Isuzu has been making utes for a long time now and its 7th generation D-Max is proof of that. This new D-Max sits lower, is longer and it's also more aggressive when it comes to its exterior styling. While the interior of the new D-Max is not made to impress anyone, it's definitely rather functional as there are no touch controls.
This may not be as futuristic as with some other utes but it sure makes for a more familiar experience backed up by Isuzu's safety tech available across its different trim levels. The D-Max also comes with a good payload rating which goes well with a canopy at the back.
Benefits of Ute Canopies
Storage
A ute canopy is mostly used to increase the storage capacity of your utility vehicle. Although your D-Max has plenty of space, it wouldn't hurt to fit an Isuzu D Max ute canopy and enjoy driving around with more tools and equipment than before. It's never a bad idea to have a more versatile toolset than you already do especially when on the road.
Protection
Another reason why you'd want to have a canopy on your ute is to protect your gear and equipment. If made from the right material and with the right design in mind, a ute canopy can keep whatever you put in it safe from the elements and from getting stolen too.
Appearance
While not as apparent, a ute canopy can also make your D-Max look a lot better than it is. You can go for a canopy that is either going to blend in with the colour and design of your D-Max or complement it. That's totally up to your personal preference.
Ute Canopy Materials
Aluminium
The most commonly used material for ute canopies nowadays is aluminium. While it's not the toughest of metals, it's definitely quite a strong material for how much it weighs. An aluminium Isuzu D Max ute canopy is the lightest canopy you can have on your ute that won't rust or get damaged as easily. Aluminium Isuzu D Max canopies are also quite appealing.
Steel
With a steel ute canopy you can expect your D-Max's bed to have the best protection possible but also to bear the most amount of weight. Steel may be the most rugged material in this lineup, but it is however the least protected from rust. In order for that to be the case it needs to have a protective layer applied over its surface that needs to be maintained from time to time in order to stay well protected.
Fibreglass
A fibreglass canopy is much lighter than both a steel and aluminium Isuzu Dmax canopy but it won't be as strong. Although fibreglass is still a strong material, it doesn't make for a versatile canopy as it can't have anything put on top of it – more on that later.
Canvas
Canvas alone may be a malleable material and therefore it isn't seen as good enough to keep your tools safe but when coupled together with a metal frame it can be quite useful. Canvas canopies can have a see-through plastic panel that acts much like a window too.
What Matters in a Ute Canopy
Weight
The heavier an Isuzu Dmax canopy is the more it will affect fuel economy. With more weight at the back, your D-Max will require more fuel in order to keep going. Especially when you couple this with all your gear and equipment. But heavy Isuzu D Max canopies are often more secure than lighter ones, however, this is not always the case. How matter how heavy your new canopy is it shouldn't go over your ute's GVWR.
Dimensions
The width, height and length of a ute canopy should match those of your D-Max's bed. A compatible canopy will have these dimensions match and thus it will be easy to install it and you won't be sacrificing any of your canopy's capabilities or features.
Security
A secure ute canopy is one that can keep your belongings safe no matter what. A canopy that is considered secure will come with locks and preferably an alarm system too. Also, proper seals all around the canopy are going to be a must to keep water away.
Accessories
There are plenty of accessories you can add to a ute canopy and one of them is a pair of lights. Lights placed on a canopy can help illuminate further along the trail and make it easier to navigate down a beaten path at night. You can also put a roof rack, just not on a fibreglass canopy, in order to increase storage capacity in case the canopy itself is not enough. A canopy accessory that goes well with a roof rack is a ladder that can be attached to the side so that you have easy access to the roof rack and the items on it.
