Like all manufacturers, Sportsmobile sometimes encounters manufacturing/quality concerns. This Bulletins page is here to help keep you informed and up to date on your Sportsmobile. We recommend checking this page several times a year for updates.
These are informational Service Bulletins, not recall bulletins.
Reminders to Sportsmobile 4×4 Owners 1-27-12
Always set the parking brake fully, and make sure the gearshift selector is securely latched in the park position, before leaving the vehicle unattended.
Sportsmobile 4×4 Conversions Equipped with the Atlas II Transfer Case: To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, never leave the transfer case rear shift lever in the neutral position. It should always be fully engaged in the high or low position The vehicle will roll freely even if the transmission gear shift selector is in the park position. Always set the parking brake fully before leaving the vehicle unattended. Always make sure that any cargo is secured so it does not slide around the cabin area while driving and bump the shift levers into the neutral position.
Penthouse Secondary Latching — Bulletin 7-7-10
To: Owners of Sportsmobile Converted Ford, Dodge, Chevy/GMC Vans with Penthouse Top Sportsmobile Texas Inc. and Sportsmobile West Inc. were recently involved in a lawsuit. This lawsuit was the result of a very high speed triple roll-over accident with two fatalities. Four other occupants that were buckled-up suffered minor injuries, if any. These were the first fatalities in 50 years of converting thousands of vans with expandable tops. The vehicle involved in the accident was a “Ford Extended Body” van with a “4-Wheel Drive.”
During the lawsuit allegations were made that one or more of the roof latches failed during the roll-over, resulting in the Penthouse Expandable Top separating from the van.
Out of abundance of caution and as a result of this most recent allegation, Sportsmobile has developed a secondary restraint for the roof.
Sportsmobile will sell this secondary restraint to owners of Sportsmobile vehicles at its cost.
This secondary latching kit is available for Ford, Dodge and Chevy/GMC vans converted by Sportsmobile with a Penthouse Top.
Sportsmobile will supply the parts at its cost of $80, including shipping. About one or two hours will be required for installation.
Essentially the installation requires removing the three existing latches, adding shortened seat belts and reinstalling the latches with the seat belts.
When driving, both the the old latches and modified seat belts will help secure the top to the van’s roof.
You can install at your own expense, or Sportsmobile will install at no charge for labor at any of its three locations by appointment.
Your only cost will be $80 for parts.
To order the Sportsmobile Penthouse Top Secondary Latching Kit, print out or use this order form PDF.
Warning: Do not drive at excessive speeds, make abrupt maneuvers or drive under the influence of illegal substances. Always stay buckled up.