MDC XT16HR ISLAND

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Trail Marker Up and Out with Wet Bath by Rollingstar MFGing

Well my pick up date is finally here. Barring weather and " god willing and the creek don't rise" I will travel from Zion to NY and back to pick her up. I will stop and see 9 MFGering clients on the way to pay for gas money, coffee and amphetamines (JK). Please wish me luck. I will post pics if...

expeditionportal.com

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

I really like my Trailer Marker. It is one of the lightest standup off-road trailers that has a wet bath on the market. We'll that's why I didn't suggest it as it's not on the market but Rollingstar keeps saying it will be start production soon but to be honest I truly wonder if that will happen. They never tell me anything and I am tired of telling folks they will start building them soon.

Liklely to small for you anyway.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

This is ment tongue and cheek but I asked chatGPT to roast MDC trailers:

"Market Direct Campers: Proudly Australian… Until You Look Under the Hood (or Chassis).

MDC loves to shout “Aussie Owned!” from the rooftops like it’s a badge of honor—but whisper “Made in China” so softly you’d think it was a dirty secret. They market their campers like they’re handcrafted by outback blokes with calloused hands and Akubras, when in reality, they’re churned out of factories overseas faster than you can say “false advertising.”

It’s like ordering a classic Aussie meat pie and finding out it was microwaved in a Shanghai 7-Eleven.

And look, there's nothing wrong with overseas manufacturing—if you're upfront about it. But MDC wraps their branding in green-and-gold patriotism, then quietly ships your trailer straight from the world’s biggest eBay warehouse. It’s not “Made in Australia,” it’s “Marketed in Australia.”

They don’t just blur the truth—they Photoshop it, slap a Southern Cross on it, and charge you extra for the “heritage.”

So next time someone brags about their "Aussie" camper, remind them: just because you slap a kangaroo on it doesn't mean it wasn’t built by a panda."

 

[Uncle Jeffy]

This is ment tongue and cheek but I asked chatGPT to roast MDC trailers:

"Market Direct Campers: Proudly Australian… Until You Look Under the Hood (or Chassis).

MDC loves to shout “Aussie Owned!” from the rooftops like it’s a badge of honor—but whisper “Made in China” so softly you’d think it was a dirty secret. They market their campers like they’re handcrafted by outback blokes with calloused hands and Akubras, when in reality, they’re churned out of factories overseas faster than you can say “false advertising.”

It’s like ordering a classic Aussie meat pie and finding out it was microwaved in a Shanghai 7-Eleven.

And look, there's nothing wrong with overseas manufacturing—if you're upfront about it. But MDC wraps their branding in green-and-gold patriotism, then quietly ships your trailer straight from the world’s biggest eBay warehouse. It’s not “Made in Australia,” it’s “Marketed in Australia.”

They don’t just blur the truth—they Photoshop it, slap a Southern Cross on it, and charge you extra for the “heritage.”

So next time someone brags about their "Aussie" camper, remind them: just because you slap a kangaroo on it doesn't mean it wasn’t built by a panda."

For fairness, are you gonna ask for chatGTP to praise the same trailers you just got roasted, or reverse-roast the comparison?

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

For fairness, are you gonna ask for chatGTP to praise the same trailers you just got roasted, or reverse-roast the comparison?

I didn't ask for a comparison just asked for the roast of MDC. Give it a try if you want to compare it to another trailer.

 

[Uncle Jeffy]

I didn't ask for a comparison just asked for the roast of MDC. Give it a try if you want to compare it to another trailer.

Well, you also used AI to compare the Xplore to the Pause/Reboot in another thread. I don't want to compare myself; I just thought it exposed your biases even more when you pretended to poke fun at things you have contempt for and then didn't balance things out. I guess I was too subtle.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Well, you also used AI to compare the Xplore to the Pause/Reboot in another thread. I don't want to compare myself; I just thought it exposed your biases even more when you pretended to poke fun at things you have contempt for and then didn't balance things out. I guess I was too subtle.

Gotcha didn't realize you were talking about another post. Not really trying to hide my bias. I thought that's what forums are for is to vent. I only do it to try and help folks who are searching for the right trailer. Hope I didn't hurt your feelings if you own a MDC or Xplore

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Thanks for the info. Curious, what trailer do you own?

How goes the search?

 

[Uncle Jeffy]

Gotcha didn't realize you were talking about another post. Not really trying to hide my bias. I thought that's what forums are for is to vent. I only do it to try and help folks who are searching for the right trailer. Hope I didn't hurt your feelings if you own a MDC or Xplore

I don't have a trailer in this race. You didn't hurt my feelings, but I'd have been PO'd if anyone googling my trailer could come across such a one-sided negative post.

I'm not ready to embrace AI just yet, but Gemini sent me an unsolicited email promoting the release of a new version. Just for fun, and without anything else to do, I thought I'd see what it said when I asked it to roast your Trail Marker:

Well, gather 'round the flickering campfire, folks, or should I say, the harsh LED glow from your "Trailmarker Up and Out RV" – assuming the custom electrical system is having a good day.

This isn't just any RV; it's the "Up and Out." What's "Up and Out," you ask?

• Is it your budget? Up after all those "custom-spec build" additions and out the window?
• Is it the "power-lift bed" in their fancy Sequoia model? Up so you can cram your muddy dirt bikes underneath, and then out of commission when you need to, you know, actually sleep? Hope you enjoy the subtle aroma of two-stroke exhaust as you drift off!
• Or perhaps it refers to that exclusive "Up & Out Tongue Box"? Perfect for storing... well, something small enough to fit, and important enough that you want it up front and out there for everyone to admire your... box.
• Maybe it's your patience? Up from trying to level it on an actual "trail" and out the door after the third thing rattles loose on a gravel road because "lightweight construction" also means "sounds like a tin can in a hurricane."

They say Trail Marker "blends comfy compact camping and effortless toy hauling." Translation: It's a garage that begrudgingly lets you sleep in it. You get that "rustic, lodge-inspired interior," which probably means there's at least one piece of wood that isn't particleboard, and the "lodge" part is that it feels as spacious as a beaver's winter den once your "toys" are inside.

Worried about amenities? Don't be! Some models offer "outdoor worktops" instead of a standard kitchen. So you get to go "up and out" to cook in the rain, just like real, miserable camping! Who needs indoor plumbing when you have a beautifully crafted composite shell to remind you that you're essentially sleeping in a very expensive, very stylish port-a-potty waiting room?

And the storage! Or, as some owners might say, the "where did I put it, oh wait, there's no 'it' because there's no space" feature. It's so minimalist, you'll find yourself going "up and out" to your tow vehicle for everything you actually need.

So, if your idea of an adventure is creatively trying to exist in a beautifully finished box that costs more than a down payment on a small house, and you love the thrill of wondering which part will go "up" in price or "out" of service next, then the Trailmarker "Up and Out" experience is definitely for you. Happy trails, or should I say, happy assembling and re-assembling!

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Uncle Jeffy what did I say to you to come back at me months later with this. Liklely a combination of a lot of things I have posted so I guess I deserve it.

Its kind of laughable as you had to have fed Gemini 90% of the text because Trail Marker is such a small company there are absolutely no other owners on social media other then myself. I mean none. I post here about my Trailer and mention it on various FB groups and have never seen any other owners.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

I don't have a trailer in this race. You didn't hurt my feelings, but I'd have been PO'd if anyone googling my trailer could come across such a one-sided negative post.

I'm not ready to embrace AI just yet, but Gemini sent me an unsolicited email promoting the release of a new version. Just for fun, and without anything else to do, I thought I'd see what it said when I asked it to roast your Trail Marker:

Well, gather 'round the flickering campfire, folks, or should I say, the harsh LED glow from your "Trailmarker Up and Out RV" – assuming the custom electrical system is having a good day.

This isn't just any RV; it's the "Up and Out." What's "Up and Out," you ask?

• Is it your budget? Up after all those "custom-spec build" additions and out the window?
• Is it the "power-lift bed" in their fancy Sequoia model? Up so you can cram your muddy dirt bikes underneath, and then out of commission when you need to, you know, actually sleep? Hope you enjoy the subtle aroma of two-stroke exhaust as you drift off!
• Or perhaps it refers to that exclusive "Up & Out Tongue Box"? Perfect for storing... well, something small enough to fit, and important enough that you want it up front and out there for everyone to admire your... box.
• Maybe it's your patience? Up from trying to level it on an actual "trail" and out the door after the third thing rattles loose on a gravel road because "lightweight construction" also means "sounds like a tin can in a hurricane."

They say Trail Marker "blends comfy compact camping and effortless toy hauling." Translation: It's a garage that begrudgingly lets you sleep in it. You get that "rustic, lodge-inspired interior," which probably means there's at least one piece of wood that isn't particleboard, and the "lodge" part is that it feels as spacious as a beaver's winter den once your "toys" are inside.

Worried about amenities? Don't be! Some models offer "outdoor worktops" instead of a standard kitchen. So you get to go "up and out" to cook in the rain, just like real, miserable camping! Who needs indoor plumbing when you have a beautifully crafted composite shell to remind you that you're essentially sleeping in a very expensive, very stylish port-a-potty waiting room?

And the storage! Or, as some owners might say, the "where did I put it, oh wait, there's no 'it' because there's no space" feature. It's so minimalist, you'll find yourself going "up and out" to your tow vehicle for everything you actually need.

So, if your idea of an adventure is creatively trying to exist in a beautifully finished box that costs more than a down payment on a small house, and you love the thrill of wondering which part will go "up" in price or "out" of service next, then the Trailmarker "Up and Out" experience is definitely for you. Happy trails, or should I say, happy assembling and re-assembling!

Dude your from Canada your supposed to be nice and turn the other cheek. I think i understand your mad but I absolutely did not vote for him and I love our Canadian brothers and sisters. Okay your a Hiker owner. No worries I will not come back on you with a roast on that one 😉

 

[Uncle Jeffy]

Dude your from Canada your supposed to be nice and turn the other cheek. I think i understand your mad but I absolutely did not vote for him and I love our Canadian brothers and sisters. Okay your a Hiker owner. No worries I will not come back on you with a roast on that one 😉

Haha, all good. I appreciate your respectful reply! 😊

I'm not mad at all Americans (just one or two). The Canadian in me wasn't targeting you as an American, but it was what made me feel that there was an injustice in you roasting other people's trailers without doing the same to yours. I guess that makes me guilty of the same thing 😔.

BTW, all I inputted was "roast the Trailmarker Up and Out." No other feeding necessary.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Haha, all good. I appreciate your respectful reply! 😊

I'm not mad at all Americans (just one or two). The Canadian in me wasn't targeting you as an American, but it was what made me feel that there was an injustice in you roasting other people's trailers without doing the same to yours. I guess that makes me guilty of the same thing 😔.

BTW, all I inputted was "roast the Trailmarker Up and Out." No other feeding necessary.

Great your mad at me and what's his name. Oh well. I am critical of any trailer that i dont want hard working folks to buy. Its just my opinion and I don't feel the need to sugar coat it. If I help folks not buy a particular trailer because they were mislead that is more important then possible offending any owners of the trailer I criticize.

I trust you on what you fed AI. It must scower EP here and Facebook to come up with that roast. The tongue box stuff didn't make sense. I don't put any fossil fuel burning toys in mine. No happy jack bed. Just saying.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Okay back to beating a dead horse but I was chatting with yet another person that was suprised MDC s were MFGerd in China. Not a deal killer but why do they continue to be vague? From MDC USA website:

100% AUSTRALIAN OWNED AND OPERATED​

"DMDC USA is proud to be 100% Australian-owned and operated. We are the largest nationally recognized and established overland camper and travel trailer brand in Australia.
With almost 20 years of experience and knowledge in Australia, MDCUSA launched in 2021 establishing a trusted and reliable Dealer network throughout the United States. MDCUSA partnered with Dealers who are experts in the sale and support of offroad trailers throughout the USA so no matter where you are, you can Escape with Confidence"

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

So according to ChatGPT it is very unlikely that MDC has any ownership of the Chinese plant like they imply:

"No, MDC (Market Direct Campers) does not own the Chinese manufacturing plants outright.

Instead, MDC partners with third-party OEM manufacturers in China. These manufacturers produce campers and trailers based on MDC’s designs and specifications. This is a common business model in the RV and camper industry—especially for companies looking to keep costs down while maintaining control over design and branding.

That said, MDC typically works closely and exclusively with certain factories to maintain consistent quality and proprietary design features, but ownership of the facilities remains with the Chinese manufacturers.

If MDC had acquired or built its own factory in China, that would typically be publicized in company materials or trade news—but as of now, there is no evidence that MDC owns their manufacturing facilities in China."

Also minimum wage in this area is $300 a month. So after cost of living adjustments and assuming the workers are being paid more then minimum wage maybe they are making $180 a week. North America and AU workers make 15 times that. These trailers are not that inexpensive so boy somebody is making bank.