The Iconic Sportsmobile Penthouse Pop Top: A Legacy of Freedom, Space, and Innovation
For over 60 years, the Sportsmobile Penthouse Pop Top has been a hallmark of innovation and craftsmanship in the world of van life. Designed to provide more headroom, sleeping space, and a better connection to the outdoors, this iconic feature has transformed ordinary vans into versatile adventure vehicles. Whether you’re camping in a remote forest or tailgating at your favorite game, the Penthouse Top brings comfort and functionality wherever the road takes you.
“For over 60 years, the Sportsmobile Penthouse Pop Top has been a hallmark of innovation and craftmanship in the world of van life.”
A Legacy That Lifts
Sportsmobile’s journey with the pop top began in 1961, long before #vanlife was trending. The very first expandable top was hand-designed by our team to give travelers a smarter way to camp. Over the years, we refined our approach, eventually developing a full roof-size pop top featuring our patented dual “U” tube elevating system—a game changer that allowed the top to rise evenly and house a mattress bed in place.
Since its debut, thousands of Penthouse Tops have been installed on vans from Ford, Dodge, Chevy, VW, and Mercedes-Benz. It’s not just a design feature; it’s a symbol of our commitment to functional customization and road-tested durability.
“The Penthouse Top isn’t just a design feature—it’s a symbol of our commitment to functional customization and road-tested durability.”
Built to Endure
When you’re altering the roof of a vehicle, there’s no room for shortcuts. That’s why safety and structure are at the core of every Penthouse Pop Top installation. We never remove the front roof ribs, ensuring that the vehicle’s structural integrity remains intact. In fact, we reinforce the roof cut-out with 14-gauge steel, bolted directly to the van, providing unmatched support for the pop top and optional bed platform. All cuts are treated with cold galvanizing spray to preserve corrosion protection and maintain the factory rust-proof warranty.
“Our Penthouse Top has been tested and certified to exceed factory standards, including passing the FMVSS 216 roof crush test.”
Our Penthouse Top has been tested and certified to exceed factory standards, including passing the rigorous FMVSS 216 roof crush test. Ours is the only top on the market to undergo this level of testing, and the results speak for themselves. Our roofs are 2.5 times stronger than factory specifications. Thanks to the strength, care, and precision we bring to every build, the Penthouse Pop Top helps maintain, and in many cases increase, the resale value of your vehicle. So you can sleep soundly—literally—knowing your van’s safety and long-term value haven’t been compromised.
Smart, Strong Materials
Every component of the Penthouse Pop Top is purpose-built for performance, durability, and everyday usability. From fabric to framework, here’s what makes our top the most trusted in the industry.
Canvas Sidewalls
Our canvas isn’t just fabric, it’s a differentiator. We use a double-skinned, convertible-grade canvas: tough vinyl on the outside to repel the elements, and soft canvas on the inside for a comfortable, finished interior feel. This material is mold and mildew resistant, UV stable, and field-tested across thousands of hours of use. The dual-layer construction provides insulation in both hot and cold climates and eliminates interior condensation.
Most pop tops on the market use single-layer ripstop canvas, which can wick moisture inside when touched or exposed to condensation. Staying dry isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. With routine maintenance, our Penthouse top will stay watertight for the long haul. In fact, we back every top we install with a lifetime warranty against leaks.
“With a double-skinned canvas, five-layer windows, and a lifetime no-leak guarantee, the Penthouse Top is built to outperform the rest—season after season.”
Windows
Each Penthouse Top includes five large screened windows to provide exceptional cross-ventilation and panoramic visibility. Every window is built with three layers: mesh screen, clear vinyl for weather protection, and an opaque curtain for privacy. Three of the windows even include zip-down screens for a fully unobstructed view, perfect for photography or wildlife watching.
Fiberglass Shell
The shell of the Penthouse is molded from lightweight, corrosion-resistant fiberglass and coated in a watertight, impact-absorbing urethane paint. That means better protection against weather, wear, and time. It’s also strong, able to support up to 200 pounds, making it ideal for mounting solar panels or roof racks.
Dual-U-Tube Elevating Assembly
Our patented Dual-U-Tube Elevating Assembly makes raising and lowering the top smooth and easy. And for even more convenience, an optional 12V powered lift lets you do it all with the push of a button.
Features That Elevate Your Adventures
When popped up, the Penthouse adds spacious headroom, up to 8 feet in height, and can comfortably sleep two with the optional upper bed. Enjoy stargazing through windows at night or keep them zipped up for cozy privacy. During the day, the additional space makes cooking, standing, and moving around your van far more comfortable.
“Enjoy the scenery during the day and the stars at night—with up to 8 feet of headroom and space to sleep two upstairs.”
When closed, the Penthouse blends seamlessly with the vehicle’s exterior for a sleek profile. The low profile makes your van well-suited for everyday travel or tackling backcountry trails. Wind resistance and fuel economy impacts are minimal. The design even supports up to 200 lbs of rooftop gear when properly mounted.
The Penthouse Bed
The optional Penthouse Top bed is designed for comfort, space, and convenience. Made from 4-inch-thick foam, it provides a supportive, restful sleep surface that easily accommodates two adults. With a ceiling height of around 32 inches, the space feels open and breathable, not closed in. Integrated LED reading lights add a cozy touch, and there’s even room to set down a snack or drink within easy reach. The bed is available in several standard color options, or you can select a custom fabric to match your van’s interior.
Bed sizes vary slightly depending on the chassis.
|
Chassis |
Width | Overall Length |
| Sprinter | 40” | 78” |
| Transit | 40” | 78” |
| ProMaster | 53” | 78” |
| Chevy | 40” | 78” |
Whether you’re turning in after a day of trail adventures or enjoying a quiet night beneath the stars, the Penthouse bed offers the perfect place to unwind.
Available as “Top Only” or Full Conversion
The Penthouse Pop Top can be installed as a standalone upgrade or as part of a complete Sportsmobile conversion. Every installation includes:
- Custom paint-matched fiberglass top
- Convertible canvas and vinyl sidewalls
- Dual-U-Tube elevating system (manual or powered)
- Optional bed platform
- Interior ceiling upholstery, curtains, rails, and push pad
- Roof rack that holds up to 200 lbs.
Pricing for the Penthouse Top with bed starts at $13,000.
“Whether you’re building your dream camper van or upgrading your current setup, the Penthouse Top adds more than space—it adds possibility.”
Ready to Raise the Roof?
This isn’t just a roof that lifts. It’s a legacy that continues to rise with every road trip, every national park stop, and every memory made under the stars. With unmatched durability, thoughtful design, and over six decades of experience, the Sportsmobile Penthouse Pop Top isn’t just about more space, it’s about more freedom. Every Penthouse Top comes with a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty, along with a lifetime warranty against leaks, giving you the confidence to explore further and stay longer.