Articles by Brendan Batty

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

Hybrid campers offer some of the best comforts of a caravan (solid walls, proper beds, little to no set-up time) with the best aspects of camper-trailers (light, small, rugged and able to be towed nearly anywhere). There's plenty of excitement about Blue Tongue Campers' first h ybrid, so we took it bush to see what it's about.

Hybrid campers tread the line between caravan comfort and camper trailer-manoeuvrability and are touted as somewhat of a new thing; almost an evolution of comfort as more people look for a perfect camping experience.But camper-trailers like the Cub Longreach LE prove that the concept has been around for decades.

Almost everyone agrees that the lighter your load the better everything will be on a camping trip. If you have less weight, you use less fuel, you put less strain on your vehicle’s mechanical components and, if you are heading off-road, you’re more likely to get into the tougher places

Although the lines that have customarily distinguished hard floor and soft floor campers have blurred – namely price and comfort (hard floors used to be consistently higher in both) – the variety of design in which you can get a hard-floor camper has continued to grow, and pinning down a definition for it is somewhat hazardous. Traditionally, a hard-floor camper was one where the lid of the trailer flipped or folded backwards, so that it became the floor of the living area, although more recently, they’ve been renamed rear fold campers. Hard-floor campers, nowadays are more generally any camper which has a solid floor under its living space, rather than a fabric or vinyl tent floor of a soft-floor camper. They could be rear-folding, forward-folding (or a combination of both – double-folding), side-folding or have a wind-up roof and slide-out beds such as those which Jayco has popularised. In essence, they get the living area off the ground, out of the dirt and make sure it’s always flat underfoot. The concept isn’t very new, either. Some of the first hard-floor campers were predecessors of the Jayco-esque campers – the Cargill Caravanette, Topagee and Bushwacker were all popular through the late '50s and early '60s. Shockingly, though, the first rear-fold, hard-floor camper in Australia was Danish, rather than Australian. Roger Fagan, owner of Cub Campers and the longest-standing builder of hard-floor campers in Australia told me: “It wasn’t until the early 1980s that we developed the rear-fold camper. The original was developed in Denmark – the Combi-Camp. But two people could pick up the Combicamp; it had tiny little wheels and that sort of thing. There’s no way to could take it on Australian roads.” Even then, it wasn’t us who copied the designs – a New Zealand company made a copy called the Camp-o-Matic, well before Cub Campers got involved. Hard-floor, forward-folding campers have also been around longer than most realise. The first commercial version of a forward-fold was designed by South African expat and owner of Koala Campers, Glen Hudson. He recalls: “I wanted to make a rear-opening camper and I wanted to compete with Aussie Swag, in those days. I thought; why are they making it open in the back? Make it forwards and we won’t have to worry about the bed and legs, and you save space. That was way back in 1993, I think. I even patented the design.”The design didn’t really inspire, though, and although companies, such as Australian Off-Road and Mod-Con campers, all had early cracks at it (Mod Con was the first to have a really good go at it), it wasn’t until Market Direct Campers started building them overseas and for a lower price that the market really took notice. Today, hard-floor campers of various types seemingly dominate the market (or at the very least, the marketing and media surrounding it), although interestingly, a soft-floor camper brand is generally considered to be the top of the game. Hard-floor, rear-fold campers in particular, have always been the shining light in off-road ability, innovation and comfort and so iterations of that design are what people aspire too.Modern hard-floor designs, such as the forward- and double-fold campers, continue to grow in popularity because they combine a small, towed package that’s easier to take further off-road with many of the comforts you get in a caravan – internal living areas with dinette lounges, air-conditioning and room heating and usually in an easy to set-up package. Depending on the design, they can often accommodate families of four or five, all within the main body of the camper and up off the ground. As well, hard-floor campers of any design are contained with the hard-sides and lids of the trailers, so they’re a neater, sleeker package when packed up and are usually better at keeping dust out of the canvas and storage areas. Where hard-floor campers lose out in comparison to their soft-floor cousins is in the ability to create under-canvas space and storage. Because hard-floor campers contain a bed, the tent frame and all the canvas within the walls of the trailer, a lot of space is taken up that could otherwise be space to put things. Soft-floor campers, on the other hand, usually have the bed and tent on-top of the trailer body, so everything underneath it is free to keep stuff.Price also plays a part – hard-floor campers are usually more expensive than soft-floors (although there are a few companies pushing the boundaries both ways for both – one of the most expensive campers on the market is a soft-floor and some of the cheapest are hard-floors, although only one of those is worth the money being asked). Hard-floor campers are also typically the domain of singles or couples travel, especially the rear-fold and forward-fold designs. They have limited internal floor space and only one bed, so generally families will have to set-up extra sections for kids’ rooms and lay bunks or mats on the floor. There are exceptions, though; double-fold campers have two beds, as do the pop-up roof camper trailers. Nearly every camper trailer manufacturer builds a variation of the hard-floor camper trailer, so the choice can be boggling, but below are some of the best on the market, in a variety of styles. Cost: From $21,990Although Blue Tongue is better known for its forward fold campers, the Overland XR II is quite well thought out. It’s got a great kitchen with heaps of pantry storage and a clever tent design that suits tropical camping. Inside, there’s plenty of storage space and all of the electric controls are easily accessed. It definitely suits a travelling couple who like a spot for everything. bluetonguecampers.com.auCost: $67,500Overview: As the heritage names in off-road hard floor campers stumble or fall away, the Fraser XTE is hanging on as one of the few premium rear-folds left on the market. It has a remote controlled, automatic set up, excellent kitchen and even cabin heating. But it costs more than the average caravan… It’s for you if you want every luxury and still want to go everywhere off-road. completecampsite.com.auCost: From $59,990Overview: Still one of the most iconic shapes in camper trailers, Ultimate was bailed out of administration late in 2018. The concept of internal lounge and flip-over bed has been copied by every forward-fold camper trailer, though, which is something. Best for people who want caravan comfort but don’t want a caravan. https://ultimatecampers.com.auCost: From $26,990Overview: With the largest interior of the Jayco camper trailer range, the Swan, in Outback (semi-off-road) or Touring (on-road) modes is a really grear family camper trailer. It has two separate lounge areas, both of which can be converted to sleeping berths, so everyone can bring a friend. It’s also simple to use and inexpensive, so makes a great camper for families dipping their tows into caravan travel. jayco.com.auCost: From $67,490Overview: Still one of the most desirable camper trailers on the market, it’s space-age teardrop design, incredibly clever tent system and military-proven suspension system is the pride of many outback travellers. There are four models in the range, but the third-teir Canning seems the best value to me, with just the right amount of comfort, without going overboard. Suits the serious, long-term outback traveller. Cost: $29,490Overview: Cub is the longest standing camper trailer builder in Australia and the Brumby one of its most iconic models. Simple, strong, small and light-weight, it’s enduringly easy to set up and pack up with just enough comfort for two. It’s the best value, Aussie-made rear-fold on the market. cubcampers.com.au

As it’s become easier and easier to get information about, or be romanced by images of, Australia’s outback and other incredibly remote destinations, the desire to travel to those places has grown.More people want to escape into the unknown, but we want to take as much comfort with us as possible. Enter the camper trailer, a simple contraption that can make camping palatable to just about anyone, but small enough to be towed just about anywhere by a 4x4. But while many marketers, salesmen (and even off-road camper trailer reviews) might have you believe that all (or at least their) trailers are ready to rumble, there’s a big difference between a sticker on the side of a camper and its ability to survive all terrains and still provide comfort at the end of a hard day’s drive into the extreme outback.So, let’s start at the beginning – what’s the difference between an on-road camper, a camper that says it’s off-road but probably isn’t and an actual off-road camper trailer? Mostly, it comes down to the amount of money you’re prepared to spend on it. The most basic camper trailers, those just for plying the highways up and down the coast to Mum and Dad’s favourite caravan park, don’t need to be overly resilient or have high ground clearance. They mostly need to be able to cart kids’ bikes and boards, have somewhere comfy for Mum and Dad to sleep (and the kids if they’re lucky), plus a serviceable kitchen. It means manufacturers can use simple (and almost archaic) suspension systems, use lighter materials in the chassis and draw bar and use more common trailer parts. Some are little more sophisticated than garden trailers with a tent on top, others (like the Jayco-esque pop-up campers) are mini caravans on lighter frames. Good for bitumen; likely to have bits fall off if used more seriously. Camper trailers that are claimed to be off-road ready but probably aren’t, usually have all the cosmetic signs they can go anywhere, but little substance – usually the bigger the ‘off-road’ sticker, the worse the camper will be. They might have good ground clearance, a cheap all-terrain tyre package and shiny suspension, but if they’re 50 per cent cheaper than anything else, there’s definitely a reason why. The best off-road camper trailers, unfortunately, are expensive to build – whether that’s in Australia or overseas. An off-road camper trailer can be two of the following three things: cheap, strong and light. If you want it strong and light, it won’t be cheap. If you want it strong and cheap, it won’t be light. And because cheap isn’t something that helps you go further off-road, whereas strong and light are, they’re the qualities to choose. The process is labour intensive, manufacturers mostly work on small production numbers and often use high-quality, third-party components to ensure they do what they’re needed. And most, as you’ll see below, are completely, or at least mostly, Australian made. That’s not a criticism of imported campers by any means, just an observation of the state of play, at the moment. I expect within a few years, that will have changed. At a minimum, you should expect a modern off-road camper trailer to have a coil-spring independent suspension system, a chassis specifically designed for off-road use with a draw-bar that’s one piece with the main chassis, or at least runs back to the front of the suspension arms. Expect it to be hot-dip galvanised or powder-coated – pre-fab rust-proofing like Duragal is not up to scratch. It should also have some sort of off-road hitch, as standard – if it’s an option, there’s a good chance the camper’s not really an off-roader – and underneath, nothing important like plumbing or wiring should be unduly exposed to potential damage. Off-road camper trailers come innumerable different forms, and it’s at this end of the market where much of the innovation happens. Independent suspension was first developed for camper trailers by Vehicle Components (now Cruisemaster) and solar power and self-sufficiency products matured on small trailers before the caravanners really took notice. Traditionally, off-road campers have been divided into two camps: soft-floor, which is one with a tent that has a plastic or vinyl floor like a normal tent, and hard-floor, which is one which flips open, so the trailers roof becomes the tent’s floor. Although after years of custom designs and constant evolution camper trailers now come in a variety of forms:Forward- or side-folding – the trailer roof flips forward and becomes the bed base.Hybrid – something like a caravan, but usually smaller and narrower with an external kitchen and often limited interior space for things like ensuites or dinette tablesTear-drop – just like the classic teardrops of old, but far more sophisticated.Pop-up – the concept popularised by Jayco, but which has been around far longerDouble fold – the trailer’s lid is hinged at both ends with a join in the middle. When it unfolds, it reveals a bed at each end, leaving the living space in the middle.Loft – A concept that’s growing in popularity it is, in essence, a trailer with a roof-top tent on it.Any and all can be great for solo, couple or family travel, but they do often fall into certain camps, so if you’re looking at some for sale or hire, it has to suit your needs. Tear-drop, hybrid, loft and any of the folding campers often make great options for solo or couple travellers, while the soft-floor, pop-up and double-fold campers are usually the best suited to families because of the generous internal space provided. If you’re looking for a good off-road camper trailer, these ones below are the pick of the bunch, in my opinion.Cost: $67,500Overview: As the heritage names in off-road hard floor campers stumble or fall away, the Fraser XTE is hanging on as one of the few premium rear-folds left on the market. It has a remote-controlled, automatic set-up, excellent kitchen and even cabin heating. But it costs more than the average caravan… It’s for you if you want every luxury and still want to go everywhere off-road. https://completecampsite.com.au/our-range/hard-floor/fraser-xte/Overview: Still one of the most iconic shapes in camper trailers, Ultimate was bailed out of administration late in 2018. The concept of internal lounge and flip-over bed has been copied by every forward-fold camper trailer, though, which is something. Best for people who want caravan comfort but don’t want a caravan. https://ultimatecampers.com.au/range/Cost: From $54,950Overview: Lifestyle was once a leading tent-trailer builder but gave it all in when it couldn’t compete on price with Chinese imports, so it started building hybrid off-road campers. They’ve evolved into this, the Reconn R2, which has an incredible outdoor kitchen and bed right up in the roof. Great for outback chefs and caravanners who want to downsize.https://offgridoutfitters.com.au/pages/lifestyle-campers-reconn-r2Cost: $29,490Overview: Cub is the longest-standing camper-trailer builder in Australia and the Brumby one of its most iconic models. Simple, strong and light-weight, it’s enduringly easy to set up and pack up with just enough comfort for two. It’s the best-value, Aussie-made rear-fold on the market. Link to Buy: https://cubcampers.com.au/range/2-2m-series/brumby/Cost: Average spend on a Brüder is a whopping $155,000 – buyers are mostly overseas adventurers. Overview: The Brüder EXP-6 broke the internet when it launched three years ago – at least the camper-trailer-loving sections of it. A highly customisable off-roader with an official snow-load rating for the roof, it’s highly automated and exceptionally luxurious. Perfect for those waiting out a zombie apocalypse in comfort. https://bruderx.com/exp-6/ Cost: From $67,490Overview: Still one of the most desirable camper trailers on the market, the Tvan's space-age teardrop design, incredibly clever tent system and military-proven suspension system is the pride of many outback travellers. There are four models in the range, but the third-tier Canning seems the best value to me, with just the right amount of comfort, without going overboard. Suits the serious, long-term outback traveller. https://www.tracktrailer.com.au/tvan/tvan-models/ Cost: From $30,500Overview: Trackabout has always made an honest, hard-working camper trailer, but its most recent models have been really innovative. The Explorer is the smallest walk-up camper on the market (a walk-up camper is one with a walkway inside the trailer body at the end of the bed, so there’s no ladder to climb into bed) thanks to its folding bed design. It’s also super quick to set up and has a patented awing arm system. In touring form it’s great for travellers who move often or those who want a lightweight off-road camper trailer. In base-camp form it’s ideal for small families. https://trackabout.com.au/explorer Cost: $45,990Overview: Patriot has the set the bar high for camper quality, functionality and ruggedness. Its latest trailer, based in the top-of-the-line X1, features a hard-topped, roof-top tent style tent which sets up in an instant. I’m a bigger fan of the normal soft-floor tent version, which goes up in about two minutes. Patriots are an expedition style trailer with great storage options, an excellent kitchen and innovative features. Perfect for anyone, because their tent options are extensive. https://www.patriotcampers.com.au 

Forward folding camper trailers were a revelation to the camping industry when they were popularised by Market Direct Campers early in the second decade of the 2000s. The concept is far older, though, and was even patented as early as 1993.

Let's not beat around the bush: the pop-top or pop-up or hybrid camper trailer (whatever it wants to be called) is a caravan – sure, it's a small one with a little more set-up than what we traditionally think of as a caravan, but it's a caravan all the same.

There was a time when Australia was a proud camper trailer building nation. When we didn’t have to write an article about Australian made camper trailers, because, apart from a few notable exceptions (mostly from South Africa), all our camper trailers were built locally. It’s really only been in the last decade that that’s changed.

If you've got a trailer and need a tent, these are some of the best options on the market right now.