The GWM Cannon is already a capable ute for weekend trips, touring and everyday use. But if you regularly carry camping gear, an open tub can quickly become difficult to organise.
A well-planned GWM Cannon canopy can turn the tub into a more practical touring setup, giving you protected storage for camping equipment, food, recovery gear and everyday essentials.
The key is not simply adding a canopy. It is setting it up in a way that suits the way you actually travel.
Start with the Right Canopy
For touring, the canopy should provide three things: secure storage, weather protection and easy access.
NotJust4X4 offers aluminium canopy options designed for the GWM Cannon, including a non-expanding aluminium tub canopy for 2019-current models. The canopy uses 3mm aluminium construction, a textured powder-coated finish, lockable access and weather-resistant sealing.
Aluminium is particularly useful for touring because it offers strength without the same corrosion concerns as untreated steel. A vehicle-specific canopy is also preferable to a generic setup because it is designed around the dimensions and mounting points of the GWM Cannon.
Plan Your Storage Before Adding Accessories
One of the biggest mistakes with touring setups is buying accessories first and trying to organise everything later. Before fitting drawers, fridges or racks, think about what you normally carry. For a typical camping trip, this may include recovery equipment, cooking gear, food, clothing, chairs, lighting, tools and a fridge or cooler.
Frequently used items should be easy to reach. Equipment that is only needed occasionally can sit deeper inside the canopy. A simple layout usually works better than filling every available space with permanent storage.
Keep Heavy Items Low
Weight distribution matters when setting up a touring canopy. Heavy items such as recovery gear, tools, water and batteries should generally be kept low and close to the centre of the vehicle where possible. Lighter items such as bedding, clothing and camp chairs can be stored higher.
This not only makes the canopy easier to organise, but also helps avoid making the vehicle unnecessarily top-heavy. Always stay within the vehicle's payload and axle limits when adding accessories and carrying camping equipment.
Create Separate Zones
A practical touring setup is easier to use when different items have their own place. For example, one section of the canopy might hold cooking and food equipment, while another stores recovery gear and tools. You may also dedicate one area to frequently used items such as camp chairs, lighting and jackets. This is particularly useful when arriving at camp late in the day because you do not need to unload the entire tub to find one item.
Add a Fridge Only If You Need One
A camping fridge is a popular addition, but it is not essential for every setup. If you regularly take multi-day trips, a fridge can be useful for food and drinks. It should ideally be positioned where it can be accessed without unloading other gear.
Before installing one, consider:
- available space
- fridge dimensions
- ventilation
- power requirements
- how easily the lid or drawer can open
A fridge slide may improve access, especially if the fridge sits deep inside the canopy.
Think Carefully About Power
If you plan to run a fridge, lighting or charging equipment, you may need a secondary power setup. Depending on how you travel, this could include a portable power station or a more permanent dual-battery system. For occasional camping, a portable power station may be enough.
For regular touring, a fixed setup can provide a more integrated solution. The best option depends on how much power you use and how long you stay away from mains electricity.
Use the Roof for Bulky, Lightweight Gear
A canopy roof can be useful for carrying items that take up a lot of space inside the tub.
The NotJust4X4 GWM Cannon canopy includes integrated roof tracks that can be used with suitable racks or platforms. The current aluminium canopy listing specifies an 80kg dynamic roof load rating.
This can make the roof useful for items such as:
- awnings
- lightweight camping gear
- recovery boards
- kayaks
- suitable rooftop equipment
Always check the canopy, rack and vehicle load limits before adding anything to the roof.
Consider an Awning
An awning is one of the simplest upgrades for a touring setup. It can provide shade during the day and basic shelter when preparing food or setting up camp.
If you frequently stop for short breaks or overnight camps, having an awning mounted to the canopy or roof rack can save time compared with setting up a separate shelter.
Keep Recovery Gear Accessible
Recovery equipment should not be buried underneath luggage. Items such as recovery straps, shackles, gloves and basic tools should be stored somewhere that can be reached quickly.
If you are travelling off-road, this becomes especially important. A dedicated recovery box or side compartment can help keep this equipment separate from food and clothing.
Do Not Overbuild the Canopy
It is easy to turn a simple touring canopy into a very heavy setup. Drawers, fridges, batteries, water tanks, roof platforms and accessories can all add substantial weight.
For many GWM Cannon owners, a simpler setup may actually work better. A canopy with a few storage boxes, a fridge, basic lighting and well-organised recovery gear may be enough for most weekend trips. The goal should be practicality, not filling every available space.
Solid Sides or Lift-Up Windows?
The right side configuration depends on how you use the canopy. Solid sides provide a clean appearance and can offer greater privacy for tools and equipment. Lift-up windows can make it easier to access items from the side without opening the rear of the canopy.
The current NotJust4X4 GWM Cannon canopy is available with solid sides or lift-up window variants depending on the selected configuration. For touring, side access can be particularly useful if you frequently need cooking gear, tools or food while stopped.
Protect Gear from Dust and Weather
Camping equipment is often exposed to rain, mud and dust.
A sealed canopy helps reduce exposure, but packing still matters.
Keep sensitive items such as electronics, bedding and clothing in sealed storage containers when travelling in dusty or wet conditions.
NotJust4X4's GWM Cannon aluminium canopy uses weather-resistant seals and a dust-resistant design to help protect stored equipment.
No touring setup should assume that every environment will remain completely dry, so using sealed containers adds another layer of protection.
A Simple GWM Cannon Touring Setup
You do not need an extremely complicated build. A practical setup might include a lockable aluminium canopy, a few modular storage boxes, a fridge or cooler, recovery equipment, lighting and an awning.
The roof can then be used for suitable bulky items, while the main canopy space remains available for everyday luggage and camping gear. This gives you flexibility to use the GWM Cannon for both daily driving and weekend touring.
Canopy vs Roller Cover for Camping
A roller cover works well for owners who want a low-profile tub setup and do not carry a large amount of bulky gear. A canopy generally provides more vertical storage space and easier organisation for camping equipment.
NotJust4X4's existing GWM Cannon guide makes the same distinction: roller covers suit owners wanting a streamlined tub cover, while canopies are better suited to those who need more storage volume and easier access to larger items. For regular camping and touring, the canopy is often the more flexible choice.
Where can I buy a BYD Shark 6 canopy or roller cover in Australia?
Not Just 4x4 offers vehicle-specific aluminium canopies, manual roller covers and electric roller covers for the BYD Shark, with Australia-wide shipping and professional installation available in Melbourne.
Current listed fitment locations include:
Melbourne
5-7 Redwood Drive
Notting Hill VIC 3168
Sydney
12 Homepride Avenue
Warwick Farm NSW 2170
Adelaide
2/257 Hanson Road
Wingfield SA 5013
Installation requirements can vary depending on the product and vehicle, so customers should confirm expected installation time when arranging an appointment.
Booking and Ordering Details
To purchase a manual roller shutter, customers can order directly through the Not Just 4X4 website.
For professional fitment, compatibility questions or help choosing between manual and electric shutters, contact the Not Just 4X4 team before visiting.
Phone: 0431 097 888
Email: Info@notjust4x4.com
Main Melbourne Address:
5-7 Redwood Drive
Notting Hill VIC 3168
Not Just 4X4 also offers Australia-wide shipping, so customers outside Melbourne can order compatible products for delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GWM Cannon canopy good for camping?
Yes. A canopy can provide secure, weather-resistant storage and make it easier to organise camping equipment, recovery gear and luggage.
Can I fit a roof rack or awning to the canopy?
The current NotJust4X4 GWM Cannon aluminium canopy includes integrated roof mounting tracks for compatible racks and accessories. Always check the applicable load limits before fitting equipment.
Do I need drawers inside the canopy?
Not necessarily. Modular storage boxes may be enough for many owners and can keep the setup lighter and more flexible.
Should I choose solid sides or lift-up windows?
Solid sides suit owners who prioritise privacy and security, while lift-up windows make side access easier. The best option depends on how often you need to access gear from the sides.
How much weight should I add to my touring setup?
There is no single figure because it depends on the vehicle, passengers and other accessories. Always check the GWM Cannon's payload and axle limits before adding a canopy and touring equipment.
Build a GWM Cannon Setup That Works for You
The best GWM Cannon canopy camping setup is not necessarily the most complicated one. It should make your gear easier to access, keep important equipment protected and give you enough flexibility for both everyday driving and longer trips.
A strong aluminium canopy, sensible storage layout and a few carefully chosen accessories can turn the GWM Cannon into a much more practical touring vehicle. NotJust4X4 offers aluminium tub canopy options designed for the GWM Cannon, with lockable storage, weather-resistant sealing and roof-track compatibility for touring accessories.
