The new Beast of Burden

D and D · Guru

The new Beast of Burden

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Good buy.. Post plenty pics..

oldboar · Senior Member

They're a great truck, love ours (2012 Freestyle tray back) towing our 22' Coromal. Towing at 90kmh on cruise control in 5th usually presently averaging around 17l/100kmh over the past 25000km. Gross combined mass (van & ute both fully loaded) is just short of 6 tonne. One thing I'd definitely recommend is a StoneStomper mat under the A-frame (prevents rocks being deflected off the van into the rear of the tug.

Darrell & Sandra

D and D · Guru

Thanks Darell & Sandra, good advice - a stoneguard was already on the list but it's nice to have a brand.

Yuglamron · Guru

For me it would be one of the Polaris range of GPS's with three cameras. One looking back at the Van and one each side looking along the side of the van.

Not sure which model BT you have or if it already has the GPS. The Polaris range even have different surrounds for different vehicles including the BT.

oldboar · Senior Member

Ours has two cameras, Yuglamron, one working as a rear vision camera on the tug (also looks at the towball), the other as a rear vision camera for the van. Monitor can be switched to either camera & mounts over the existing internal rear vision mirror. Also have the Clearview external mirrors which, although expensive, we highly recommend as they're miles better than the Aussie Truck strap on mirrors we had previously. Retention of the electric adjustment facility is also an unreal advantage when reversing the van around corners. As a matter of interest, it is our understanding that the vehicle MUST be fitted with mirrors (not cameras) that provide clear vision along the sides of the caravan or trailer being towed.

Darrell & Sandra

D and D · Guru

The GPS on the Mazda uses Whereis maps and is four years old (I think) and while Mazda have no immediate plans to issue an update, when one does become available I understand it will be about $300 - $ 400. Bought myself a Garmin will lifetime updates for $240 so that'll do me for a while.\

I was thinking of going to Safety Dave for the reversing cameras - looking at one on the ute to focus on the tow ball and two on the van - one wide angle for reversing and one normal angle to act as a rear vision camera - anyone got any comments?

Peterpan · Guru

Hi, D & D,

I have cameras from Safety Dave, one on the tug and one on the van.

they work very well. I have them installed to be active as soon as the ignition is turned on.

The caravan camera has sound so when backing the guiding light doesn't have to yell directions.

Just a normal voice. Turn the volume off when travelling otherwise the wind noise is annoying.

If you get their installer to do the work just watch where he puts the power connection.

The fellow that did mine wired it directly to the fuse and then plugged the fuse back in place.

Kevin

justcruisin01 · Guru

Have cameras on the tug & van, great systems but mirror's are a must once a vehicle moves from behind into a overtaking move you need to know just where he is. By this time he is out of the van camera focus. I have just fitted & wired my own system.

JC.

milo · Guru

I love the bt 50's , whats the room with the freestyle utes, behind the back seat like?

oldboar · Senior Member

I can sit there sort of sidesaddle, Milo but definitely have that greyhound making love to a cricket ball feeling. Fine for small kids though, even has car seat attachment points. We carry our Webber Baby Q, in a carry bag I made out of canvas, there behind the passenger seat plus tools, life jackets, camps & c/park books, etc behind the drivers seat.

Darrell