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Mazda BT-50 (2020+): budget drawer and canopy layout guide
Building drawers or a sleeping platform in a Mazda BT-50 (2020+) on a budget? Here are the real ute tub measurements we've got on record, a rough ply cost in NZD and AUD, and some simple layout ideas that work in this vehicle. Measure your own before you cut. Liners, trims and model years all change the numbers.
Ute tub dimensions
| Tub floor length | 1571 mm |
|---|---|
| Width between wheel arches | 1120 mm |
| Max floor width | 1530 mm |
| Tub depth | 490 mm |
| Tailgate opening width | not yet measured |
| Payload | not yet measured |
| Kerb weight | not yet measured |
"Not yet measured" means we haven't found a trustworthy source. We don't guess.
Cheapest ply cost estimate
A basic twin drawer unit sized to this ute tub would be about 1100 mm wide (arch width minus 20 mm clearance) and 1200 mm long, 300 mm tall. That works out to roughly 3 sheets of 12 mm ply for the carcass and drawer boxes, plus 1 sheet of 18 mm (17 mm in AU) for the top.
| Market | Cheapest ply we found | Ply cost |
|---|---|---|
| NZ | Bunnings NZ Tigerply 12mm NZ$57.50/sheet, Bunnings NZ Tigerply 18mm NZ$89.90/sheet | about NZ$262 |
| AU | Bunnings AU CUSTOMply 12mm A$46.00/sheet, Bunnings AU 17mm non-structural (in-store only) A$71.40/sheet | about A$209 |
This is ply only: drawer runners, screws, glue, carpet and hinges are extra. Prices are 2400×1200 non-structural sheets, checked 15 Oct 2026, and shelf prices vary by store. The sheet count includes about 15% for offcuts and mistakes.
Budget layout ideas
- A twin drawer unit across the tub floor between the arches, roughly 250–300 mm tall so a canopy still has room above it.
- A fridge slide on one side and a single wide drawer on the other is the classic canopy layout.
- Use the arch-top shelves beside the drawers for water, a battery box or tie-down points.
- Ute payloads disappear fast. Add up the drawers, fridge, water and canopy before you buy anything heavy.
Help fill the gaps: measure your rig
Common questions
What size is the Mazda BT-50 (2020+) ute tub?
From our sourced data: tub floor length 1571 mm, 1120 mm between the wheel arches. Always measure your own vehicle before cutting, as tubs, trims and liners vary.
How much does it cost to build DIY drawers for a Mazda BT-50 (2020+)?
Roughly NZ$262 or A$209 in ply for a basic twin drawer unit (3× 12 mm sheets plus 1× 18/17 mm), using the cheapest non-structural sheets at Bunnings in Oct 2026. Runners and hardware are extra.
Will a standard drawer unit fit in a Mazda BT-50 (2020+)?
A unit up to about 1100 mm wide fits between the arches with some clearance. Wider units need to sit above arch height.