Commercial Advice
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Best 4WDs for towing
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By Brendan Batty · 04 Nov 2020
It looks like we're going to be stuck on our island continent for a little while. Not that it's really a problem because between the exceptional beauty of places like the Victorian High Country and the remote paradises of northern Australia, we have pretty much everything we need for a great escape right here.
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Toyota Tacoma: Story behind the name
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By Spencer Leech · 06 Oct 2020
In 2020, the Toyota Tacoma celebrates 25 years as one of the United States’ most popular pick ups.

Best January new car deals
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By Andrew Chesterton · 07 Sep 2020
If Santa isn't going to be parking a new set of wheels in your Christmas stocking, then it's time to take matters into your own hands.

The ultimate accessories for your Holden Colorado
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By Spencer Leech · 26 Aug 2020
The Holden Colorado may have departed from showrooms, but you can still breath new life into the Lion brand’s venerable ute thanks to a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories.
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Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500: The pros and cons of US pick-up trucks
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By Mark Oastler · 28 Jul 2020
Uncle Sam’s finest have been available in Australia for decades now, mainly through small-volume import/RHD conversion specialists. However, in more recent times, these giant US hay-haulers have enjoyed exponential sales growth despite the economic fallout of COVID-19.
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Which extra cab utes have child seat anchor points?
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By Matt Campbell · 24 Jul 2020
One of our avid readers, Jasmine, is in the market for a space cab ute, but she’s been struggling to find one that has child seat anchor points in the rear seats.Most space cab (or extra cab, King Cab, Freestyle Cab or Super Cab) utes have two additional small seats behind the front seats, but the comfort and convenience varies depending on the variant. These utes offer you “sometimes” seats in the back, or alternatively, secure and weather-proof storage for expensive tools. It also means you get a longer tray - and these utes are available with either pick-up (styleside) tubs or in cab-chassis tray back design, depending on what you need. We’ll specify the options below.Surprisingly, there are many big-name omissions from this list.You won’t find a Toyota HiLux Extra Cab here, as it has no child seat anchor points in the Extra Cab models (available in Workmate, SR and SR5 trim). The facelifted model isn’t expected to have child-seat anchors in the Extra Cab models, either. Interesting tidbit: the HiLux is the only space cab model with pop-out rear windows on sale today.The Mitsubishi Triton Club Cab is available in a few trim grades (GLX and GLX+) and cab-chassis and pick-up body styles, but it doesn’t come with child seat anchor points in the rear row.The Nissan Navara King Cab models don’t come with child seat anchor points either, though there are five versions to choose from across RX, ST and ST-X trim levels.There might be 4x2 (SX) and 4x4 (SX and LS-U) Isuzu D-Max Space Cab models, but no variant in that current range has rear child seat anchors. Will that change with the new-generation model? We’ll have to wait and see. Here’s a list of the extra cab utes on sale in Australia in 2020 that have rear seats with child seat anchor points.The Ranger - which is our pick of the ute segment more broadly - has a space cab body with rearward opening back doors (often called suicide doors) with two seats in the back.The seats aren’t comfortable - it’s a pretty cramped space for adults, but that’s the case with all the utes in this story - and in the Ford Super Cab models there are two upper child seat anchor points, but because of the seat design there are no ISOFIX attachments.The 2020 Ford Ranger Super Cab is available in a number of different variants (all prices MSRP):No surprise to see the current Mazda BT-50 make the list alongside its twin-under-the-skin. This is specific to the model sold between 2012 and 2020.The Freestyle Cab model has identical rear-swinging back doors with two seats in the second row, as well as two top-tether child seat points (no ISOFIX).The 2020 Mazda BT-50 Freestyle Cab is available in a few different variants (all MSRP):
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Best new cars arriving in 2017 | $60,000-$100,000
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By Tim Robson · 13 Jul 2020
If you're looking for something in the $60-100,000 bracket, 2017 promises a broad selection of new metal, from premium brands, to large SUVs, along with some genuinely fast machinery.

The ultimate accessories for your Mitsubishi Triton
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By Brendan Batty · 09 Jul 2020
The Mitsubishi Triton has never commanded the sales success or worksite grandeur of single- and dual-cab utes, such as the Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger. But it's place as arguably the best-value new ute on the market has ensured its popularity and that a wide range of aftermarket accessories are available for it.

Ultimate accessory guide for the Toyota HiLux
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By Brendan Batty · 08 Jul 2020
Tough, reliable, well-equipped and super popular, the Toyota HiLux is seemingly everything the average Aussie ute-buyer could ever want. Except that it’s not, because just about no one has a stock-standard HiLux – it being one of the most modified utes in Australia. And that’s a double boon for everyone after Toyota HiLux aftermarket accessories; there’s a massive market for the industry, and therefore a copious amount of choice for the consumer. Whatever you want to do with your Lux ute, can be done, and probably bought off the shelf. So, for a curated guide to the best HiLux accessories and modifications, for work or play. Read on. Overview: These days, bull bars are as much fashion statement as they are frontal protection, and especially for the HiLux, there’s no shortage of options. If you want a lightweight, custom-look, hoopless, high-clearance, winch-compatible bar, you can order something like the Hamer King Series bar online.If you just need a traditional alloy, three-hoop bar for a couple of driving lights, there are numerous options, but few as well suited to the HiLux than the genuine accessory option from Toyota. Of course, all the major aftermarket manufacturers have great steel bars. Whatever you do, make sure you’re not buying a bar that will compromise the front axle loads, or consider a suspension kit that increased that allowable load (more details below). Cost: The Hamer King bar costs around $1900, plus fitment. An ARB Summit Bar will set you back $2926 including fitting. Where to Buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories, ARB, Hamer King Series BarOverview: The HiLux is so good off-road it’ll never get stuck, right? Even so, a winch is pretty good for recovering Nissan Navaras and Volkswagen Amaroks when they get stuck down a track, or so I’m told.If you need a good winch, the choice isn’t as easy as it once was when Warn was the only name worth mentioning. Today, there’s stiff competition, and previously unheard-of brands, like Runva and Sherpa, which are gaining recognition, while many aftermarket brands like TJM and Ironman 4x4 have their own versions.In my personal experience, you’ll use a winch far less than you anticipate (I’ve only ever used one once in anger after a 4WD on a trip rolled, and never to recover myself), so unless you’re actively seeking out really tough terrain, you can probably save $1000 or so and go without one. Cost: Although you can get a winch for less than $500 these days, budget about $1000-$2000, depending on the brand you think fits best. Where to buy: Runva, Ironman 4x4, TJM, ARBOverview: If your frontal protection needs don’t involve a high risk of an animal strike or a desire to increase frontal clearance, a nudge bar might be the best bet. These simple loops of steel or alloy are also great for holding auxiliary light bars or an aerial for your mobile phone range extender or UHF. Cost: The genuine alloy nudge bar from Toyota for the current model HiLux costs $830. From East Coast Bull Bars, an equivalent version begins at around $860.Where to Buy: East Coast Bull Bars, Toyota Genuine AccessoriesOverview: Gaining an extra couple of inches clearance under the HiLux is almost essential if you’re planning some off-road touring or camping trips. It’ll reduce the likelihood of damage, help many off-road camper trailers and caravans ride more evenly behind your vehicle, and make it look cooler.Search ‘lift kit for Toyota Hilux’, though, and you’re peppered with options – everything from mild to extreme. Given the proclivity of Aussie tourers to carry as much luxury as possible with us when we want to act rugged, look for a kit that includes a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) increase by upping the front and rear axle loads. That’ll give you more scope to load fit a bull bar with all the fruit, and keep a decent load in the tray. Just remember, increasing GVM doesn’t increase GCM (Gross Combination Mass), so if you are towing a trailer, you’ll still have to make a compromise somewhere. Because you can load more into the tray, you’ll have to stick with a lighter trailer or caravan so as not to overload the combination.ARB’s Old Man Emu Suspension kits will lift the current HiLux 40mm, and then enable it to certify a GVM increase to between 3150 (stage 1) and 3465kg (stage 2). Lovells also offers a lift kit and GVM upgrade to 3300kg, as do other suspension companies like Ironman 4x4 and Pedders.Cost: For Lovells to redo your HiLux suspension and GVM upgrade, allow at least $5000. For ARB, budget around $2500 for its entry-level Old Man Emu Nitrocharger 3150kg upgrade, plus about 4 hours labour. The ARB increases can be applied retrospectively (if you already have the suspension fitted, for example), beginning at $300. Regional prices might vary slightly. Where to buy: ARB, Lovells SuspensionOverview: Snorkels are more than just for tackling chest-deep Cape York river crossings. By raising the air intake point, they reduce the amount of dust your engine might inhale, and potentially also help bring cooler, denser air into the combustion chamber. They also look pretty cool, which is as good a reason as any. Cost: A genuine HiLux snorkel costs $460, plus fitting. An aftermarket version from Safari will set you back $477 plus $240 to fit. From TJM, an Airtech black, stainless steel snorkel costs $595, plus fitting. Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories, ARB, TJMOverview: Most of the HiLux 4x4 range drive on 265/65 R17 or 265/60 R18 tyres, which measure pretty close to 30.5in in diameter. Conservatively, and legally, you can increase the diameter by 50mm (in most states), meaning you could fit 245/75R17 or 285/60 R18 rubber under the HiLux. Bear in mind, this only increases your clearance by about 25mm, probably has no conceivable impact on your off-road traction, but will affect fuel economy. Before considering a larger tyre, work out if a different tread pattern and a good tyre deflator wouldn’t be better options off-road. Cost: A decent set of all terrains will cost anywhere from $250 to $500 a tyre in 285/60 R18 size.Where to buy: TyroolaOverview: The addition of a canopy to your HiLux ute can be very personal. For some, it’s a way to keep camping gear dry and dust-free, for others a way to keep pets comfortable on long drives. Likewise, a work ute will have different needs to one used for leisure. The most common HiLux canopies are made from fibreglass, although aluminium canopies are increasingly becoming popular for their strength and weight characteristics. Alternatively, custom made HiLux canopies are popular for camping and trade applications, and many metal fabricators focus on this market. Access is one of the most significant considerations to a canopy, and most of the tub-tray versions will offer sliding or top-hinged windows. Canopies for alloy trays might have larger access doors than the former, and can typically have more specific storage options. There’s no right or wrong canopy, but consider features like the ability to add racks at a later stage, and how much clearance you’ll need under the roof. Also remember, a canopy’s total weight counts as load, so the lighter, the better without sacrificing strength. Cost: A deluxe fibreglass canopy from TJM costs $3960. Budget at least $3500 for a simple canopy with lift-up windows from ARB. For an extensive, feature-packed, camping-specific aluminium canopy from Norweld, expect to pay at least $14,300, plus another $5610 for a canopy base tray. Where to buy: TJM, ARB, or Norweld.Overview: Although the genuine Toyota Hilux tray options are well proven on thousands of vehicles, many industries and interests have specific needs. Toyota has cottoned onto this, and there’s a long list of genuine accessories focussed on personalising the Hilux tray back, including a bed slide, utility boxes, tray mats, canopies and tonneau covers. There are even mining ute specific options if you talk to the dealer. The biggest custom tray choice, though, will be to get one in steel or alloy. Steel is strong, and great if you need the structural integrity of something like a small crane, but alloy is lighter, leaving more load capacity for actual load. From there, the options are endless, and if you can imagine it, a metal fabricator can build it. Cost: Even a basic, Toyota HiLux steel dual cab tray will set you back over $4,000, so start your budget there and add money for every feature you want. A fully custom, off-road-ready alloy camping tray from the likes of Patriot Campers Off Road will be more than $20,000 including a canopy. Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories, Patriot Campers Off RoadOverview: If you need to keep things organised in the tray and don’t have the sort of budgets required to get a full custom tray, a decent set of drawers is the place to start.Whether for camping or worksites, a good drawer system is easy to access, can carry everything you need and is built to suit your needs. If you need a large load area above the drawers, consider a side-by-side arrangement. If you will be camping and use a fridge, consider a set of stacked drawer, so the fridge slides from floor level and is easier to get into it. Cost: A dual drawer system for a dual-cab tub tray from Drifta begins at $1845, but can be customised to your heart’s content. From ORS, a 1030mm long twin drawer system starts at $1800, plus $150 for fitting. Neither fit with a Toyota HiLux tub-liner, so don’t order one with your new ute if you intend on adding drawers.Where to buy: OffRoad Systems and DriftaOverview: If your storage needs are more modest than a canopy or full custom tray demands, then a tonneau cover, either soft or hard lid is an inexpensive way to keep your tray secure and dry. Consider a fabric version for flexibility or a hard version for added security or if you need a solid platform for carting bikes around. Cost: A dual cab, fabric tonneau from Toyota costs around $340, while a genuine Toyota Hilux hard lid will set you back about $2400. An ARB Sport Lid for dual cab HiLux will cost around $2100 and can have racks fitted to carry 75kg of gear on top.Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories or ARBOverview: No matter how you use your HiLux, some things are just better stored on the roof. As well as the genuine HiLux roof racks, all of the major brands have options, including simple roof bars through to lightweight roof platforms with modular accessories so they can be customised to your heart’s content. Among the best is the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform. Cost: A simple set of roof bars will set you back around $500. A more comprehensive platform will be about $1600. Where to buy: Rhino-RackOverview: Need to lug around something longer than the bed of your tray? You’ll need a tub rack or ladder rack for that. Cost: A single alloy hoop for the back of your tray will cost around $500.Where to buy: eBay. Overview: Nearly every version of the HiLux has been noted for its towing performance, and now that the current crop can haul between 2800 and 3500kg (4WD models) they’re very popular with caravanners.Toyota’s genuine fitment tow bar is among the best on the market, and for large caravan duties, can be matched with a weight distribution kit. These are essential to maintain effective braking and steering effectiveness with a heavy caravan weighing down the rear end. For a more off-road specific option, the Hayman Reese XBar improved departure angle by about 5°, integrated rated recovery points and rear step to protect the rear bumper. If you are towing something large, don’t forget you’ll need towing mirrors to stay legal. Cost: Expect to spend about $1200 getting a tow bar and associated wiring fitted. For something more specific, like the XBar, budget $1200 or so for the bar, plus fitting. Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories or Hayman ReeseOverview: Towing mirrors are a legal requirement if your rear vision is restricted by the trailer you are towing. Most commonly used by caravanners, they’re not the only people who need them. The bee's knees in caravan mirrors are the integrated, telescoping mirrors by Clearview. They extend out when you need them, and can be adjusted by the electric mirror control inside the car. They are expensive, though.For something cheaper, clip-on mirrors are the way to go but avoid any that only attach to the mirror itself – every truck you go past will blow them into your window with an almighty bang. A set that attaches to the door, like the Coast Door Mount Mirrors, is excellent. Cost: The Clearview Mirrors for a current HiLux will cost $745. The Coast Door Mount Mirrors cost $140.Where to buy: Clearview, Outback Equipment.Overview: For easier access into the high-riding HiLux, nothing is better than a stylish set of side steps. If it’s sill-protection you’re after when 4WDing rough terrain, opt for a set rated to protect your vehicle. Hint, those typical alloy steps are just steps, but something like the Xrox Rock Sliders, are. For something with a good step and decent level of protection, look into the Ironman 4x4 side steps and rails, which are also airbag compatible. Cost: Xrox Rock Sliders cost $995. Ironman 4x4 Side Steps cost around $775. Where to buy: Off Road Central, Ironman 4x4Overview: Dual battery systems are so popular in the HiLux that even Toyota offers a genuine version. Using Redarc’s BC-DC25 as the charging solution, it is limited by the battery’s under-bonnet placement, which means a smaller battery is used. A better solution would be to get the Redarc unit in the aftermarket and fit a larger battery in the tray as part of a more comprehensive solution. For a lower-priced option, consider the Projecta IDC25. Cost: The Redarc BC-DC25 starts at $609.10. The Projecta IDC25 retails for around $300. Where to buy: Redarc, ProjectaOverview: If you do any sort of long-distance, remote highway miles at night, additional lighting is really helpful. The current HiLux already has LED headlights in its top-spec models, but upgrades are available for SR, Rugged and below.The easiest option is LED H7 globe replacements like those from Stedi, which simply swap out the halogen globes for specially designed LED versions. For even more light, LED light bar or LED driving lights are popular additions to bull-bars and roof-racks (check your local rules about roof-mounted lights).For a lot of very bright light without a considerable price, try the Narva Ultima 215, which is too bright in the suburbs, but perfect in the bush. For a more suburban-friendly light, the Narva Ultima 175 is just about perfect. Toyota Genuine Accessories offers a great LED light bar. Cost: The Stedi globe will set you back a modest $150. The Narva Ultima 215 LED lights retail for around $500 each light, while a set of Ultima 175 LED lamps will cost about $500. Where to buy: Toyota Genuine Accessories, Narva, Stedi
The Ultimate Mazda BT-50 accessory guide
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By Brendan Batty · 08 Jul 2020
The BT-50 hasn’t significantly changed since 2011, plus it’s a platform-share with the Ford Ranger. Although it’s not been an exceptionally popular ute, there’s a lot of choices when it comes to Mazda BT-50 aftermarket accessories. Mazda has always wanted the BT-50 ute to be an owner’s ‘third space’ – somewhere that’s not quite home, not quite work, but comfortable and useful all the same. As a result, there’s a huge range of optional accessories targeted at the tradie, caravanner and camper who spend a lot of time in the ute and use it for all sorts of reasons. Towing packs and tradie fit-outs are popular on the Mazda BT-50, for that very reason. So, for a comprehensive guide to the best Mazda BT-50 accessories, read on. Overview: There is so much variety in bull bar design for today’s modern dual-cab utes. You no longer have to choose between an alloy or steel three-hoop bar, and the OEM options are not as ugly as they have been in the past. The Mazda BT-50 genuine accessory bull-bar range includes steel and alloy bull bars, plus a polished alloy nudge bar, all of which can be accessorised individually or as part of specific Dual Cab and Freestyle Cap ute packs. From the aftermarket, the Ironman 4x4 Commercial Deluxe and Protector bull bars, which cost only a few dollars different, are good examples of modern, versatile frontal protection, including fog lights and tabs for extra accessories and a winch. Cost: A genuine Mazda steel bullbar adds $2835 to the price of a new BT-50. A winch-compatible Commercial Deluxe bull bar from Ironman retails for about $1800, plus fitting. Where to Buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, Ironman 4x4Overview: If you don’t need the full-frontal protection of a bull bar, but still want the capacity to fit extra lighting or an aerial, a nudge bar is an ideal touring accessory. Mazda offers a black or polished alloy version as an individual option, or as part of a Sports Touring Pack on some Dual and Freestyle cab utes, fitted with two Lightforce round driving lights. You can add a bonnet protector for extra stone-chip protection, too.On the aftermarket, a 76mm diameter alloy tube nudge bar from East Coast Bullbars is one of the simplest and best options. Cost: A genuine nudge bar for the BT-50 costs $1054, fitted. From ECB, expect to pay around $900. Where to buy: Mazda BT-50 Genuine Accessories, ECBOverview: Given the platform-share with the Ford Ranger, what’s applicable for one is generally suitable for the other. A 40-50mm suspension lift for the Mazda BT-50 is very common, and can often incorporate a GVM increase of up to 300kg, which is great if you’re carrying a load or towing a large caravan. If you want to go higher, a 50-75mm suspension lift is possible, although that involves fitting a front diff dropper and fitting new control arms, so is a lot more expensive. Cost: For a simple suspension lift, budget around $1300 for parts, plus fitting. Include a GVM increase and expect to pay $2500 to $5000. For a 50-75mm lift, kits start at around $3300. Where to buy: ARB, VMNOverview: The BT-50 Hi-Rider and 4x4 range are specified with two different tyre-and-rim packages. The lower-spec models feature 255/70 R16 tyres on alloy rims, while GTR and up get 265/65 R17 tyres on alloy rims, which are slightly larger in diameter. If you are looking for aftermarket rims for your BT-50, look for those with a 6x139.7 PCD and 55mm offset. A slightly smaller offset, say 45mm, will widen the vehicle’s stance slightly. Cost: A new set of steel rims will cost around $250 a wheel. For alloys, budget at least $350 a rim.Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, King Wheels.Overview: When utes were just a vehicle to transport your pigs to market, and attend Sunday church service, no one needed a cover the load area. But now they’re used for everything from school drop-offs to mine-site deliveries, keeping the stuff in the back dry, clean and secure is far more important. Canopies range in simplicity from a simple steel frame, and canvas cover to an extensive, custom made fit-out with a place for everything. Cost: Add a genuine Mazda canopy to your BT-50 from $4082. An ARB Classic Canopy retails for $2701. For a custom made, highly specific off-road touring canopy, budget around $20,000, including the tray. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, ARB, NorweldOverview: If your needs aren’t so complex that you need to choose between sliding or lifting windows, but just want to keep the tray secure or weatherproof, a tonneau cover is the way to go. Add a tub liner if you want to prevent your gear scratching up the tray. Cost: Genuine Mazda tonneau covers begin at $850. A hard version that’ll fit around the sports bar tops out at $3200.Where to buy: Mazda Genuine AccessoriesOverview: When you’re continually carrying things longer than the Mazda BT-50 tray – be that ladders, timber or stand-up paddleboards, a ladder rack is an ideal solution. A ladder rack could be as simple as a single hoop at the rear of the tray combined with some roof racks over the cab, or a more specified solution that’s made for your situation. Cost: Mazda includes a ladder rack as part of its genuine options for the BT-50, and that’ll add $890 to the cost of a new ute. Alternatively, the OzRoo Universal Tub Rack is a modular solution that’ll put your Ikea-building skills to the test, but can carry 400kg of load and fits most trays – they’re $700.Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, OzRooOverview: Whether you need to charge tools in the tray at a worksite or keep a fridge and camp lights running while out in the bush, an auxiliary battery system is essential. Mazda offers a factory-fitted option with a tray mount battery cradle, although it’s battery capacity is limited by the cradle size, so consider something from the aftermarket. The best bet is a DC-DC charger, like the Redarc BC-DC25 or Projecta IDC-25, tray-mounted 120ah (or larger) battery, with provision for solar input. That way you can run an inverter, fridge or any other high-draw accessory without risking the starting battery. Cost: The Redarc BC-DC25 starts at $609.10. The Projecta IDC25 retails for around $300. Overview: If you need the organisational nous of a purpose-built canopy, but don’t quite have the budget, a good set of drawers is the next-best option. The home handyman should be able to knock up a set himself in a weekend if he’s good at long cuts with a circular saw. Otherwise, many great drawers, made in Australia, can be bought off-the-shelf or customised to suit your needs. Two notable companies are Drifta in Gloucester, NSW, or OffRoad Systems in Sydney. Cost: A dual drawer system for a dual-cab tub tray from Drifta begins at $1845, but can be customised to your heart’s content. From ORS, a 1030mm long twin drawer system (Mazda BT-50 dual cab tray size) starts at $1800, plus $150 for fitting. Neither fit with a tub-liner, so don’t order one with your new ute if you intend on adding drawers.Where to buy: OffRoad Systems and DriftaOverview: Snorkels are a great accessory if you’re planning some extended outback touring or do a lot of 4WDing that involves crossing creeks and rivers. Lifting the air intake to roof height, it prevents water from being sucked into the engine and generally reduces the amount of dust that needs to be filtered out on dirt roads. Cost: A factory-fitted snorkel will set you back $810. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine AccessoriesOverview: The BT-50 can tow 3500kg, and with its power and torque figures, has become a very popular tow-tug for caravans around the country. Mazda offers a specific Boss Touring Pack on new vehicles, which includes all the goodies a caravanner needs, including tow bar, electric brakes, nudge bar and driving lights and a canopy. If you just need the tow bar kit, that includes the bar, ball and wiring, but you’ll need to add an electric brake controller. Mazda’s OEM solution is a rebranded version of the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, which is the best kit on the market. For more off-road specific towing needs, look into the Hayman Reese X-Bar, which improves rear departure angle and includes rated recovery points, and is a less expensive option for those who might be considering a Mazda BT-50 rear bar.Cost: The Sports Touring Pack adds $8,773 to the cost of a new ute. A tow bar kit will add $1,150, while a brake controller costs $701. The Hayman Reese X-Bar retails for around $1400, plus fitting. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, Hayman ReeseOverview: Towing mirrors are essential if your rear vision is hindered by the trailer you are towing. The most comprehensive solution is replacement, telescoping mirrors by the likes of Clearview, which integrate with the OEM electric controls for the mirror orientation. If your budget and needs don’t stretch to a full-time solution, clip-on door-mirrors are great, but avoid the ones that clip only to your mirror unless you like the mirrors being slammed into your window every time a truck goes past. Cost: The Clearview Mirrors for a current BT-50 will cost $745. Coast Door Mount Mirrors cost $140.Where to buy: Clearview, Outback EquipmentOverview: Need an easier step up into the high-riding BT-50 cabin, or a platform to stand on when tying things down to the roof-racks? A good set of side-steps are in order. If you need underbody protection for off-road driving though, look into something that’ll act as a rock slider and can support the weight of the vehicle if it makes contact with large rocks. Consider a bash plate for further underbody protection, if you also think sliders will be useful. Cost: OEM side steps for the BT-50 begin at $711, but aren’t available on the single cab models. For something with a bit more off-road credibility look into the ARB Protection Steps for the Dual and Freestyle cabs at $1491 fitted. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, ARBOverview: All BT-50 models are fitted with halogen headlight globes, so an LED headlight conversion can help gain a bit of brightness and clarity in the dark. LED replacement globes from companies like Stedi are a popular, and inexpensive option. For even more light at night, Mazda offers an LED driving-light option fitted to the bull bar or nudge bar. From the aftermarket, the Narva Ultima 215s are high-performance lights that are too bright in the suburbs, but perfect in the bush. For a more suburban friendly light, the Narva Ultima 175 is just about perfect. If traditional driving lights aren’t the look you’re after, there’s a vast range of light bars available too. Cost: The Stedi globes will set you back a modest $150. The Narva Ultima 215 LED lights retail for around $500 each light, while a set of Ultima 175 LED lamps will cost about $500. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, Narva, Stedi