Tough Gear, Smart Design: Spotlight on Not Just 4x4’s Key Accessories

Tough Gear, Smart Design: Spotlight on Not Just 4x4’s Key Accessories

15 September, 2025
Tough Gear, Smart Design: Spotlight on Not Just 4x4’s Key Accessories

Not Just 4x4 is one of Australia’s go-to shops for premium off-road vehicle accessories. Based in Notting Hill, VIC, they combine rugged durability with smart design. In this post, we’ll look closely at a few of their standout products—Aluminum Canopy (Electronic Canopy), Electric Roller Cover, Manual Roller Cover, and Bonnet options—and how these accessories can upgrade your 4×4 for both style and function.

Aluminum Canopy (Electronic Canopy)

The Aluminum Canopy (sometimes referred to as an electronic canopy or “electronic canopy option” when integrated with power/automation) is one of their flagship accessories for serious ute and tray-back owners. An aluminum canopy provides a strong, lightweight covering over your tray that protects gear from the elements, secures load, and offers the possibility to integrate features like lighting, roof racks, and locking systems.

  • Build & Features: Not Just 4x4 offers robust aluminum canopies that are weather-sealed, lockable, and matched to vehicle trim. When you choose an electronic variant (where applicable), you may get electric actuation (automatic opening/closing) or lighting and power-points built in. It adds convenience and integrates seamlessly with other accessories.
  • Benefits: Offers security and protection (against theft, rain, sun, dust), helps with carrying gear (roof racks), and improves the look of the vehicle (clean, purposeful lines). For those who tour, camp, or carry trade gear, this canopy can be a significant upgrade.
  • Considerations: Cost, weight (affecting fuel economy), installation complexity. Also ensure fitment is correct to your specific make/model of 4×4. Not Just 4x4 also provides a fitment service, which helps ensure the canopy will perform and look right.

Electric Roller Cover

For users who want easy access, security, and weather protection for their tray, the Electric Roller Cover is an excellent choice.

  • What It Is: A retractable cover for the tray of a 4×4, operated by an electric motor (often with remote or switch control). These covers roll up and stow behind cab or under a canopy, and can be locked in place when closed.
  • Key Advantages: You don’t have to manually slide or adjust the cover; motorised operation means quick access. Good weather sealing keeps gear dry. Also, good for security: can be locked to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Typical Use Cases: Tradespeople who load tools, campers who store gear overnight, anyone who wants convenience + protection without having to step back and manually unroll a cover.
  • Potential Drawbacks: Price higher than manual covers; electrical components can sometimes require maintenance; power consumption (though generally small); ensure waterproofing around motor and seals to avoid leaks.

Manual Roller Cover

If you don’t need the complexity or cost of motorised roller covers, the Manual Roller Cover is a solid, reliable option.

  • Description: A hand-operated cover that you pull back manually (sliding along tracks or rolling onto a spool). Less hardware, fewer mechanical parts—usually simpler to install and maintain.
  • Benefits: Lower cost; fewer moving parts so fewer things that can fail; often lighter than electric versions; still provides good protection from weather and security (if lockable).
  • Ideal For: Owners who occasionally need to access the tray but don’t need powered operation; those on tighter budgets; works well in harsh environments where simpler mechanics are more reliable.

Bonnet Options

Beyond tray accessories, Not Just 4x4 carries various bonnet-related accessories (sometimes spelled “banet” in shorthand, likely "bonnet")—which are front hood guards, protectors, or structural enhancements.

  • What They Do: Bonnet guards / protectors help shield the front of your vehicle (especially around the edges of the bonnet) from rocks, debris, and insects. They help protect paint, windscreen edges, and avoid chips. Some bonnets are also vented or insulated for performance benefits (cooling, engine efficiency).
  • Style & Function: Many look rugged and match the rest of the off-road aesthetic; some bonnets are designed to improve airflow or reduce under-hood temperatures. For people who drive off road a lot (on gravel, forest, desert tracks), a good bonnet protector or performance bonnet can be a difference maker.

Choosing & Using Accessories Wisely

To get the most benefit from these accessories, here are some tips:

  • Fitment & Compatibility: Always verify that the canopy, roller cover, or bonnet accessory matches your specific vehicle model (tray dimensions, mounting points, electrical system). Not Just 4x4 offers fitment services which helps ensure proper installation. 
  • Quality Seals & Weatherproofing: For roller covers in particular—electric or manual—you want tight seals to prevent rain, dust. Poor sealing leads to rust, water damage, and gear degradation.
  • Maintenance: Electric covers require occasional check of motor, tracks, lubrication. Aluminum canopies should be cleaned of salt (if used in coastal areas), and bolts checked. Bonnet guards need periodic inspection.
  • Matching Accessories: Accessories work best together: canopy + roller cover + roof racks or crossbars, matching colors/finishes, etc., improves both functionality and appearance.
  • Security vs Convenience Tradeoffs: Electric covers are great for convenience but cost more and might need more maintenance. Manual covers are simpler but might be less convenient. Pick what suits your usual usage pattern.

Why Not Just 4x4 Is a Good Choice

Not Just 4x4 offers a broad range of quality 4×4 parts and accessories, with categories including Electric Roller Cover, Manual Roller Cover, Aluminum Canopy, Bonnet, Roof Platforms, Cross Bars, Hard Lids, etc. 

  • They supply trusted brands and have specialist parts (not just generic covers).
  • They provide fitment service, which helps ensure the accessories are installed correctly. 
  • Their contact and service are tailored to 4×4 users who demand durability in harsh, off-road or utility settings.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to equip your 4×4 for adventure, work, or recreation, investing in the right accessories makes a big difference. Whether you go for an Aluminum (Electronic) Canopy, the convenience of an Electric Roller Cover, the simplicity of a Manual Roller Cover, or the protection from a well-built Bonnet, there’s a lot of value in choosing quality, fitment, and correct maintenance. For people who push their vehicles offroad or rely on them daily, these accessories from Not Just 4x4 aren’t just upgrades—they’re essential.


Han Wang

Engineering leader at a pre-IPO startup