MDC XT14E - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The provided manual describes the MDC XT14E Hybrid Offroad Caravan. This caravan is designed for off-road use and offers a range of features for comfortable and safe travel.

Function Description:

The XT14E is a 14-foot hybrid off-road caravan designed to provide a mobile living space for travel and camping, particularly in remote and challenging environments. It integrates living amenities with robust off-road capabilities. Key functions include:

Towing and Mobility: Designed to be towed by a suitable vehicle, equipped with electric brakes and a "Breakaway System" for safety. It features independent trailing arm suspension with shock absorbers and coil springs for off-road performance.
Living and Accommodation: Provides sleeping for two people with an extra-large 200mm custom innerspring mattress. It includes an external kitchen, hot water system, shower (ensuite), and an electric awning for outdoor living.
Power and Water Systems: Equipped with 12V deep cycle batteries, a 1000W modified sine inverter, and multiple 12V and 240V outlets. It has two 80L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank, with a 12V electric pump for water delivery. A Truma "Boiler" 14L (gas) hot water system provides hot water.
Climate Control: Features a diesel heater for warmth in colder conditions and an electric awning for shade and shelter.
Storage: Includes various storage compartments for personal items, cooking equipment, and food.

Important Technical Specifications:

Dimensions:
- Closed (with AC): 2200mmW x 6376mmL x 2720mmH
- Opened (with AC): 4200mmW x 6376mmL x 3120mmH
Weights:
- Towball Weight: Approx. 117kg
- Tare Weight: Approx. 2175kg
- ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): 3000kg
Chassis & Drawbar:
- Chassis: 150mm x 50mm x 3mm
- Drawbar: 120mm x 50mm x 4mm
Body Construction: Aluminium composite panel fully welded frame + chassis, with stone tamer mudflaps.
Suspension: Independent trailing arm with 4x shock absorbers and coil springs.
Wheels & Tyres: 265/75 R16 Goodride radial mud terrain, 16" wheels.
- Recommended Highway Tyre Pressure: 50-56psi (tare weight), 74-77psi (ATM).
Coupling: DO35
Brakes: 4WD 12" electric with hand brake.
Gas: 2 x 9kg gas cylinder holders, 3 burner gas cooktop.
Water: 2 x 80L fresh water & 80L grey water, 12V electric pump, Truma "Boiler" 14L (gas) hot water system.
Power: 2 x 100amp 12V deep cycle batteries, Projecta 12v 1000w modified Sine inverter, multiple 12V, 240V x 2 outlets.
Solar: 2 x 150W solar included.
Connection Plug: 12pin flat as standard (7 pin round or 7 pin flat connection available).
Diesel Heater (YUSENN Model DA2-12v):
- Heating Medium: Air
- Fuel: Diesel
- Heat Flow (W): 2200 (Power), 1800 (Large), 1200 (Medium), 850 (Small)
- Fuel Consumption (L/h): 0.28 (Power), 0.23 (Large), 0.15 (Medium), 0.1 (Small)
- Electricity Power Consumption: 34W (operation), ≤100W (start)
- Nominal Voltage: DC12/24V
- Weight: Approx. 2.8KG

Usage Features:

Loading: Emphasizes even weight distribution, with heavy items over or near the axle and low, and lightweight items in overhead cupboards. Ball loading must not exceed 350kg or the vehicle/tow bar rating.
Setup: Recommends choosing a flat area, avoiding overhanging trees, and positioning the caravan to maximize shade from the awning.
Levelling: Stabilizer legs are for stability, not lifting. Levelling should be done with stepped ramps for side-to-side adjustment and the jockey wheel for front-to-back.
Electric Awning: Requires manual support during extension to prevent hinge damage. Suitable for mild weather; pack away in high winds. Lower one side during rain to prevent water pooling.
Site Power: Requires a 15A power lead and outlet (or conversion box).
Kitchen: External slide-out kitchen with 3-burner gas cooktop, sink, and hot/cold water. Requires support leg when extended. Gas connection via bayonet.
Gas System: Gas bottles must be serviceable. Ensure adequate ventilation when using gas appliances.
Hot Water System: Truma boiler, requires flue outlet to be uncovered before use. Do not operate while towing or in enclosed spaces.
Water Pumps: Activated by pressure release at the tap. Continuous activation when taps are off indicates a leak.
Diesel Heater: Designed for RV/caravan use to heat the main living area. Not for directing air onto people/animals, long-term use in large areas, or drying clothes. Features ventilation and heating modes with temperature control.
Jacking Points: Factory jacking points behind axles and a bottle jack locating ring on trailing arms.
Off-Road Driving: Advises lower tyre pressures and speeds on rough/corrugated roads. Regular breaks are crucial to prevent shock absorber and bush overheating. Caution for wildlife, bulldust, sand (lower tyre pressure, avoid sharp turns), and causeways.
Creek and River Crossings: Extreme caution advised; never attempt in mild flooding.
Environmental Protection: Use grey water tanks/contained toilets in sensitive areas. Secure food/rubbish from wildlife.
Trip Planning: Plan for fuel, food, and water resupply. Utilize resources like tourism websites, National Parks, Wikicamps app, and Facebook groups for local information.

Maintenance Features:

Bearings and Seals: Consumable items. Remove, inspect, and repack with grease every 5,000km; replace every 10,000km. Inner Bearing: 25590 Cone 25520; Outer Bearing: 25590 Cone: 25520; Seal: 55 x 85 x 12.
Towing with Trucks: Recommend a shock-absorbing hitch to reduce lash effect.
Handbrake: Mechanically operated by cable. Adjust tension to set on the last two notches when unladen.
Electric Brakes: Adjust after first 300km, then every 5000km or as needed. Inspect and service at 5000km intervals. Magnets and shoes should be replaced if worn or scored (magnets in pairs, both sides of axle). Do not get grease/oil on linings, drums, or magnets.
Tyres: Inspect for abnormal wear, damage, and correct pressure.
Suspension: Allow shock absorbers and bushes to cool during prolonged use on corrugated roads to prevent overheating and premature wear.
Corrosion Prevention: Use protective products (Lanotec, WD40, Inox) on fittings. Thoroughly clean and flush chassis after driving in saltwater environments.
Paintwork: Use mild, non-ammonia detergents for washing. Polish with wax-based polishes. Annually wax for protection against oxidization.
Internal Surfaces: Clean laminates and walls with a damp soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid ammonia or caustics.
Acrylic Windows: Clean with a clean, soft, nonabrasive cloth and soapy water. Avoid ammonia, solvents, or harsh cleaners.
Mirrors: Clean with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid solvents/chemicals.
Shade and Screen Care: Do not close blinds with windows open. Operate blinds and screens carefully with two hands.
Mould Prevention: Never pack away wet. Thoroughly dry interior and mattress. Use moisture-absorbing packs for long-term storage.
Exterior Seals: Ensure proper compression (30-50%), free of dirt. Use a caravan cover to extend life of components.
Pre-Trip Checklist: Comprehensive checklist for pre-hook up and hooked up to vehicle checks (water tanks, bearings, hitch, wheel nuts, lights, gas, etc.).
Maintenance Schedule: Detailed service intervals (500km, 6 months/5,000km, 12 months/10,000km, etc.) for hitch, handbrake, jockey wheel, hand winch, suspension, brakes, wheel bearings, wheel nuts, tyres, lights, battery, seals, general fixings, and hot water system.
Qualified Servicing: 240V appliances/wiring and gas plumbing must only be serviced by qualified tradespersons.