Our pick for the best canopy for your 79 Series LandCruiser...
The canopy is the most significant single upgrade on a 79 Series Dual Cab touring build. It determines storage layout, weather protection, GVM consumption and how the build looks. This guide covers the main supplier tiers and what each delivers.
1. Premium Aluminium - Norweld and M2 Overland
Norweld and M2 Overland are the premium tier in Australian 79 Series canopies. Both offer fully customisable aluminium construction with integrated water tanks, drawer systems, fridge slides and electrical pre-wiring. Lead times are typically 6 to 12 months. Pricing $18,000 to $30,000 fitted including the tray underneath. Used examples hold value strongly at resale.
2. Mid-Range Aluminium - Trojan, Campking, AluCab
Trojan Industries (Brisbane-based), Campking (Melbourne) and AluCab (South African import but widely stocked locally) all offer quality aluminium canopies at $10,000 to $18,000 fitted. Slightly less customisable than Norweld/M2 but quality is genuinely competitive. Lead times typically 3 to 6 months.
3. Budget Steel and Composite - Explorer, AP Boxes
Explorer Canopies and AP Boxes offer steel and composite-construction canopies at $6,000 to $12,000 fitted. Heavier than aluminium (more impact on GVM) and shorter warranty terms but functional and ADR-compliant. Suitable for occasional-use touring builds where budget matters more than weight.
4. Weight and GVM Considerations
Premium aluminium canopies weigh 200 to 350 kg unloaded. Mid-range aluminium 250 to 400 kg. Budget steel 350 to 500 kg. With drawer system, water tank, fridge and stored gear, total fitted weight is 400 to 700+ kg. Factory 79 Dual Cab GVM (3,510 kg post-September 2022) cannot accommodate this with passengers and fuel - GVM upgrade to 3,950 kg or 4,200 kg is functionally required.
5. Compatibility with Pre-Facelift vs Facelift
Most canopies fit both the pre-2024 and 2024-on facelift 79 Dual Cab without modification - the chassis dimensions are unchanged. Some premium suppliers offer facelift-specific bodywork details (matching the new tail light shape and rear panel lines) at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best canopy for a 79 Series Dual Cab?
Premium tier: Norweld or M2 Overland ($18,000 to $30,000). Mid-range: Trojan, Campking, AluCab ($10,000 to $18,000). Budget: Explorer or AP Boxes ($6,000 to $12,000).
Do I need a GVM upgrade if I fit a canopy?
Yes for any serious build. A loaded canopy adds 400 to 700+ kg, putting the vehicle over factory GVM (3,510 kg post-September 2022, less on pre-update). GVM upgrade to 3,950 kg or 4,200 kg is functionally required.
How long is the wait time for a 79 Series canopy?
Norweld and M2 Overland 6 to 12 months. Trojan, Campking, AluCab 3 to 6 months. Explorer and AP Boxes typically 4 to 12 weeks.
