Question 1

What are the best mods for a Mazda BT50 touring setup?

Accepted Answer

For me, the touring game changers are tray + canopy and a proper 12V system, because it completely changes how you travel. Then you back it up with suspension, bash plates, and tyres so you can actually take it places without crying. Sliders and a snorkel are the early protection mods that just make sense on a new ute.

Question 2

How much weight does a tray and canopy add to a Mazda BT50?

Accepted Answer

We weighed the BT50 before and after, and the tray, canopy and 12V gear added roughly 380kg all up. The tray was about 50kg and the canopy about 145kg, then the rest was the Voyager system, battery, drawers/slides and bits. It’s proper “science” but it also proves how fast weight stacks on a touring build.

Question 3

Is a tray and canopy heavier than a tub with a fibreglass canopy?

Accepted Answer

We did a bit of Googling and the numbers end up closer than people think, especially if you want a rooftop tent. Tub-to-tray/canopy was around +125kg, while a fibreglass canopy might be ~80kg plus a reinforcement kit around ~40kg. So if you’re building it to carry a tent, you’re basically in the same boat—just depends what setup you prefer.

Question 4

What suspension and underbody protection did you fit to the BT50?

Accepted Answer

Superior Engineering handled the lift with front and rear shocks and springs, and we also fitted a full bash plate kit. They used the BT50 as an R&D/how-to car, which is handy because it means there’s install tutorials if you’re doing it at home. The shiny new suspension and plates make it look tough, but more importantly it’s ready to cop a hit.

Question 5

What 12V system did you install in the Mazda BT50 and why?

Accepted Answer

We ran the Enerdrive 12V Voyager plug-and-play setup with a 200Ah Enerdrive lithium battery. I like it because it’s a clean, tidy way to get a proper touring power system in without turning the canopy into a wiring nightmare. The TDI setup also had things like solar run to the back and even central locking for the canopy doors, which is honestly a very sick feature.

Question 6

What UHF radio did you use in the BT50 build?

Accepted Answer

We chucked in the new GME XRS Connect 335C—the super compact unit. The size is psycho elite, and even the handset feels quality, not cheap plastic like a lot of other brands. For a touring dual cab like this, it’s exactly the kind of tidy comms setup I want.

Question 7

What roof lighting did you fit and how did you mount it?

Accepted Answer

We ran a Front Runner roof rack and mounted a row of Stedi Type-X Evo Mini lights across the front. I played around with the layout (we definitely went a bit overboard at first), then packed it up properly and bolted it in. The goal was simple: make it light up like Christmas time without doing anything dodgy.

Question 8

What is Shed Life Club and why are you building this BT50?

Accepted Answer

We still give away a car every single month through the Shed Life Club, and this BT50 is one of those builds. The club supports the channel and lets us keep making trips and build content, plus members get stickers, shirts depending on tier, and access to a big discount range with heaps of partners. If you’re building a car, the discounts can basically pay for the membership—so you’re meant to get value, not just chase the win.

Best MODS for Mazda BT50!

🛍️ Products Mentioned (2)

We get to build a BRAND NEW ultimate Touring BT50 from the ground up!

Take Me Home by Bob Bradley, Matt Parker, Steve Dymond,

About This Video

Frequently Asked Questions

🎬 More from TJ AND MAC