Best Century Truck Caps for Camping and Outdoor Adventures

A pickup is already one of the most versatile vehicles for camping and outdoor recreation. Add the right truck cap, and the bed can become a protected gear locker, sleeping area, basecamp, and adventure storage system all at once.

For campers, anglers, hunters, cyclists, paddlers, and road-trip enthusiasts, a Century truck cap can make it easier to carry equipment while keeping the truck ready for everyday use between adventures.

But what should you look for in a truck cap for camping?

The answer depends on whether you plan to sleep inside the bed, carry gear on the roof, travel with pets, build an organized storage system, or simply want a secure place for outdoor equipment.

Why Use a Truck Cap for Camping?

There are many ways to camp from a pickup, including a ground tent, rooftop tent, truck bed tent, trailer, or truck cap.

Each has advantages, but a truck cap provides an especially versatile combination of shelter and storage.

With the right setup, a cap can help create:

• A weather-protected cargo area
• Secure equipment storage
• A sleeping space
• A place for camping organization
• Additional roof-storage capability
• A more permanent adventure setup

Unlike a tent that gets packed away after every trip, your truck cap remains useful throughout the year.

What Makes a Good Camping Truck Cap?

A camping-focused cap should do more than simply cover the bed.

Important considerations include:

• Interior space
• Ventilation
• Weather protection
• Window configuration
• Interior lighting
• Cargo access
• Roof-rack compatibility
• Storage options
• Security
• Sleeping space

Cab-High vs. Mid-Rise Caps for Camping

Cab-High Truck Caps

Cab-high caps generally follow the pickup's roofline.

Advantages can include:

• Streamlined styling
• Lower overall vehicle height
• Plenty of room for many sleeping platforms
• Everyday practicality
• Enclosed gear storage

For weekend campers who primarily need weather-protected storage and a place to sleep, a cab-high cap can provide an excellent balance.

Mid-Rise Truck Caps

A mid-rise cap extends above the roofline of the cab and creates additional interior volume.

More vertical room can make it easier to:

• Sit up inside the bed
• Store bulky camping equipment
• Build taller drawer systems
• Carry large outdoor gear
• Travel with pets
• Organize extended-trip equipment

Century's High-C Sport is an example of a mid-rise design intended to provide additional enclosed cargo room compared with cab-high configurations.

Century Ultra Sport for Camping & Recreation

The Century Ultra Sport is a natural fit for owners who use their trucks for a combination of everyday driving and outdoor recreation.

Its cab-high profile provides a streamlined appearance while still turning the bed into an enclosed cargo and camping space.

A cab-high recreational cap like the Ultra Sport may make sense for someone who wants:

• A clean everyday appearance
• Protected camping storage
• Ventilation
• Space for a sleeping platform
• A cap that transitions between daily use and weekend recreation

Century High-C Sport for More Camping Space

Some campers simply need more room.

The Century High-C Sport uses a mid-rise profile to create additional enclosed cargo capacity compared with a traditional cab-high cap.

That additional height can be valuable for:

• Extended camping trips
• Large storage systems
• Bulky outdoor equipment
• Taller sleeping-platform configurations
• Pet-friendly setups
• Adventure gear

Building a Sleeping Platform

One of the most popular truck-cap camping configurations is a raised sleeping platform.

A simple platform creates a flat surface above the bed floor while leaving storage underneath.

The space below can hold:

• Camp kitchen equipment
• Recovery gear
• Clothing
• Tools
• Food
• Water
• Hiking equipment
• Fishing gear

Before building a platform, measure the bed length, bed width, wheel-well spacing, cap height, mattress dimensions, and storage-container dimensions.

Ventilation Matters

Ventilation is one of the most important considerations when sleeping inside an enclosed truck bed.

Without adequate airflow, condensation can develop overnight and interior temperatures can become uncomfortable.

Depending on the cap configuration, screened sliding windows can help provide airflow while keeping insects outside.

Campers may also use rechargeable fans, window screens, ventilation accessories, and moisture-control products.

Interior Lighting

Good lighting transforms a truck cap after sunset.

Consider:

• Interior cap lights
• Truck-bed lighting
• Rechargeable lanterns
• Headlamps
• Side scene lights
• Rear camp lights

Explore truck lighting at LEER for options that can support camping, overlanding, and trail use.

Roof Racks Expand Your Camping Setup

One of the biggest challenges with truck camping is deciding where everything should go.

A roof rack can create additional cargo capacity above the truck cap.

Depending on the rack system, cap, vehicle, and applicable load ratings, roof storage may be useful for:

• Kayaks
• Canoes
• Bikes
• Skis
• Snowboards
• Cargo boxes
• Awnings
• Camping equipment

Add an Awning

An awning can extend your living area beyond the truck bed.

Mounted to a compatible rack system, an awning can provide shade and weather protection beside the truck.

That creates a useful area for cooking, relaxing, organizing equipment, getting dressed, or waiting out light rain.

Organize the Truck Bed

Good organization is one of the biggest differences between a frustrating camping setup and an enjoyable one.

Sleeping Zone

• Keep bedding, pillows, blankets, and sleep accessories together.

Kitchen Zone

• Store the stove, cookware, utensils, food-preparation supplies, and cleanup equipment in one location.

Recovery Zone

• Recovery straps, shackles, tire tools, and emergency equipment should remain accessible without unloading the entire bed.

Clothing Zone

• Use dedicated bags or containers to prevent clothing from spreading throughout the sleeping area.

Food Zone

• Keep dry food separate from tools, recovery gear, and chemicals.

Consider a Cargo Slide

The deepest part of a pickup bed can be difficult to access once a cap is installed.

A cargo slide can bring equipment stored near the cab toward the tailgate, reducing the need to crawl into the bed.

This can be particularly useful for camp kitchens, refrigerators, heavy storage bins, tools, and recovery equipment.

Water Storage

Every camping setup needs a water plan.

Depending on the length of your trips, you may carry water jugs, jerry cans, portable water tanks, collapsible containers, or filtration systems.

Water is heavy, so store it low and secure it properly.

Refrigeration and Food Storage

Weekend campers may be perfectly happy with a quality cooler.

For longer trips, a portable 12-volt refrigerator can eliminate the need for ice and make food easier to organize.

If you add powered refrigeration, you may also need a portable power station, auxiliary battery, solar charging, 12-volt outlets, and charging cables.

Camping With Bikes, Kayaks & Outdoor Equipment

A truck cap protects smaller equipment in the bed while racks can handle larger items.

Inside the Cap

• Clothing
• Sleeping gear
• Food
• Tools
• Recovery equipment
• Hiking packs

On the Roof

• Kayaks
• Bikes
• Cargo boxes
• Other compatible equipment

Camping With Dogs

Truck caps can provide useful enclosed space when traveling with pets, but temperature and ventilation require careful attention.

Consider screened ventilation, interior temperature, water availability, secure bedding, non-slip surfaces, and safe restraint systems.

Weather Protection

A truck cap can help protect equipment from rain, snow, wind, road spray, dust, and falling debris.

Security While Traveling

One advantage of an enclosed truck bed is the ability to keep gear less visible and more secure than it would be in an open pickup.

This can be useful during fuel stops, restaurant stops, hotel stays, trailhead parking, and road trips.

Do Not Forget Recovery Gear

Camping often takes trucks onto gravel roads, forest roads, sand, snow, or trails where traction can become unpredictable.

A basic recovery kit may include:

• Recovery strap
• Rated shackles
• Recovery boards
• Shovel
• Tire repair kit
• Portable air compressor
• Tire-pressure gauge
• Work gloves
• First aid kit

Lighting for Camping and Trail Travel

Auxiliary truck lighting can improve visibility on appropriate off-road routes while scene lighting can illuminate the campsite itself.

Useful options may include LED pods, light bars, ditch lights, rock lights, rear scene lights, and bed lighting.

Do Not Overload Your Truck

It is surprisingly easy to exceed a truck's payload capacity when building an overlanding or camping setup.

Payload can include passengers, truck cap, roof rack, camping equipment, water, food, recovery gear, tools, refrigerator, batteries, and accessories.

Century Truck Cap Camping Checklist

Shelter & Sleeping

• Truck cap
• Mattress or sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Blanket
• Window coverings
• Ventilation
• Bug screens

Camp Equipment

• Stove
• Fuel
• Cookware
• Cooler or refrigerator
• Water
• Chairs
• Table
• Awning if equipped

Organization

• Storage bins
• Cargo slide or drawers
• Tie-downs
• Gear bags
• Trash bags

Vehicle Equipment

• Spare tire
• Jack
• Tire repair kit
• Air compressor
• Recovery gear
• Basic tools
• Jump pack

Safety

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlights
• Headlamps
• Emergency food and water
• Navigation
• Communication device

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Century truck caps good for camping?

• Yes. Century truck caps can provide enclosed cargo storage and a protected truck-bed space that can be configured for camping.

Which Century truck cap is best for camping?

• The best choice depends on your setup. A cab-high recreational cap such as the Ultra Sport may appeal to campers who prioritize everyday styling and versatility, while a mid-rise option such as the High-C Sport can provide additional interior cargo room.

Can I sleep in a truck cap?

• Yes. Many truck owners create sleeping platforms inside enclosed pickup beds. Plan for ventilation, weather conditions, bedding, emergency exits, and safe temperature management.

Is a mid-rise truck cap better for camping?

• A mid-rise cap can provide additional vertical space, which may make it easier to sit up, organize equipment, accommodate storage systems, or carry bulky gear.

Can I put a roof rack on a truck cap?

• Many truck caps can support compatible rack systems, but the exact capability depends on the cap, installation, rack, vehicle, and load. Always follow applicable load ratings.

Can a truck cap replace a rooftop tent?

• For some campers, yes. Sleeping inside the truck bed eliminates the need for a separate rooftop tent and keeps the overall vehicle profile lower.

How do I keep a truck cap organized for camping?

• Divide equipment into functional zones and use drawers, cargo slides, totes, MOLLE panels, and gear bags to keep items secure and accessible.

What should I add to a truck cap for camping?

• Popular upgrades include ventilation, interior lighting, roof racks, cargo organization, a sleeping platform, portable power, and exterior scene lighting.

Build Your Century Truck Cap for Adventure

There is no single perfect camping truck. A weekend fishing setup may only require an enclosed bed, sleeping pad, and a few storage bins. A longer overlanding trip may include drawers, a refrigerator, portable power, roof storage, recovery equipment, lighting, and a carefully planned sleeping system.

Start with the right cap for your pickup and then build the rest of the system around the adventures you actually take.