MDC XT17-HRT 2018 Assembly instructions

XT17-HRT
User Manual and Guide
2017-2018 Model Shown
©Copyright Market Direct Campers & Caravans 2018
Read owner’s manual before using the equipment. Third party component manuals should be read in conjunction
with this manual. Maintenance guidelines must be met or exceeded, failing to meet these guidelines may result in
serious injury or death and property damage.

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 3
Store Locations ................................................................ 4
Contact Details................................................................. 4
ABOUT YOUR HYBRID OFFROAD CARAVAN ......... 5
Specifications ................................................................... 5
Bearings and Seals ........................................................... 6
Fridge Fitting Chart .......................................................... 6
Hitch................................................................................. 7
How to Hitch your coupling......................................... 7
Coupling....................................................................... 9
Uncoupling................................................................. 11
Setting up your Caravan ............................................ 12
Loading Your Caravan .................................................... 12
Choosing a Spot to Set Up.............................................. 12
Levelling Your Caravan................................................... 13
Site Power ...................................................................... 13
Preparing for Bad Weather ............................................ 14
Packing Down Your Caravan .......................................... 14
Storage & Care .......................................................... 14
Long Term Storage ......................................................... 14
Interior ........................................................................... 14
Exterior........................................................................... 14
Securing Your Caravan ................................................... 15
Torque Settings .............................................................. 15
Wheel Nuts ................................................................ 15
Hitch .......................................................................... 15
Trailing Arm Pivot Bolts ............................................. 16
Brakes and Handbrake................................................... 16
Features..................................................................... 16
Operation................................................................... 16
Trailer Plug Wiring ..................................................... 16
Breakaway Switch...................................................... 16
Hand Brake ................................................................ 17
Adjuster ..................................................................... 18
Correct Use of Your Electric Brakes ........................... 19
Important Safety Notice ............................................ 19
Brake Adjustment...................................................... 19
Brake Cleaning and Inspection .................................. 19
Magnets..................................................................... 20
Shoes and Linings ...................................................... 20
Corrosion Prevention..................................................... 20
Electrical Systems ......................................................21
Chargers & Inverters ...................................................... 21
Battery Care ................................................................... 21
12 Volt Wiring Diagram.................................................. 22
Control Panel ................................................................. 23
Gas & Water Systems ................................................23
Hot Water System.......................................................... 23
Water Pumps ................................................................. 23
Connecting the Gas........................................................ 24
Protecting from Mould ................................................25
Pre-Trip Checklist.......................................................25
Useful Accessories.....................................................26
Levelling Blocks .............................................................. 26
Wheel Chocks................................................................. 27
Covers ............................................................................ 27
Stone Protection ............................................................ 27
Trouble Shooting ........................................................28
Electrical......................................................................... 28
Water ............................................................................. 29
Gas ................................................................................. 29
Brakes ............................................................................ 30
Handy Tips .................................................................31
Driving Off Road............................................................. 31
Wildlife...................................................................... 31
Corrugations & rough road....................................... 31
Bulldust ..................................................................... 31
Sand........................................................................... 31
Causeways................................................................. 31
Creek and River Crossings......................................... 31
Protecting the environment ..................................... 32
Trip Planning .................................................................. 32
Shire Councils ............................................................ 32
National Parks............................................................ 32
Wikicamps ................................................................. 32
Facebook ................................................................... 32
Warranty Statement ...................................................33
Maintenance...............................................................34
Maintenance Schedule .................................................. 35
Supplier Contact Details.............................................43

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INTRODUCTION
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 insufficient 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 fitted 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 fitted to your vehicle. The maintenance
charge is supplied to the caravan via the Anderson plug on the drawbar.

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Store Locations
QUEENSLAND
Brisbane
3/711 Beaudesert Rd
Rocklea QLD 4107
Cairns
395 Sheridan St
Cairns North QLD 4870
Townsville
437 Bayswater Rd
Garbutt QLD 4814
NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney
178-180 Hume Hwy
Lansvale NSW 2166
Newcastle
Unit 1, 2364 Pacific Hwy
Heatherbrae NSW 2324
VICTORIA
Melbourne
126 Canterbury Rd
Kilsyth South VIC 3137
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Wangara
63 Innovation Circuit
Wangara WA 6065
Kenwick
1752 Albany Way
Kenwick WA 6107
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Adelaide
1246 South Rd
Clovelly Park SA 5042
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

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ABOUT YOUR HYBRID OFFROAD CARAVAN
Specifications
Specifications apply to:
2018 Model Only
Berth
2
Trailer Length
7100mm (hitch to tailgate)
GTM
3500kg
Chassis Construction
150mm x 50mm x 4mm (galvanised)
Body Construction
Aluminium Composite Panel, Fully Welded Frame +
Chassis
Suspension
Fully Independent Trailing Arm Suspension with 4 Shock
Absorbers
Wheels & Tyres
2 x 16” Rims + 1 spare, Goodride Mud Terrain 265/75
R16
Hitch
3500kg Vehicle Components
Brakes
12”Electric Off Road with Hand Brake
Stone Guard
Included With Stone Tamer Mudflaps
Gas Cylinders
2 x 9kg Gas Cylinder Holders incl 2 Gas Cylinders
Jerry Can Holder
2 x 20L Jerry Can Holders
External Cooktop
Thetford MK3 Argent 4 Burner Hob and Sink
External Kitchen Construct
External 304 Grade Stainless Steel
Internal Kitchen
Upright Fridge/Freezer Thetford S/S 3 Burner Stove
Oven & Grill
Camec 240v Microwave & Camec 12v Rage Hood
Water Tank
3 x 85L Food Grade Poly Tanks
Water Delivery
12v Electric Pump
Hot Water System
Truma “Boiler” 14 Litre Gas
Shower (Ensuite)
Hot/Cold Internal Ensuite with External Van Side
Mounted Shower Tent
Battery
3 x 100AH Deep Cycle AGM Batteries
Awning
Large Roll Out Café Style
AC Charger (240v)
Projecta IDC3500-12v 35A 7 Stage
DC Charger (12v)
Projecta IDC25-9-32v 25A 3 stage
Inverter
Projecta IM1000-12v 1000w Continuous/2000w Peak

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Bearings and Seals
Bearings are a consumable item should be removed, inspected and repacked with grease every 5,000km and
replaced every 10,000km as best practice. See maintenance schedule for guidance.
Bearing Number: Inner Bearing 25520 Outer Bearing 25520 Seal: 55 x 85 x 12
Fridge Fitting Chart
Dometic Engel Evakool Bushman Ironman ARB Kings
CFX65W
MT35FP
RF40
35L
30L
35L
90L
CFX50W
MT45FP
RF47
45L
40L
47L
75L
CFX28
MT60FP
TMX35
42L
50L
60L
CFX35
MT60FCP
Glacier 30
52L
65L
CFX40
MT80FP
ED85
74L
MT80FCP
GFM55
TMX45
Glacier 45
TMX55
ED45
TMX50
Glacier 55
TMX65

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Hitch
How to Hitch your coupling
Here is a short guide on how to safely use your coupling to couple and uncouple the
trailer from the towing vehicle.
Make sure the handbrake is applied prior to coupling and uncoupling.

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Make sure the dust cap is securely connected to the bump cover. This is done by locating the rear lip on the dust cap
onto the groove of the bump cover and then pushing it in a downward motion until the dust cover is secure (there
should be a slight click when it has been assembled correctly) Test if the dust cover is connected to the bump cover by
applying a slight upward force to the dust cover, it shouldn’t separate.
This procedure should be applied if you are uncoupling or coupling up.

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Coupling
STEP 1
Push down the button (1) and push the locking mechanism back (2). When the locking mechanism (2) is all
the way back, release the button (1) locking the plate in place
STEP 2
Offer up the tow pin to the coupling making sure the tow pin cover is removed and there is no visible debris on
it. Locking plate should be in unlocked position as shown. Lower the coupling onto the tow pin.

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STEP 3
Make sure the tow pin is seated inside the universal and the tow pin top is sticking out of the locking
mechanism (see below). Press the button (1) to release the locking mechanism there will be an audible
locking noise at which point the mechanism will return to the initial position as shown in step 1. Verify the pin is
correctly through the mechanism and assemble the cap. If the cap will not fit check the locking mechanism is
in the correct locked orientation.
Detail view of pin through locking mechanism.

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Uncoupling
STEP 1
Push down the button 1 and push the locking mechanism back 2. When the locking mechanism is all the way
back release the button while holding the mechanism to ensure it does not spring back to the locked position.
STEP 2
Lift the coupling up off the tow pin.

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Seng up your Caravan
Loading 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 optimum ball
weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total caravan weight.
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.
The diagram below illustrates best placements of items based on weight.
Choosing a Spot to Set Up
When choosing a spot to set up your caravan, start with a flat area with no overhanging trees. Birds and bats
occupying trees can defecate leaving droppings on your caravan that can damage paint and leaves and sap can also
stain the coating. Ensure you are not camping in an area prone to flooding or with bad drainage in the event of rain.
Even the slightest hollow in the ground can put you in a mini lake. In hot weather if possible, set your caravan up so
the sun’s arc goes from front to back or back to front with the annex/awning in the general direction the sun is arcing
across. Doing this will keep the bulk of the caravan in shade and the inside cooler as it will be shaded by the awning.

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Levelling Your Caravan
The stabiliser legs on your caravan are not designed for supporting the full weight of the trailer, they are there to
stabilise it once it is level. Using your stabilisers as a lifting mechanism will void your warranty as will extending them
with a “rattle gun” or “impact wrench”. Levelling front to back can be done by raising and lowering the jockey wheel
prior to adjusting the stabiliser legs. Getting the trailer level from left to right should be done with drive on stepped
ramps as illustrated below. Once levelled the legs can be lowered to keep the trailer stable. On soft ground you may
want to use timber sole boards under the stabiliser feet.
Site Power
The Projecta charger in your caravan is connected via the 15A exterior socket. To use site power, you will require a
15A power lead connected to a 15A outlet. In the event a 15A outlet is unavailable you will need a conversion box that
will step up from 10A to 15A with a safety switch. Never leave power leads coiled when in use, lay the lead out back
and forward in a manner that won’t be a trip hazard or risk damage to the lead.

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Preparing for Bad Weather
During inclement weather the following should be done:
• Close all roof vents and hatches to prevent water entering.
• Protect the awning from high winds by retracting or securing with guy ropes and pegs.
• Ensure your caravan is not parked in ground that will become boggy and prevent exiting the camp area
• Close all external doors and hatches to prevent water ingress and wind damage
Packing Down Your Caravan
When packing down your caravan ensure the following:
•All gas appliances are turned off
•Gas is turned off at the gas bottle
•All loose items are secured and unable to move and damage themselves or the caravan
•All cabinet doors are secured and locked along with all drawers closed
•Site power lead is removed and stowed
•Doorstep is raised and secured
•All roof hatches lowered and secure
•All windows closed and locked
•Main door is closed and locked
•All dust covers in place and secure
Storage & Care
Long Term Storage
To maximise the life of your caravan you should consider additional protection from the elements. UV light and
moisture can have an adverse effect on materials when left unprotected outside. This section outlines some of the
things you can do as an owner to protect your investment.
Interior
Moisture in the smallest amounts can cause mould. High humidity and cooling temperatures can create condensation,
additionally condensation can form under mattresses due to temperature differences between warm bodies on top and
the bed base being cold from outside temperatures. As a precaution you can do the following:
•Check under mattress for moisture before packing up. If moisture is found allow to thoroughly dry before
closing your camper.
•Store 1 or 2 moisture absorbing packs/dehumidifier packs in the caravan to draw away any residual water
vapour.
•If packing up with damp or humid conditions, open and dry out the caravan at the first opportunity when
returning home.
Exterior
Ensure all seals on the caravan have proper compression at 30-50%, are free of dirt and have nothing protruding past
the seals. UV light and the elements can over time cause seals and fittings to perish and become brittle. The use of a
caravan cover will extend the life of components and keep your investment looking better for longer.

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Securing Your Caravan
When parked and unhitched you should always use suitable wheel chocks to ensure the trailer can’t move in the event
of a handbrake failure. For security a wheel clamp or and hitch lock are highly recommended.
Torque Settings
Wheel Nuts
Wheel nuts should be tightened to correct torque using a torque wrench. Never trust a “rattle gun” as these may over
or under tighten. A quality torque wrench will ensure nuts are tightened correctly. It’s important to remember to check
your wheel nuts at 50km, 500km and 1000km and periodically thereafter. The correct torque setting of 125Nm for
12mm studs, 140nm for 14mm studs with alloy wheels and 200nm for 14mm studs with steel rims. Refer to the plate
on your drawbar.
Hitch
The high tensile bolts securing your hitch should be tightened to 76Nm. These should be checked at 5000km intervals

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or 2500km in harsh off-road conditions.
Trailing Arm Pivot Bolts
The pivot bolts are a high tensile steel. The service interval for these bolts is 5000km under normal use and 2500km
for harsh off-road conditions. During travel they should be inspected daily to ensure they have not rotated or become
damaged. Correct torque is 190Nm
Brakes and Handbrake
Features
Your trailer is fitted with electric brakes that require a brake controller that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
1. Manual adjusted to provide the correct braking capability for varying road, off-road and load conditions.
2. They can be modulated to provide variable braking force, thus easing the brake load on the towing vehicle.
3. There is very little lag time between the moment the tow vehicle’s brakes are actuated and the moment the
trailer brakes are actuated.
4. They can provide some braking independent of the tow vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Operation
When electrical current is fed into the system by the controller, it activates the electromagnets in the brakes. These
electromagnets are energized and are attracted to the rotating surface of the drums which moves the actuating levers
in the direction that the drums are turning thus applying pressure from the brake linings to the drum surface
Trailer Plug Wiring
The following diagrams outline the correct wiring for 7 pin plug
Breakaway Switch
By law, all trailers with an ATM of 2000kg or greater must have a “Breakaway System” to halt the trailer in the event it
becomes detached from the tow vehicle whilst traveling. Your caravan is fitted with this system with the switch
mounted on the drawbar with a steel wire lanyard to connect to your tow vehicle. In the event that the caravan
becomes detached, the lanyard will pull the pin from the breakaway switch and the onboard batteries will activate the
brake system. The lanyard must be attached to a solid part of the vehicle. It is a mandatory requirement that power be
supplied by the tow vehicle to the breakaway power source while towing. This is done via the 50amp Anderson Plug
on the drawbar. Consult a qualified auto electrician to ensure this is fitted to your tow vehicle.
In NSW there is an additional requirement that the breakaway power source be monitored from the driver position with
a minimum of a “visual alarm” for low battery voltage. Consult a qualified auto electrician to ensure this is fitted to your
vehicle.

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Breakaway Switch Anderson Plug
CAUTION:
•DO NOT CONNECT THE BREAKAWAY LANYARD TO THE SAME POINT AS THE SAFETY CHAIN
SHACKLES.
•DO NOT USE THE BREAKAWAY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE HANDBRAKE AND DO NOT REMOVE
THE PIN AS AN ALTERNATIVE SECURITY MEASURE. REMOVING THE PIN WILL RAPIDLY DISCHARGE
THE BATTERIES.
•IT IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT THAT THE BREAKAWAY BATTERY SOURCE BE CHARGED
DURING TOWING.
•NSW REQUIRES A BATTERY MONITOR VIEWABLE FROM THE DRIVERS POSITION WITH A MINIMUM
OF A VISUAL ALARM FOR LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE
Hand Brake
Parking brakes are mechanically operated by cable means. The cable attachment occurs outside of the brake backing
plate. Cable force applied to the parking lever creates a torque through the pivot pin and cam assembly. Torque
transferred to the parking cam results in a spreading force between the primary and secondary shoes. The shoes in
turn, move towards the drum until contact is made. Friction generated between the drum and lining contact surface
results in parking brake capability.
Use the cable adjuster to give sufficient tension to be able to set the handbrake lever on the last two notches of the
coupling or handbrake is 1/3 raised when unladen. This needs to be checked again when the trailer or caravan is
loaded. If the cable is too tight, the brakes will be applied as the axle moves backward under spring deflection.

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Adjuster
To adjust the handbrake cable tension release locknuts A, B and C in the diagram Handbrake Adjuster 1 below. To
tighten the handbrake cable turn the adjuster wheel D in a clockwise direction. Once adjusted retighten lock nuts and
test. Always ensure that wheels turn freely when handbrake is off. Overtightened cables can cause brakes to drag and
damage the brake linings.

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Correct Use of Your Electric Brakes
Your trailer brakes are designed to work in synchronisation with your tow vehicle brakes. Never use your tow vehicle
or trailer brakes alone to stop the combined load. Your trailer and tow vehicle will seldom have the correct amperage
flow to the brake magnets to give you comfortable, safe braking unless you make proper brake system adjustments.
Changing trailer load and driving conditions, as well as uneven alternator and battery output, can mean unstable
current flow to your brake magnets. It is therefore imperative that you maintain and adjust your brakes as set forth in
the controller manual, use a properly modulated brake controller and perform the synchronisation/adjustment
procedure recommended by the brake controller supplier.
Important Safety Notice
Proven and in some cases approved service methods and correct repair procedures are
essential for the safe, reliable operation of the brakes, suspension and axles as well as the
personal safety of the individual doing the work. This manual intends to provide general
directions for performing service and repair work with tested, effective techniques. By
following these guidelines, it will help assure
reliability. The numerous variations in procedures, techniques, tools and parts for servicing
axles, as well as in the skill of the individual doing the work will determine outcomes. This
manual cannot possibly anticipate all such variations nor provide advice or cautions as to each. Accordingly, anyone
who departs from the instructions provided in this manual must first establish that they neither compromise their
personal safety nor the vehicle integrity by their choice of methods, tool’s or parts.
*If at all in doubt please refer all repairs and maintenance to a suitably qualified or experienced mechanical repairer.
*Market Direct Campers accepts no liability for personal injury, loss or damage resulting from incorrect applications,
methods and failure to perform maintenance safely and correctly.
Brake Adjustment
Brakes should be adjusted (1) after the first 300 km’s of operation when the brake shoes and drums have “seated,” (2)
at 5000 km’s intervals, (3) or as use and performance requires. The brakes should be adjusted in the following
manner:
Never crawl under your trailer unless it is resting on properly placed jack stands. Do not
place supports on any part of the suspension system and use the designated jack point or
under the spring base plate to jack trailer.
Brake Cleaning and Inspection
Your trailer brakes must be inspected and serviced at 5000km or more often as required by use and performance.
Magnets and shoes must be changed when they become worn or scored to avoid inefficient vehicle braking.
Brake Lubrication
This should only be done by qualified persons.
Caution
Do not get grease or oil on the brake linings, drums or magnets.