Review: MDC Forte SR19 S2

There’s a new van in MDC’s line-up of FORTE on-road vans. The SR19 Series 2 was waiting for me at the MDC muster held at Gootchie Creek Escape, a magnificent property in Queensland, where a large group of MDC owners had gathered to share each other’s company.

MDC touts the 19ft SR19 FORTE S2 as a major evolution to this popular lineup of vans, which was originally released in June 2024. The company was looking for a way to cut through in a crowded market. The answer: build a van that was as complete as possible, with key features included as standard rather than as upgrades. No complex list of options here. MDC wanted this van to reflect how people actually travel, minus the high price tag.

Essentially, this van reflects MDC’s read of the current market conditions, with two layouts added to the S2 MDC FORTE line-up – a 20-footer triple-bunk layout, and this 19ft rear-door layout – though sizes range from 11ft to 22ft.

INSIDE THE MDC FORTE SR19 S2

Stepping inside the SR19 FORTE S2, I was greeted by a light, welcoming interior. The liveability of the van was immediately obvious. Let’s start in the front. A queen-size north-south bed (2×1.45m) is surrounded by wardrobes and lockers. Instead of niches, there’s a bedside table either side, each with a wireless charging pad, along with 12V and 240V powerpoints. Fans, reading lights that fold away, and the ability to watch the 24in smart TV complete the bedroom.

The offside kitchen contains a gas three-burner cooktop, griller and oven, as well as a 23L flatbed microwave and a sink. However, bench space here is on the light side – which is why MDC has fitted a hinged extension piece to the leading edge of the bench. Just lift and lock in position to increase your bench space. It’s not a new idea, but it dovetails with MDC’s philosophy of maximising space and functionality. 

The same can be said about the large pantry that sits between the kitchen bench and the 200L compressor fridge-freezer. Rather than fitting the pantry with a drawer system, MDC has provided individual shelves with separate doors – a much better use of space, in my opinion.

The dinette sits opposite. It can be lowered to form the base of a second bed, and an infill cushion is provided, and I have to give points for the fact they’ve included 12V and 240V powerpoints in the leg area, so the cables of your devices won’t get in the way.

Moving to the bathroom, you’ll find a very well-appointed space. It includes linen storage, a wall-mounted washing machine, a Thetford cassette toilet, a large mirror, and a nearside shower cubicle – everything you’ll need, fitted nicely. The shower cubicle, by the way, includes a rail to allow you to hang wet towels or a soggy bathmat without it dripping all over the floor.

My overwhelming impression of this van’s layout and features is that it truly is ready for the lap. Aside from looking and feeling solid throughout, with no poor joinery or shoddy workmanship, the lengthy list of features should keep you comfortable, from a Dometic Freshjet reverse-cycle air-conditioner to a sophisticated electrical system…

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

About that electrical system. As part of the development of the Series 2 MDC FORTE, the company upgraded the power capacity by 50 per cent across the range, with 300Ah of lithium now standard. Solar capacity has been increased to 525W, while DC charging has seen an 80 per cent increase to 45A. A 60A AC charger is supplied too.

The power is delivered via the Projecta Intelli-Grid Gen3 system, an all-in-one system that allows you to monitor and control the van’s 12V system via the in-built 7in digital display or via your smartphone. A 1600W inverter is included as well

Should the 525W of roof-mounted solar not be enough, the system is able to support an additional 600W of solar charging via a portable panel connected to an external Anderson plug.

The MDC FORTE SR19 is built on a 6in hot-dipped-galvanised RHS chassis on independent trailing arm coil suspension. Looking underneath the van, I found it to be clean and tidy, everything protected as it should be and nothing that looked particularly vulnerable. Two 80L fresh water tanks and a single 80 grey water tank are provided, each protected by a stoneguard.

The pointy end of the van gets a 50mm ball coupling – this isn’t an offroad caravan, after all – and the excellent Ark XO750 jockey wheel. The versatility of this jockey wheel cannot be understated.

MDC has also given this van an A-frame-mounted storage box complete with enclosed storage for two 9kg gas cylinders, and a compartment either side that would prove useful for carrying firewood. A small point: the tap on the A-frame of the MDC FORTE is mounted on the inside, where it receives mechanical protection from the surrounding steel and isn’t as vulnerable to stone-strike.

I have always disliked the checkerplate lids provided for chassis-mounted batteries – they’re fiddly to remove and to replace. I therefore couldn’t help but notice the lid to the battery on this van. Simply undo a catch, and it drops down. Easy! The nearby water fillers are neatly presented and labelled – another tick in this van’s favour. Presentation counts.

A roll-out awning runs the length of the nearside, where you’ll also find a picnic table, a tunnel boot storage system, a couple of speakers and some anti-insect lights.

When looking at an MDC, it’s important to realise that there’s very little scope to customise, beyond minor tweaks. That’s why the company endeavours to ensure its vans are as equipped for purpose as they can be for the price and market segment. Further, it simplifies the purchasing process.

For those who don’t know, MDC uses an aluminium frame clad with composite aluminium. They do it well, too – take a look the next time you’re at a show and I think you’ll agree that it’s a quality fit and finish.

From a towing perspective, the MDC FORTE SR19 would be an excellent match for the crop of locally available 3500kg-rated tow vehicles. Though the Tare of our van was 2649kg, the ATM was 3500kg, giving it a very healthy payload capacity. And for a little extra towing peace of mind, the van comes with Tuson TSC-1000 sway control (with asymmetric braking).

SUMMING UP

The MDC muster at Gootchie Creek Escape was a fantastic event, attended by happy owners of MDC caravans, not to mention sister brands Gold Class and Aus RV. MDC doesn’t sit on its laurels. 2026 has seen a lot of new and revised product from this company, not to mention numerous dealer announcements.

The SR29 MDC FORTE S2 packs a decent punch, packed with upgrades that were once options, a solid power system and a quality to the fitout that is hard to fault. Packaged with the asking price, it becomes an option that is hard to overlook. Anyone in the market for a 19ft on-road touring van would do well to check it out.

THE SCORE 

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES