The Isuzu D-MAX has built a strong following among Australian 4×4 enthusiasts on the back of a straightforward formula built on a capable diesel drivetrain, a solid platform for modification, and a reputation for reliability that holds up in remote conditions.

The builds collected here reflect the breadth of what D-MAX owners are doing with the platform. Some are simple and purposeful with a lift, some protection and the essentials for weekend touring. Others carry comprehensive setups built around extended travel, with integrated power systems, expedition-ready storage and the full suite of recovery and communication gear needed to spend weeks away from sealed roads.

What connects them is a practical outlook. These rigs are built to go places: Alpine tracks in Victoria, desert routes through South Australia and the Northern Territory, coastal sand and everything in between. The D-MAX has proven adaptable enough to suit all of it, and the builds on this page show how owners have matched their modifications to the country they want to explore.

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2018 Isuzu D-MAX LS-M

Submitted by David Williams

David Williams’ LS-M is a lightly but purposefully built tourer, already ticking off two bucket-list destinations.

The D-MAX runs a two-inch suspension lift, snorkel, second fuel filter catch can, UHF radio, diff breathers, and a Rhino-Rack roof platform. The setup is practical and trail-ready without overcomplicating the platform. K’gari and the Oodnadatta Track are already in the logbook.

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2022 Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Steven Fenech

Steven Fenech’s D-MAX has been put to work across some of Victoria’s most demanding terrain, and the spec list is growing to match.

The build runs 33-inch tyres, a front locker, snorkel and airbox, and long-travel shocks, with more modifications in progress. The Victorian High Country, Border Track, Big Desert, Mt Disappointment, Tallarook, Toolangi, Kinglake West, Mount Terrible and Matlock have all been crossed off the list.

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2016 Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Mark Staley

Mark Staley keeps the build simple but sorted, with more in the pipeline for this north-east Victoria local.

The D-MAX runs an EFS suspension lift with matching wheels and tyres, a bull bar and a light bar. An exhaust and snorkel are planned as the next steps. Based close to Alpine National Park, Mark recently made the run to K’gari for a change of scenery, and the shot in front of the Maheno shipwreck sums it up.

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2013 Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Johnny Washbay Williams

Johnny Washbay Williams’ Canberra-based D-MAX is a properly sorted rig covering everything from local trails to serious towing and remote touring.

The build sits on a two-inch lift on 33-inch tyres with a GVM upgrade and a front locker. The 2.4-litre five-speed manual has been dyno-tuned for reliable output on the road and off it. Recovery is covered by a Kings winch up front, with spotties for night driving. The canopy runs a budget 12V setup with solar, keeping the fridge cold on fishing trips. A K’gari run is on the radar, and the rig is ready for it.

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Isuzu D-MAX LS-U

Submitted by Terry May

Terry May’s crew-cab LS-U is a well-accessorised tourer that has already worked its way through three South Australian destinations.

The build runs a Runva winch up front, Maxxis AT812 all-terrain tyres, a Safari snorkel, Ironman 4×4 recovery points, Custom Offroad underbody protection, and a two-inch Tough Dog suspension upgrade. Goolwa Beach, Eagle View 4×4 Track and Deep Creek National Park in South Australia are all in the logbook.

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Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Luke Vigh

Luke Vigh built this D-MAX as a family touring rig, and a well-considered system of tray, van and accessories means they can set up camp and still use the ute to explore.

The tray is a PCOR unit carrying an ARB Baserack, ARB twin air compressor, and ARB long-range tank. Out front is an AFN bull bar; lighting comes from a Stedi light bar. The rig sits on 33×12.5 KM3 tyres with EGR flares, a Munji steering rack drop and wheel alignment brace kit, Dobinsons adjustable remote reservoir shocks, and a Blackhawk Ultimate adjustable UCA for the suspension setup. A Hayman Reese X-Bar, rear airbags by Airbag Man and a Fabulous Fab snorkel and airbox round out the practical side, while communications are handled by a GME XRS.

Luke and the family tow a Lotus Off Grid camper. The strategy is to unhitch at camp and take the ute exploring, a setup they have tested across the Great Ocean Road, Yorke Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, Murray River and the Newcastle area, with a Gold Coast trip currently underway.

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2017 Isuzu D-MAX LS-M

Submitted by Rhys Kretschmer

Rhys Kretschmer’s LS-M is a fully self-sufficient tourer with a strong accessory list and a long destinations wishlist to work through.

The build runs ARB bar work, a Warn winch, Lightforce spotlights, a GME XRS, Safari snorkel, ARB canopy, MSA 4×4 drawers, an ARB 60-litre fridge, a 120-amp dual-battery system with 170W solar panel, two-inch OME suspension, and a Darche 270 awning. Bendleby Ranges has been the proving ground so far, with most of the tracks there done and dusted.

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2023 Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Stephen Gurman

Stephen Gurman’s 2023 D-MAX is a comprehensively built tourer stacked with gear across every category.

The body carries a Trojan tray and canopy, a Rhino-Rack Pioneer 6 Platform on the roof, a TJM Airtec snorkel, and TJM Outback bull bar, side steps and rails. Lighting comes from Lightforce HTX spotlights and a 40-inch light bar mounted under the roof rack. Suspension is Outback Armour, rolling on Toyo AT3 tyres. Recovery is handled by a Runva 11XP winch.

Internally, a TJM twin compressor and five-litre air tank are hidden in the rear quarter toolbox. Camp comfort comes from a Darche 270 freestanding awning, a Ridgeback Highrize RTT, a 50-litre Dometic fridge, a Travel Buddy oven, a Slide-It Solutions tilt slide, and Black Duck 4Elements seat covers. Communications are covered by a Uniden XTRAK 80 UHF.

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