MDC FORBES 15+ 2021 User manual

Copyright © Market Direct Group Pty Ltd 2021 All Rights Reserved
Phone: [phone]
OWNER’S MANUAL
EDITION: 2021 - Version 1
FORBES 15+
OFFROAD CARAVAN
www.marketdirect.com.au
* January 2021 AU Model shown.

Contentswww.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494
Contents
My Forbes 15+ Hybrid Caravan ........................................ 1
Section 1. Introduction...........................................................2
Welcome to MDC.....................................................................2
Terminology & Abbreviations..............................................2
Specications.............................................................................4
MDC Contact Details .............................................................5
Safety Information ...................................................................6
WARNING ..................................................................................6
Modications to The Product..............................................6
Gas Systems................................................................................6
Chassis ..........................................................................................6
Jacking Your Caravan..............................................................7
Electrical Safety ........................................................................8
Vehicle Electrical Requirements.........................................8
Brake Controller .......................................................................8
Correct Vehicle Wiring for MDC Caravans ...................8
Trailer Lights ..............................................................................9
Charging Caravan ....................................................................9
Gas & Appliance Safety....................................................... 10
Gas Certication.................................................................... 10
General Safety........................................................................ 10
Gas Appliance Safety ........................................................... 10
Removing the Hot Water System Flue Cover ............ 11
Removing Door Vent Cover ............................................. 11
Ventilation and Flues............................................................12
Isolating Appliances.............................................................. 12
Safety Chains and Shackles ............................................... 13
Using the Caravan ................................................................. 14
Weights and Payload Capacities ..................................... 14
How to Load Your Caravan ............................................... 14
Load Distribution Guide ..................................................... 14
Ball Weight............................................................................... 15
Effects of Weight Distribution ........................................15
Tyre Pressures ....................................................................... 15
Pre-Trip Inspection ............................................................... 16
Tyres .......................................................................................... 16
Wheel Nuts ............................................................................. 16
Hitch and Chains ................................................................... 16
Fire Extinguisher ................................................................... 16
Brakes & Breakaway System ............................................ 16
Lights ......................................................................................... 16
Finding a Suitable Spot ....................................................... 17
Using Wheel Chocks and Ramps .................................... 17
Operating the Jockey Wheel ........................................... 17
Stabiliser Legs ........................................................................ 17
Electric Awning ...................................................................... 17
Kitchen ...................................................................................... 19
Electrical ..................................................................................20
Electric Control Panel .........................................................20
Connecting to Mains Power.............................................. 20
Charging from Mains Power ............................................. 20
Charging from Solar Power ...............................................20
Diesel Heater .......................................................................... 21
Heater Control ....................................................................... 21
Important tips about operation:...................................... 21
Operating instructions........................................................ 21
Switching on............................................................................. 21
Heating process...................................................................... 21
Temperature control ...........................................................22
Control in the heating mode ............................................. 22
Ventilating mode ...................................................................22
Switching off ........................................................................... 22
Diesel Heater - Pre January 2019 Model
up to Vin # LC003710 ......................................................... 23
Heater Control Switch......................................................... 23
Power on................................................................................... 23
Temperature Control ........................................................... 23
Ventilation mode.................................................................... 23
Shutdown.................................................................................. 23
Packing Up the Caravan ..................................................... 24
Pack Up Video Tutorial ....................................................... 24
Locks and Latches ................................................................ 24
Gas and Appliances .............................................................. 24
Towing the Caravan ............................................................. 25
Connecting the Hitch .......................................................... 25
Coupling ................................................................................... 27
Uncoupling .............................................................................. 29
Connecting the Breakaway ..............................................30
Connecting the Safety Chains .........................................30
Connecting the Electrics ....................................................30
Care and Maintenance of the Caravan ........................30
Protection of Finishes .........................................................30
Paint ...........................................................................................30
Acrylic Windows ...................................................................30
Blinds and Screens ...............................................................30
Internal Finishes ....................................................................30
Ensuite Finishes .....................................................................30
Mirrors ...................................................................................... 31
Galvanised Finishes ............................................................. 31
High Tensile Bolt and Fittings .......................................... 31
Stainless Steel ........................................................................ 31
Fabrics ....................................................................................... 31
Corrosion Protection .......................................................... 31
Roof Maintenance ................................................................ 31

Contentswww.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494
Solar Panels ............................................................................. 31
Winegard Sensar III Antenna ........................................... 31
Sealants ....................................................................................34
Canopy Lifting Mechanism ...............................................34
Roof Skirt Elastic Cord ........................................................34
Caravan Body Maintenance ............................................. 35
Locks and Latches ................................................................ 35
Rubber Seals ........................................................................... 35
Sealants .................................................................................... 35
Mechanical Maintenance .................................................. 35
Wheels and Tyres ................................................................. 35
Brakes ....................................................................................... 35
Bearings and Seals ................................................................ 35
Suspension .............................................................................. 35
Cable Handbrake ..................................................................36
Adjuster ....................................................................................36
Adjuster Automotive Type ................................................ 37
Hitch ..........................................................................................38
Ball Bearing Slides ................................................................38
Hub Assembly ........................................................................ 39
Trailing Arm Bushes .............................................................40
Spare Part Numbers ............................................................ 41
Moisture and Mould Protection ..................................... 41
Condensation ......................................................................... 41
Protecting from Mould ....................................................... 41
Plumbing and Toilet ............................................................. 42
Truma Hot Water Heater .................................................. 42
Grey Water Tank ................................................................... 42
Fresh Water Tanks ............................................................... 42
Toilet Care and Maintenance ........................................... 42
Chemicals ................................................................................. 42
Thetford Waste Holding Tank ......................................... 42
Cleaning Cassette Tank...................................................... 42
Flush Water Tank.................................................................. 42
Grey Water Tank................................................................... 42
Protecting Your Investment .............................................43
Stone Stomper .......................................................................43
Rock Tamer .............................................................................43
Anti-Theft Devices ...............................................................43
Trouble Shooting ...................................................................44
240 Volt Trouble Shooting ................................................44
12 Volt Trouble Shooting ...................................................44
Hot Water System ................................................................ 45
Water Pump ............................................................................ 45
Diesel Heater ......................................................................... 45
Trouble Shooting ...................................................................48
Driving Off Road ................................................................... 50
Recommended Recovery Products ............................... 51
Recovery points .................................................................... 51
Hardware ................................................................................. 51
Wheels and Tyres ................................................................. 53
Highway .................................................................................... 53
Off Road ................................................................................... 53
Suspension .............................................................................. 53
Shock Absorbers & Bushes ............................................... 53
Travel Record .........................................................................54
Service Record ....................................................................... 56
Warranty Statement ........................................................... 78
Supplier Details ..................................................................... 82
Guide to Video Library ....................................................... 83
Handover Video .................................................................... 83
Annex Setup Tutorial ........................................................... 83
Setup Tutorial ......................................................................... 83
External Ensuite Setup ....................................................... 83
Pack Down Tutorial...............................................................83

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494
Copyright © Market Direct Group Pty Ltd 2021 All Rights Reserved
All les and information contained in this Owner’s Manual are copyright by Market Direct Group Pty Ltd, and may not be
duplicated, copied, modied, or adapted, in any way without our written permission. Our Owner’s Manual may contain our
service marks or trademarks as well as those of our afliates or other companies, in the form of words, graphics, and logos.
Your use of our Owner’s Manual does not constitute any right or license for you to use our service marks or trademarks,
without the prior written permission of Market Direct Group Pty Ltd.
Our Content, as found within our Owner’s Manual, is protected under Australian and foreign copyrights. The copying,
redistribution, use or publication by you of any such Content, is strictly prohibited. Your use of our Owner’s Manual does not
grant you any ownership rights to our Content.
DISCLAIMER: This manual is provided in good faith and Market Direct Group Pty Ltd.
may amend or update this owner manual from time to time.
Use of Product
The intent and purpose of this manual is to assist owners in the correct use and operation of the product and outline the
servicing schedule to be followed, ensuring the correct maintenance of the product.
Servicing
Servicing information contained in this owner manual is provided for those who have appropriate technical skills and relevant
to the subject matter the publication deals with in regard to maintenance and repairs. The servicing content of this manual
assumes a satisfactory technical knowledge and mechanical skills and experience. It is not suitable for people who are not
trained or qualied in the subject matter it deals with. If you do not have the appropriate skills and experience, or if you do not
have access to appropriate tools and equipment, you may injure yourself or others around you and/or you may cause damage
to the Caravan you are working on, including making it unsafe. Users of this owner manual must:
• Read all content thoroughly. It is especially important to have a good understanding of all the contents shown in the
INTRODUCTION and SAFETY Sections of this publication.
• Use only the correct tools and equipment for all repairs and servicing.
• If part replacement is necessary, replace the part with the same part number or equivalent part.
DO NOT replace it with a part of inferior quality.
• Observe all ‘Cautions’ and ‘Notices’ to reduce the risk of personal injury during service or repair, or improper service or
repair that may damage the Caravan or render it unsafe.
• Understand that the ‘Cautions’ and ‘Notices’ in this publication are not exhaustive because it is impossible to warn of
all possible hazardous consequences that might result from failure to follow the instructions in this publication.
You must carry out your own risk assessments as you work.
Market Direct Group Pty Ltd. does not accept any and all liability which may arise because a user of this publication fails
to follow directions in the publication or safe work methods associated with use and maintenance of the product.
Those without the required skills, knowledge, tools, and experience to work on and maintain this product should seek the
services of a suitably qualied person or business. This publication is based on the latest product information at the time of
release. However, specications and procedures are subject to change without notice.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 1
My Forbes 15 Plus Hybrid Caravan
DISCLAIMER: By receiving this handbook, you confirm there you have read and agree to all
the terms and conditions and understood the use and maintenance care of MDC®
NAME:
MODEL:
VIN:
BUILD DATE:
TARE:
ATM :
TYRE SIZE:
DEALER:
ADDRESS 1:
ADDRESS 2:

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 2
Coupling Mass
Weighbridge Reading = Tare Mass
Section 1. Introduction
WELCOME TO MDC
Off road caravanning is a rewarding way to travel and see our great country. Owning an MDC Caravan will afford
you the opportunity to travel to remote places and stay in comfort. It is the intention of MDC for you to have the best
possible owner experience and enjoy the great outdoors.
Terminology & Abbreviations
Coupling Mass
Weighbridge Reading must not exceed ATM Rating
Load
Load
Weighbridge Reading must not exceed GTM Rating
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) Rating: The total permissible mass of the Trailer. This includes the coupling mass and
whatever you add as payload (e.g. water, gas, luggage)
up to the specied rating. The ATM Rating
must not be exceeded.
GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) Rating: The total permissible mass that can be supported by the wheels/ tyres of the
Trailer. This includes whatever you add as payload (e.g. water, gas, equipment and luggage), but does not include the
mass supported by the tow vehicle.
The GTM Rating must not be exceeded.
Tare Weight: The total weight of the trailer (load on tyres plus coupling load) with all options and ttings as supplied
by the manufacturer, with empty water tanks, excluding uids not essential for operation on public roads, and
without luggage or personal effects.
Caravans for illustration purposes only.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 3
Terminology & Abbreviations
Ball Weight: The downward load exerted on the tow point of the vehicle by the trailer.
GCM: (Gross Combination Mass): This is the total allowable combined mass of tow vehicle and trailer as
determined by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
Camber: Camber angle is the measure in degrees of the difference between the wheel’s vertical alignment
perpendicular to the surface. If a wheel is perfectly perpendicular to the surface, its camber would be 0
degrees. Camber is described as negative when the top of the tyre begins to tilt inward towards the chassis rail.
Toe In/out: Negative toe, or toe out, is the front of the wheel pointing away from the centreline of the vehicle.
Positive toe, or toe in, is the front of the wheel pointing towards the centreline of the vehicle.
Toe can be measured in linear units, at the front or rear of the tyre, or as an angular deflection. In the case of
MDC products, the “toe in” is measured in millimetres at the front of the tyre from the chassis rail.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 4
Specifications
SIZE (CLOSED WITH AC) 2265mmW x 6500mmL x 2590mmH
SIZE (OPENED WITH AC) 5325mmW x 7030mmL x 3090mmH
STYLE 15’ hybrid offroad caravan
TOWBALL WEIGHT 180kg
TARE WEIGHT Approx. 2290kg
ATM 3000kg
BERTH 5
CHASSIS Hot Dipped Galvanised inside & out 150 x 50 x 3mm
DRAWBAR Hot Dipped Galvanised inside & out 150 x 50 x 4mm
BODY CONSTRUCTION Combination of 75 x 25 RHS and 50 x 25 RHS and 25 x 25 square aluminum alloy+-
composite panel
STRUCTURE Fully welded frame +chassis
FINISH Gal chassis + aluminum composite panel
STONE GUARD Integrated central aluminium toolbox + outer stone deectors
SUSPENSION Independent trailing arm suspension with 4 x Shock Absorbers & Coil springs
WHEELS & TYRES 265/75 R16 Goodride radial mud terrain
COUPLING DO35
BRAKES 12” electric with hand brake & break away system
GAS CYLINDERS 2 x 9kg gas cylinder holders
JERRYCAN HOLDER 2 x 20L Jerry can holders
AWNING 4m 12V electric awning
KITCHEN CONSTRUCT
(EXTERNAL) Stainless steel slide out 4 burner stove & sink. 12V electric water
WATER TANK 120L fresh water & 80L grey water
HOT WATER SYSTEM Truma ultra rapid water system
TOILET (ENSUITE) Thetford toilet
BATTERY 3 x 100ah deep cycle AGM battery
BATTERY CHARGER Projecta 35A 7 stage IC3500 battery charger with remote display booster charger
INVERTER Projecta 1000W IM1000 inverter
OUTLETS Multiple 240V double pole outlets throughout
JOCKEY WHEEL 10 inch folding
STABILISER LEGS 4 x heavy duty lockable and adjustable drop-down
LIGHT CONNECTION PLUG 7 Pin round or 7pin at connection available
MATTRESS 200mm custom Queen innerspring
SOUND Kenwood head unit with internal & external speakers
SOLAR 3 x 100W solar included
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
TV ANTENNA Winegard Sensar II - Optional Extra
*All weights do not include gas bottles, jerry cans, annex walls & roof.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 5
QUEENSLAND
Brisbane
3/711 Beaudesert Rd
Rocklea QLD 4107
Caboolture
4 Boeing Place
Caboolture QLD 4510
NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney
1/12 Avalli Road,
Prestons NSW 2170
Newcastle
Unit 1, 2364 Pacic Hwy
Heatherbrae NSW 2324
VICTORIA
Melbourne
126 Canterbury Rd
Kilsyth South VIC 3137
Campbelleld
1551 Sydney RD
Campbelleld VIC 3061
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Welshpool
18 Bellows Rd
Welshpool WA 6106
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Adelaide
1246 South Rd
Clovelly Park SA 5042
MDC Contact Details
NATIONAL TOLL FREE WARRANTY HOTLINE SPARE PARTS
1300 4X4 4X4
1300 494 494
1300 MDC CARE
1300 632 2273
1300 MDC PARTS
1300 632 72787

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 6
Safety Information
WARNING - Before using this product, you should read this manual, and those manuals
supplied by component manufacturers applicable to this product.
This manual is supplied as a reference to required maintenance of the product. Failure to use and maintain the
product in accordance with what is outlined in this manual may affect your warranty.
Incorrect and/or insufcient maintenance may cause product failure resulting in property loss, damage or
injury or death. Maintenance intervals are critical for normal use, extreme use may require shorter or additional
maintenance intervals. Manual content does not imply express or other any warranty, the owner should read the
limited warranty terms included in this booklet.
Before using this product, you should be certain your tow vehicle is suitably rated and equipped to tow the product
safely and legally. The trailer and vehicle pairing must we within the safe “Maximum Towing Capacity”,
“Ball Weight Capacity” and “Gross Combination Mass” as stated by the vehicle manufacturer.
This caravan is tted with electric brakes and a “Breakaway System”. Requirements for breakaway systems can
vary from state to state. It is mandatory to supply a maintenance charge to the breakaway battery source while
driving. You MUST ensure this capability is tted to your vehicle. The maintenance charge is supplied to the
caravan via the Anderson plug on the drawbar.
WARNING: BALL LOADING (DOWNWARD LOAD ON TOW HITCH) MUST NOT EXCEED 350KG OR THE
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOAD BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR TOW BAR RATING, WHICH EVER IS
THE LOWEST. Exceeding these limits may result in an accident causing serious injury or death and/or property
damage.
It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load and
prevent loading in a manner that can cause a Caravan to sway and/or roll excessively left and right. The industry
optimum ball weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total Caravan weight. MDC Caravans t into this
category and 10% should be used as the starting point.
Modications to The Product
Gas Systems
The installed gas system on this product is an approved and certied installation. Any changes, modications or
adjustment may render the system non-compliant and dangerous. Market Direct Group Pty Ltd does not condone,
recommend, or otherwise consent to any modications, adjustment, addition or tampering in any way with the
installed gas system on any and all products.
Chassis
All MDC chassis are fully engineered and veried using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. This ensures that the
chassis for each model passes the relevant regulations and design rules as originally provided to the customer. Any
modication to the chassis or drawbar whatsoever (no matter how minor) will inevitably change this – whether it
impacts the towing dynamics, expected loads and stress points, safety chain attachment points, overall
trailer length etc.
Market Direct Group Pty Ltd does not condone, recommend, or otherwise consent to any modications, adjustment,
addition or tampering in any way with the drawbar, safety chains or safety chain attachment points.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 7
Jacking Your Caravan
Your trailer is tted with purpose built jacking points located in the following positions.
Under the trailing arm Behind the wheels
Under the chassis

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 8
Electrical Safety
The 240v electrical system in your caravan has been certied by a trade qualied person. Under no circumstances
should an unqualied person interfere with, modify, or repair this system. An RCD safety device is tted to this
caravan for your safety.
• Always use a 15amp lead to connect to mains power
• Do not modify the earth pin to accommodate a lesser lead
• When connecting to 10amp mains, always use an approved adapter
• Never coil power leads when in use. Lay the lead out in lengths in a safe manner that prevents
creating a trip hazard.
Vehicle Electrical Requirements
Brake Controller
All MDC Caravans require an electric brake controller to be tted to the tow vehicle by law.
There is a wide range of controllers available that are suitable.
Correct Vehicle Wiring for MDC Caravan
To comply with national laws on breakaway systems, you must supply a maintenance charge to the battery/batteries
that power the system should it be activated. In all MDC products, the breakaway is powered by the house batteries
in the caravan. For this purpose and Anderson plug connection is tted to all MDC caravans on the drawbar. Your
vehicle will need to be tted with a power supply to a 50 amp Anderson plug near the towbar so the trailer can be
connected. The vehicle only needs to supply power while it is running so a voltage sensitive relay or switching device
may be used to protect the start battery when the car engine is stopped.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 9
Caravans - Trailer Lights
Plug Type – 12 Pin Flat (Not Negotiable)
Pin 1 Yellow Left Indicator
Pin 2 Black Reversing Signal
Pin 3 White Earth Return
Pin 4 Green Right Indicator
Pin 5 Blue Service Brakes
Pin 6 Red Brake Lights
Pin 7 Brown Taillights, clearance lights and side markers
Pin 8 N/A
Pin 9 N/A
Pin 10 N/A
Pin 11 N/A
Pin 12 Accessory power (Power when vehicle is running)
Charging Caravan
Plug Type – 50 amp Anderson Plug
Vehicle with or without smart alternator:
The Anderson plug can be connected to the start battery on the vehicle and should include the following to protect
the start battery.
1. 50 amp relay to stop power supply when vehicle is not running
2. 50 amp fuse or circuit breaker at the battery
Notes: The Projecta IDC25 DC to DC controller tted in your MDC trailer is programmed to favour the solar panel
input exclusively until it drops below a threshold voltage input. By providing accessory power to the number 12
pin, the trigger for the IDC25 will be set off to take power from both the Anderson plug and the solar panels. It
will also trigger the IDC25 to activate the vehicles ECU to make the alternator provide power to fully charge the
multiple batteries in your Caravan.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 10
Gas & Appliance Safety
Gas Certication
Your Caravan has been supplied gas tested and certied. Any additions or alterations to the gas system must be
performed by an authorised person and will require re-certication and testing. Also note any alterations may affect
your warranty on both the system and appliances.
General Safety
• Your Caravan may have a number of gas safety labels afxed throughout containing important information. All
instructions are to be followed and the labels shall not be removed for any reason.
• Make sure to close appliance valves before opening the cylinder valves.
• Where readily accessible, check connections at the appliances, regulator, hoses and cylinders periodically for
leaks with soapy water (or an equivalent) – this should be done every time a cylinder is changed
or at least annually.
CAUTION – the ammonia present in some soaps and detergents can react with brass ttings and cause such
ttings to crack after a short period of time. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using soap solutions
on brass ttings and all connections should be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible after the
application of
the soap solution.
• Never use a match or ame when checking leaks.
• Never use cooking appliances for comfort heating.
• In the event of a re, immediately close cylinder valve if safe to do so.
• Appliances must not be altered without the authorisation of the manufacturer.
• In the event of an accidental gas leak, close cylinder valve and ventilate the area using a safe method until the
air is clear.
• Flexible hoses are used between the LP Gas Cylinder and regulator as well as between your slide-out kitchen
cooker (if tted) and the gas bayonet. These exible hoses are easily accessible and shall be inspected regularly
by a competent person.
Gas Cylinder Safety
• LP Gas cylinders have a 10-year lifespan between inspection and re-certication. Always use gas cylinders
that are within their compliance date.
• For drawbar mounted cylinders (if applicable), orient the cylinder relief valves of both cylinders discharge
away from both the trailer and towing vehicle as shown.
• For gas cylinders stored in a dedicated LP Gas Locker ensure the locker is kept closed at all times unless
changing or operating the cylinders.
• Close cylinder valves when appliances are not in use or while refuelling is in progress.
• Ensure cylinder valves are closed to prevent the unintended release of gas from a cylinder.
Discharge
Discharge 45˚
45˚
Cylinder
relief valve

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 11
First, open the ue dust
cover shown.
Second, remove the Truma factory
cover by placing thumbs in the
middle of the cover and pulling the
top towards you with your ngers.
The ue should look like this when
ready to use
Gas Appliance Safety
• Gas appliances are certied and have a ame safeguard feature to stop gas ow in the event of the ame going
out. Never interfere with this function or replace appliances with a non-certied type.
• Slide-out kitchens with cookers should only be operated with an annex fully erected. Failing to do so may
affect the safety and operation of the gas appliance.
• Slide-out kitchens with cookers must only be used with a exible connecting hose that is disconnected from
the gas bayonet tting when in its stored position. Under no circumstances permanently
connect this appliance.
• Only approved and suitable gas appliances with ame safeguard systems shall be connected to the gas
bayonet (if tted).
Removing the Hot Water System Flue Cover
To use your inbuilt Truma hot water system, the external ue covers must be removed prior to starting the unit.
Removing Door Vent Cover
The door vent must be uncovered at any time the caravan is occupied.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 12
Caution
To use your inbuilt Truma hot water system, the external ue covers must be removed
prior to starting the unit.
Ventilation and Flues
• Check all permanent ventilators, ues (if applicable) and vents to ensure they are clear, open and unrestricted.
• Any supplied or 3rd party vent cover(s) (e.g. low level door vent) should only be used for covering the vents
during storage between use with all LP gas system valves closed. All vents (e.g. low level door vent) shall be
uncovered at all times the Caravan is in use.
Isolating Appliances
Internal gas appliances have an isolation valve tted in the gas line. During travel these should be turned to the off
position where practical and always turn the valve on the active gas bottle off when towing or refuelling.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 13
Safety Chains and Shackles
Rated shackles
Always use load rated shackles applicable to the weight of your trailer.
Attaching Chains
When attaching chains, you must always cross them and attach each chain to the diagonally opposite side of the
towbar. Ensure chains are not too long and where necessary attach to links further back from the end.
Periodically check the chains for visual wear or damage. If worn or damaged, arrange for these to be replaced with
approved, certied and suitably rated chains.
Connecting the Hitch
Towing with Trucks
If you intend to tow your caravan with a truck or heavy commercial vehicle you should t a hitch system to minimise
the lash effect of the commercial suspension and distance from the rear axle to the tow point. Truck suspension can
be harsh, particularly in off road conditions. The long distance between the axle centre and the point of attachment
can be quite long further exacerbating the effect putting stress on components. Using a shock absorbing hitch will
reduce the effect considerably.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 14
Using the Caravan
Weights and Payload Capacities
The information plate attached to the drawbar of your caravan displays the relevant weights and weight capacities of
the van.
How to Load Your Caravan
It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load and
prevent loading in a manner that can cause a Caravan to sway and/or roll excessively left and right. The industry
optimum ball weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total Caravan weight. MDC Caravans t into this
category and 10% should be used as the starting point.
WARNING: BALL LOADING (DOWNWARD LOAD ON TOW HITCH) MUST NOT EXCEED 350KG OR THE
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOAD BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR TOW BAR RATING, WHICH EVER IS
THE LOWEST. Exceeding these limits may result in an accident causing serious injury or death and/or property
damage.
• Always load evenly to both sides of the caravan
• Load heavy weight over or as close to over the axle as possible and as low as possible
• Overhead cupboards should only be used for lightweight items such as clothes, personal items, bedding etc.
• Heavy cooking equipment should be stored in lower cupboards.
• Tinned food, bottled goods for cooking etc should be stored in the pantry cupboard.
• Never load in a manner that causes the ball weight to exceed the limit of the tow vehicle.
• Ensure no items can move during travel. Secure all items to prevent damage to the caravan.
• Consider water tank levels and how they may affect the balance front and back and the percentage
of ball weight.
• Never store heavy items in overhead cupboards.
Load Distribution Guide
The diagram below illustrates best placements of items based on weight.

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 15
Ball Weight
When loading your caravan, the ideal ball weight once loaded is approximately 10% of the total weight of the
caravan. Use a ball weight scale to identify the ball weight and load the caravan in a manner that achieves the desired
10%. Ideally, once loaded the rst time, take the caravan to a weigh bridge, and measure the total weight loaded
including the weight on the jockey wheel. When the total weight is known, adjust the load locations to meet the
desired 10%.
Effects of Weight Distribution
The distribution of weight in a caravan can inuence the handling and performance of the van. Overloading the front
or rear may cause adverse handling and sway. Additionally, overloading the front or back can induce a pendulum
effect that can cause dangerous sway and cause an accident.
Tyre Pressures
Tyre pressures have a large effect on the handling of your caravan. Tyres that are under the recommended pressure
for the caravans’ actual weight can cause a dangerous sway. It is important to follow the correct pressure guide.
The guide below indicates pressure for the ATM which includes ball weight of 10%. Pressures are cold ination
applicable to the standard Goodride 265/75R16 tyres tted.
Actual Weight Pressure PSI
Single Axle
Pressure Kpa
Single Axle
2000kg 52psi 358Kpa
2100kg 54psi 372Kpa
2200kg 57psi 393Kpa
2300kg 59psi 406Kpa
2400kg 62psi 427Kpa
2500kg 64psi 441Kpa
2600kg 67psi 462Kpa
2700kg 70psi 482Kpa
2800kg 72psi 496Kpa
2900kg 75psi 517Kpa
3000kg

www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494 16
Pre-Trip Inspection
Tyres
• Before any trip check the following.
• Correct tyre pressures.
• Tyres are in good condition free from damage and uneven wear.
• Tread is of legal and acceptable depth.
Wheel Nuts
• Ensure wheel nuts are tensioned to the correct torque using a torque wrench.
• All wheel nuts are in place.
Hitch and Chains
• Ensure hitch and chains are free of damage.
• Hitch locking mechanism functions correctly.
• Hitch is properly lubricated.
• Hitch articulates correctly.
Fire Extinguisher
• Extinguisher is properly mounted and within date.
• Extinguisher charge gauge is in green.
Brakes & Breakaway System
• Brakes operate correctly when both operated by manual control and via pedal.
Lights
• Ensure all trailer lights are functioning.
Setting Up the Caravan
Setup Video Tutorial
Scan the code or go to
https://youtu.be/DZRCEYjVeoI