Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans

Enjoy the view and soft breezes wherever you are!

Raises and Lowers in Seconds

To Raise:

Unlock front & rear latches.

Start up with a little push.
Patented spring counter balance system makes it easy.

To Lower:

Pull down.

Lock the three latches.

The Penthouse provides a spacious interior with a 6'10" overall height.
Raises full level, not at a slant that reduces the interior area and is confining for the bed.
Five big screened windows provide wonderful cross ventilation and a panoramic view of the great outdoors.
Clear vinyl side windows zip closed in case a thunderstorm blows through. The windows have double zippers so you can leave only the top portions open that are protected by the tops eves.
Privacy curtains roll up and down.
Wind blowing? No need to lower the top unless it really gets strong.
Two adjustable latches in the front and one in the rear lock the top down.
Can I order only the Penthouse? Yes. One day is required for installation by appointment.

"You should see the look on their faces when I pop my top."

Need to garage? Penthouse G installed on a converted RB 8,600 GVWR has about 83" height.

Top down. It only takes a minute to lower, lock the two front and one rear latches and drive off. The photos show the top down without the optional bed. The interior height is 56".

It's a fun place to nap or sleep. It's kind of like a loft or tree house.
To lower the bed unhook one end and lower, then unhook and lower the other end. The bed is removable.
Easily supports two adults. The bed itself is supported by steel "L" channels. Slide the bed to the van's front or rear.
It's easy to climb up. There's really no need for a ladder.
You won't feel closed in with the 30" height over the bed. The bed mattress is 41" wide with an elbow width of 53". The overall length is 76". The length can be made longer with an extension cushion.
Like to read in bed? There are two bright fluorescent ceiling lights and space for snacks and drinks. Or watch TV.

SPORTSMOBILE'S PENTHOUSE. Proven over the decades.

Sidewall Material Is Tough And Weather Resistant. It's vinyl impregnated fabric exterior is easy to clean with a fabric interior that's mildew and condensation resistant. Since it doesn't breath it helps hold heat out in the summer and in the winter.

Various Roof Racks are available for your top carrier needs. Depending on the load it may be necessary to remove the cargo prior to raising the top.

Why is the "dual-U-tube" elevating assembly important? We feel this system is the model of simplicity, a straight forward means of making a top go up and down. Dual compression and tension springs working with the dual-U-tubes makes the raising/lowering of the top quick and easy.

Is the van roof cut-out reinforced? Yes. The front van rib over the cab is not removed. The sides and rear of the roof cut-out are framed with 13 gauge steel, bolted to the van roof. This heavy steel frame reinforces the roof, supports the optional bed, and is the base for the elevating assembly. Actually, we feel that van roof is stronger after the Penthouse has been installed.

What is the life expectancy of a Penthouse? We really don't know. Since we introduced our third generation model in 1974, we have never replaced a part because of wear. The top itself is made of reinforced fiberglass, like a boat hull. The metal parts are all heavy duty construction. The counter balancing tension and compression springs are over-engineered. This means they will never fatigue and lose their strength. However if you should have an accident, such as driving into your garage with the top up, (it happens) any damaged parts can be replaced.

Is is OK to stand on the top? Yes!

Sportsmobile's Van Motorhome Offers Comfortable
Livability in a Compact, Practical Package

Reprinted from Motorhome Magazine (condensed)
by Jeff Johnson

Topping off the Sportsmobile is the Penthouse fold-down roof. The hard roof section is a single piece, reinforced fiberglass shell supported by the exclusive proprietary spring balanced Dual-U-Tube arm-lift system. Concealed springs provide the force to raise the top into position. The side walls are made from a vinyl-impregnated automobile convertible-roof fabric and are fitted with five large screened windows.

We found the overhead bed in the Sportsmobile to be one of the most comfortable sleeping spaces we've ever

enjoyed in an RV. Sounds and smell from the outdoors are appreciated while reclining on a padded foam mattress. A pair of large windows on each side of the top and one in the forward end provide copious flow-through ventilation and illumination during the day. Zippered clear vinyl windows provide blowing rain protection. Roll-down shades add privacy if desired. There is easy access to the lower area for trips to the fridge or Porta-Potti during the night, and no squeezing around a folded-down sofa was necessary.

Folding the top down is almost as easy as setting it up. After closing all the windows

and rolling up the curtains, one person simply pulls downward on the ceiling mounted handles. The roof comes straight down, more or less, and usually settles right into place. If the vehicle is tilted slight to the right or left, the roof may shift over as it comes down. In that case, you need only push slightly against the exterior "down" side, as per the manufacturer's instructions to place the fiberglass roof squarely on top of the van. Elastic cords permanently mounted around the fabric walls apply pressure to fold them inward, so no stuffing from outside is necessary. Lock the three latches and the unit is ready to roll.