An Isuzu Kitted for Camping!

In 2018 Isuzu South Africa updated its KB bakkie and also gave the bakkie a new name, D-Max. But even before the name change a X-Rider derivative was added to the model line-up. This model not only looked better, all kitted out, it also proved to be a good seller. Recently Isuzu sent another X-Rider to Cape Town media fleet, but this time the X-Rider was kitted to the point where you just wanted to head to Cairo and never come back.

This X-Rider is fitted with modified front and rear bumpers, raised suspension, and a canopy that is more than… well, a canopy. This canopy is fitted by RSI Smart Canopy and it is far more special than meets the eye. Painted in the same colour as the bakkie, the custom made canopy has a kitchen on its right side. Yes, you read that right, a kitchen. Open it up and the door flips up to reveal a (almost) fully fledged kitchen.

Cutlery, cups, glasses, a spatula, scissors, and matches can be found here. But that’s not all. There’s also a kettle and a stove! The only thing you need to add is your own gas bottle (you can kit your canopy further to have the gas bottle fixed to it). The stove folds down to allow access to the cutlery and one can keep it stable with the attached stabilisation cables. On the opposite side of the canopy there’s a window that also flips upwards to ease packing/unpacking of luggage.

The front and rear bumpers are proper units made to showcase the bakkie’s intent as a hardened off-roader. Fog lights are fixed into the front bumper a set of very bright LED lights take centre stage just above the number plate. And if you should venture a deep-ish pool of water, there’s a snorkel to feed air into the engine.

The KB X-Rider on display here is powered by Isuzu’s proven 2.5-litre diesel engine. The turbocharged motor develops 100kW and 320Nm and is mated with a five-speed manual gearbox. Alone, this X-Rider, in 4×4 trim, weighs in at just over 2 tons, and the additional gear (canopy, bull bars) add extra weight. This does have an effect on performance and fuel consumption, but it had no bearing on off-road abilities. And what’s more, the content of the canopy remained intact and did not move an inch.

Those loving the outdoors would absolutely welcome such a canopy and what it has to offer. Potential buyers can spec the canopy to their specification and have it fitted to their existing bakkie (any brand).

Funny how you never realise how much you needed a canopy like this until you actually have it. Bliss! Absolute bliss!

Article & Photos: Charlen Raymond.