Isuzu D-Max Touring Canopy Build

Allan and Jess from ExploreOz built their 2023 Isuzu D-Max for full time travel, caravanning, remote touring, filming, day trips, and life on the road. 

The goal was simple: make the D-MAX easier to use every day, with secure storage, better dust protection, off-road capability, reliable power, and a lightweight setup that still made sense while towing their Goldstream caravan.

This build breakdown covers the main gear fitted to the D-MAX, why each upgrade was chosen, and how it supports the way ExploreOz travel.

To find out more around Allan and Jess's previous set-ups, and the road to get to this build, check out their full story. 

Canopy and Roof Rack

The build starts with the Utemaster Centurion MK4 Canopy and MK4 Cantilever Roof Rack.

Allan and Jess replaced their roller shutter setup with a stronger, more practical canopy system that gave them better access, more usable storage, and secure space for the gear they rely on every day.

With the Centurion Canopy weighing 75 kg and the MK4 Cantilever Roof Rack weighing 23 kg, this gives Allan and Jess a complete canopy and roof rack foundation at under 100 kg.

The gives them lockable, weather-protected storage inside the tub, and the roof rack gives them carrying capacity up top for bulkier touring gear when they need it. 

Canopy Storage and Dust Prevention

The passenger side includes Utemaster shelving, giving Allan and Jess a place for smaller gear that needs to stay visible and easy to reach.

This side of the canopy became the home for charging gear, cables, tool batteries, camera batteries, drone gear, and other items they use regularly.

The build also includes the Utemaster Front Wall Mounting Panel. If their needs change, they can adjust what is mounted, move gear around, and keep refining the layout.

The canopy is fitted with Utemaster's positive pressure canopy vent, which helps pressurise the canopy while driving and reduce dust entering the tub.

For full-time touring, that means cleaner gear, less repacking, and less frustration after long dirt-road days.

For the best result, the canopy should also be paired with a tailgate seal kit, helping close the gaps where dust can enter through the tub.

Suspension, Wheels and Tyres

The next stage of the build focused on making the D-MAX more comfortable, capable, and practical while towing.

The D-MAX runs Dobinsons MRR remote reservoir suspension with a 2-inch lift, giving Allan and Jess more adjustability across different driving conditions.

When the caravan is hitched and the vehicle is loaded, the suspension can be firmed up. When the D-MAX is unloaded, they can soften it for a smoother ride.

The rear also uses an Airbag Man air assist system, which helps when towing without replacing the suspension's main load-carrying role.

For wheels and tyres, they chose ROH Raid 17x9 plus 25 wheels with Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX 275/70R17 tyres.

Dropping to 17-inch wheels gives them more sidewall than the factory setup, better tyre availability in remote areas, and a more practical touring tyre package for dirt roads, corrugations, and remote travel.

Towing Mirrors

They also added MSA 4X4 Power Fold towing mirrors, giving better rear visibility while towing the Goldstream caravan, without needing clip-on mirrors every time they hitch up.

Power and Charging

The system is built around a Projecta Intelli-Grid PM635, which combines AC charging, solar charging, and DC/DC charging into one cleaner battery management setup.

It's paired with a Projecta 3000 W inverter charger and a 400 Ah lithium battery, giving Allan and Jess enough capacity to run canopy gear and keep equipment charged while they're away from the caravan.

A solar panel has also recently been added.

Fridge, Oven and Camp Setup

The canopy also includes an Evakool drawer fridge, chosen because it works neatly under the passenger-side shelving and is easy to access from the side of the canopy.

They also fitted a Travel Buddy oven, giving them a way to heat food while they are on the move. For long driving days, free camps, and day trips away from the caravan, this setup makes the D-MAX more useful on its own.

Communications

For internet away from the caravan, Allan and Jess mounted a Starlink Mini to the roof rack using a Smart Touring Systems roof rack bracket.

The Starlink is wired back into the canopy power system using a 12 V to 30 V power supply, so it can run from the D-MAX setup.

The build also includes an Oricom UHF 360R with a compact aerial and a clean in-cabin handset setup.

For Allan and Jess, the UHF is mainly used for convoy communication, reversing the caravan, and staying in contact on tracks.

Gear Fit:

Inspired by this Isuzu D-Max Touring build? Explore the Centurion Canopy or start your build.