As I gear up for an epic road trip from Edmond, Oklahoma, to Alaska, the first challenge was figuring out how to turn my 2015 Chevy Silverado into a cozy, practical camping haven. With plans to camp along the Alcan Highway and beyond, I needed a solution that was rugged, functional, and ready for the wilds of the North. Here’s the story of how I went from chasing a fiberglass shell to building a custom truck bed camping setup that’s just right for the journey ahead.
The Quest for a Fiberglass Shell
My initial plan was to outfit my Silverado with a fiberglass shell camper—a classic choice for truck camping. It offers weather protection, security, and a bit of insulation against the chilly Alaskan nights. I didn’t want to splurge on a brand-new shell, so I scoured the market for a used one that would fit my 2015 Silverado’s bed. Unfortunately, the search was a bust. The few shells I found were either mismatched for my truck’s bed size or in rough shape—think rotted frames, oxidized paint, and colors that clashed with my Silverado’s sleek look. I wasn’t about to roll into Alaska with a “janky” camper shell that looked like it had seen better days.
Pivoting to Plan B: Toolbox and Tent Combo
With the fiberglass shell idea shelved, I needed a new approach. I wanted a setup that was lightweight, secure, and versatile enough to handle both solo camping on my drive to Calgary and shared adventures with my wife in Alaska. After some brainstorming, I decided to combine a cross-bed aluminum toolbox with a truck bed tent—a setup that promised storage, weather protection, and a touch of ingenuity.
I headed to Northern Tool and picked up a sturdy cross-bed aluminum toolbox. It’s perfect for stashing gear securely while leaving most of the truck bed open for sleeping. Installing it was straightforward, and it instantly gave my Silverado a rugged, ready-for-anything vibe. Next, I chose a Napier truck bed tent, known for its durability and ease of setup. The tent drapes over the truck bed, creating a dry, enclosed sleeping area that’s elevated off the ground—ideal for staying comfortable and adding a bit of bear protection (fingers crossed!).
Customizing the Napier Tent
The toolbox and tent combo was promising, but there was a catch: the toolbox took up some bed space, and I wanted to ensure my wife and I could sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. To make it work, I got creative and modified the Napier tent. The goal was to let our feet slide under the toolbox while keeping the tent’s weatherproofing intact.
I carefully cut out the floor of the tent where it would sit over the toolbox, ensuring the tent still draped over the truck bed’s sides to shed water effectively. This modification left the tent open at the toolbox, allowing us to access it from inside the tent—a game-changer for grabbing gear without stepping outside. It also gave us extra legroom, letting our low-profile cots fit perfectly in the bed. The result? A spacious, dry, and functional sleeping area that makes the most of the Silverado’s bed while keeping our essentials secure in the toolbox.
Testing the Setup
To make sure it’s all road-ready, I set up the tent and toolbox in my driveway for a trial run. The tent pops up quickly, and the modified floor works like a charm—our cots slide in with plenty of room, and we can open the toolbox from inside without a hitch. It’s a setup that feels both practical and adventurous, perfect for the long haul to Alaska and the camping we’ll do along the way. I even recorded a quick video to show it off (check it out here for a peek at the setup!).
Ready for the Road
With the camping solution dialed in, I’m feeling more excited than ever for this Alaskan adventure. The Silverado is ready to tackle the miles, from the open plains of Oklahoma to the rugged Alcan Highway. This toolbox-and-tent combo isn’t just a practical fix—it’s a testament to adapting and problem-solving, which I suspect will be a theme on this trip. Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll share more about prepping for the drive and what’s in store as I head north to pick up my wife in Calgary!
Got any truck camping tips or favorite gear for road trips? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your ideas as I get ready to hit the road!
