2012 Mazda BT 50 Tailgate lock

I have just built a hardwood, weather proof box into which I've inserted a second 105 AH AGM battery which I've connected up to a Redarc dual battery management solenoid and a series of plugs and an inverter. There is also room in the box for a toolbox and recovery gear. It weighs a tonne and is bolted to the floor of the tub. Not all that practical, but it works well and it cost me nothing. I looked at the Alloy boxes but was concerned that the interior dimensions were curtailed somewhat by the lip around the edge of the top of the box (the bit that makes it weather-proof).

The tub has a soft tonneau cover (at present).

I will mainly be carrying lengths of timber so I have also fitted the sports bar and a ladder rack.

I have ordered the ARB bullbar, as the Mazda version doesn't take a winch, and is in short supply anyway. I have a pair of Lightforce Genesis HID lamps that I will attach to the bullbar when it arrives.

I swapped the tyres for BF Goodrich A/Ts before I took delivery as I really don't like the Dunlop Grand Trek 22's. I had them on my Landcruiser and they were terrible on gravel roads.

I want to fit a canopy when I head across the Simpson next year, and that's why I want to be able to lock the tailgate. I was intending to install a drawer system / fridge slide etc. etc. which I will build myself. Mazda offers a canopy that they claim is "attractive and secure" (I'd go with ARB's canopy or the one made by Razorback (the latter is made of steel). I don't know why Mazda even bothers putting locks on the windows of their canopy if the tailgate can't be locked!

In the meantime I am also thinking of swapping the dampers for the ones that come standard on the Ford Ranger. I found the Ford had a much better ride than the Mazda. I may hold off doing this because if I do manage the Simpson trip next year I'll go with OME suspension (I had this set-up on my Landcruiser and a set of eight Hi-Lux OME shocks on my OKA and they were all brilliant!)

I'm also considering a long range tank, but as I live in Tasmania, this is not an immediate priority as I can drive around the entire state on a single tank of fuel.

And lastly I'm going to have a Rhino Liner sprayed into the tub. That's happening on Wednesday.

Good luck with your BT-50.

Rick,

If you're chasing that type of tank, also check out PolyRV Tanks by Enmach Industries.

They make a wider range than Dolium, in a numberof different "configurations".

I've got an 80L water, and 80L diesel tank to put under a tray, on Landcruiser ute, and looks to be an easy set-up. Famous last words???

Bob.

Gday Rick,
Great move buying the BT50. I've been looking at them as well - thinking a dual cab chassis might tick all the boxes except it doesn't come in an auto. Might have to get the ute and remove the tub.

Hardest part is trying to come up with a reason to depart with a perfectly set-up reliable 79series! Might make move after this years trips

Thanks, blokes, for those tips on alternate suppliers.

I overlooked saying that I have a ute liner ordered ($400).

Also have a Redarc electric trailer brake on the way & have already wired in the charge system for the deep cycle battery necessary when I tow the trailer.

Will use a thumper style batt for the second batt/emergency. Not much room under the bonnet for a 2nd batt; this current system has stood me proud for 15 years so why change?....I know, I'd change if I were made of money!

I'm planning on killing off thru wear & tear/attrition the standard Dunlop tyres. Planning at the moment to stay with the 255/70's size & have a new 6th rim with a Bridgestone LT 697 on it already.

Will go with a suspension upgrade when the existing system demands it.

And Phil G - the dark side beckoned! Cornes 4 x 4 rejected my offer on a modified 76 series with a steel tray. A week later they accepted but I'd moved on & I'm glad because the Mazda is point & shoot to drive Vs driving every inch with the 'Yota in that configuration. Power & torque of the two are almost identical........

Chose the BT 50 tub only because of the lack of auto in the cab chassis. After having driven manual & auto, it is a no brainer to get auto.

Cheers all

RM

Yeah, but still no information about locking tailgates! No endorsements intended.