How to build a ute: $15,000 budget

DUAL-cab utes have taken the 4x4 market by storm, and it’s for a damn good reason: versatility. Actually, versatile doesn’t really drive home the point enough. They’re the Swiss Army Knife of off-roading, with attachments and electric blenders folding out of nooks and crannies you never thought possible. All you need to do is set them up right.

The problem, like any 4x4, is knowing how to build it to suit your needs, and knowing where best to spend your money. After all, what should you get first, the coffee percolator or the meat-pie oven? The upgrade paths are endless, with a $5000 build looking significantly different than a $25,000 build.

We’ve pounded out countless kays in and out of dual-cab utes over the past few years, everywhere from the tropics of Far North Queensland to the wide expanses of the Outback, all in the endeavour to help you build the ute of your dreams. Geez, we’re nice blokes!

Snag yourself a pay rise? Have we got some gear to spend your hard-earned on. Another $10K in the kitty brings the grand total to $15K to sink into your pride and joy, but you’ll finally be making real progress.

Hardcore Weekender

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Your last tax return focused on getting you out of trouble; this one focuses on getting you into it.

The first step is a good set of mud tyres; just how aggressive will depend on the terrain you drive on, but factor in at least $2000. To make the most of them, a set of beadlock alloys will allow you to drop to single digit pressures, giving you amazing traction and floatation on beaches. However, keep in mind they’re questionably legal, so proceed with caution.

You’re not going to shoehorn these tyres on the stock suspension, though, so get out the credit card and get swiping. You’re aiming for articulation rather than comfort, so while the thickest shocks aren’t a requirement you’ll want a well-balanced system that’s able to be tuned to your needs (read, expensive).

To protect the vulnerable tub sheet-metal from your newfound off-road ability, a simple rear bar with side protection should be on the list.

Additional modifications:
Beadlock wheels - $1250
Mud terrain tyres - $2000
Rear bar - $1000
Springs & Shocks - $4000
TOTAL: $8250
COMBINED TOTAL (from <$5000 basics): $12,250

Remote Tourer

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Those shocks of yours are designed to cope with the occasional speed bump, but they’re going to melt into a puddle of disappointment if pushed across endless corrugations. You’ll have no choice but to go for a slight suspension lift, but pay close attention to the shock absorber.

As a general rule, external reservoir and the biggest piston you can get will deal with corrugations the best. Spend big here and you won’t regret it. A long-range fuel tank and a fibreglass canopy will both allow you to go farther, due in part to the increased distance between drinks and how much junk you can now carry.

By now you’re probably sick of shovelling ice into that ice chest. Spend up big on a dual battery system and a fridge, even if it’s strapped to your back seat. The ability to know that chicken you bought in town four days ago won’t kill you is worth every dollar.

Additional modifications:
Fridge - $1200
Big-dollar shocks - $3500
Dual-battery system - $800
Long-range tank - $1300
Fibreglass canopy - $3000
TOTAL: $9800
COMBINED TOTAL (from <$5000 basics): $14,800

Family Wagon

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Have you kid-proofed the interior and got enough room for all your gear? Then it’s time for a decent set of tyres and a half-decent suspension set-up.

Unless you’re planning on running the Baja 1000, a basic two-inch lift kit and a slightly larger set of all-terrain tyres should cut the mustard. The higher you go on both the more capable you’ll be, but this increases the chances of running into height issues when at the local shops.

A roof rack up top will provide room for bulky items like kayaks, but it will also serve as a platform for a wraparound awning, making beach adventures that much easier. There are ones you can pick up for less than the price of a servo pie, but they’ll provide about as much shelter as one, especially if you’re trying to hide the whole family beneath it.

Round out your upgrades with the bits and pieces that’ll make remote trips better, without eating into the practicality: a set of storage drawers, a snorkel, UHF and a slimline LED bar up top.

Additional modifications:
Snorkel - $700
UHF - $500
Roof-rack - $1500
Awning - $1200
LED light up top - $700
Tyres - $1500
Storage drawer - $1400
Suspension - $2500
TOTAL: $10,000
COMBINED TOTAL (from <$5000 basics): $15,000

Follow our 'How to build a ute guide' here:
- Less than $5000
- $25,000
- more than $25,000