Ordering a Silverado 1500 as-is with no modifications will give you a solid, dependable, and powerful truck. But what’s the fun in that? The truck is going to be yours for years to come, and a few accessories will help you get even more from every drive. You’re not limited to the aftermarket, either. Whether you’re looking at a new Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale or want to freshen up a used truck, make sure to ask about dealer-installed Chevy accessories they can add before the truck leaves the lot. There are hundreds of factory-authorized upgrades, and while they’re all useful to somebody, a few of them remind us of just how practical, neat, and unexpected truck customization can be. Here are the 10 coolest Chevy Silverado upgrades that are available directly from your Chevy dealer.
#1 – Truck Bed Toolboxes and Containers
By getting the right Silverado 1500 storage options, you can be more organized and protect your valuables without losing a lot of space. One of our favorite storage solutions is UWS truck bed toolboxes. These rustproof, lockable tool containers come in several sizes and configurations, including cross bed tool boxes, gull wing tool boxes, and low-profile tool boxes for all your important gear. UnderCover swing-out toolboxes are also available, so you can easily get to your tools from the tailgate. Other fun storage upgrades include Decked D-Box storage boxes and bed utility drawers.
#2 – Auxiliary LED Lighting
You’ll be able to see everything and everyone with a Silverado 1500 light upgrade—and they’ll see you, too. LED truck lights greatly improve visibility and style for after-dark and foul-weather exploring. Some of the options include Baja Designs A-pillar off-road lights and Putco truck light bars that last thousands of hours. With the light bars, you can get bright white lights for clear conditions or amber lights for rain and fog. They’re available in several sizes to shine as brightly as you want.
#3 – Off-Road Winches
If you have AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers on your Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2, then take advantage of their ruggedness with a COMEUP winch. This waterproof truck winch has a pull capacity of 9,500 lbs, which is more than enough to get your rig over rough terrain or drag a friend’s vehicle to safety. The winch comes with a wired remote control and a Bluetooth wireless remote control, letting you operate it however you like. COMEUP is known for its compact designs, giving you the necessary pulling power without upsetting storage space or ride quality.
#4 – Aftermarket Exhaust Tips
If you want the rear of your truck to have a sporty look, a set of Borla dual exhaust tips is a sharp addition. They’re made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel with an angled cut. The large opening of the design also makes the exhaust tone a little deeper, giving your truck more of a growling sound. The edges are rolled to make the pipes look even bigger. Borla tips are offered in a chrome, black chrome, or carbon fiber finish to match your paint.
#5 – Window Deflectors
Here’s a dealer upgrade that can literally help you stay cool at the wheel. A set of Chevy Silverado window deflectors creates an overhang so you can roll down the windows without rainwater running into the cabin. This allows you to get some fresh air on those warm, rainy days and helps keep the windshield from fogging. There are front and rear deflectors with a tape-on or in-channel design and a smoke black, matte black, or dark smoke finish. A deflector is available for the hood as well to keep bugs away.
#6 – Battery Chargers and Jump Starters
Okay, so maybe these aren’t cool in the traditional sense. But you know what’s decidedly uncool? Getting stranded in the middle of the woods due to a dead battery. Thanks to a NOCO battery charger or jump starter, you won’t need a buddy or a rescue service to track you down. Battery charging kits are an efficient way to maintain your battery so it lasts longer, and they’re a great failsafe if you ever need to put the truck in storage. If you need an emergency jolt when you’re away from home, a portable jump starter pack will do the job.
#7 – Tailgate Speakers and Subwoofers
Enjoy some tunes wherever you set up camp by letting your Chevy Silverado 1500 dealer install some audio upgrades. A set of Kicker weatherproof tailgate speakers can turn an already great outing into one worth grooving to. These wireless speakers can be linked to any Bluetooth device and have a light-up display for the party DJ to control the jams. When you’re on the way to your destination, a Kicker subwoofer kit adds an extra 200 watts of bass thump. The quick-connect wiring lets you temporarily remove the subwoofer if you need more cargo space.
#8 – Under Seat Lockable Storage Boxes
Do you have something important or potentially dangerous that you need to keep safe? You can do so with an Under Rear Seat Lockbox from Tuffy Security Products. These black truck storage boxes are made of impact-resistant steel with three-digit combination locks. Where once you couldn’t store anything, now you can keep sports equipment, electronics, flashlights, medical kits, spare parts, or even an extra set of clothes. The cover is split into two sections for customized access. This under-the-seat storage box has a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
#9 – Dometic Coolers
When you’re out all weekend on an adventure, you could use a place to store perishable food and cold drinks. Chevy can add a Dometic cooler to your Silverado 1500 that will keep ice cubes or ice packs for days on end. The shell is made of rotomolded polyethylene that is tough as they come—it has a five-year limited warranty. From sandwiches to fish bait, Dometic ice chests are a Silverado owner’s best companion. They are available in several sizes, and you can get a powered cooler that doesn’t even require ice. Protective covers and tie-down straps are available, too.
#10 – Vehicle Care Kits
We know that even when truck owners are pushing the limits and driving through harsh conditions, they take pride in their rides. Chevy can set you up with an assortment of Adam’s Polishes truck care kits to keep your Silverado 1500 looking sharp inside and out. Products are available to clean every surface, from leather seats to glass windows. Depending on the kit, you may get interior detailing spray, tire shine, car shampoo, microfiber towels, and other necessities. You can even get a polishing kit included by the dealer to remove paint scratches and swirls.
Customize Your Silverado 1500 Right at the Dealer
The ability to add practical features, performance mods, and amusing doo-dads to a Chevy Silverado 1500 goes beyond choosing between the different trim levels. Whether you’re starting with a barebones Silverado 1500 WT work truck or a Silverado 1500 ZR2 off-road monster, dealer-installed accessories will give it a unique edge. We haven’t even mentioned some of the other optional upgrades like the assist steps, tonneau covers, MOLLE truck bed attachment panels, and add-on cameras. Suffice it to say there’s no shortage of ways to personalize a new or used Chevy Silverado 1500. What are some of your favorite Chevy dealer truck add-ons?