A ute tub is one of the most useful parts of a GWM Cannon or GWM Alpha, but an uncovered tub also leaves tools, luggage, camping equipment and everyday cargo more exposed.
For owners who want a straightforward way to cover the tub without adding an electric motor or complicated controls, a manual roller shutter can be a practical solution.
Not Just 4X4 currently offers vehicle-specific manual roller shutters for the GWM Cannon and GWM Alpha. The Cannon version is listed for 2019-current models, while the Alpha version is designed for 2024-current vehicles. Both are built around a simple hand-operated roller design.
So, is a manual roller shutter for GWM actually worth it?
For many owners, the answer comes down to four things: security, convenience, durability and how the vehicle is used every day.
1. It Turns an Open Tub Into More Practical Storage
One of the biggest advantages of installing a roller shutter is simple: your tub becomes much easier to use as an everyday storage space.
Without a cover, anything placed in the back of your ute remains visible and exposed. A roller shutter creates covered storage for items such as:
- Work tools
- Camping equipment
- Luggage
- Shopping
- Sports gear
- Recovery equipment
- Everyday cargo
Not Just 4X4 describes its manual GWM roller shutters as providing covered storage for tools, gear and everyday cargo, with a lockable design intended to improve tub security.
This makes the upgrade relevant not only to tradies, but also to families, commuters and touring enthusiasts.
2. Simple Manual Operation Means Fewer Electronics
The main difference between a manual and electric roller shutter is how the cover opens and closes.
An electric shutter relies on powered controls, while a manual roller shutter is opened and closed by hand.
That simplicity can be attractive if your priority is practicality rather than automation.
The manual roller shutters currently listed by Not Just 4X4 use a manual sliding roller design, allowing owners to access the tub without relying on electric controls.
For someone who uses their ute every day and simply wants a durable cover that can be opened when needed, the manual system can make plenty of sense.
3. A More Cost-Effective Alternative to Electric Operation
Price is another reason some GWM owners choose manual operation.
As of August 2026, Not Just 4X4 lists both its GWM Cannon and GWM Alpha manual roller shutters at $1,150, while its GWM collection also includes higher-priced electric shutter options. Prices and promotions can change, so customers should always check the current product page before ordering.
If remote opening and powered operation are not important to you, paying extra for an electric system may not provide enough additional value.
A manual shutter allows you to focus the investment on the parts that matter most: tub coverage, construction, fitment and security.
https://www.notjust4x4.com.au/products/manual-roller-cover-for-gwm-cannon-2019
4. Heavy-Duty Aluminium Construction
A roller shutter lives outside.
It is exposed to sun, rain, dust, road grime and the normal wear associated with using a ute for work or travel. Material choice therefore matters.
The Not Just 4X4 manual roller shutters for GWM use heavy-duty aluminium construction with a matte black or powder-coated finish. The products are described as weather resistant and designed specifically for ute tub installation.
Aluminium also allows the shutter to complement the rugged appearance of a modern GWM without turning the tub into a bulky enclosed canopy.
5. Vehicle-Specific Fitment Matters
Not every ute tub has the same dimensions.
That means buying a generic roller shutter and attempting to adapt it to your GWM can create unnecessary installation complications.
Not Just 4X4 lists its manual shutters as vehicle-specific products:
GWM Cannon:
Suitable for 2019-current models.
GWM Alpha:
Suitable for 2024-current models.
Vehicle-specific mounting is designed to provide a cleaner installation than trying to make a universal cover work with a tub it was never designed around.
However, owners should still confirm their exact model year, tub configuration, tub liner and existing accessories before purchasing.
6. Better Security for Tools and Touring Gear
Ute owners often carry considerably more than groceries in the back.
For a tradie, the tub may contain tools and equipment used to earn a living. For a touring vehicle, it might contain camping equipment, recovery gear and luggage.
An uncovered tub makes those items immediately visible.
Not Just 4X4's manual GWM roller shutters use a lockable design intended to provide more secure tub coverage.
No vehicle storage solution should be treated as completely theft-proof, and high-value items should still be handled carefully. However, covering and locking the tub adds an important physical and visual barrier compared with leaving cargo exposed.
7. Useful for Work During the Week and Adventures on the Weekend
One reason roller shutters work particularly well on dual-cab utes is versatility.
Your GWM might be a work vehicle from Monday to Friday and a touring vehicle on Saturday morning.
A manual roller shutter can suit both roles.
For work, it provides covered storage for tools and equipment.
For daily driving, it gives you somewhere to place shopping, bags and personal items.
For weekend touring, it can help organise camping equipment, luggage and outdoor gear.
Not Just 4X4 specifically positions its manual shutters for daily driving, work use, touring and general storage.
8. Manual Roller Shutter vs Electric Roller Shutter
Which one is better?
There is no universal answer.
A manual roller shutter may be better if you value:
- Simple operation
- Lower purchase cost
- Fewer electrical components
- Straightforward everyday use
- Secure covered storage
An electric roller shutter may make more sense if you prioritise powered opening and closing and want greater convenience when accessing the tub frequently.
Not Just 4X4 offers both manual and electric options in its current GWM accessory range, allowing Cannon and Alpha owners to choose according to how they actually use their vehicle.
The important question is not which system has more features. It is which features you will genuinely use.
Quick Product Snapshot
| Feature | Manual Roller Shutter for GWM |
|---|---|
| Operation | Manual sliding roller |
| Construction | Heavy-duty aluminium |
| Finish | Matte black / powder-coated |
| Security | Lockable covered tub |
| Cannon Fitment | 2019-current |
| Alpha Fitment | 2024-current |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Shipping | Australia-wide |
| Professional Installation | Available |
| Typical Uses | Work, daily driving, touring and storage |
These specifications reflect Not Just 4X4's current product listings as of August 2026 and should be reconfirmed before ordering.
Who Is a Manual Roller Shutter Best For?
A manual roller shutter for GWM could be particularly worthwhile if you are:
A Tradie
If you regularly carry tools and equipment, covered and lockable tub storage makes the vehicle more practical between jobs.
A Camper
Camping equipment quickly fills a dual-cab ute. A roller shutter lets you organise equipment inside the tub while keeping the top covered.
A Touring Driver
For long-distance trips, being able to keep luggage and general equipment inside a covered tub can make packing considerably easier.
An Everyday GWM Owner
You do not need to be driving through the outback every weekend to benefit from a roller shutter.
For shopping, sports equipment, suitcases and everyday belongings, covered tub storage can simply make your GWM easier to live with.
What Should You Check Before Ordering?
Before purchasing a manual roller shutter, confirm:
- Your exact GWM model
- Vehicle model year
- Tub configuration
- Factory or aftermarket tub liner
- Existing sports bars or tub-mounted accessories
- Any future canopy, platform or rack plans
- Whether you want DIY or professional installation
Not Just 4X4 specifically advises that fitment can depend on the vehicle model, tub configuration, liner and existing tub-mounted accessories.
Checking these details before ordering can help avoid compatibility problems later.
Professional Installation and Fitment
Not confident installing the shutter yourself?
Not Just 4X4 offers professional fitment services and currently lists service locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. Its fitment page also states that the business works with a cooperating workshop in Brisbane.
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 manual roller shutter for GWM lockable?
Yes. Not Just 4X4's current manual roller shutters are designed with a lockable system to help make items stored inside the tub more secure.
Which GWM models are available?
Not Just 4X4 currently lists a manual roller shutter for the GWM Cannon 2019-current and another version for the GWM Alpha 2024-current.
Is a manual roller shutter weather resistant?
The current product specifications describe the shutters as weather resistant and built with heavy-duty aluminium construction. Like most ute covers, owners should not assume the tub becomes completely waterproof under every driving or weather condition.
Does it require electricity?
No. The manual version uses hand-operated sliding operation rather than electric controls.
Can Not Just 4X4 install it?
Yes. Professional fitment is available, with installation services listed in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, plus a cooperating workshop in Brisbane.
Does it come with a warranty?
The current GWM manual roller shutter product listings specify a 12-month warranty.
Final Thought
So, is a manual roller shutter for GWM worth it?
If you regularly use the tub of your Cannon or Alpha, it can be one of those upgrades that improves the vehicle every day rather than only when you head off-road.
It gives you a covered and lockable storage area, keeps operation simple, adds durable aluminium protection and avoids paying for powered operation if you do not need it.
For tradies, campers, touring drivers and everyday GWM owners, the real value comes from making the ute tub more usable.
The best upgrade is not necessarily the one with the most technology. It is the one that fits the way you actually use your GWM.
Before ordering, confirm your vehicle's model year and tub configuration with Not Just 4X4 to make sure you select the correct manual roller shutter and installation option.
