Penthouse Top
Notice: Limited production slots are available due to Mercedes production delays. If you own a van and would like to have it converted or a penthouse top installed please contact us.
Top up…
- Makes your interior more spacious with a high ceiling.
- Sleep two upstairs with the optional bed.
- Five large screen windows provide lots of cooling cross-ventilation, and great visibility.
- Enjoy the scenery during the day and the stars at night.
- Soft vinyl side windows have double zippers so you can leave the tops of the windows open that are protected by the top’s eave when it’s raining.
- For privacy the front window flap zips closed. Side windows have solid curtains that roll up/down.
- Penthouse raises full-level, not at a slant that reduces the interior space and restricts the sleeping position at one end.
Top down…
- The Penthouse is nicely styled to blend with the Van’s good looks.
- Crosswind handling effect? Fuel economy reduction? Very minimal.
Note: Maximum top load including a top rack is 200 pounds.
The Penthouse Pop Top is Available Separately
Room for Two
It’s a fun and comfortable place to nap or enjoy a good night’s sleep. The main bed section is made of the same soft and firm foam as Sportsmobile’s seats/beds. No closed-in feeling with a ceiling height of about 30″ and large windows that help provide an open feeling. A ladder is option.
Extra Space
When the main bed section is attached to the ceiling, bedding can be left on top and this space provides a convenient shelf.
Like to read in bed? LED lights provide plenty of soft light. There’s even space for snacks and drinks. For privacy, solid curtains roll up and down.
Easy to Use
Front 3 window screens unzip and roll down. Great for photo shooting or just for a more open feeling. Various roof racks are optional.
The Penthouse easily raises up and down. If you include the electric top, simply unlock the latches and push the switch. 12V motors do the rest. Be sure you “unlock” first.
Bed Sizes
| BED SIZES | WIDTH | OVERALL |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinter | 40″ | 53″ |
| Transit | 40″ | 53″ |
| ProMaster | 53″ | 64″ |
| Chevy | 40″ | 53″ |
Construction
The following test and specifications are met by Sportsmobile to install Penthouse Pop Tops on RB low roof Sprinters.
- Roof Crush Resistance Test FMVSS 216 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) — General Testing Laboratories conducted the Roof Crush Test on 07/02/2008.
- The Sprinter RB with Sportsmobile’s Penthouse Pop Top more than exceeded the test weight requirements.
- Roof Weight — Mercedes-Benz allows a maximum added roof weight to the Sprinter of 660 pounds.Note: Some pop tops, especially if they go up much higher, can weigh considerably more. If you added a roof rack and much cargo you may exceed the Sprinter’s maximum weight.
- The Penthouse Pop Top — installed adds about 345 pounds, a difference of about 315 pounds.
- Center of Gravity — With our RB-50 Conversion and the Penthouse Pop Top, the center of gravity is 45.8″, well below Mercedes-Benz specified 51.2″ maximum.
- Important — Sportsmobile is the only company approved by Mercedes-Benz to partially remove the Sprinter roof and install a pop top on a Sprinter RB low roof. Not on a high roof van. It’s very important that a top not exceed Mercedes-Benz roof weight and center of gravity specifications.
Yes. The front roof van rib over the cab and the rear rib are not removed. The sides and rear of the roof cut-out are framed with 14 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.
The roof is stronger after the Penthouse has been installed. It easily passed the FMVSS 216 roof crash test.
Since we introduced our third generation model in 1974, we have very rarely replaced a part because of wear. The top itself is made of reinforced fiberglass. Metal parts are all heavy duty construction. Counter-balancing tension and compression springs are over-engineered. This means they will never fatigue and lose their strength.
However, if you have an electric top option and you do not unlock the latches before you raise it, you will bend the elevating u-tubes. The 12V motors are powerful. If you do bend them, the u-tubes can be replaced by Sportsmobile.
Sportsmobile and chassis manufacture weight limit is 200 pounds.
The bed can support up to 400 pounds. Optional reinforcements available.
Its convertible car-top vinyl-impregnated fabric exterior is easy to clean. The fabric interior is mildew and condensation resistant. Since it doesn’t breath it helps hold heat out in summer and inside in the winter.
Tempshield bubble foil, with a down R-Value of 14.9, is sandwiched between the fiberglass top shell and ceiling panels.
We built our leakers decades ago. The top will not leak. Should a leak ever develop, it would be very easy to fix.
We feel this patented system is the model of simplicity, a straight forward means of making the 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. An electric top is optional.
The tops have been tested at over 60 mph with no issue to canvas or top. However at high winds we recommend lowering top.
Let Us Help
With more than 60 years of experience, we can help you choose the right options for your needs.
