This post may contain affiliate links.
Sportsmobile is an established Class B RV manufacturers in the U.S. with a focus on custom camper van builds. The company got its start manufacturing camper vans in 1961 under the original name Sportswagons. It has come a long way since the ’60s, going from basic VW camper conversions to full-blown custom conversion vans on just about every chassis imaginable.
We were first introduced to the Sportsmobile brand through Sportsmobile West, which was founded by Alan and Liz Feld in 1989. In 2020, Sportsmobile West announced that they were no longer renewing their IP license with Sportsmobile. Those who fell in love with the brand through Sportsmobile West can follow the next chapter of the Feld family camper van legacy at Field Van.
Sportsmobile Locations
There are three Sportsmobile locations list on the contact page of the company’s website:
- Sportsmobile Texas in Austin
- Sportsmobile North in Hunginton, Indiana
- Sportsmobile Southwest in Mesa, Arizona
What happened to Sportsmobile West?
Sportsmobile West, founded by Alan and Liz Feld in 1989, was a key branch of the Sportsmobile brand, specializing in custom camper van builds for over three decades. On September 2, 2020, it was announced through the official press release below that Sportsmobile West would not be renewing its IP license with Sportsmobile.
SPORTSMOBILE WEST, INC.’s LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SPORTSMOBILE IP, INC., HAS ENDED
Sportsmobile West, Inc., remains open for business and will continue to manufacture vans to fulfill all existing backorders and customer contracts.
[FRESNO, CA September 2, 2020] — Sportsmobile West, Inc., has manufactured and sold recreational vans under a licensing agreement with Sportsmobile IP, Inc., for the past 30 years. Our license agreement has ended. As such, we will not be permitted to take any new orders to build vans for customers until July 1, 2021.
Sportsmobile West, Inc., remains open for business from our same business location at 3631 S. Bagley Avenue, Fresno, California 93725 and committed to all customers. We will fulfill all existing customer contracts and honor all warranties. Our talented production and crafts people will continue to build high-quality recreational vans for all existing customers that placed an order and made a deposit by June 30, 2020. Our service staff also stand ready to assist all customers with any repair and warranty work needed.
Alan and Liz Feld thank everyone for the past 30 years of fun, friendships and adventure with our company. Our outstanding team will be available to assist through this transition.
If you would like more information about this Press Release, please call Alan Feld at 559- 233-8267 or email him at alan@smbwest.com.
Sportsmobile West Factory Tour
In 2016, we got a chance to visit the Sportsmobile West factory in Fresno, California and take a tour with Jonathan Feld. Watch the video below for a in-depth look at how these custom camper vans are made. Plus you’ll get to see an original 1965 Sportsmobile VW pop-top campers on display.
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans
Van chassis Sportsmobile campers are built on:
- Chevy Express
- Ford Transit
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Ram ProMaster
How Much Does a Sportsmobile Cost?
The pricing page will give you an idea of what it would cost to build out your own Sportsmobile.
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans
Thorughout the years, we’ve toured quite a few Sportsmobile camper vans. Check out the videos below to see what a Sportsmobile van build looks like.
Classic 4×4 Prototype on Ford E-Series Cutaway Chassis
Sportsmobile 4×4 Sprinter with Penthouse Pop top
Sportsmobile 4×4 Sprinter High Roof
Wheelchair-Accessible Sportsmobile
For those who need a camper van that is wheelchair-accessible, you can work with Sportsmobile to create a custom van for your needs. Check out their website for examples of wheelchair-accessible conversions.
Sportsmobile Classic 4×4
One of the coolest options that Sportsmobile West offered was the Classic 4×4. This heavy duty 4×4 adventure van is built on a Ford cutaway chassis with a steel reinforced fiberglass shell. For those interested in the Classic 4×4, check out Field Van.
Features of the Classic 4×4:
- Built on the Ford E-Series Cutaway chassis
- GVWR 10,050 lbs
- Dynatrac Pro-Rock 60 Front Axle
- Advance Adapters Atlas II Gear Driven Transfer Case
- 2.0 Performance Series Shocks
- Ford F-550 Brake Rotors
Watch the Video Series About the Classic 4×4
The team at Sportsmobile West let us take out their Classic 4×4 for a week to get a taste of van life in a pop top and to share our experience.
Video 1: Learn About the Custom Four Wheel Drive System. Alan Feld explains the 4×4 system in more detail.
Video 2: See What It’s Like to Live Out of a Pop Top. We take the Classic 4×4 for a few days of Dispersed Camping near Mono Lake.
Video 3: Camping at Yosemite National Park in a Classic 4×4. We learn the bear rules when it comes to a pop top camper van.
Additional Resources
Join the Sportsmobile Owners Facebook Group
Class B RV Manufacturers – complete list of Class B manufacturers
Cost of Full Time Van Life Living – Monthly breakdowns Class B Van Life
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Life – answers to popular questions about van life
Hello Joe and Kait, I have a question about the Sportsmobile you guys were driving three years ago. My wife and I just bought an older Sportsmobile and you were talking about the rack that the rigid lightbar was attached to. I would like to get that rack for our Maxie (Sportsmobile). Do you know the name of the rack and where it can be purchased? Thanks, we met you guys at Overland East in 2021. I stood on the top of a Storyteller van with Kait.
Hey Dale – good to hear from you! I don’t know the name of the rack but I’d suggest calling Field Van who used to be Sportsmobile West and are still making the Classic. They’ll also be able to tell you which rack will work best on your Sportsmobile, especially if they’re the ones who originally made it.
I want a rv van conversion that has a pop up so I can store it in the garage of my home. Our HOA does not permit campers on the driveway or street so I have to have a unit that fits in half of my garage. You did a video on a Ford van conversion and you said they start at $75k. Who did the conversion and do they have a website! Send it to me please.
Thank you for your help.
Hi Larry. Sounds like you are referring to this Ford pop-top camper.
Hi Kait n Joe. I have been a fan since u both first was in a class A to currently staying in my favorite sportsmobile! My family is upstate NY n I m saving 4 a used sportsmobile. To bad the beast has too many miles on it. It would have been a great sportsmobile conversion. Have u both thought of purchasing a used sportsmobile? Take care, Rox
Thanks for being such a long time fan Roxanne! We do keep an eye out for used SMBs and have even checked out a few in person.