Best GWM Cannon Canopy for Touring and Camping

Cannon owners often buy the canopy first and then progressively add drawers, a fridge, a battery, solar, an awning, water, recovery equipment and a rooftop tent. Each item seems reasonable on its own, but the finished build can end up heavier, more expensive and less practical than expected.

This article helps you choose between a simple weekend setup, a more complete family touring layout and a serious remote build, all planned around what the GWM Cannon can actually carry. If you need broader guidance covering work setups, towing, materials and general canopy selection, our GWM Cannon canopy setup guide covers the full picture.

This guide applies to the standard GWM Cannon (Premium, Lux, Ultra, Vanta and XSR variants). The Cannon Alpha has different dimensions, payload and electrical characteristics and is not covered here.

Quick answer: what is the best GWM Cannon canopy for touring?

For most Cannon touring owners, a lightweight aluminium tub canopy with lift up side or rear access, good compression seals, secure tie downs and room for modular drawers and a fridge offers the best balance. Weekend campers should keep power, water and roof accessories modest. Serious remote travellers may benefit from a heavier duty canopy with fixed storage, auxiliary power, solar and water, but the complete build must remain within the Cannon’s payload, axle and roof system limits.

Best for occasional weekends: lightweight tub canopy and modular storage.

Best for regular touring: aluminium tub canopy with drawers, fridge and auxiliary power.

Best for extended remote travel: carefully weight planned aluminium tub or tray canopy.

Planning a Cannon touring build? Explore our Cannon canopy range or send us your trip and accessory list.

Call us on 02 9627 8666, text 0440 130 098 or visit our showroom at 20 Walker St, South Windsor, Sydney.

Weekend camping or serious off grid touring? Decide this first

Trip style should determine the build before products are selected.

Weekend camping

Typical characteristics: one to three nights, regular access to fuel, food, water and charging, lighter recovery requirements, less permanent storage and equipment that can be removed between trips. Daily driver usability still matters.

A weekend owner may need only secure weather resistant storage, a fridge or esky, portable or modest auxiliary power, removable boxes or a single drawer, a basic awning and interior lighting with tie downs.

Serious off grid touring

Typical characteristics: longer periods between resupply, remote road and corrugation exposure, greater water and power requirements, more recovery and communication equipment, higher need for dust control and redundancy and stronger pressure on payload and rear axle capacity.

Are you sleeping in the canopy or carrying camping gear?

Most touring canopies carry equipment while the occupants sleep in a swag, ground tent, rooftop tent or alongside a caravan. A standard storage canopy should not automatically be treated as sleeping accommodation.

If sleeping inside the canopy is considered, it needs adequate permanent ventilation, insect protection, a safe internal exit, a layout designed for occupants and no operating fuel burning appliance inside the enclosed space.

Decision factor	Weekend setup	Serious off grid setup
Trip duration	Usually one to three nights	Extended or remote travel
Storage	Removable and modular	More permanent organisation
Power	Portable or modest auxiliary system	Designed auxiliary battery and solar
Water	Portable containers	Larger secured supply
Awning	Basic side awning may be enough	Larger coverage may be justified
Rooftop tent	Optional	Still optional, not automatic
Main priority	Simplicity and daily usability	Self sufficiency without overloading

Start with the right Cannon and canopy format

Dual cab tub

The dual cab tub is the best starting point for most Cannon touring owners. It retains the factory tub, keeps conversion costs and weight lower than a full tray system and suits drawers, fridge slides and modular storage well. It is also easier to retain mixed daily driver use.

The limitations are that the tailgate affects rear access, the internal floor is narrower between wheel arches, there are fewer underbody storage options, tub sealing can require additional attention and roof capacity depends on the complete canopy and mounting system.

Cab chassis and tray canopy

A cab chassis suits owners who need full side opening access, highly customised storage, under tray boxes or a more permanent expedition style fitout designed from the beginning. Remember that cab chassis payload calculations must include the tray (100 to 180 kg for aluminium, 200 to 300 kg for steel), the canopy and the complete internal fitout.

Fitment checks

Before ordering, confirm: exact Cannon variant and model year, dual cab tub or cab chassis, existing sports bar or tub accessories, liner compatibility, tailgate and camera operation and intended rack, awning and rooftop tent system.

If a touring build significantly changes the vehicle’s weight distribution or pushes beyond factory GVM, state based engineering certification may be required. Transport for NSW manages this in New South Wales, while the Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) applies in Victoria. Requirements vary by state, so check your local transport authority.

Common mistake: Assuming a Cannon Alpha uses the same canopy as a standard Cannon. The Alpha is a different body with different dimensions and payload. Do not order a standard Cannon canopy for an Alpha.

Which canopy material and access layout works best for touring?

Aluminium

Aluminium is the recommended material for most Cannon touring builds. It offers the strongest balance of manageable weight, durability, corrosion resistance, roof system flexibility, repairability and support for custom internal layouts. A typical aluminium tub canopy weighs 65 to 85 kg, saving 40 to 65 kg compared to an equivalent steel canopy.

Fibreglass or ABS

Fibreglass and ABS canopies work well for weekend camping, daily driver appearance, basic weather protected storage and owners not planning a heavy roof system or extensive internal fitout. If you plan to mount a roof rack or rooftop tent, that system must be specifically supported by the canopy and its mounting hardware. Do not assume every fibreglass canopy can handle a heavy roof load.

Steel

Steel may suit unusually harsh commercial or remote use, but its additional weight (100 to 150 kg for a tub canopy) is difficult to justify on most Cannon touring builds where every kilogram matters for gear, water and passengers.

Access layout

Lift up side windows suit general gear access, mixed daily use and lighter touring builds. They provide shelter above the opening in rain.

Gullwing doors give wider access and full wall shelving but add weight and cost. They suit regularly organised touring setups.

Rear opening is essential for drawers and fridge access. Make sure frequently used items sit close to the opening.

Sliding windows suit airflow rather than serious access. They are useful for ventilation but should not be the primary entry point for organised storage.

Common mistake: Choosing gullwing doors for a weekend build that only needs simple lift up windows. Gullwing adds cost, weight and complexity that may not be justified for occasional use.

Plan drawers, fridge and storage as one system

Drawer height, fridge position and opening clearance must be planned together, not chosen separately.

Do you need permanent drawers?

There are three approaches. No fixed drawers: removable boxes and an open tub floor keep weight down and flexibility up. Single drawer or false floor: light organisation while retaining space for bulky items. Full drawer system: better organisation but more weight (40 to 70 kg) and reduced internal height.

Common mistake: Buying a full dual drawer system for weekend camping. Permanent drawers stay in the vehicle every day even if they are used only a few weekends per year. For occasional use, removable boxes or a single drawer may be lighter and more practical.

Fridge placement

A rear fridge slide gives direct camp access. A side access fridge works where the canopy opening and layout allow. Check lid clearance below shelves or the canopy roof, the ability to load and remove the fridge, the slide rating when fully extended, ventilation around the compressor and that both the fridge and slide are properly secured.

Storage placement

Heavy equipment goes low and forward. Recovery equipment should be accessible without unloading the camp kitchen. Food needs to be separated from fuel, chemicals and dirty recovery gear. Frequently used items go close to the main opening. Infrequently used or light items go higher. Leave space for awkward items rather than filling every gap with cabinetry.

Component	Weekend build	Off grid build	Main watch out
Drawers	None, single drawer or removable boxes	Fixed modular system	Weight and lost internal height
Fridge	Portable or basic slide	Permanently integrated position	Ventilation and electrical demand
Kitchen	Portable box or table	Side or rear slide out	Access and added weight
Recovery gear	Basic accessible kit	Expanded remote kit	Must remain easy to reach
Food storage	Removable containers	Organised sealed compartments	Heat and contamination
Spare parts	Minimal	Vehicle specific remote spares	Carry only genuinely useful items

Fridge, battery and solar: size the electrical system from actual use

Start with an energy audit, not a product recommendation. List what you actually need to power: fridge, internal and exterior lights, phones and tablets, camera equipment, communications, water pump and any high draw appliances.

Weekend electrical setup

A properly secured portable power station, a modest auxiliary battery or even the vehicle’s own charging system may be enough for one to three nights. A small fridge running off a basic auxiliary battery with vehicle charging can handle most weekend trips without solar.

Regular and remote touring setup

Longer or more remote trips may need an auxiliary battery, a compatible DC DC charger, a battery monitor, fused distribution, solar input, protected outlets and an inverter only where actual 240V loads justify it. Do not install an inverter just because it sounds useful. Every component adds weight and complexity.

Battery selection

AGM batteries have a lower upfront cost but are heavier for usable capacity. Lithium batteries are lighter for usable capacity but require compatible charging, battery management and professional installation. Do not prescribe a universal amp hour figure. Fridge consumption changes with ambient temperature, model, ventilation, opening frequency and set temperature.

Electrical safety and installation

All wiring should be correctly sized, fused and protected. Battery mounting must be secure. Cable routes through metal panels need protection. Ventilation around battery and charging equipment is essential. Professional installation is recommended and licensed work is required where the system includes fixed 240V components. The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) also require that any canopy covering factory tail lights has its own compliant brake lights and indicators, which is relevant when wiring is being run during a touring fitout.

GWM offers a tub mounted 12V smart socket for recreational electrical items, but its current rating and operating behaviour must be confirmed before connecting a high draw fridge or auxiliary system. It is designed for light accessories, not sustained heavy loads.

Water, cooking and remote equipment

Water

Every litre of water adds approximately one kilogram before the tank, pump, hoses and mounting hardware. For weekends, portable containers are lighter and simpler. For frequent touring, secured fixed tanks offer more capacity and convenience. Splitting water across smaller containers provides redundancy. Place tanks low and forward where practical and keep water equipment away from unprotected electrical systems.

Do not commit to a standard capacity for every trip. Base it on occupants, climate, resupply interval and emergency reserve.

Cooking equipment

Removable cooking boxes suit casual camping. Side or rear kitchen slides work well for frequent use. Ensure safe clearance from open canopy doors and awnings. Store cooking equipment separately from dirty gear. Follow applicable storage and appliance instructions for any fuel or gas you carry.

Recovery, communication and first response equipment

A basic recovery kit (rated strap, shackles, shovel), a compressor and tyre equipment, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher appropriate to the carried equipment and UHF or remote communication where relevant. For extended remote travel, add a PLB and vehicle specific spares. Keep this subordinate to canopy planning rather than trying to cover every possible scenario.

Awning, roof platform or rooftop tent?

Choosing an awning

A straight side awning is the lightest and simplest option for weekend shelter (12 to 18 kg). A 180 degree awning gives broader coverage. A 270 degree awning (22 to 30 kg) provides the most camp coverage but adds significant weight, bracket requirements and wind loading considerations.

Include the awning weight, brackets, poles and hardware in your total. The load sits on one side of the canopy, which affects weight distribution.

Do you actually need a roof platform?

A full roof platform adds permanent weight (20 to 35 kg) before any cargo goes on. Roof bars or smaller mounting rails may be enough for an awning, recovery boards or light equipment. Do not add a full platform just because it looks good in photos.

Rooftop tent decision

Benefits: Fast setup, elevated sleeping, bedding can sometimes remain inside and it frees internal canopy space.

Trade offs: Tent and platform weight (combined 80 to 105 kg), increased height and centre of gravity, wind resistance, reduced payload, more difficult access, packing away a wet tent and potential conflict with solar panels and roof storage.

A rooftop tent is one sleeping option, not the natural end point of every touring build.

Roof rating rule

The allowable roof load is controlled by the weakest part of the complete system: the canopy roof rating, the rack or platform rating and the mounting system rating. A platform does not increase the underlying canopy’s rating.

Dynamic load (while driving) must include the tent, platform, awning brackets and everything else on the roof. Static load (while parked) must include the tent, bedding and occupants. Check both numbers before committing.

What will the complete touring setup weigh?

The standard Cannon range advertises payload of up to approximately 995 kg on Lux, Ultra and Vanta variants. The XSR drops to approximately 875 kg. Exact limits must be checked against the specific vehicle.

Illustrative setup comparison

These are example weights to show how quickly a build adds up, not product specifications. Use actual product weights for your own calculation.

Added item	Weekend build	Remote build
Aluminium tub canopy	75 kg	80 kg
Storage and drawers	45 kg	60 kg
Fridge	22 kg	25 kg
Battery and electrical	30 kg	55 kg
Roof platform	Not fitted	30 kg
Rooftop tent	Not fitted	60 kg
Awning	15 kg	25 kg
Water	20 kg	50 kg
Recovery equipment	20 kg	25 kg
Illustrative total	227 kg	410 kg

These totals exclude occupants, food, clothing, fuel above the published mass definition, bull bar, towbar, camp chairs, tables, cooking equipment and trailer towball load.

On a Cannon with 995 kg payload, the weekend build leaves approximately 768 kg for everything else. The remote build leaves approximately 585 kg. Add two occupants (170 kg), food, clothing and camp gear (80 to 120 kg) and the remote build is approaching the limit.

Common mistake: Building a full remote touring rig and then also towing a caravan. The towball download (up to 350 kg on 2.4 litre variants) counts as payload. A 410 kg canopy build plus 250 kg towball download plus two occupants will exceed 995 kg before personal gear.

Use actual product and occupant weights. Consider rear axle loading separately from total GVM. Weigh the completed vehicle in representative touring condition. The Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 (VSB 14) is the national code of practice for light vehicle modifications and provides the compliance framework for canopy installations that change vehicle weight distribution. Do not assume a GVM upgrade automatically increases GCM, towing capacity or every component limit. 

GWM’s own accessory guidance advises buyers to consider the combined mass of accessories and cargo so GVM is not exceeded.

Dust, water, heat and campsite security

Dust and water

Compression seals around all doors and windows are the first line of defence. Drainage channels should direct water away from seal lines. Electrical penetrations must be sealed where cables enter the canopy. Tailgate gaps on tub setups are a common entry point for dust.

Compatible positive pressure vents can reduce dust ingress by keeping air pressure inside the canopy slightly above ambient. Check seals after corrugated road use and before any remote trip. No canopy should be described as dustproof or waterproof without a specific tested rating.

Heat and ventilation

A sealed canopy in Australian conditions becomes an oven. This affects fridge efficiency, food safety, battery performance and electronic equipment. Sliding windows, pop out vents or louvres provide airflow. If people sleep inside the canopy, condensation, ventilation and safe exit are non negotiable considerations.

Security

Central locking, robust door locks and protected hinges keep equipment secure at campsites. Keep high value gear away from windows. Restrain portable batteries, fridges and storage boxes even when doors are closed.

The NTC Load Restraint Guide for Light Vehicles advises that loads must be properly restrained, remain within mass limits and not obscure required lights or number plates. This applies at camp just as much as on the road. 

What we recommend at Oz Canopies & 4×4

For most Cannon touring owners, we recommend starting with an aluminium tub canopy. It keeps weight manageable, handles moderate roof loads, does not rust and leaves enough payload headroom for a fridge, a drawer or two, a battery and an awning without blowing the budget.

We see a lot of Cannon owners come in with a shopping list that includes full drawers, a large lithium system, an inverter, a 270 degree awning, a rooftop tent, a full platform and a permanent water tank. When we add it all up, the build weighs 400 to 500 kg before anyone gets in the ute. That is not a touring setup. That is a payload problem.

Our recommendation is to build in stages, start with the canopy and basic storage, take a trip and then decide what you actually need to add. We have been fitting canopy and touring setups since 1998, backed by 600+ five star Google reviews. We are upfront about what we sell and why: a well planned aluminium canopy with modular accessories will serve most Cannon tourers better than an overloaded showpiece.

Recommended GWM Cannon camping and touring setups

Setup 1: Occasional weekend camper

Lightweight aluminium tub canopy. Open floor with removable boxes. Portable fridge or esky. Secured portable or modest auxiliary power. Interior lighting. Straight side awning. No permanent drawers or roof platform unless genuinely needed.

Primary objective: secure camping storage without compromising daily use.

Setup 2: Regular weekend tourer

Aluminium tub canopy with rear and side access. Single or lightweight drawer system with fridge slide. Auxiliary battery and compatible DC DC charging. Awning. Basic recovery storage. Roof kept mostly clear.

Primary objective: repeatable weekend convenience at moderate weight.

Setup 3: Family touring Cannon

Aluminium tub canopy. Modular drawers and labelled storage. Fridge in an accessible position. Auxiliary electrical system. Removable or split water containers. Awning sized for the family. Cargo layout that accounts for every occupant and their gear. Ground tent or other sleeping option before automatically choosing a rooftop tent.

Primary objective: sufficient storage without allowing cabinetry and roof equipment to consume the family’s payload allowance.

Setup 4: Serious remote and off grid Cannon

Heavy duty aluminium tub or tray canopy with wide side and rear access. Modular fixed storage. Fridge and properly designed auxiliary power with solar input. Secured water supply. Accessible recovery and communication equipment. Enhanced dust control. Rated roof system only where the selected sleeping arrangement requires it. Loaded weighbridge assessment before departure.

Primary objective: self sufficiency, serviceability and redundancy while staying within mass limits.

Setup	Best canopy base	Storage	Power	Roof approach
Occasional weekend	Lightweight tub canopy	Removable boxes	Portable or modest	Usually none
Regular weekend	Aluminium tub canopy	Light drawers	Auxiliary battery	Awning or bars
Family touring	Aluminium tub canopy	Modular drawers	Designed auxiliary system	Keep light
Remote/off grid	Heavy duty tub or tray	Fixed modular system	Battery, charging and solar	Rated system if required

Tell us your Cannon variant, trip length, number of travellers and planned fridge, awning and sleeping setup. We can help narrow down a canopy and fitout that suits the way you tour.

Call us on 02 9627 8666, text 0440 130 098 or visit our showroom at 20 Walker St, South Windsor, Sydney.

Build in stages instead of buying everything at once

Stage 1: Canopy foundation. Canopy, access configuration, seals, drainage, tie down points, basic lighting, security and provision for future wiring and roof mounts.

Stage 2: Storage and fridge. Test the empty canopy on a short trip. Decide what genuinely needs drawers. Choose the fridge location. Weigh the proposed storage components.

Stage 3: Power, water and shelter. Complete an energy audit. Install appropriate battery and charging. Select water storage based on real usage. Choose the awning based on required coverage.

Stage 4: Roof tent and remote equipment. Add a rooftop tent only after verifying it suits the sleeping plan and weight budget. Recheck roof and payload limits. Weigh the completed vehicle before remote travel.

A short test trip will expose poor access, wasted compartments and missing tie downs more quickly than another accessories catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best GWM Cannon canopy for camping?

For most Cannon owners, a lightweight aluminium tub canopy with good seals, rear and side access and room for a fridge and modular storage. Weekend campers should keep it simple. Remote builds may need a heavier duty canopy, but the complete weight must stay within payload limits.

Is a tub or tray canopy better for touring?

Tub for most weekend and family touring because it is lighter and retains mixed daily use. Tray for dedicated, highly customised remote builds where full side access and under tray storage justify the extra weight and cost.

Can you fit a rooftop tent to a GWM Cannon canopy?

Yes, only where the complete canopy, mounting system, rack or platform and tent weight are all within rated dynamic and static limits. Check each component’s rating and use the lowest as the system limit.

How much payload will a Cannon touring setup use?

A light weekend setup may add around 220 to 250 kg. A heavily equipped remote build can add 400 kg or more before occupants and personal gear. Always calculate the full total against your specific variant’s payload rating.

Do I need drawers for a weekend camping setup?

Not necessarily. Removable boxes or a single drawer may be lighter and more flexible for occasional use. Permanent drawers add weight that stays in the vehicle every day even when camping is weeks away.

What battery size do I need for a fridge?

There is no universal answer. Base it on the specific fridge model, ambient temperature, trip duration, charging opportunities and other electrical loads. An energy audit is more useful than a generic amp hour recommendation.

Is aluminium or fibreglass better for a Cannon camping canopy?

Aluminium for greater touring flexibility, stronger roof load options and better support for internal fitouts. Fibreglass or ABS may suit lighter weekend storage where roof and fitout requirements are modest and appearance matters most.

Is a 270 degree awning worth fitting?

Only where the owner regularly uses the extra coverage and has allowed for its weight (22 to 30 kg plus brackets), mounting requirements and wind restraint. A straight side awning at 12 to 18 kg may be all a weekend camper needs.

How do I reduce dust inside a Cannon canopy?

Start with quality compression seals on all doors and windows. Check drainage channels, seal tailgate gaps on tub setups, protect electrical penetrations and consider compatible positive pressure vents. Inspect seals after corrugated road travel.

Does the same camping canopy fit the Cannon Alpha?

No. The Cannon Alpha has a different body and tub dimensions. A canopy designed for the standard Cannon will not fit the Alpha. Always specify which vehicle you have when enquiring.

Planning a Cannon canopy for weekends or remote touring?

The right touring canopy depends on how often you camp, how far you go, how many people you travel with and what the complete loaded rig weighs. Keep weekend builds simple. Earn every permanent accessory with a real trip need. Use aluminium as the default material. Plan drawers, fridge and power together. Treat the rooftop tent as optional, not inevitable. And calculate the complete loaded weight before you commit.

Send us your Cannon model and variant, how many people you travel with, your typical trip length and whether you plan to carry a fridge, awning, rooftop tent or tow a trailer. We can help you compare canopy and storage options before the build becomes heavier or more complicated than it needs to be.

Call us on 02 9627 8666, text 0440 130 098 or visit our showroom at 20 Walker St, South Windsor, Sydney.