New MDC Explorer FF Limited Edition camper trailer revealed

At $21,990, MDC’s latest limited-edition camper proves you don’t necessarily need a massive budget to get properly off the beaten track.

Camper trailers might not have the bells, whistles and endless electrical systems found in today’s increasingly sophisticated off-road caravans, but that’s kind of the point. They’re lighter, simpler and more affordable.

MDC has gone back to one of the camper trailers that helped build its brand for its latest release, launching the Explorer FF Limited Edition with a starting price of $21,990.

Based on the company’s long-running forward-fold platform, the new limited edition doesn’t reinvent the Explorer. Instead, it gives it a fresh look while retaining the relatively simple formula that has kept this style of camper relevant: proper off-road running gear, enough room for the family and the basics required to disappear off-grid for a few days.

MDC Explorer FF Limited Edition — MDC Explorer FF LE © MDC

A familiar camper gets a fresh look

The Explorer name has plenty of history at MDC.

The original Explorer Camper Trailer was introduced in 2009, before evolving into the Explorer Forward Fold in 2013. More than 15 years later, MDC has brought the name forward again with a new Sandy Taupe exterior, blacked-out fittings, new decals and an updated interior colour palette.

Underneath, however, the basic Explorer formula remains largely unchanged.

The Limited Edition is a forward-folding hardfloor camper measuring 5215mm long, 2011mm wide and 1345mm high when packed for travel. Tare weight is approximately 1440kg, with a 2000kg ATM and approximately 560kg of payload capacity. Towball weight is listed at approximately 160kg.

Built to leave the bitumen

Despite the relatively approachable price, MDC hasn’t positioned the Explorer FF Limited Edition as an entry-level blacktop camper dressed up to look adventurous. Underneath is MDC’s X-TRACK independent coil-spring suspension, with two TOUGH TRAX shock absorbers on each side. It also gets 12-inch electric drum brakes and an off-road poly block coupling.

The camper rides on 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/75 Goodride mud-terrain tyres, with two spare wheels included. A galvanised chassis and frame, Q460 galvanised steel RHS drawbar, mesh stone guard and zinc-coated body panels and flooring add to its off-road credentials.

For 4WD owners who don’t necessarily want to drag a big off-road caravan behind them, that’s where the Explorer makes the most sense. It’s still a substantial camper, but its approximately 1440kg tare and relatively compact travelling dimensions keep things considerably simpler than stepping up to a full-size caravan.

Enough room for the family

Compact on the road doesn’t mean particularly compact once you’ve made camp. The forward-fold design opens to reveal a custom king-size bed measuring 2000mm by 1640mm, along with a convertible lounge. MDC says the camper can accommodate up to five people.

There’s also a full annex with an enclosed roof, walls, floor and draft skirt, with the integrated trailer tent providing around 17 square metres of enclosed living space.

Outside, the slide-out stainless steel kitchen includes a Dometic three-burner gas cooktop and sink with hot and cold water, while a dedicated fridge slide accommodates most portable fridges up to 95 litres. The fridge itself isn’t included.

Water comes from an 80-litre fresh water tank with a 12V electric pump, and there’s a 20-litre portable toilet tucked into the standard equipment list. A removable side-mounted storage rack rated to 120kg, a 9kg gas bottle holder and twin 20-litre jerry can holders provide additional storage for longer trips.

Basic off-grid power without going overboard

Electrical systems are one area where modern campers and caravans can become complicated and expensive very quickly. The Explorer keeps things relatively straightforward. Standard power comes from a 100Ah LiFePRO+ lithium battery, backed by a Projecta 15A lithium battery charger and Bluetooth battery monitor.

There’s also a 200W portable solar panel rather than a permanently mounted setup. That has one useful advantage at camp: you can park the camper in the shade and move the panel into the sun.

Internal 12V, USB and 240V outlets are included, along with portable 12V LED light strips. It’s not a giant battery bank designed to run every appliance imaginable, but that’s also unlikely to be what buyers shopping for a $21,990 forward-fold camper are looking for.

Is the MDC Explorer FF Limited Edition good value?

On paper, there’s a lot here for the money. For its reasonable starting price, the Explorer FF Limited Edition includes independent off-road suspension, mud-terrain tyres, two spare wheels, lithium power, portable solar, an 80-litre water tank, external kitchen, full annex and enough sleeping space for a family.

There are some compromises. There’s no included fridge, for example, and anyone wanting the convenience and permanently enclosed living space of a caravan obviously won’t find it here. But that’s arguably missing the point.

The appeal of a camper like the Explorer is that it offers a relatively simple and affordable way to follow a 4WD beyond the bitumen without towing a large caravan behind it. And at a time when it’s very easy to spend serious money building an elaborate touring setup, there’s something refreshing about that.

The MDC Explorer FF Limited Edition is available to order now, priced from $21,990 before freight, registration fees and other government charges. It will make its public debut at the Let’s Go Ipswich Caravan & RV Expo at Willowbank Raceway from August 28-30, 2026.