Isuzu D-Max Pricing and Specs

It’s not a problem we’ve heard of occurring in huge numbers, but like any component, a canopy is subject to wear and tear just like any other. Canopies on tradie-trucks can cop an awful hammering at the hands of their owners and damage is inevitable in such cases. Even a few years exposure to Australian levels of UV radiation can cause a canopy to start to break down structurally, so they generally have a finite lifespan.

But instead of replacing the whole canopy (assuming it’s a fibreglass one) it might be worth asking a fibreglass specialist (say, a boat repairer) if the crack can be repaired. That would certainly be cheaper than replacing the whole canopy

This really does sound a bit like a head gasket problem. Even though the coolant and oil aren’t mixing (as you might expect with a blown head gasket) if the gasket blows between the coolant passages and the combustion chamber, the pressure of the engine’s combustion (particularly when the turbocharger is boosting when, say, climbing a long hill) can pressurise the cooling system, leading to the sorts of problems you’re having, including ejecting the coolant all over the place.

But until you’ve done a couple of simple checks, there’s no way of knowing whether there’s a blockage or other problem with the cooling system that is allowing the engine to become too hot. At that point, the coolant will also force its way out of the engine with a similar set of symptoms. A chemical check (called a TK test) will be able to identify whether combustion gasses are finding their way into the coolant, suggesting a head gasket failure., A good mechanic should also be able to tell if there’s a blockage in the coolant system or a problem with the coolant pump.

The last decade of dual-cab four-wheel-drive utes have emerged as the tow-vehicles of choice, and you see them everywhere filling roles exactly like the one you have planned. Popular models include the Ford Ranger you’ve nominated, Toyota HiLux, Mazda BT-50, VW Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and Isuzu D-Max. But there are also cheaper alternatives including makes like the South-Korean made Ssangyong and various Chinese brands like LDV and Great Wall.

Just make sure you know exactly how much you need to tow before making a decision as some of the cheaper models don’t have the same outright towing capacity and even if they do, some of them don’t have the engine performance to make towing as easy as it should be. For parts availability, the Toyota would be king in really remote areas, but any of the major brands are pretty well covered in Australia.

Meantime, don’t rule out ute-based wagons such as the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuna. These offer better ride comfort when unladen thanks to more sophisticated rear suspensions and most have as much or almost as much towing capacity as their ute brethren.