Custom Cabinetry with 12V Power System Installation 

Challenge

When you install electrical gear in an open vehicle tray with portable fridges and cooking equipment, everything is exposed to tough weather, loose cargo, and possible damage. Most standard utility tubs don’t have secure spots for complex dual-battery wiring, so cables end up messy and take up valuable space. This setup also raises the risk of short circuits. Without strong, custom enclosures, heavy equipment can’t be properly secured during bumpy trips, which can wear down both your gear and the tray.

Solution

Custom-made aluminium side panels with automotive carpet and built-in storage boxes give you a strong base that adds storage and protects your electrical setup. This cabinetry is made to fit the front and sides of the Chevy Silverado 1500’s utility bed. It creates weather-resistant spaces for travel ovens and portable fridges, which slide out easily. With a central power distribution system, the cabinetry keeps the 12V power setup safe without taking away from your cargo space.

Having experienced technicians handle the installation is essential for meeting safety standards and protecting your electronics and vehicle. Certified installers choose the right cable sizes, route insulation properly, and anchor everything securely to prevent damage from vibrations. Relying on professionals also keeps your factory warranties valid and helps prevent electrical fires caused by poor wiring.

Execution
The Adventure Additions team started by designing, modeling, and laser-cutting aluminium side panels to fit the Chevy Silverado 1500 tub exactly. They built storage boxes behind these panels, creating secure, carpeted compartments for the main electrical controls. The technicians then added marine-grade carpet, drilled mounting holes, and attached the lids and sliding parts.

In the front bulkhead cabinet, the team installed a high-performance electrical control system. They placed it inside a clear, illuminated display box, so users can easily check the system and enjoy a standout visual feature in the tray.

The components visible inside the display box include:

• Victron MultiPlus 12V 2000VA Inverter/Charger: This unit provides 240V AC power to run household appliances while delivering advanced adaptive battery charging when connected to external shore power.
• Egon DC Hub: This serves as the central core for solid-state power distribution. It eliminates messy wiring loops by consolidating the starting battery, auxiliary battery, and charging inputs into a single fused circuit board with instant LED fault indicators.
• Victron Orion XS 12/12-50A DC-DC Battery Charger: This unit delivers high-performing, fanless multi-stage battery charging from the smart alternator while driving, keeping the auxiliary power system fully replenished.
• Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 Solar Charge Controller: This improves incoming power from solar panels to safely charge the lithium battery bank.
• Cerbo GX and GX Touch Display: These function as the primary monitoring brains, tracking power data and system metrics in real time.

The team wired user panels into the side cabinets and installed a San Hima 8-gang Bluetooth switch panel for lighting. They added six flush 50A Anderson plugs, heavy-duty Narva USB and USB-C sockets with volt/amp meters, a Narva accessory socket, and a recessed power board with two 240V outlets connected to the inverter. They also included a Narva 12V 200A relay for safe high-current switching. Heavy-duty slides were fitted for an ARB fridge on the passenger side and a Walkinshaw oven on the driver side.

Results

The finished setup gives you a well-organized vehicle tub with plenty of storage and off-grid capability. The custom carpeted aluminium cabinetry protects the Victron and Egon electrical systems from damage and keeps controls easy to reach. The lighted display window makes it simple to check the system and adds a clean look. With slides for an ARB fridge and a Walkinshaw oven, the Chevy Silverado 1500 becomes a self-sufficient mobile workspace and adventure vehicle, ready for long trips under its roll top cover.