Big American truck. Proper touring setup
You don’t buy a 2026 Silverado 2500HD to leave it stock. When Steve drove down from up north to our workshop in Orange, NSW
If you want to take an American Truck off the grid, the factory tub obviously doesn’t cut it. You need a proper basecamp. We take a huge amount of pride in every tray & canopy that leaves our workshop, and this build showcases exactly what these rigs are built for
Here is how we turned Steve’s Silverado into a self-sufficient powerhouse…
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Project Overview
Project Type: Premium Full-Time Aluminium Canopy
Goal: Build a robust, self-sufficient off-grid touring powerhouse capable of running a coffee machine and Starlink, with plenty of storage for tools, camping gear, and Steve’s dog.
The Foundation: Aluminium Full-Time Canopy
American trucks demand specialist engineering. We started Steve’s build with a massive tray base designed specifically for American Trucks – measuring 2300mm long by 2000mm wide. We mounted our Premium Full Time Aluminium Canopy directly on top, spanning 1970mm by 2000mm.
We hand-fabricate our canopies in Orange NSW, hitting the ideal balance between lightweight design and robust off-road strength. We built this entire structure from 2.5mm and 3mm flat aluminium sheet. We don’t cut corners on strength – we use 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm mounting points, plus heavy-duty internal folded corner supports and bracing across the front, back walls, floor, and roof. This prevents long-term cracking on heavy corrugations.
The whole setup is powder-coated in Protexture Black with Chev White doors. Inside, you get a complete flat floor with no internal lip, making it incredibly easy to load heavy items.
Smart Storage: Built For Life On The Road
When you live out of your ute, practical organisation is everything. Steve knew exactly what he wanted:
- The Fridge & Pantry Space: Steve kept his trusty 130-litre Bushmans DC130-X fridge. We built a custom aluminium perforated Canopy Fridge Barrier to protect it and maximise airflow. Right beside it on the passenger side, we bolted in a Canero Canopy Drawer and Bench Package. This double-depth pull-out system features twin compression locks and heavy-duty runners, letting you use the drawer and bench simultaneously.
- Quarter Dog Box: Steve needed a safe spot for his best mate. We built a Quarter Dog Box Compartment on the front driver’s side. It’s fully sealed from the rest of the canopy, features a perforated door for ventilation, and includes a roof shelf recessed 250mm from the top.
- Molle Panel System: To keep loose gear organised, Jayden suggested a Canero Molle Panel across the back wall. It’s the perfect spot for tying down axes, shovels, and custom tool bags.
- External Storage Add-Ons: We packed the exterior with utility, including a 250kg-rated Slimline Canopy Roof Platform, twin lockable Canero Jerry Can Holders, and a centre-mounted Spare Wheel Carrier.
- Underbody & Trundle Drawer: We maximised the space beneath the tray with fully TIG-welded flat-bottom front toolboxes and tapered rear toolboxes. We finished the rear storage with a 1100mm trundle drawer featuring a lift-up lid supported on gas struts to keep the dust and water out.
- Onboard Water Supply: We installed a twin 60-litre Under Tray Water Tank system (120L total). It features a lockable tap outlet on the rear driver’s side and allows for easy reverse filling
The Weekender Kit: Off-Grid Power And Water
A touring setup needs usable power. Steve wanted to run his 130L fridge, fire up his coffee machine anywhere in the country, and stay connected via Starlink. We delivered exactly that with our Canero Weekender Canopy Fitout (plus a few handy extras).
The 12V Power System Features:
- 200Ah Lithium Capacity: We combined a standard 100Ah Lithium Battery with an additional 100Ah Slimline Battery for massive deep-cycle power.
- Redarc Management: A reliable Redarc 1250D 50A DC-DC Battery Charger handles the power input.
- 2000W Inverter: Steve needed plenty of 240V power to run his coffee machine and accessories, so we installed a 2000W inverter.
- Solar & Starlink Integration: A 200W roof-mounted solar panel keeps the batteries topped up. We also welded a custom aluminium flat bar directly into the roof platform, specifically for Steve’s Starlink bracket.
- And more:
- 3x Anderson plugs
- 1x cigarette socket
- 2x USB outlets
- LED internal strip lights (dimmable)
Seamless Factory Technology Integration
Modern American trucks pack a lot of tech, and we make sure our trays work flawlessly with it. We remounted Steve’s factory reverse camera on an adjustable bracket under the tray. We flush-mounted the reverse sensors into the LED Autolamps 520 Series tail light panel and safely relocated the cross-traffic sensors.
Your truck drives, parks, and alerts you exactly as it did out of the factory. To keep the camp lit, we added Hardkorr Tri-Colour Dimmable LED Internal Strip Lights and rear-facing Ignite Cube LED Work Lights into the canopy wings.
Ready For The Big Lap
Steve’s 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD sets a new benchmark for off-road American truck builds. With massive onboard water storage, a bulletproof electrical system, and smart dog-friendly space, this rig is workday tough and weekend ready.
If you want to transform your rig with a proper setup, get in touch with the team – we’ll sort you out with a canopy built for work, play, and everything in between.
Ready to Build Your Own Silverado Setup?
If you’re planning your own Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD touring build, Canero Industries can tailor every detail to suit your needs.
From tray design and canopy layouts to electrical systems and storage solutions, every build is engineered to perform in Australian conditions. You get a setup that is designed around how you actually use your vehicle.
👉 Get Your Quote Today and build a setup that works as hard as you do.
Remember, we’d never put something on your vehicle that we wouldn’t put on our own – that’s a promise.
