• Westin Automotive, a trusted name in off-road gear for over 40 years, specializes in durable, U.S.-made products for trucks and off-road vehicles, including the Jeep Gladiator.
• The Westin EXP Truck Cap maximizes storage capacity while providing rugged protection against the elements, ensuring the contents of your bed stay safe, secure, and ready for any adventure.
• The Westin EXP Truck Cap is a weatherproof, five-piece design (including a clamp system) that makes assembly straightforward.

Westin Automotive has been a go-to name in off-road, made-in-the-USA gear for trucks and Jeeps for over 40 years. They’ve been all about helping outdoor enthusiasts gear up with reliable and innovative accessories—bumpers, side steps, and cargo solutions—that blend style, performance, and cutting-edge tech. Lately, Westin has leaned into the overlanding scene with products like the EXP Truck Cap and MESA roof racks. And with recovery gear support from its sister brand, Superwinch, they’ve got adventurers covered for whatever the trail throws their way.

BED RACK TO TRUCK CAP

As a lifelong Jeep fan—having owned four Cherokee XJs and both a Wrangler TJ and LJ—I was pumped when Jeep announced the Gladiator, its first pickup truck in 27 years. This Gladiator has officially outlasted all my previous Jeeps; it might not have the iconic looks of the classic J-series Gladiator, but its practicality—especially compared to the current Wrangler—wins hands down. The extra bed space is perfect for camping trips and family adventures. And let’s be real, the ability to still take off the top and doors? Total no-brainer.

From the start, I knew exactly what I wanted for this truck: a capable daily driver that could hit the trails and visit as many campsites as I could squeeze into summer. Maybe some winter trips, too, if I could convince the wife and kids (portable heaters exist for a reason, right?). The plan was simple: minimal lift to keep the center of gravity solid, bigger tires for extra capability, and practical mods—no gimmicks or over-the-top extras. I even ordered the truck as bare bones as Jeep would allow.

The centerpiece of this overland build was the rooftop tent and figuring out the best way to mount it. I went with a half rack, which gave me what seemed like the ideal setup—low profile, functional, and still garage-friendly. But over time, the limitations became hard to ignore. It was especially inconvenient on vacations, and the permanently mounted rack made hauling larger items a real pain. Sure, it looked great, but when it came to practicality and flexibility, it just didn’t measure up.

WHY THE WESTIN EXP TRUCK CAP?

For years, I steered clear of bed toppers because I couldn’t convince myself that the benefits outweighed the barrier to entry. But the Westin EXP Truck Cap (16-14165) completely changed my mind. The aluminum design blows old-school fiberglass out of the water; it’s tougher, more stylish, and loaded with features that make life easier. Case in point, there are integrated roof rails for mounting tents, kayaks, and bike racks. An auto lock/unlock rear door makes access quick and easy, and the heavy-duty locking T-handles (with an emergency release lever on the driver’s side door) add extra safety and convenience. Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend adventure or using it for your daily tasks, it’s built to take on whatever you need.

The increased height has been a game-changer, making packing for adventures easier and more flexible. No more unloading everything just to grab what’s buried at the back of the bed. Plus, the EXP Truck Cap fixed the annoying issues I had with my old half rack and tonneau cover setup, which always leaked because their weather seals weren’t made to work together. Westin’s EDPM sponge double seal keeps everything dry, even in terrible weather.

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID

This oversized item arrived impeccably packed in foam and securely taped, setting the standard for how packages this size should be shipped. With layers of foam protecting every corner, it arrived without a scratch or any shattered glass. The Westin EXP Truck Cap’s straightforward five-piece design makes assembly a breeze.

Unpack everything, flip the roof upside down, and start sliding the components together—beginning with the rear window, followed by the side panels, and finishing with the front window, which preserves rearview mirror visibility. A few bolts tighten the frame and side panels, ensuring a snug fit, but it’s essential to align everything properly before securing it to prevent future leaks. *A rubber mallet is recommended to slide the pieces together since the tolerances are tight, and that can make it hard to dial in small adjustments by hand.

Next, the water channels are installed between the rear door and side panels, offering leak-proof sealing and providing mounting points for the rear door shocks. The precision-engineered design ensures each piece fits seamlessly, creating a tight, weatherproof seal built to endure. Once the cap is assembled, grab a few friends to help lift and align it to the bedsides. While it’s light enough for one person to lift, the size makes it much easier (and a lot more fun) with some extra hands—plus, it’s the perfect excuse to crack open a few beers afterward. The cap secures to the truck bed with sturdy C-clamps, making the install quick and simple while keeping it locked in place for the long haul.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Westin’s EXP Truck Cap is the perfect blend of style, durability, and functionality for any overlanding setup. The lightweight, easy-to-install aluminum build is packed with features like roof rails for mounting tents or gear, an auto-lock rear door for quick access, and heavy-duty locking T-handles with an emergency release lever for extra security.

Adding the EXP Cap to my Gladiator has been a complete game-changer. Aside from routine maintenance, like checking hardware to ensure everything stays secure, this cap is a massive upgrade from the half rack when it comes to everyday use. The added height makes packing gear so much easier, and Westin’s weatherproof seal keeps everything dry, no matter the conditions. Whether it’s tackling a weekend camping trip or running daily errands, this cap does it all. It’s durable, functional, and looks awesome—Westin really nailed it with this one.

COMING SOON

Available for order with shipping expected in March 2025, the Westin EXP Truck Cap isn’t just about storage—it’s about customization. Westin offers crossbar rails to mount gear like tents, kayak racks, bike mounts, or a front sliding glass window for extra airflow (or for access to the truck bed from the cab). For the overlanding crowd, the standout is the toolbox shell and the toolbox shelf-and-table kit. Both mount inside the side doors, providing storage for essentials like tow straps and gloves. Still, even without all of these extra accessories, the EXP Cap was designed to be incredibly useful in its base form. Seeing the Gladiator back-t0-back, I think the Westin EXP Truck Cap setup is much better looking, and its modularity means it can adapt to whatever adventure lies ahead.

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