Building My Dream Touring Rig | BT-50 Build Overview

After months of solo travel in a Suzuki Jimny, I knew I needed something bigger, tougher, and more capable for the kind of remote adventures I had in mind. Enter the Mazda BT-50 — my new home on wheels and the base for my dream touring rig. This build has been a game changer, and I'm finally ready to share it with you.

Why I Chose the BT-50:

If we rewind to my late teens, my very first brand-new car was a bright green Mazda 2. I’ve always loved camping and 4WDing, even back then, but I relied on friends and family who had the right gear — it never crossed my mind that I could build something like that for myself.

Fast forward to 2022: after more than 10 years with my little Mazda 2, I made the switch to a Suzuki Vitara — what I thought at the time was my entry-level 4WD. As soon as I bought it, I fitted it out with a rooftop tent and basic touring setup. It was my first-ever solo rig and it gave me the freedom to hit the road on my own terms.

My first real trip? A two-week solo adventure to tropical North Queensland. (You can read more about that in my “How It All Started” blog post.) It was right after that trip that I upgraded to a Suzuki Jimny. At the time, I had no intention of travelling full-time — it was just the perfect weekend warrior. Plus, through the Jimny, I connected with an incredible 4WD community that made the experience even better.

Not long after, the opportunity for full-time travel came up — and I grabbed it with both hands. My Jimny setup was far from ideal for living on the road, but I made it work and loved every minute of it.

After about 12 months of solo travel in the Jimny, I hit a kangaroo while driving along the South Australian coast. It was a stressful experience at the time, but looking back, it was the moment that set everything in motion.

Thankfully, the Jimny wasn’t written off — I drove it back to Queensland with the front bumper barely hanging on, had the repairs done, and passed it on to a new owner.

I knew it was time for something bigger — and I was ready.

I’d always been drawn to either the D-MAX or the BT-50. Along the way, I let myself get swayed by other people’s opinions — salesmen, mates, strangers online — and it left me feeling a bit overwhelmed. But once I stepped back and tapped into what I actually wanted, the choice became clear.

In June 2024, I bought my Mazda BT-50 — second-hand, 2021 model, automatic, just 30,000km on the clock, and in a deep navy blue (although most people think it’s black!).

I specifically chose the 2021 model for one key reason: the 4JJ3 engine. Earlier BT-50s were built with the old Ford Ranger engine, which had its own set of issues. I knew I needed the newer Isuzu-built platform for its reliability and performance — but still loved the sleek look and feel of the Mazda body styling.

It’s tough, capable, and finally gives me the space, power, and confidence I was craving after a year of full-time travel in smaller setups.

The Lifestyle I’m Building It For:

Once I got the travel bug, there was no going back. I craved more freedom, more time on the road, and the ability to explore remote places without relying on caravan parks or living in a house.

Cue: building the ultimate touring rig.

From the beginning, my vision was clear — I wanted a setup that gave me the flexibility to move when I wanted, but also allowed me to stay put and really enjoy a place without feeling rushed to leave. It had to strike that perfect balance between mobility and comfort.

This build is still very much a work in progress — and honestly, I’m loving the process.

Taking the time to learn what’s actually important (and what isn’t) has made all the difference. It’s been about refining, adjusting, and creating something that truly works for me.

So far, having the right setup has meant:

• Easy access to the things I use every day

• The power to work and create content as I travel

• A tough build that can handle challenging tracks

• And the comfort to live this lifestyle day in, day out

  
  

This isn’t just a 4WD build — it’s my home, my workspace, and my ticket to adventure.

My Build So Far | Timeline of Mods:

• @ Custom Lithium - 200Ah Lithium Battery + 2000W Inverter – Powers everything from my fridge to my drone gear.

• @ Raxar - Looped Bullbar – Keeps me protected on rough terrain and gives me peace of mind when driving in remote areas.

• @ Fulcrum Suspension 2" lift – Improves ground clearance and ride comfort while giving me better handling on corrugated and technical tracks.

• @ Cooper Rugged Trek Tires 285/70/17 – Aggressive all-terrain performance with on-road comfort — perfect for touring Australia's harshest conditions.

• @ Dirty Life Enigma Pro 17" Rims – Lightweight, durable, and the matte black finish ties the whole build together.

• @ JRC Offroad Rock Sliders - Replaced my stock side steps for added protection and clearance — built tough to handle whatever the tracks throw at me.

• @ XTS 4x4 1800 Tray + 1600 Canopy - The heart of my setup — maximised storage, easy access, and designed for full-time remote travel.

• @ Landrax - Sumit Roof Platform - Sleek design that’s perfect for mounting recovery gear and creating more usable space.

  
  

What You Can Expect From This Series:

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be breaking down every part of my BT-50 build — from the electrics that keep me off-grid to the mods that give me confidence on gnarly tracks. Whether you’re planning your own build or just love a good 4WD setup, this series is for you.

Sarah Rose Foster