The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is a high-powered, high-tech truck that possesses superb versatility. Bigger, stronger and actually lighter than the years before, this iteration of Chevrolet's half-ton pickup makes extended use of high-strength steel throughout the body and the frame. Six engine choices are available; ranging from a 2.7L turbo-four to a 6.2L V8, with a 3.0L turbo diesel found within the lineup too. Inside the cab, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 boasts a great selection tech to help owners safely push their trucks on and off the road. Here are some ideas to get the most out of your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500.
Weatherproofing the Bed
With a max payload of 2,250 lbs, the 2021 Silerado half-ton has plenty of capacity to haul. That said, you may not always be hauling around a bucket of gravel or dirt - items that don't care if they get wet. Your cargo could be weather sensitive and will need a means of securing it from Mother Nature. A weather tight tonneau cover is designed to precisely fit the dimensions of the bed and protect the contents underneath from both weather and prying eyes. Bed covers usually come in three styles:
- Roll-up cover: These are the least expensive to purchase and offer good weather protection. However, if storing something at the front of the bed, the entire cover needs to be rolled up in order to gain access.
- Folding cover: The most popular and versatile, a folding bed cover allows for different sections of the bed to be accessed without having to remove the entire cover. These are generally more durable than a roll up cover but are slightly more pricy.
- Lift-up cover: A lift-up cover is a single, solid piece that uses gas-charged struts to assist in pushing up the cover and then holding it in place when it is unlatched. Traditionally made from fiberglass, these covers are heavy and are often painted to match your truck.
Coupling a bed cover with a bed-mounted tool box or sliding storage-system is a surefire way to secure, organize and weatherproof any cargo or tools you need to transport.
Make it a High Country
The High Country is Cheverolet's top-of-the-line trim level for the 2021 Silverado 1500. Obtaining this premium look without the dealership price is easy through the aftermarket. First, consider a 20" (or larger) wheel and tire package. A unique wheel design not only personifies your truck, but going with a larger option will help fill the wheel well and give an overall more complete aesthetic. Second, with the Silverado being taller and larger than ever before, a set of side steps or running bars will greatly facilitate stepping in and out of the truck. Chrome, black, fixed or motorized - there are plenty of options that fit these trucks without needing to drill a single hole! Round bars are usually called side steps and a flat or rectangular style is referred to as a running board.
Stop with Confidence
Also in line with the 2021 Silverado 1500s large presence is its big tow capacity. Accelerating the truck and its load is up to the motor. Stopping, however, is left to four calipers and four rotors. Upgrading the brakes with new rotors and pads will pay dividends under all driving conditions. Cross-drilled and slotted rotors help braking performance in two ways. The cross-drilled holes reduce the rotor mass, making it easier to cool. The slots help channel away the gases that are produced by the pads under braking. Keeping the rotors cool and free of gas and other debris helps the pads from overheating and then fading. On top of the rotors, a good pair of brake pads for your 2021 Silveado 1500 is imperative to maximize braking ability. Performance pads typically feature a blend of synthentic and organic materials that provide a strong bite, reduced brake noise and have high heat capacity to fight fade. When trying to stop a 6000 lb truck with a 10,000 lb trailer, you want to bet your brakes will be up to the task!
