Bush Specialty Vehicles

What Bush Specialty Vehicles does

Bush Specialty Vehicles, Inc. is a privately held specialty vehicle upfitter founded in 1971 and headquartered in Wilmington, Ohio. The company designs, fabricates, and equips custom vans and trucks for mobile commercial applications, operating manufacturing facilities in Wilmington, OH and Las Vegas, NV to serve customers across all 50 U.S. states. Its core product lines include mobile tire and oil change vans, refrigerated vans and trucks (FSMA-compliant with Thermo King refrigeration), mobile command and SWAT vehicles, mobile gaming and showroom trucks, pet grooming vans, and tool trucks — the latter being the company's original business since 1971.

The company differentiates through in-house capabilities spanning metal fabrication, custom woodwork, painting, decaling, refrigeration installation, and OEM equipment integration. It holds several patent-pending proprietary systems, including the Transformer-Track interchangeable pallet system for multi-service reconfiguration in under 10 minutes, the SO-240/SO-440/TO-440 mobile oil change platforms, the Clean Oil Drain Plug, and a Vacuum Regulator enabling no-drain-pan oil changes in under 12 minutes. Tier-1 equipment partnerships with Hunter Engineering, Thermo King, Vanair, and AGA Products, combined with chassis sourcing from Ford, Mercedes-Benz (including e-Sprinter), Freightliner, and RAM, allow the company to deliver turnkey builds across vehicle platforms.

Bush Specialty Vehicles generates revenue through custom one-time vehicle sales and upfitting contracts, sale of new and used specialty chassis (with or without upfits), and recurring lease-to-own financing programs offered through the affiliated Bush Truck Leasing entity. Its go-to-market is sales-led, primarily direct via website, phone, and credit-application forms, with dealer and franchise programs for volume customers. The company operates as part of the broader Bush family of companies, which includes Bush Truck Leasing, Bush Refrigerated Vans, and PTG Logistics, enabling combined upfit-plus-financing-plus-logistics offerings.

Name

Bush Specialty Vehicles

Legal name

Bush Specialty Vehicles, Inc.

Website

https://bushspecialtyvehicles.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Bush Specialty Vehicles, founded 1971 in Wilmington, Ohio, designs and builds custom specialty vehicles — including mobile tire vans, oil change systems, refrigerated trucks, and command vehicles — for SMB, franchise, and enterprise customers nationwide from facilities in Ohio and Las Vegas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Vehicle Manufacturing & Upfitting

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing (3361), Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (33639)

SIC

Truck & Bus Bodies (3713), Truck Trailers (3715)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Vehicle Body Manufacturing (Emergency/Military/Mobile Clinics) (IMACAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialty Utility & Maintenance Vehicle Manufacturing (Street Sweepers/Vacuum Trucks) (IMACAFAI)

Keywords

• Specialty vehicle upfitting
• Mobile service vans
• Refrigerated truck manufacturing
• Mobile command vehicles
• Custom truck fabrication

Headquarters

HQ city

Wilmington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Vehicle Upfitting: Design, build and upfit specialty vehicles including mobile tire vans, oil change vans, refrigerated vans, command vehicles, gaming trucks, tool trucks, and more. Custom builds tailored to customer specifications with comprehensive interior and exterior modifications.
2. Vehicle Sales: Sale of new and used specialty vehicles including Ford Transits, Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, RAM Promasters, Freightliner stepvans, and box trucks. Vehicles available with or without upfits.
3. Lease-to-Own Financing: Flexible lease-to-own programs for specialty vehicles enabling customers to acquire vehicles with financing terms.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Bush Specialty Vehicles designs, manufactures, and up-fits custom specialty vehicles — including mobile tire vans, mobile oil change vans, refrigerated vans/trucks/trailers, mobile command and SWAT vehicles, mobile showrooms, gaming trucks, and tool trucks — for commercial and government customers nationwide. The company provides complete in-house customization (metal fabrication, custom woodwork, refrigeration, decaling, technology integration) on OEM chassis from Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, and RAM, and offers vehicles for purchase or via lease-to-own financing with delivery across all 50 U.S. states.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mobile Tire Vans Custom up-fitted vans equipped with integrated tire changing, wheel balancing, and tire repair equipment (Hunter Engineering TC39 tire changer and SmartWeight Pro wheel balancer) for mobile tire service providers. Configured on Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Freightliner MT45/P1000 stepvan, and RAM Promaster chassis.
• Mobile Oil Change Vans Self-contained mobile oil change vans built around Bush proprietary SO-240 (2x20-gallon tanks, 10-gallon waste containment) or SO-440 (4x10-gallon tanks, 40-gallon waste containment) systems, enabling oil evacuation through the dipstick tube in under 12 minutes per vehicle with no spill risk. Built on Ford Transit and other OEM chassis.
• Mobile Tire & Oil Change Combo Vans (TO-440 System) Combined mobile tire and oil change vans integrating the Bush TO-440 system (40-gallon total oil capacity) with Hunter Engineering TC39 tire changer and SmartWeight Pro wheel balancer, enabling a single van to deliver both mobile tire service and mobile oil change services.
• Refrigerated Vans, Trucks & Trailers FSMA-compliant refrigerated and freezer transport vans, trucks, and trailers with Thermo King refrigeration, electric standby option, and proven durability (4+ years, 240,000+ miles). Configured on multiple OEM chassis for cold-chain food, beverage, and pharmaceutical customers.
• Mobile Command & First Responder Vehicles Custom mobile command centers for police, SWAT, and emergency response operations, equipped with communications, surveillance, computer/technology, and full interior up-fits for incident command and tactical deployment.
• Non-Armored Stealth SWAT Trucks Discrete, cost-effective non-armored SWAT trucks built for law enforcement tactical operations, designed to provide low-profile appearance with full tactical equipment integration.
• Tool Trucks
• Mobile Gaming Trucks & Trailers Mobile gaming trucks and trailers equipped with high-end screens, gaming stations, power generation, climate control, and audio/visual systems for esports tournaments, mobile gaming events, and corporate entertainment.
• Mobile Showroom Vehicles Fully branded mobile showroom vehicles with audio/visual systems, product displays, transaction capabilities, party van configurations, and stereo/gaming options for trade shows, product launches, mobile retail, and promotional events.
• Mobile Tire Stepvans Stepvan-configured mobile tire service vehicles built on Freightliner MT45 and P1000 platforms for higher-capacity mobile tire service applications.
• Mobile Oil Caddy System (SO-240) Self-contained caddy-style mobile oil change system with 2 tanks x 20 gallons (40-gallon capacity) and 10-gallon waste containment. Designed for deployment in service vans with the Bush Mobile Evacuation Oil Change System.
• Mobile Service Vans Custom up-fitted service vans for general mobile service applications including home services (e.g., Homesmiles), pet grooming/veterinary services, and craft/event services, with configurable interior work stations, shelving, and equipment mounting.
• Mobile Dog Grooming Vans Custom mobile pet grooming vans with built-in grooming equipment, water systems, climate control, and animal-comfort-focused interiors for mobile pet grooming and veterinary service operators.
• Transformer-Track Inter-changeable Pallet System Patent-pending inter-changeable pallet tracking system allowing a single mobile service van to be reconfigured between multiple service setups via pallet-mounted equipment loaded/unloaded with a pallet loader and guided into place with a built-in roller system. Reconfiguration can be completed in under 10 minutes by a 2-person team.
• Specialty Vehicle Sales (New & Used) with Lease-to-Own Financing Sale of new and used specialty vehicles including Ford Transits, Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, RAM Promasters, Freightliner stepvans, and box trucks, available with or without up-fits. Lease-to-own financing program available with flexible terms through sister company Bush Truck Leasing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Oil changes can be completed in under 12 minutes for most cars and light duty trucks
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, primary and secondary.

• Bush Truck LeasingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Bush family of companies providing truck lease programs for Independent Contractors, franchisees and businesses. Enables complete transportation solutions including vehicle acquisition financing.
• Bush Refrigerated VanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Bush family of companies focused on sales, leasing and rental of refrigerated vans and trucks. Synergistic operations with BSV upfitting services.
• PTG LogisticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Bush family of companies providing dedicated 3PL and home delivery services. Enables end-to-end transportation and logistics solutions.
• Hunter EngineeringprimaryTechnology or IntegrationEquipment supplier for tire changers (TC39) and wheel balancers (SmartWeight Pro, SmartWeight Pro OO). Provides world-leading tire service equipment integrated into BSV mobile tire vans.
• Thermo KingprimaryTechnology or IntegrationPreferred supplier of reefer (refrigeration) options for temperature control in refrigerated vans and trucks. FSMA-compliant solutions.
• VanairprimaryTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of inverter/air compressor systems including 6KW Vanair inverter with battery system, 20 CFM compressor systems, and battery management systems for mobile service vehicles.
• Ranger (Ranger Equipment)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of slide-out drawer toolboxes (5048, 60-inch, 36-inch, 30-inch modules) and storage solutions for mobile service vehicles.
• AGA Products (Clean Oil)primaryTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of Clean Oil remote pump systems and Clean Oil Change Tools used in BSV proprietary oil change systems.
• Ford Motor CompanyprimaryTechnology or IntegrationVehicle OEM supplier providing Ford Transit, Transit Connect, and Transit T350 platforms for upfitting. Dual rear wheel configurations available.
• Mercedes-BenzprimaryTechnology or IntegrationVehicle OEM supplier providing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500, 3500, and e-Sprinter platforms including super single configurations and extended length options.
• Freightliner (Daimler)primaryTechnology or IntegrationVehicle OEM supplier providing Freightliner MT45 and P1000 stepvan platforms for larger mobile service applications.
• RAM (Stellantis)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationVehicle OEM supplier providing RAM Promaster platforms for refrigerated and service van applications.
• SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)secondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry trade association membership providing industry visibility, networking, and credibility in specialty vehicle market.
• TIA (Tire Industry Association)secondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry trade association membership providing industry visibility, networking, and credibility in tire and automotive service industry.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Ranger Design: Ranger Design manufactures modular van shelving, storage, and upfit solutions for commercial fleets in North America. Comparable as a complementary/competing upfit supplier that BSV integrates (Ranger slide-out drawer toolboxes).

Direct peers

• Auto Truck Group: Auto Truck Group specializes in commercial vehicle upfitting including service bodies, utility bodies, liftgates, and mobile service vehicle builds. Directly competes with BSV in the custom upfit segment for fleet operators.
• Masterack (Leggett & Platt): Masterack, a Leggett & Platt business, designs and installs commercial van interiors, shelving, racks, and upfit solutions for service fleets. Closely comparable to BSV's van interior upfitting and storage solutions.
• The Knapheide Manufacturing Company: Knapheide is a leading manufacturer of truck bodies, upfits, and commercial vehicle solutions including service bodies, utility bodies, and platform bodies. Directly comparable to BSV's specialty vehicle upfitting and body fabrication across multiple commercial vehicle platforms.
• Supreme Industries: Supreme Industries manufactures specialized commercial vehicles including refrigerated bodies, service bodies, and mobile specialty units. Directly comparable to BSV in serving mobile service, refrigerated, and specialty vehicle end markets with custom builds.
• Reading Truck Group: Reading Truck designs, manufactures, and installs truck bodies, utility bodies, and van upfits for commercial fleets. Highly comparable to BSV's upfitting and customization services across light- and medium-duty commercial platforms.
• Morgan Olson: Morgan Olson designs and manufactures walk-in step vans and purpose-built delivery vehicles for parcel, beverage, and mobile service applications. Highly comparable to BSV's stepvan and mobile service upfitting business on Freightliner and similar chassis.
• Utilimaster (The Shyft Group): Utilimaster, part of Shyft Group, manufactures custom delivery and specialty vehicles including walk-in vans, refrigerated bodies, and last-mile fleet solutions. Closely comparable to BSV's refrigerated vans, mobile service vehicles, and stepvan upfitting on similar chassis.

Broad incumbents

• Wabash National: Wabash National is a large diversified manufacturer of trailers, truck bodies, and specialty transportation equipment. Comparable as a broader incumbent in commercial vehicle body and trailer manufacturing, though larger and more diversified than BSV.
• Strick Trailers / Federal Signal (Specialty Vehicles): Federal Signal's specialty vehicle businesses (including former subsidiaries) manufacture mobile command, public safety, and specialty vehicles. Comparable as a larger incumbent in mobile command/SWAT and first responder upfits where BSV also competes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BushSpecialty
• Facebookfacebook.com/bushspecialty

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bush Specialty Vehicles