D-MAX gets an MSA 4x4 drawer system and drop slide

After recently fitting a Piranha Off Road canopy to the 4X4 Australia D-MAX, it was time to look at long-term storage options for the tub area. We knew we needed to mount a decent-size fridge, and we also wanted something lockable to safely stow camera equipment and other valuables. We also wanted to use quality gear, as from experience cheap storage drawers are cheap for a reason.

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Wings and drawer frame lined up and fastened to the tub floor

Being such a new vehicle, it can still be a bit tricky to find gear for the latest ute from Isuzu. After hours sifting through online forums and groups for inspiration, I discovered MSA offered a vehicle-specific drawer system to suit the 2020-21 Isuzu D-MAX. Many detailed measurements, emails and phone calls later, a plan was hatched involving a 60L Companion fridge, on to an MSA Drop Slide and set of aluminium MSA Explorer storage drawers. I do love a good plan.

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The biggest challenge we faced here was the height of the canopy, and the fact it slopes down at the back. After checking and rechecking our measurements, the plan looked like it was going to work. My advice here is, do plenty of research first to avoid hassles come installation day. You might find that a smaller fridge will fit better, or get lucky like we did and manage to fit the big 60L fridge we wanted. Proper planning paid off, with a few centimetres to spare.

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Our 60L fridge is protected by the fridge barrier

Installation required drilling holes through the tub to mount the MSA drawers, and you’ll need a mate to help here to fasten the hardware. Once the drawer frame is bolted down, it’s just a case of putting everything back together. I found it helpful to install the side wings before drilling, so you could see if everything was lined up where it should be. I reckon the end result looks first class too, if I do say so myself.

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The slide-out table option in the MSA drop slide is a winner at camp

With the aluminium MSA Explorer drawers frame in place, it was time to focus on wiring up a few 12V accessories. First of all, and this was a welcome surprise, there are LED lights built in to the MSA drawers. How cool is that! I ran some twin-core wiring from our Invicta lithium dual-battery system mounted behind the back seat of the D-MAX, through the canopy and to the rearmost section of the drawers. A neat wiring loom is also supplied by MSA for its internal LED lights that’s fused and protected in convoluted tubing, making for quick and reliable fitment.

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All shiny and new, that’s the nicest this set-up will ever look

I also fitted an MSA Explorer Power Panel on the passenger’s side for 12V device charging, which I feel is a really neat solution. This required cutting the front lower trim panel, but the effort is absolutely worth it, as it looks factory as it is made to suit their drawer system. There’s an inbuilt power display, USB points and CIG points available to charge items in the back, and we’ll look at running a few Anderson plugs for dedicated fridge power and a solar input in the coming weeks. So that’s 12V out of the way (for now), and I feel it’s smart to handle that task for ease of access, before getting excited and bolting down the drawer tops.

Once the drawers were slid back in to place and the tops secured, our next job was to screw down the MSA Drop Slide to suit a 60L fridge. This is a quality bit of gear that allows us to not only slide the fridge out but also lower it for easy access. It’s held in place with a series of large screws, located all around the base of the slide. After a few trial runs, I was happy with how it was sitting, so it was fixed permanently in to place. Keen eyes will also notice the slide-out table in the base of the Drop Slide. This is a new optional addition for the MSA Drop Slide, and one that will be getting plenty of use making meals on the tracks.

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Now they are seriously long drawers; so much room for gear

With the Drop Slide now in its final resting position, it was time to piece the MSA fridge barrier together. This is a seriously neat bit of engineering that provides protection for the fridge. It also allows gear to be stashed on top or behind the fridge, making the most of the space we have available. I particularly like the cargo pockets on the side of the barrier, a handy place to store small items like multi-tools or torches.

First impression of the rear drawers, is just how big they are. They extend the full length of the unit, thanks to MSA’s clever runner system. This allows you to really pack the drawers to full potential and access everything easily. They don’t rattle, they open and close smoothly and easily, and are just plain nice to look at. The Explorer Power Panel made for a neat 12V installation, which is just what we are after.

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MSA Explorer Power Panel is a neat side-wing 12V installation

Finally, the Drop Slide and fridge barrier combo protects and securely mounts our fridge, while allowing for quick and easy access when at camp as well as maximising storage potential.

It’s safe to say, this MSA fit-out has transformed the rear end of the D-MAX, and we’re wrapped with how it turned out. We can’t wait to get out on the tracks and put it to the test. It sure has made packing for trips much easier, as everything now has a place. The 4X4 Australia D-MAX is an organised, well-oiled touring machine. It sure has come a very long way.

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With the MSA gear in place, it’s time to take the D-MAX camping

AVAILABLE FROM: msa4x4.com.au
RRP: MSA Explorer Dual Drawer System $3044; DS60 Drop Slide with Table $1291; Fridge Barrier to suit DS60 $471; Explorer Power Panel $236.01. Parts Total: $5042.01. (Prices exclude labour and freight)
WHAT WE SAY: Quality storage solution, covered by a lifetime guarantee.