There are several qualities that make a great overland vehicle. Your chosen vehicle has to be capable, durable and reliable, as well as have the capacity you need to carry all that gear. In most circumstances, overland rigs are for life too, an investment that you can keep modifying to your exact specification. With this, it must be good value for money while still having the potential to fetch a decent price when resold.
That’s a lot of boxes to tick, luckily as an Isuzu D-Max 2012-19 owner, you’re already off to a great start!
The Isuzu D-Max Series 2 (2012-19) may be simple but it’s robust. It’s also powerful with a fantastic towing capacity, and this isn’t where the perks end, especially if your objective is to take it off the beaten track, as Honest John explains:
“If you head off-road in the D-Max, it’s every bit as able and unstoppable as the Ford Ranger or Volkswagen Amarok and it can even give a Land Rover Defender a taste of its own medicine when the going gets very tough. The only limiting factor here is probably whether you worry about minor bodywork scrapes that come with driving in the rough stuff.”
Make your Series 2 D-Max even more ready for adventure by adding the following upgrades to your wish list.
Clutch
Want great performance on the road, trail, and while towing? Then go extreme with your D-Max’s clutch. OE clutches aren’t best suited to vehicles that regularly carry heavy loads or are laden with upgrades. But, with the Xtreme Outback Heavy Duty Organic Clutch Kit, you can match your mechanics with your overlanding ambitions.
This premium clutch upgrade delivers excellence at every turn, with its heavy duty design primed for performance and durability all while retaining near factory-type drivability. The design even features an upgraded pressure plate, which promises between 20 and 40% more clamping pressure than a standard alternative when combined with an organic friction disc.
Brakes
Continue the extreme theme by adding the Terrain Tamer Extreme Brake Conversion Kit to your rig. This complete front brake upgrade is your ticket to improved braking performance and more, and delivers everything you need to fully overhaul your factory setup.
This upgrade takes you beyond the basic with high performance, 6-pot aluminium forged calipers, forged aluminium pistons and 10-slot Geomet coated rotors paired with Kevlar ceramic, low-dust brake pads and stainless steel braided hoses.
More brakes
For a more affordable brake upgrade that still delivers that heavy duty feel, our DBA Xtreme Performance Brake Kit is a fantastic option. In fact, it’s made for your Isuzu D-Max 2012-19.
The design uses bi-symmetrical curved slots and DBA’s signature Kangaroo Paw structure to help your D-Max stand up to heavy use, fast road application, towing and driving off-road in the most challenging conditions. Discover how DBA brake upgrades compare to other market leading kits in this guide.
Suspension
The Old Man Emu OME Nitro Plus Suspension Lift Kit is a must-have for every D-Max owner and overlander. This custom package promises superior performance across all terrains, with the option to add SumoSprings to your system enhancing an already great enhancement.
Whether you opt for the SumoSprings or not, upgrading your suspension with Old Man Emu delivers notable improvements in vehicle performance, load carrying capacity and control.
Accommodation
Any self-respecting overland rig wouldn’t be complete without the right camping gear. Your camping equipment has the power to transform your Series 2 D-Max into a home on wheels, and the ARB Pull-Out 4×4 Awning is no exception.
Available with optional LED lighting, this sizable awning offers the perfect place to rest after a long day of exploring. It’s suitable for leisure and off-road use, and features the high quality components you’d expect from a world-leading brand like ARB.
Shop more overlanding upgrades for the Isuzu D-Max Series 2 (2012-19) to prep for your upcoming trip.