Transforming Our 2023 Isuzu D-Max with UteMaster

Allan Mercer
Jan 31
3 min read

Making full-time touring easier, safer, and more organised

Your vehicle is more than a way to get from A to B. For full-time travelers, it is your lifeline. After a year on the road with our 2023 Isuzu D-Max towing our Goldstream RV Caravan, we knew it was time to elevate our setup.

We weren’t looking for just any upgrade. We wanted a setup that was organized, road-ready, and fully lifestyle-friendly. That is where UteMaster, one of the biggest names in New Zealand and Australia, stepped in with a solution that could transform our D-Max into a fully capable touring vehicle.

Why We Chose the UteMaster Centurion Mark IV

For us, adventure gear is all about a balance between function and style. It should work flawlessly and look the part, too. UteMaster nails that philosophy.

The Centurion Mark IV aluminium canopy is a perfect example. Compared to heavy steel trays and canopies, it is strong yet lightweight, providing a versatile and practical solution for full-time travel.

Key reasons we chose this canopy:

Strong Bones Construction: Bolts directly to the D-Max tub, giving a 600kg static and 200kg dynamic load rating. Perfect for rooftop tents, heavy gear, or off-road adventures.
Lightweight and efficient: Canopy 60kg + cantilever roof rack 17kg keeps extra weight minimal.
Full-time travel ready: Ideal for long-distance touring with minimal impact on payload or fuel.
Bandit-proof locks: Central locking with concealed latches keeps gear secure at all times.
Full-width side doors: Makes loading and unloading large items effortless.
Weatherproof design: Rain channels and sealed hinges protect gear from dust and water.
Custom accessories: Shelving, vents, roof racks, and modular options allow complete personalization.
Durable and reliable: Built to withstand full-time touring across all conditions.

Day One: Installing the Canopy

The first day of the build took us to Ultimate Off-Road in Pakenham, Victoria. The goal was simple: remove the old sail plane and roller shutter, and install the UteMaster Centurion Mark IV canopy.

Install highlights:

Shane tore into the old gear, uncovering dust, scratches, and signs of a full year on the road.
Meanwhile, Tyler tackled the cantilever roof rack, carefully assembling it for maximum load capacity.
The first test fit revealed just how much extra space and organization this canopy would bring.
The D-Max instantly felt renewed, cleaner, and more ready than ever for adventure.

Roof Rack and Load Features

The cantilever roof rack uses Strong Bones technology, mounting directly to the canopy and tub. It supports 600kg static and 200kg dynamic loads, perfect for:

Rooftop tents
Max Tracks
Awnings
Adventure gear of any kind

Adjustable crossbars make it simple to fit accessories for weekend campers, tradies, or full-time explorers.

Internal Features That Make Life Easier

Inside, the Centurion Mark IV really shines:

The passenger-side shelving system holds up to 30kg per shelf, perfect for keeping gear organized.
A positive pressure dust reduction system prevents dirt and grime from sneaking in during long off-road drives.
The modular headboard takes inspiration from military MOLLE panels, allowing secure attachment of accessories anywhere you need them.

Days of dirt-track testing and heavy rain confirmed that the canopy keeps everything completely dry, dust-free, and safe.

Why Aluminium Canopies Make Sense

While traditional steel trays can weigh you down, the Centurion Mark IV aluminium canopy is strong yet lightweight, providing:

More room for essentials and gear
Better fuel efficiency on long trips
Flexibility to customize with accessories

For full-time touring, this combination of strength, weight savings, and modularity is ideal.

First Impressions and What’s Next

Even at this stage, the D-Max feels transformed. The combination of the UteMaster canopy, roof rack, and shelving turns it into a fully capable touring setup:

Easier to organize gear
Fully secure against dust, rain, and theft
Ready for off-road adventures

This is just part one of our D-Max build series. More accessories, interior upgrades, and tweaks will follow in future episodes.

Follow Our Journey

Use WIX editor buttons to link directly:

Watch the D-Max Build Series on YouTube → Build Series Playlist
Explore UteMaster Canopies → Centurion Canopy

Stay Tuned

There are big plans ahead for this D-Max, some even a surprise for Jess. Stick with us as we continue to upgrade, explore, and show exactly what a full-time touring setup can look like.