The GWM Cannon is a versatile ute that can be used for work, family driving, camping and touring. But if you regularly carry tools, luggage or outdoor gear, leaving the tub open is not always practical.
Two of the most popular upgrades are a GWM Cannon tub canopy and a GWM Cannon roller cover. Both can improve storage, security and weather protection, but they suit very different types of owners.
So which setup is better for your GWM Cannon?
The answer depends on how much gear you carry, how often you need full tub access and whether you prefer enclosed storage or a lower profile setup.
GWM Cannon Tub Canopy vs Roller Cover: What's the Main Difference?
The biggest difference is how each accessory changes the usable space above the tub.
A GWM Cannon aluminium canopy creates a full height enclosed storage area over the tub.
A GWM Cannon roller cover, sometimes called a roller shutter or retractable tonneau cover, sits across the top of the tub and retracts when you need access.
In simple terms:
Choose a tub canopy if you want more enclosed storage volume and organisation.
Choose a roller cover if you want secure tub coverage while keeping the ute low profile and flexible.
Both can work well, but the best choice depends on your everyday use.
Why Choose a GWM Cannon Tub Canopy?
A tub canopy for GWM Cannon is a strong option for owners who regularly carry tools, camping gear or valuable equipment. Because the canopy extends above the tub rails, you gain more vertical storage space than you would with a roller cover.
This makes a canopy particularly useful for:
- Tradies carrying tools and equipment
- Campers with larger touring gear
- Recovery equipment
- Fridges and drawer systems
- Luggage for longer trips
- Business equipment
- Bulky items that need enclosed storage
Not Just 4x4 offers an aluminium tub canopy designed specifically for GWM Cannon and Cannon Alpha models, rather than relying on a universal fit design.
More Storage Height and Organisation
One of the biggest advantages of a GWM Cannon canopy is the extra height. A roller cover protects items below the top of the tub, but once your cargo becomes taller than the tub rails, the cover cannot close. A canopy allows you to use the space above the tub as well. This can make it easier to organise equipment vertically and build a more permanent storage setup.
For example, a touring setup might include:
- Drawers
- Fridge
- Recovery gear
- Camping equipment
- Lighting
- Shelving
- Tool storage
For owners who carry a lot of equipment, the additional space can make the ute much easier to use.
Why Choose a GWM Cannon Roller Cover?
A GWM Cannon roller cover is usually a better choice if you want to protect the tub without turning it into a permanently enclosed storage area. The roller shutter retracts into a canister near the front of the tub, allowing you to open the cargo area when necessary. This gives you more flexibility when carrying tall or unusually shaped items.
A roller cover may suit you if you regularly carry:
- Shopping
- Sports gear
- Luggage
- Small toolboxes
- Camping equipment
- Boxes
- Everyday cargo
Not Just 4x4 offers both manual and electric roller cover options for the GWM Cannon.
The Advantage of Full Tub Access
One major benefit of a GWM Cannon roller shutter is that you can retract it when you need more space. Imagine you normally use your ute for luggage and everyday equipment, but occasionally need to carry:
- Furniture
- Tall boxes
- Building materials
- Bikes
- Large camping equipment
- Household items
With a roller cover, you can simply open the shutter and use the tub almost like a standard open ute again. A fixed canopy is less flexible when the load is taller than the canopy itself. This makes roller covers particularly attractive to owners who use their GWM Cannon for several different purposes.
Which Option Is Better for Tradies?
For work vehicles, the answer depends on what you carry.
Choose a GWM Cannon Canopy If:
You carry expensive tools or equipment every day and want a permanent enclosed storage area. A canopy also gives you more space for drawers, shelves and tool organisation.
Choose a GWM Cannon Roller Cover If:
You regularly need to change between covered storage and an open tub. For example, you may carry tools during the week but occasionally need the full tub for larger materials. A roller cover gives you more flexibility without needing to remove a canopy.
Which Is Better for Camping and Touring?
For serious touring, a GWM Cannon tub canopy can be particularly useful. The extra storage height allows you to organise camping and recovery equipment more effectively.
You may be able to create dedicated areas for:
- Fridge storage
- Cooking equipment
- Recovery gear
- Camping supplies
- Water
- Tools
- Lighting
A canopy can effectively turn the tub into an organised touring storage area. However, not every camper needs a full canopy.
If your camping setup is relatively simple and most of your equipment fits below tub height, a GWM Cannon roller cover may provide enough protection while keeping the vehicle more versatile.
Security and Cargo Protection
Both setups can improve security compared with an open tub. A roller cover provides a physical barrier over the cargo area and can help keep equipment out of sight. A canopy creates a larger enclosed area and may be more suitable when valuable tools or touring equipment are regularly stored in the vehicle.
However, no ute accessory should be treated as completely theft proof.
For high value equipment, it is still important to consider:
- Secure internal storage
- Quality locks
- Vehicle security
- Insurance
- Avoiding unnecessary overnight storage of valuable items
Weather Protection
Both a canopy and roller cover can improve protection from rain, sun, dust and road debris. However, ute owners should be careful with the word waterproof.
Water may still enter through:
- Tailgate gaps
- Drainage points
- Tub openings
- Accessory mounting areas
- Vehicle seals
Not Just 4x4's GWM Cannon roller cover information describes weather resistant sealing and drainage features rather than suggesting that the entire tub becomes completely waterproof.
For electronics, documents and other moisture sensitive equipment, sealed storage containers are still a sensible choice.
Which Setup Looks Better?
This comes down to personal preference.
A GWM Cannon roller cover keeps the original shape of the ute and creates a clean, low profile appearance.
It may suit owners who want a more factory style look.
A GWM Cannon aluminium canopy creates a more substantial touring or work ute appearance.
It can make the vehicle look more purpose built, particularly when combined with other 4x4 accessories. If appearance is important, think about the complete build rather than choosing one accessory in isolation.
What About Roof Platforms and Racks?
This is another important consideration. If you plan to add a roof platform, tub rack or other carrying system, think about those upgrades before choosing your tub setup. A canopy can provide a structure for selected roof mounted accessories.
Some roller cover systems may also work with compatible racks or sports bars, depending on the mounting system. Not Just 4x4's current GWM roller cover range includes track based options designed to work with selected tub accessories. Before buying, check compatibility between all the accessories you plan to use.
GWM Cannon Canopy vs Roller Cover Comparison
| Feature | GWM Cannon Tub Canopy | GWM Cannon Roller Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Storage height | High | Limited to tub height when closed |
| Enclosed storage volume | Excellent | Good |
| Full open tub access | Limited | Excellent when retracted |
| Tool organisation | Excellent | Good |
| Touring setup | Excellent | Good |
| Everyday versatility | Good | Excellent |
| Low profile appearance | No | Yes |
| Large/tall cargo | Limited by canopy | Easy with cover open |
| Permanent storage setup | Excellent | Moderate |
| Suitable for work | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for camping | Yes | Yes |
Manual or Electric Roller Cover?
If you decide that a roller cover suits your GWM Cannon better, the next choice is between manual and electric operation.
A manual roller shutter may be suitable if you want:
- A simpler system
- No motor or electrical connection
- Straightforward daily operation
- A lower initial cost
An electric roller cover may be better if you want:
- Remote controlled operation
- Faster everyday access
- More convenience when carrying equipment
- A more premium setup
Not Just 4x4 currently offers both manual and electric GWM Cannon roller cover options.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing
Before buying either a canopy or roller cover, consider:
What do you carry most often?
If most of your equipment is tall or bulky, a canopy may be easier to organise.
Do you regularly need a completely open tub?
If yes, a roller cover offers more flexibility.
Is your GWM mainly a work ute?
Think about tool security, storage organisation and daily access.
Do you use the ute for touring?
Consider how much camping and recovery equipment you need to carry.
Will you add racks or platforms later?
Plan your accessories together to avoid compatibility problems.
Is appearance important?
Decide whether you prefer a low-profile roller shutter or a larger touring style canopy.
Which Setup Should You Choose?
There is no single best option for every GWM Cannon owner.
Choose a GWM Cannon tub canopy if your priority is:
- Maximum enclosed storage
- Tool organisation
- Camping or touring gear
- Permanent storage
- Greater vertical space
Choose a GWM Cannon roller cover if your priority is:
- Flexible tub access
- Low profile styling
- Everyday convenience
- Occasional large loads
- Retaining the versatility of an open ute tub
GWM Cannon Canopies and Roller Covers at Not Just 4x4
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.
