After amassing 12,000 miles on the Silverado, we decided to change the look and utility of the Chevy by installing a Leer camper shell, model number 100XQ. We also put in a BedRug bed liner to prevent any more scratches on the metal. With a lockable tailgate and rear shell door, the Chevy "says goodbye to carrying motorcycles and hello to cozy camping or safe and dry locked storage," according to Truck Trend editor Mark Williams. He also notes the shell's roof "is said to be strong enough to hold three or four adults, so standing on it is not off limits," a practice that should come in handy for our photographers and videographers. Pros aside, there are some cons to wearing the shell. Photographer Brian Vance notes, "The shell has significantly minimized rearward visibility, and it doesn't help that the glass has quite the tint on it."
| 2007 Chevrolet Silverado |
| Months/miles in service | 10/16,150 |
| Avg econ/CO2 | 13.9 mpg/1.40 lb/mi |
| Unresolved problems | None |
| Maintenance cost | $381.06 (oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, throttle body/fuel injector cleaning) |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |