Century Truck Caps Buying Guide: Which Truck Cap Is Right for You?

A truck cap can completely change how you use your pickup. By creating an enclosed, weather-protected space above the truck bed, a cap can make it easier to secure everyday cargo, organize tools for work, carry outdoor equipment, or turn your pickup into a comfortable basecamp for weekend adventures.

But not every truck owner needs the same type of cap.

Some drivers prioritize a sleek, cab-high design that complements the lines of their pickup. Others need additional cargo height for bulky equipment. Campers may prioritize ventilation and roof-rack capability, while contractors and professionals may need secure storage and convenient access to tools.

Century offers truck caps designed around these different needs. This guide breaks down the major factors to consider when choosing a Century truck cap and helps you determine which type of camper shell or truck topper makes the most sense for your pickup.

Why Choose a Century Truck Cap?

Century truck caps are designed to expand the usefulness of a pickup bed while providing the finished appearance many truck owners want from a fiberglass cap.

More Protected Cargo Space

An open pickup bed is excellent for hauling, but everything inside it is exposed to weather and the outside environment.

A truck cap creates an enclosed cargo area that can help protect camping equipment, tools, luggage, groceries, sporting equipment, and other gear from rain, snow, and debris.

Improved Cargo Security

A cap also adds another layer of security compared with leaving equipment exposed in an open bed.

For people who regularly carry expensive tools, outdoor gear, or travel equipment, the ability to keep cargo enclosed can be one of the biggest reasons to add a truck cap.

More Versatility

A pickup equipped with a truck cap can serve multiple purposes throughout the week.

It might carry tools Monday through Friday, transport bikes or fishing equipment on Saturday, and become a protected camping area for a weekend road trip.

That versatility is one reason truck caps remain such a popular pickup upgrade.

Start With How You Use Your Truck

Before comparing specific Century truck caps, think about what you need the cap to accomplish.

• What do I normally carry in my truck bed?
• Do I need to access equipment from the sides?
• Will I use the truck for camping?
• Do I carry tall or bulky cargo?
• Will I install a roof rack?
• Do I need additional ventilation?
• Will pets ride in the enclosed bed area?
• Is the truck primarily for recreation or work?
• How important is a streamlined factory-style appearance?

Your answers will help narrow down the type of cap and features that make sense.

Cab-High vs. Mid-Rise Century Truck Caps

Cab-High Truck Caps

A cab-high cap generally follows the roofline of the pickup cab, creating a streamlined appearance and helping the cap look integrated with the truck.

Cab-high truck caps are a strong choice for:

• Everyday driving
• General cargo protection
• Outdoor equipment
• Weekend camping
• Luggage
• Sporting equipment
• Drivers who prioritize styling

If you rarely carry equipment taller than the cab, a cab-high design may provide all the enclosed cargo space you need.

Mid-Rise Truck Caps

A mid-rise cap extends above the cab roofline, creating additional vertical space inside the truck bed.

That additional room can be especially valuable for:

• Camping
• Contractors
• Bulky cargo
• Tall equipment
• Pet transportation
• Storage systems
• Longer trips

Century's High-C Sport is designed to provide additional enclosed cargo room compared with cab-high configurations.

Choosing a Century Truck Cap for Everyday Use

If your truck primarily serves as a daily driver, versatility may matter more than specialized features.

A good everyday truck cap should make it easier to carry groceries, transport luggage, protect sporting equipment, secure tools, keep cargo dry, handle home improvement projects, and prepare for weekend trips.

Choosing a Century Truck Cap for Camping

Truck cap camping has become increasingly popular because it allows you to turn the pickup bed into a protected sleeping and storage area.

Ventilation

• Ventilation can make a major difference when sleeping inside a truck cap. Sliding windows and screened openings can help increase airflow while limiting insects.

Interior Space

• Think about how much room you will need once your sleeping platform, mattress, storage containers, refrigerator, and other camping equipment are installed.

Interior Lighting

• Truck-cap lighting makes it easier to organize equipment, get ready for bed, or find gear after sunset.

Roof Storage

• A compatible roof rack can provide additional room for kayaks, bikes, cargo boxes, awnings, recovery boards, and camping equipment.

Choosing a Century Truck Cap for Outdoor Adventures

Hunting, fishing, biking, kayaking, skiing, and other outdoor activities often involve carrying expensive equipment that needs protection from weather and road debris.

For adventure use, consider features that improve cargo access, ventilation, roof storage, interior organization, lighting, and equipment security.

Choosing a Century Truck Cap for Work

Contractors, technicians, tradespeople, and other professionals have different requirements.

A work truck cap may need to carry:

• Power tools
• Hand tools
• Parts
• Supplies
• Ladders
• Jobsite equipment
• Safety gear

For these applications, prioritize durability, cargo access, security, and organization.

Windows, Side Access, and Ventilation

Windows affect appearance, visibility, ventilation, and how the cap can be used.

Depending on the configuration, truck cap windows can help provide:

• Natural light
• Outside visibility
• Airflow
• Screened ventilation
• Easier campsite use

Interior Lighting

Interior cap lighting can make it easier to find tools, load cargo, organize camping equipment, set up a sleeping area, and work after sunset.

Roof Rack Compatibility

Adding a roof rack can create another storage zone above the bed for equipment that would otherwise occupy valuable interior space.

Depending on the rack system and applicable load ratings, roof storage may be useful for kayaks, canoes, bikes, skis, cargo boxes, awnings, camping equipment, and work equipment.

Truck Bed Organization

A cap protects your cargo, but organization determines how easy that cargo is to use.

Consider combining your truck cap with storage solutions such as:

• Cargo slides
• Drawer systems
• Storage bins
• Tool bags
• Dividers
• MOLLE panels
• Tie-down systems

Century Truck Cap Buying Checklist

1. What will I carry most often? Everyday cargo, camping gear, tools, or outdoor equipment?
2. How much vertical space do I need? Would cab-high storage be enough, or would a mid-rise design be more useful?
3. Will I sleep inside the truck bed? If so, prioritize space, ventilation, lighting, and organization.
4. Do I need side access? This can be particularly valuable for work and organized storage setups.
5. Will I carry equipment on the roof? Consider rack compatibility and load requirements.
6. How important is ventilation? Campers and pet owners should consider window and screen configurations carefully.
7. How will I organize the bed? Plan drawers, slides, totes, or other storage systems before finalizing your configuration.
8. How important is appearance? Decide whether you prefer a cab-high profile or additional mid-rise cargo space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Century truck caps good for camping?

• Yes. A Century truck cap can create an enclosed sleeping and cargo area while helping protect equipment from weather.

What is the difference between a cab-high and mid-rise truck cap?

• A cab-high cap generally follows the height of the truck's cab, while a mid-rise cap extends higher to provide additional interior cargo space and headroom.

Can you put a roof rack on a Century truck cap?

• Roof-rack compatibility depends on the specific cap, rack system, installation, and load requirements. Always confirm compatibility and applicable weight ratings before adding rooftop equipment.

Can you sleep inside a Century truck cap?

• Many truck owners use enclosed truck beds as sleeping areas. Your setup should provide appropriate ventilation, temperature management, lighting, and a secure sleeping platform.

Are truck caps useful for work trucks?

• Yes. A truck cap can create a large enclosed storage area for tools, parts, and equipment.

How do I choose the right truck cap?

• Start with how you use your truck. Determine your cargo requirements, preferred cap height, access needs, ventilation requirements, roof-storage plans, and whether the truck will be used for camping, recreation, work, or a combination.

Find the Right Century Truck Cap for Your Pickup

The best truck cap is not simply the model with the most features. It is the cap that fits the way you actually use your pickup.

As Century truck caps become available through LEER, shoppers will be able to explore Century options alongside a broader selection of truck caps, accessories, storage solutions, and truck upgrades.