The Isuzu D-MAX has built a reputation as one of the most versatile utes on the market.
We see them used as work vehicles, family tourers, tow vehicles and weekend camping rigs. Some owners want a practical setup that can handle a bit of everything, while others have a very specific purpose in mind.
One question we get asked regularly is:
“If you were building a D-MAX from scratch, what would you do?”
It’s a good question, because there’s no shortage of accessories available. The challenge isn’t finding things to bolt onto the vehicle. The challenge is building a setup that actually suits the way you’ll use it.
If we were starting with a standard D-MAX and building it for touring, towing and remote travel, here’s where we’d focus our attention.
Before Spending Money, Think About Weight
Most people start planning a build by looking at accessories.
In reality, we think it’s worth starting somewhere else.
Weight.
Every accessory you add changes the vehicle.
A bull bar adds weight.
A canopy adds weight.
A fridge adds weight.
Recovery gear, camping equipment, tools and luggage all add weight.
Individually, they might not seem like much. Combined, they can completely change how the vehicle drives and handles.
That’s why it’s important to think about the finished build before purchasing individual accessories.
The Foundation Of The Build
When people picture a touring vehicle, they often imagine bull bars, driving lights and canopies.
What they don’t always think about is what supports all that extra weight.
That’s where suspension comes into the conversation.
A suspension upgrade isn’t always the first accessory fitted, but it should be one of the first things considered if you’re planning to carry additional weight or tow regularly.
For many D-MAX owners, getting the suspension right early makes every future upgrade work better.
You can learn more about our suspension options here.
Protection With A Purpose
Bull bars are often one of the first visible upgrades on a D-MAX build, and for good reason.
They provide front end protection while also creating a mounting platform for other accessories.
Driving lights, UHF antennas and winches all need somewhere to live, and a quality bull bar becomes the starting point for many touring setups.
For customers planning long distance trips or remote travel, it’s usually one of the upgrades that makes practical sense early in the build process.
You can view our range of bull bars here.
The Point Where Every Build Becomes Different
This is usually where the conversation changes.
Up until now, most D-MAX builds look fairly similar.
Then we start talking about storage.
Some owners need a canopy for work.
Some need secure storage for tools.
Others want a touring setup with a fridge, drawers and camping gear.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer.
The best setups are the ones that make life easier every time you use the vehicle.
A well planned canopy should help keep gear organised, accessible and secure without creating unnecessary complexity.
You’ll Appreciate Good Lighting More Than You Think
Driving lights are one of those accessories that can be difficult to appreciate until you’ve spent time using them.
A lot of D-MAX owners don’t realise how much of a difference quality lighting makes until they’re covering long distances after dark.
Better visibility means less strain on the driver and more time to react to what’s happening further down the road.
The right lighting setup depends on how and where the vehicle is used, which is why we always recommend matching the setup to the driver’s needs rather than choosing purely based on size or appearance.
Take a look at our range of driving lights to see what’s available.
Not Everything Needs To Live In The Tub
Eventually, most D-MAX owners run into the same challenge.
Space.
Camping gear, recovery equipment, tools, luggage and everyday items all need somewhere to go.
That’s where additional storage solutions can make a huge difference.
For some owners, that means a canopy.
For others, it’s a roof rack setup that allows bulky gear to be carried outside the cabin.
A properly planned roof rack setup can create valuable extra storage without sacrificing interior space.
The key is keeping heavier items lower in the vehicle where possible and using roof storage for lighter gear.
Build It Around The Trips You Want To Do
One of the biggest mistakes we see is people trying to copy someone else’s build.
What works for one D-MAX owner might not work for another.
A vehicle towing a caravan around Australia will have different requirements to a ute that’s carrying tools every day.
Likewise, someone heading into remote areas regularly will prioritise different accessories to someone planning occasional camping trips.
The best builds are the ones designed around the owner’s plans, not somebody else’s.
So, Where Would We Start?
If we were building a D-MAX for touring, towing and remote travel, we’d start by understanding the vehicle’s purpose.
From there, we’d look at weight, suspension, protection, storage and lighting before fine tuning the setup with the accessories that make sense for the way the vehicle will be used.
At ARB Rockingham, we help D-MAX owners plan practical builds every day. Whether you’re starting with a brand new vehicle or updating an existing setup, taking the time to plan properly will always lead to a better result than simply fitting accessories for the sake of it.
