Ethan's Isuzu D-MAX, Maxy, started out as a blank canvas; a cab chassis straight from the showroom with nothing on the back but potential. What followed was a progressive build that's taken Maxy from tray-only workhorse to a fully kitted touring rig capable of handling Victorian High Country tracks, remote campsites and everything in between.
From Walhalla and Woods Point to Lake Eildon, Noojee, Reeves Beach and Bunyip State Park, Maxy's earned its stripes across Victoria. Even a stint on the Ultimate Offroad show floor at the Melbourne 4x4 Show.
The build wasn't done in a single hit. See how Ethan tackled his build below.
Photos: Ethan Hoult @houltytouring and Ultimate Offroad @ultimate.offroad
Where It All Started
Bar work, lighting and recovery gear came first. A Jungle 4x4 Deluxe Bullbar anchors the front end, paired with a Warn Zeon 12 XP winch for self-recovery and Narva Ultima MK3 driving lights for low-light touring. Jungle 4x4 side steps add protection and easier cab access, while a GME XRS UHF suite rounded out the track-ready essentials.
A Dobinsons MRR suspension and GVM upgrade followed, lifting Maxy's capacity from 3,100kg to 3,600kg and giving Ethan the payload to build the rest of the rig properly.
KMC Mesa rims, Maxxis Razr AT tyres and Maxtrax MK2 recovery boards rounded out the package.
Power, Lighting and Touring Comfort
Next up for Ethan was the touring kit. A Front Runner Slim Sport Rack went on the roof, with Narva EX2 roof light bars and Stedi canopy and rear lighting covering visibility for night driving and camp setup.
The 12-volt system became one of Ethan's most-used additions. Maxy runs an Enerdrive Adventure System with a custom 200Ah lithium battery, supporting a Bushman 85L upright fridge. It's also his favourite part of the whole build.
"My favourite accessory on Maxy is the 12-volt setup and fridge, mainly so I have cold beers on hand at all times!" - Ethan
The TrailCore Upgrade
The upgrade that really unlocked Maxy's capability was the move to the Utemaster TrailCore 1400 Canopy Package. Secure, weather-resistant storage, a proper home for the electrical system, fridge and camping gear, and a mounting point for the rooftop tent and awning. Everything Ethan needed to run the rig the way he wanted.
A Hayman Reese X-Bar kept towing in the mix, and Clearview Compact Mirrors sorted rearward visibility with the extra gear on board.
Sleeping Off the Ground
With the TrailCore on, Ethan added a 23Zero Triple X Onyx 1450 RTT, with an awning still to come.
"The RTT has been a game changer for sleeping, being off the ground and comfortable." - Ethan
Gear Fit
Here's a full breakdown of what's on Maxy, with links to key products where applicable.
| Category | Product |
|---|---|
| Tray and Canopy | Utemaster TrailCore 1400 Canopy Package |
| Roof Rack | Front Runner Slim Sport Rack |
| Rooftop Tent | 23Zero Triple X Onyx 1450 RTT |
| Bullbar | Jungle 4x4 Deluxe Bullbar |
| Winch | Warn Zeon 12 XP |
| Driving Lights | Narva Ultima MK3 |
| Roof Lights | Narva EX2 Roof Light Bar |
| Canopy/Rear Lighting | Stedi canopy lights and rear light |
| Side Steps | Jungle 4x4 |
| UHF Radio | GME XRS Suite |
| Suspension & GVM | Dobinsons MRR (GVM upgrade: 3,100kg to 3,600kg) |
| Wheels | KMC Mesa |
| Tyres | Maxxis Razr AT |
| Recovery Boards | Maxtrax MK2 |
| 12V System | Enerdrive Adventure System (200Ah lithium) |
| Fridge | Bushman 85L Upright |
| Towbar | Hayman Reese X-Bar |
| Mirrors | Clearview Compact Mirrors |
A Build Worth Every Upgrade
When asked what his favourite part of the finished setup is, Ethan's answer is simple.
"I don't think I have just one. The whole car is my favourite as it sits." - Ethan
Ready to start your own build? Explore the TrailCore range or configure your setup with the Ute Builder.
