDC range at https://www.marketdirect.com.au — and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Escape with Confidence — marketdirect.com.au

Escape with Confidence

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 Australia.

We talk about:
• Why tracks are being closed
• The impact on the 4WD community and regional tourism
• Tony’s NSW Parliament submission
• The petition calling for greater transparency in National Parks management
• Whether governments are listening to the off-road community
• How responsible recreation can help protect access

This is a passionate and important conversation about the future of public land access in Australia.

🎙 Guest: Tony Crooke – GME / Outer Side Podcast

If you care about the future of 4WDing, camping and touring in Australia, this is an episode you need to hear.

#4wdaustralia #nationalparks #offroad #4x4 #trackclosures #campingaustralia #touringaustralia #offgriddownunder

Escape with Confidence

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 why integrated electrical systems matter, what 300Ah as standard really means for on-road caravanning, and the one thing every new caravan owner should do before they ever leave the driveway.

If you own an MDC or you're thinking about one, this is essential listening.

Explore the full MDC range at https://www.marketdirect.com.au — and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Escape with Confidence

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 buying a caravan—or already own one—this conversation could save you from making costly mistakes.

We also explore the future of the industry, the post-COVID boom, and why Stuart believes the caravan sector remains “remarkably resilient.”

MDC is proudly RVMAP accredited, and in this episode, we break down why that matters when comparing brands.

In this episode, we cover:

– What the CIAA actually does

– The truth about RVMAP and why it matters

– Risks of buying a non-accredited caravan

– Salesperson accreditation and raising industry standards

– Common mistakes caravan buyers make

– Where the Australian caravan industry is heading

If you’re serious about caravanning, this is a must-watch.

🔗 Consumer & Industry Websites

Let’s Go Caravan & Camping (consumer site)

https://www.letsgocaravanandcamping.com.au

– Tips, safety info, travel inspiration, competitions, and general consumer resources

Caravan Industry Statistics (data & research library)

https://www.caravanstats.com.au

– Industry data, research, and reports (some content subscription-based)

Escape with Confidence