A loose load sliding around your Cannon tub is more than a nuisance — it scratches paint, dents the tailgate and breaks gear, and those repairs add up fast. Plenty of owners get so frustrated with the bare factory tub that they look at a full tray-back conversion.
You don't need to go that far. The fix is equipping the tub with a few proven accessories that turn cargo chaos into organised, damage-free hauling — and protect your ute's resale value along the way. Here are the seven that matter most, in the order we'd fit them.
Why Factory Cannon Tubs Fall Short Without Upgrades
The GWM Cannon is a capable ute, but its factory tub is essentially a blank canvas. With no organisational infrastructure, the cargo area quickly becomes a zone where tools, groceries and recovery gear slide and collide with every turn and stop.
That isn't just inconvenient — it's costly. Unsecured items act like battering rams against the thin paint of your ute bed, and the resulting paint and dent repairs can run to hundreds of dollars in the first year alone.
The Resale Value Impact
Beyond immediate repair costs, this wear and tear directly affects your ute's long-term value. A GWM Cannon with a scratched, dented and worn tub sells for noticeably less than a clean one — a hit that's largely preventable with the right tub accessories.
Avoiding the Tray-Back Conversion
A full tray-back conversion is an option, but it's a costly and permanent modification. For most owners the factory tub is perfectly capable — it just needs the right equipment to unlock its potential.
Investing in a few key accessories turns the cargo area from a liability into a functional, secure, value-preserving asset, without touching the vehicle permanently.
1. Sliding Tray Systems: The Foundation Accessory
Cannon owners want seven core tub accessories to prevent cargo damage and get the most from the tub: a sliding tray, tie-downs, dividers, a liner, lighting, lockable storage and a tailgate assist. The GWM Cannon Aluminium Sliding Tray (around AU$790) gives the best return — it stops scratches and organises your gear. Fit it early to protect your tub and resale value.
If you fit only one accessory in your Cannon's tub, make it a sliding tray. This single upgrade is the foundation of an organised, damage-free cargo area, stopping items from sliding into the tub walls and tailgate in the first place.
The real win is easy access. Instead of climbing into the tub or reaching awkwardly over the side, a pull-out tray brings your entire load to you — essential for heavy items like toolboxes, recovery gear or a camping fridge, without straining your back or scratching the ute.
GWM Cannon-Specific Fitment
Generic, one-size-fits-all solutions don't work well. A purpose-built system like the GWM Cannon Aluminium Sliding Tray is engineered for the Cannon's tub dimensions, so it fits properly with no modification — keeping your vehicle's integrity and warranty intact.
The tray is built from lightweight but durable aluminium and typically supports around 150–200kg — plenty for a full set of trade tools or a weekend's camping gear. Fitting is straightforward, usually 45–60 minutes with basic hand tools you already own.
Working Out the Value
The case is simple. A quality sliding tray (around AU$790) helps you avoid repeated paint and body repairs that easily run past AU$1,000 over a couple of years — before you even count the protected gear and preserved resale value. For most owners it pays for itself.
2. Tie-Down Points vs Cargo Nets: Securing Your Load
Once you have a sliding tray, the next step is securing items on the tray and in the remaining tub space. The two common approaches are heavy-duty tie-down points or a simple cargo net, and each has a clear job.
Heavy-duty tie-down points are the more robust solution. A quality 4-point system typically costs AU$120–180 and gives secure anchoring for ratchet straps — essential for restraining heavy or awkward items like generators, spare tyres or large toolboxes.
Understanding Load Ratings
Cargo nets (around AU$45–90) are excellent for light-duty use, containing smaller loose items like groceries, sports gear or camping supplies. They're generally not rated for loads over about 30kg and can stretch or fail under a heavy, shifting object.
For any load carried on public roads, your restraint method must comply with the Australian Design Rules. Heavy-duty tie-downs used with properly rated ratchet straps are the compliant choice for significant loads, strong enough to handle the forces of acceleration and braking.
The Best of Both Worlds
For maximum flexibility, run both. Fit heavy-duty tie-down points for your primary loads and keep a cargo net on hand for smaller everyday items, so you always have the right tool for the job while keeping cargo secure and the ute undamaged.
3. Weatherproof Dividers and Organisational Systems
- A sliding tray stops most cargo-shift damage (around AU$790 vs repeated repair bills)
- Modular systems let you customise for camping, trades or daily use
- A well-kept, accessorised tub helps protect resale value
- Most accessories fit in under an hour with basic hand tools
- A full set-up can run AU$1,500–2,500 up front
- Some options (spray-on liners) are permanent
- Payload drops a little once the tub is fully kitted out
- Some accessories complicate a later tray-back conversion
A common gripe among ute owners is that factory tubs aren't especially water- or dust-proof. A tonneau cover helps, but the real fix for protecting sensitive gear and keeping order is a system of weatherproof dividers.
Adjustable dividers let you partition the Cannon's tub into three to five cargo zones. This simple step stops items shifting and colliding, protecting both your gear and your tub's paint, with dedicated spots for tool bags, recovery gear and groceries.
Material Durability: HDPE vs Aluminium
Dividers usually come in two materials: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic and aluminium. HDPE is tough, impact-resistant and affordable; aluminium offers greater rigidity and a more premium finish at a higher price. Both are a big upgrade over no system at all.
A well-sealed divider system also noticeably reduces dust and water reaching the items in each compartment — important for protecting power tools or electronics. Just as usefully, a designated spot for every tool means you can see at a glance if something's missing.
4. Non-Slip Bed Liners: Paint Protection Economics
Aftermarket liners give better price-to-quality for daily use.
The floor and walls of your tub are the most vulnerable surfaces. A non-slip bed liner is your first and best line of defence against the scratches, scuffs and dents that hurt resale value. The right choice comes down to budget, permanence and lifespan.
Spray-on liners are the premium option (around AU$600–900). This permanent coating bonds directly to the metal for a seamless, durable, textured surface that resists rust and absorbs impacts, and can easily last 10+ years.
Drop-In Liners and Rubber Mats
A more affordable, less permanent option is a drop-in liner (around AU$350–550), custom-moulded to the Cannon's tub with excellent impact protection. These typically last 5–7 years but can trap moisture between the liner and the tub if not fitted well.
The most budget-friendly option is a heavy-duty rubber mat (around AU$120–200). It only protects the floor, but gives great non-slip grip and cushioning, and at a 2–3 year lifespan it's a cheap, replaceable layer of protection.
5. LED Lighting Kits for Night-Time Cargo Access
| Product | Price (AU$) | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| GWM Cannon Aluminium Sliding Tub Tray | 790.00 | Yes |
| GWM Cannon Mud Flaps (set) | 20.88 | Yes |
| GWM Cannon Clutch Kit | 333.00 | Yes |
The Cannon's factory cargo light is often inadequate, casting shadows and leaving most of the tub in darkness. An aftermarket LED kit is a cheap upgrade that dramatically improves safety and convenience when you're loading gear at night.
A complete kit (typically AU$80–150) includes several waterproof LED strips that mount along the tub sides. Motion-activated versions are especially handy, lighting the whole cargo area the moment you drop the tailgate.
What to Look For
For good coverage of the whole Cannon tub, aim for a kit around 800–1,200 lumens total, so you can find tools and gear and move around the tub safely without a separate torch.
Modern kits wire cleanly into the Cannon's 12V system, and most include an auto-shutoff after a few minutes to prevent battery drain. Fitting is moderately easy but does need some basic wiring know-how to tap the right power source.
6. Lockable Storage Solutions: Keeping Gear Secure
An open ute tub is an invitation for opportunistic theft, so securing valuable tools and equipment is non-negotiable. A lockable storage box is the most effective solution, with prices generally ranging from AU$250–600 depending on size and material.
Ute and tool theft is common enough in Australia that a visible, high-quality lockable toolbox is a genuine deterrent — and some insurers offer a discount for vehicles fitted with certified locking storage, so it's worth asking your provider.
Weatherproofing and Integration
When choosing a toolbox, look for a weatherproof rating of at least IP65, so the seals keep out the dust and rain that come with Australian conditions. This matters most if you're storing power tools or anything electronic.
For the best of both worlds, choose a box designed to sit on a sliding tray. The GWM Cannon Aluminium Sliding Tray pairs with compatible boxes, so you can lock away your most valuable gear and still slide the whole load out for easy access.
7. Tailgate Assist Systems: Preventing Slam Damage
The GWM Cannon's tailgate is heavy. Letting it drop open uncontrolled creates a loud slam and puts real stress on the hinges, cables and latch over time, which can lead to premature failure and a repair bill in the hundreds.
A tailgate assist is a simple, elegant fix. These kits (around AU$120–180) use a hydraulic damper — like the one that holds your bonnet up — to control the tailgate's descent, so it opens smoothly and gently and stops that wear.
Installation and Compatibility
Fitting is a low-difficulty job most owners finish in 30–45 minutes with basic hand tools. Most kits bolt straight on with no drilling or permanent modification, making it a fully reversible, warranty-friendly upgrade.
They're unobtrusive and fully compatible with other accessories like bed liners, tonneau covers and Cannon mud flaps. With a typical 5–8 year lifespan, a tailgate assist adds long-term protection and a touch of refinement for very little outlay.
Kit out your GWM Cannon tub the right way
The GWM Cannon Aluminium Sliding Tray (AU$790) is the one upgrade that pays for itself — organised storage that protects your tub, your gear and your back. Fit it first, then build out the rest.
Shop Cannon tub accessories →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important Cannon tub accessory to fit first?
A sliding tray system is the number one priority. It gives the biggest improvement in usability and prevents the most common and costly type of damage — scratches and dents from shifting cargo — and forms the foundation for every other organisational accessory.
How much do Cannon tub tray accessories cost in Australia?
It varies widely. A basic rubber mat might be around AU$120, while a premium spray-on bed liner can reach AU$900. A quality aluminium sliding tray like the GWM Cannon-specific model is around AU$790. A full set-up with a tray, liner and lighting typically runs AU$1,200–2,000.
Can I fit Cannon tub accessories myself, or do I need a professional?
Most accessories are designed for DIY fitting with basic hand tools — sliding trays, tie-down points, tailgate assists and drop-in liners included. Spray-on liners need professional application, and LED lighting may need a hand if you're not comfortable with basic vehicle wiring.
Do tub accessories void my GWM Cannon warranty?
No-drill, bolt-on accessories that don't permanently modify the vehicle's structure or electrical system generally won't void your warranty. Always choose accessories designed specifically for the GWM Cannon to ensure proper fitment and avoid any issues.
How do sliding trays compare to drawer systems for Cannon utes?
Sliding trays give a single, large, open platform, ideal for bulky items like fridges, generators or large toolboxes. Drawer systems divide the space into smaller enclosed compartments, better for organising smaller tools but sacrificing vertical storage space.
What bed liner type lasts longest in Australian conditions?
A professionally applied spray-on bed liner offers the best longevity and durability in harsh Australian conditions. Its seamless, bonded application resists rust and handles high UV and extreme heat better than drop-in plastic liners, which can warp over time.
Are lockable toolboxes compatible with Cannon sliding tray systems?
Yes — many lockable toolboxes are designed to mount directly onto sliding tray systems, giving you secure yet easily accessible storage. Just check the toolbox's mounting footprint is compatible with the surface and anchor points of your chosen tray.
