Getting bikes onto a GWM Cannon safely comes down to the right setup. The wrong one causes real problems: generic crossbars can chafe roof paint with metal-on-metal contact, over-tightening can crack a lightweight carbon frame, and under-torqued bolts are the leading cause of a carrier working loose at highway speed.
The fix is simple: vehicle-specific crossbars plus proper bike carriers, installed to spec. Here's how to transport bikes on your Cannon without damaging your ute or your equipment.
Why Generic Crossbars Can Damage Cannon Paint
The most common issue with generic crossbars is a poor fit against the Cannon's roofline. When a rack isn't shaped for the vehicle's mounting points, its feet can rub the paint, and the constant vibration of driving wears through the clear coat over time — a repair that can run into the hundreds of dollars.
A vehicle-specific system avoids this by clamping to the Cannon's designed mounting locations with properly shaped feet and protective pads. It spreads the load correctly and keeps metal off your paint, which is why fitment matters far more than price when you're choosing a rack.
OEM vs Aftermarket: The Price Gap Explained
Better price-to-quality for daily use.
When choosing a roof rack, you'll weigh up a genuine GWM accessory from a dealership against a quality aftermarket option. The price difference can be significant, so it helps to understand what you're paying for.
A genuine GWM-branded system typically costs over AU$950 from a dealership parts counter. In comparison, a quality aftermarket system like the GWM Cannon Luggage Rack costs AU$499 — a meaningful saving for comparable functionality and load rating.
Material and Warranty Considerations
What explains the gap? It's rarely about materials. Both OEM and reputable aftermarket racks are typically made from powder-coated 6061-T6 extruded aluminium. The main difference is branding, dealership overhead and the OEM part number.
On warranty: under Australian Consumer Law, fitting a properly designed aftermarket part does not void your vehicle's warranty, as long as it's installed correctly and doesn't cause the fault. If a badly fitted rack causes damage, only that specific damage may fall outside cover.
How Long Do Roof Racks Last on Australian Roads?
A quality aluminium roof rack is a long-term investment that should last many years with minimal maintenance. Lifespan depends heavily on your local climate.
Inland and non-coastal, a powder-coated aluminium rack lasts for years before showing real wear, as the coating protects well against rain and UV. In coastal areas, salt spray is the biggest enemy and accelerates corrosion, so a simple freshwater rinse after beach trips is the best way to slow ageing.
Key Maintenance Points
Beyond washing, keep an eye on a couple of parts. Inspect the rubber gaskets at the mounting feet every few years and replace them if they become brittle or cracked — an inexpensive job.
The plastic end caps and covers are also prone to UV degradation and may fade or become brittle after years in the sun. They're cheap and easy to replace and don't affect the structural integrity of the rack.
Common Failure Modes (And How to Prevent Them)
- Vehicle-specific fitment protects paint and load points
- Roof load rating comfortably handles a couple of bikes plus gear
- T-slot compatibility works with Thule, Yakima and Rhino-Rack
- Removable design lets you recover economy when not carrying bikes
- Roof-mounted bikes add aerodynamic drag and use more fuel
- Fork-mount systems need the front wheel removed each time
- Adds significant height — mind low clearances and car parks
- Upfront cost of crossbars plus carriers adds up
Even a good roof rack can fail if it's not maintained. Knowing the common issues helps you prevent them before they become a problem on the highway.
The most frequent problem is clamp bolt loosening, as road vibration slowly backs the bolts out. A drop of medium-strength (blue) threadlocker at installation, plus a re-torque check after the first 50km, is the best prevention. Over time you might notice a slight wobble from the carrier, usually from wear in the T-slot channel — thin shim washers between the T-bolt and clamp tighten the fit.
Addressing Noise and Scratches
A humming or whistling noise at higher speeds is common, caused by wind moving over the hollow crossbar. You can reduce it by inserting foam pipe insulation or rope inside the crossbar's open channel.
To stop the carrier clamp scratching your bike, always use a soft cloth or a dedicated frame protector pad. And the worst failure — a carrier detaching at speed — is almost always down to under-torqued bolts, so always use a torque wrench and follow the fitting instructions.
Fuel Economy Impact: What to Expect
| Product | Price (AU$) | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| GWM Cannon Luggage Rack | 499.00 | Yes |
| Heavy-Duty Roof Rack Cross Bars for GWM | 952.50 | Yes |
| GWM Tank 300 Climbing Ladder Roof Rack | 175.00 | Yes |
Mounting anything to the roof disrupts aerodynamics and has a measurable effect on fuel use, and the impact varies with what you're carrying. An empty rack adds a little drag at highway speed; add two bikes and the penalty grows noticeably, with upright wheel-tray systems creating more drag than lower-profile fork mounts.
Working Out the Real-World Cost
As a rough example, on a 500km trip a Cannon using around 9.4L/100km would burn roughly 47 litres. A fuel penalty in the region of 10% adds only a few extra litres — a modest cost against the convenience of bringing the bikes. To keep it down, remove the crossbars when you won't need them for a while; a good system comes off in under 10 minutes.
Set your Cannon up for the bikes
The GWM Cannon Luggage Rack (AU$499) gives you vehicle-specific fitment and T-slot compatibility for Thule, Yakima and Rhino-Rack bike mounts — the safe, paint-friendly base for carrying bikes.
Shop GWM Cannon roof racks →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Thule bike carriers on GWM Cannon roof racks?
Yes, provided the crossbars have a universal T-slot channel. The GWM Cannon Luggage Rack is compatible with T-slot accessories from major brands like Thule, Yakima and Rhino-Rack.
How many bikes can a GWM Cannon roof carry?
It's limited by the roof's dynamic load rating, not just the number of mounts. A typical bike plus carrier weighs around 20kg, so most owners carry two to three bikes — always check your rack and roof load rating before loading up.
Do roof racks void GWM Cannon warranty coverage?
No. Fitting a properly designed, vehicle-specific aftermarket rack won't void your warranty. If a rack is installed incorrectly and causes damage such as scratched paint or a leak, the repair for that specific damage may not be covered.
How do I prevent bike theft from roof-mounted carriers?
Most quality carriers include integrated cable locks or locking clamps. For added security, use a heavy-duty D-lock or chain to secure the frame to the crossbar, and never leave bikes on the vehicle overnight in an unsecured area.
Are roof racks better than hitch-mounted carriers for a Cannon?
It depends on your needs. Roof racks keep the ute tray clear and preserve rear visibility. Hitch racks are easier to load and add less drag, but they can block your reverse camera and access to the tailgate.
What torque should I use for the roof rack bolts?
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific rack. For many aftermarket racks fixing to the Cannon's factory points, the main bolts are torqued to roughly 8–10 Nm — check your product's spec to confirm.
Can I drive through an automatic car wash with bikes on the roof?
No. Never enter an automatic car wash with bikes or even empty carriers on the roof. The rotating brushes can snag the equipment and cause serious damage to the car wash, your rack, your bikes and your roof.
