Sportsmobile
Sportsmobile is a US custom Class B camper van conversion company founded in 1961, converting Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Chevy Express chassis into bespoke adventure, family, and mobility vans sold direct-to-consumer from three production facilities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1961
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Sportsmobile does
Sportsmobile is a US custom Class B camper van conversion company founded in 1961 (originally as Sportswagons in El Paso, Texas) and now headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company converts four chassis platforms — Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster (formerly Dodge), and Chevy Express — into bespoke camper vans, with customers selecting floor plans, interior systems, and exterior options including the patented Penthouse pop-top elevating roof. Technical differentiators include a dual-U-tube spring-loaded Penthouse mechanism (the only Mercedes-Benz-approved pop-top for low-roof Sprinter models), cork/wool extreme-weather insulation, lithium battery systems (in use since 2012), and all-electric conversion configurations. The company is RVIA-certified for 50+ years and FMVSS/DOT compliant, with a 3-year/36,000-mile conversion warranty.
The business model is build-to-order direct-to-consumer sales through three company-owned production facilities (Huntington, IN; Gold Canyon, AZ; Austin, TX) plus a licensed operator (Sportsmobile West, established 1990), supported by nationwide delivery. Complete new builds on customer-supplied or company-procured chassis range from approximately $90,000 to $145,000+, with conversion-only work priced at $40,000–$80,000+. A $4,000 deposit initiates a 6–12 month build. Revenue is generated from custom conversions, new and pre-owned van sales, RV financing facilitation, and a growing B2B channel supplying rental fleet partners (AltCamp, Adventure Wheels, Travellers Autobarn, Campervan North America, Moterra Campervans). Customer segments span adventure enthusiasts, families, retirees, digital nomads, and mobility/accessibility buyers.
Sportsmobile is privately held with no disclosed parent or external funding. Co-founder Charles Borskey (1961) remains with the company. Operations span a single country (United States) with an estimated 11–50 employees.
Sportsmobile firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sportsmobile
- Legal name
- Sportsmobile SIP
- Website
- https://sportsmobile.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1961
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Sportsmobile is a US custom Class B camper van conversion company founded in 1961, converting Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Chevy Express chassis into bespoke adventure, family, and mobility vans sold direct-to-consumer from three production facilities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sportsmobile industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Class B Camper Van Conversions
- NAICS
- Motor Home Manufacturing (336213)
- SIC
- Motor Homes (3716)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Recreational Vehicle (RV) Bodies & Towables Manufacturing (IMACAGAJ)
Keywords
Where Sportsmobile is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Sportsmobile business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Custom Van Conversions: Full custom camper van conversions on customer-supplied or company-procured van chassis. Customers select floor plans, interior options, exterior features, and systems. Conversion costs typically range from $40,000 to $80,000+ depending on options selected. This is the primary revenue stream and core business activity.
- Van Sales (New and Pre-Owned): Sales of new stock and pre-owned Sportsmobile-converted vans. New builds on Sprinter and Transit chassis range from approximately $90,000 to $145,000+. Pre-owned inventory includes various models and years at different price points.
- RV Financing Services: Recreational vehicle financing offered through dealers, covering both van chassis and conversion costs. RV financing offers up to 90% of total cost with minimum 10% down, terms up to 20 years, with potential tax deduction benefits.
- Penthouse Top Installation: Separate Penthouse pop-top roof installations available for customers who already own a suitable van. Popular option installed by appointment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Build Deposit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Mercedes Sprinter Base Van |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Ford Transit Base Van |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Full Sportsmobile Conversion |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Complete New Build Pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Sportsmobile product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sportsmobile specializes in custom Class B camper van conversions built on Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Dodge ProMaster, and Chevy Express chassis. Each conversion is tailored to customer specifications with selectable floor plans, interior systems, exterior features, and the patented Penthouse pop-top elevating roof. The company operates three company-owned production facilities in Indiana, Arizona, and Texas (principal office), plus a licensed West operation, with conversion costs typically ranging from $40,000 to $80,000+ and complete new builds from $90,000 to $145,000+.
Product overview
Sportsmobile is a custom Class B camper van conversion company founded in 1961, offering bespoke conversions on Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Chevy Express chassis. The company's core product is its custom camper van conversion service, where customers work with conversion experts to design interior layouts using various floor plans and extensive options including the patented Penthouse Top pop-up roof system. The Standard Equipment Package provides the foundation interior (insulation, flooring, lighting, electrical, refrigeration), while customers can add modules like upgraded seating/beds, bathrooms, kitchens, solar panels, heating/cooling systems, exterior options, and specialty mobility conversions. All-electric conversion options are available, and the company manufactures vans for rental fleet operators. Sportsmobile operates three locations (North, Southwest, Texas) and backs conversions with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Mercedes Sprinter Conversions Custom Class B camper van conversions built on Mercedes Sprinter chassis, available in three lengths (RB 144", EB 170", LB Extended) and two roof heights. Features include AWD, diesel engine, and proven off-road capability. Sportsmobile is the only manufacturer authorized by Mercedes-Benz to partially remove the Sprinter roof and install a pop-top on RB low roof models.
- Ford Transit Conversions Custom Class B camper van conversions built on Ford Transit chassis, available in three lengths (130", 148", 148" Extended) with Low, Medium, and High roof options. Features gas engine, large service network, and optional AWD Trail off-road package with lift and all-terrain tires.
- Ram ProMaster Conversions Custom Class B camper van conversions built on Ram ProMaster (formerly Dodge ProMaster) chassis, featuring wide body design, front wheel drive, best-in-class turning radius, and gas engine in three lengths.
- Chevy Express Conversions Custom Class B camper van conversions built on Chevrolet Express chassis, featuring frame chassis construction, ground clearance, proven reliability, and available in EB and LB lengths with 2WD and 4WD options.
- Penthouse Top Pop-Top Elevating Roof Patented pop-top elevating roof system available for all van models and as a standalone installation on customer-owned vans. Raises full-level (not slanted) to provide additional headroom and sleeping space upstairs, featuring dual U-tube spring-loaded mechanism, optional electric motor operation, and capacity to support up to 400 lbs on the bed.
- Mobility Vans (Wheelchair-Accessible Conversions) Specialized wheelchair-accessible van conversions featuring Braun lifts (UVL, Tri-Fold, Bi-Fold), ceiling track systems, folding platform beds, hand rail systems, zero-entry showers, and interior customization for individual accessibility needs. Targeted at customers with mobility challenges.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3-year/36,000-mile warranty unmatched in the industry for conversion quality
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Sportsmobile
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Sportsmobile technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature4 records
Sportsmobile partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- AltCampcoreRental partnership where AltCamp offers Sportsmobile-converted camper vans for rent, providing customers an opportunity to experience the vehicles before purchasing. Sportsmobile manufactures the vans while AltCamp handles the rental business.
- Adventure WheelscoreRental company offering Sportsmobile-converted vans for rent, targeting adventure travelers and those seeking campervan experiences.
- Travellers AutobarncoreBudget-friendly campervan rental company offering Sportsmobile conversions with unlimited free miles for road trips including LA to San Francisco routes.
- Campervan North AmericacorePremium European-style campervan rentals serving Jackson Hole, Las Vegas, Seattle, Denver, and Bozeman areas. Fleet features customized Sportsmobile designs.
- Moterra CampervanscoreOne of the only companies renting Sportsmobile-built 4X4 Sprinters. Locations include San Francisco, Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, and Whitefish. Offers itinerary planning services and insider destination guides.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Sportsmobile competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Winnebago: Public RV conglomerate (Revel, Travato, Solis Class B lines) building on the same Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit chassis as Sportsmobile. Overlapping Class B product with much broader portfolio (motorhomes, travel trailers, marine).
- Thor Industries / Airstream: Thor-owned Airstream builds the Interstate and Atlas Class B motorhomes on Mercedes Sprinter chassis. A scaled public-company incumbent whose Class B portfolio overlaps Sportsmobile's premium end.
- Coachmen RV / Forest River: Forest River subsidiary producing Class B vans (Beyond, Nova, Galleria) on Sprinter chassis. Competes in the same end market but with more standardized layouts and dealer-driven distribution.
Direct peers
- Storyteller Overland: Birmingham, AL-based custom Class B upfitter focused on Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 adventure vans. Targets the same off-grid adventure-traveler buyer with a venture-backed, D2C-led brand model and shorter standardized build menus than Sportsmobile.
- Outside Van: Oregon-based custom Sprinter and Transit conversion specialist competing directly for the same premium adventure-travel buyer. Similar build-to-order model, factory-direct sales, and 4x4 capability focus.
- VanDOit: Missouri-based custom van conversion company building on Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter chassis with modular, configurable layouts. Directly comparable product offering and price band to Sportsmobile's customization model.
- Advanced RV: Ohio-based custom Sprinter conversion shop with a build quality and price band very similar to Sportsmobile. Competes for the same premium, mostly-retiree buyer with full custom interiors and similar long lead times.
Emerging players
- Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo: Mercedes' factory-built compact camper based on the V-Class Marco Polo platform. Smaller and more limited than Sportsmobile's Sprinter-based conversions, but represents an OEM threat at the entry premium end.
- Leavittlake Conversions / Benchmark Vehicles: Boutique custom Sprinter upfitters in the same premium Class B segment as Sportsmobile, serving similar outdoor-adventure buyers with similar build-to-order models.
Others
- Moterra Campervans: Sportsmobile's own rental channel partner (Sportsmobile-built 4x4 Sprinters rented in SF, Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, Whitefish). Functions as both a customer acquisition funnel for Sportsmobile and a competitive rental brand.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Sportsmobile social profiles
Digital presenceSportsmobile compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Sportsmobile financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sportsmobile leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Sportsmobile subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Sportsmobile funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sportsmobile M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sportsmobile
What does Sportsmobile do?
Sportsmobile specializes in custom Class B camper van conversions built on Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Dodge ProMaster, and Chevy Express chassis. Each conversion is tailored to customer specifications with selectable floor plans, interior systems, exterior features, and the patented Penthouse pop-top elevating roof. The company operates three company-owned production facilities in Indiana, Arizona, and Texas (principal office), plus a licensed West operation, with conversion costs typically ranging from $40,000 to $80,000+ and complete new builds from $90,000 to $145,000+.
Is Sportsmobile a public or private company?
Sportsmobile is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sportsmobile founded?
Sportsmobile was founded in 1961. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Sportsmobile based?
Sportsmobile is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sportsmobile make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Custom Van Conversions are the primary driver. The others are van Sales (New and Pre-Owned), RV Financing Services and penthouse Top Installation.
Who are Sportsmobile's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Winnebago, Thor Industries / Airstream and Coachmen RV / Forest River. Direct peers are Storyteller Overland, Outside Van, VanDOit and Advanced RV. Emerging players are Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo and Leavittlake Conversions / Benchmark Vehicles. Moterra Campervans is listed as an others.
Does Sportsmobile have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sportsmobile.
What industry is Sportsmobile in?
Sportsmobile's product category is Class B Camper Van Conversions. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAGAJ, Recreational Vehicle (RV) Bodies & Towables Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 336213 and its SIC code is 3716.