Manufacturers and Custom Builders Creating Multi Level RVs: Explore the companies, luxury brands, and experimental builders pushing RV design upward with rooftop decks and second floor layouts

Direct Answer

Only a small number of companies build multi level RVs today. Most examples come from custom RV builders, luxury motorhome manufacturers experimenting with rooftop decks, and concept vehicles showcased at RV trade shows. True two story RVs remain rare because of height regulations, structural challenges, and high production costs.

Quick Takeaways

1. Most multi level RVs are custom builds rather than mass produced vehicles.
2. Luxury motorhome brands often add rooftop decks instead of full second floors.
3. Trade show concepts frequently explore two story RV ideas that never reach production.
4. Height restrictions in many regions limit widespread adoption of multi level RV designs.
5. Custom builds with upper decks typically start well above six figures.

Introduction

Interest in the multi level RV has grown quickly in the past few years. Clients often ask whether a motorhome can realistically include a second floor, rooftop lounge, or elevated observation deck. After working with several luxury RV interior projects and collaborating with specialty builders, I can say the concept is technically possible, but rarely straightforward.

The biggest misconception is that manufacturers simply "haven't tried" building taller RVs. In reality, the constraints are practical: road height limits, weight distribution, and the complexity of building a stable structure on a moving chassis. That said, a handful of innovators are pushing the idea forward. Some are boutique builders creating custom vehicles for private clients, while others are luxury brands experimenting with rooftop deck systems.

If you're exploring vertical space solutions for mobile living, it helps to first understand how designers approach compact layouts. A good starting point is this guide showing how designers create smarter layouts using a step by step interactive 3D floor planning process for compact living spaces, which mirrors how RV interiors are often developed.

Below are the manufacturers, builders, and experimental concepts currently shaping the small but fascinating world of multi level RV design.

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Why Multi Level RV Designs Are Rare

Key Insight: Multi level RVs are rare primarily because highway height limits and vehicle stability create strict engineering constraints.

In most of the United States, the legal maximum vehicle height is around 13 feet 6 inches. Many Class A motorhomes already approach this limit, leaving very little vertical space for an additional level.

Designers therefore face a difficult tradeoff between comfort and compliance. Adding even a partial upper floor changes weight distribution and requires stronger structural framing.

Three major constraints shape the market:

1. Legal height restrictions — Bridges and tunnels define maximum vehicle clearance.
2. Structural integrity — A moving vehicle experiences vibration and torsion loads.
3. Center of gravity — Tall vehicles become less stable in wind or cornering.

The RV Industry Association consistently notes that safety regulations heavily influence RV architecture. This is why manufacturers more commonly explore expandable slide outs rather than vertical expansion.

Custom RV Builders Experimenting With Two Story Concepts

Key Insight: Most true two story RVs come from custom fabrication shops building one off vehicles for private clients.

Over the last decade, several specialty builders have experimented with stacked living spaces. These are rarely mass produced models. Instead, they are bespoke projects created for entertainers, race teams, or luxury travelers.

Examples of custom builders known for experimental designs include:

1. Space Craft Manufacturing — Known for extremely large luxury fifth wheels and custom structures.
2. Anderson Mobile Estates — Builds massive luxury motorhomes often used by film productions.
3. ShowHauler — Creates custom motorcoaches with observation decks and expanded loft areas.

In one project I reviewed during an industry design consultation, a client requested a raised lounge level above the master bedroom. The engineering solution resembled a split level interior rather than a full second story, which is a common compromise builders make.

When planning layouts like this, designers often begin with early spatial experiments using tools similar to a digital floor plan generator used for testing compact living layouts. This helps evaluate circulation paths and ceiling heights before fabrication begins.

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Luxury Motorhome Brands With Rooftop Deck Options

Key Insight: Rooftop decks are the most practical version of a multi level RV currently available in the luxury market.

Instead of building a full second floor, several premium motorhome manufacturers add accessible rooftop spaces. These areas function as outdoor lounges rather than enclosed living quarters.

Brands known for experimenting with rooftop decks include:

1. Marchi Mobile — Famous for futuristic luxury motorhomes with roof terraces.
2. Prevost conversion builders — Some custom conversions include deployable rooftop patios.
3. Volkner Mobil — High end motorhomes with extensive structural customization options.

The advantage of a rooftop deck is that it avoids permanent height increases while still creating a second usable level once parked.

Typical rooftop deck features include:

1. Foldable safety railings
2. Exterior lounge seating
3. Outdoor entertainment systems
4. Observation areas for scenic travel stops

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Showcase Concepts From RV Trade Shows

Key Insight: Trade show concept vehicles often reveal the most ambitious two story RV ideas, though many never reach production.

Major events like the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon and the Florida RV SuperShow frequently debut experimental designs.

Concept vehicles often test:

1. Pop up second floors
2. Convertible rooftop living rooms
3. Elevating sleeping loft modules

These designs help manufacturers gauge consumer interest before committing to full production lines.

One interesting pattern I have noticed reviewing concept vehicles is that designers increasingly treat the RV roof as a usable architectural surface rather than dead space.

Cost Range for Custom Multi Level RV Builds

Key Insight: Building a multi level RV typically costs significantly more than purchasing a conventional motorhome.

Custom vertical designs require structural reinforcement, custom fabrication, and extensive safety engineering.

Typical cost ranges look like this:

1. Luxury motorhome with rooftop deck conversion: $500,000 to $1 million
2. Fully custom double deck motorcoach: $1 million to $3 million+
3. Concept level experimental builds: often confidential or prototype budgets

Another hidden cost many buyers overlook is interior planning complexity. Designing circulation paths across multiple levels inside a narrow vehicle is far more challenging than traditional home layouts.

Many builders prototype these interiors digitally using systems similar to a virtual room layout simulator for testing furniture placement and circulationbefore manufacturing begins.

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Future Trends in Vertical RV Design

Key Insight: The future of the multi level RV will likely rely on expandable or transformable architecture rather than permanently tall vehicles.

Based on trends emerging in concept vehicles and custom builds, several design directions are becoming more realistic.

Promising innovations include:

1. Hydraulic lifting roofs that create temporary second floors when parked
2. Pop up observation lounges integrated into the roofline
3. Deployable rooftop terraces with modular furniture systems
4. Lightweight composite structures reducing weight penalties

European caravan manufacturers are especially active in this space, experimenting with collapsible roof modules that expand upward only when stationary.

Answer Box

Multi level RVs exist today mainly as custom luxury builds or experimental concepts. Rooftop decks are currently the most practical solution because they provide an additional usable level without violating road height limits.

Final Summary

1. True two story RVs are rare due to road height restrictions.
2. Most multi level RVs are custom built for luxury clients.
3. Rooftop decks are the most common vertical expansion.
4. Trade show concepts reveal future design possibilities.
5. Expandable roofs may define the next generation of RV design.

FAQ

Who builds double decker RVs?

A few custom builders such as Space Craft Manufacturing and Anderson Mobile Estates have created double deck style RVs, usually as one off luxury projects.

Are multi level RVs legal to drive?

Yes, but they must stay within regional vehicle height limits, typically around 13 feet 6 inches in the United States.

Do any manufacturers sell a luxury motorhome with second floor?

Very few production models exist. Most luxury motorhomes instead offer rooftop deck systems rather than enclosed second floors.

How much does a multi level RV cost?

Custom builds often range from $500,000 to over $3 million depending on size, engineering complexity, and interior luxury level.

Are rooftop deck RVs safe?

When properly engineered with reinforced framing and safety railings, rooftop decks can be safe when used while the vehicle is parked.

Can you add a rooftop deck to an existing RV?

Some custom fabricators can retrofit decks, but structural reinforcement and weight considerations make this a specialized project.

Why aren't two story RVs more common?

Height limits, stability concerns, and high manufacturing costs make large scale production difficult.

Are there concept vehicles showing a two story RV design?

Yes. Several RV trade shows have displayed concept vehicles exploring pop up second floors and rooftop living spaces.

References

RV Industry Association

Caravan Salon Düsseldorf Exhibitor Reports

Luxury Motorhome Manufacturer Publications

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Meta Title: Manufacturers Creating Multi Level RV Designs

Meta Description: Discover manufacturers, custom builders, and luxury brands experimenting with multi level RV designs, rooftop decks, and two story motorhome concepts.

Meta Keywords: multi level RV manufacturers, who builds double decker rvs, custom rv with rooftop deck builders, luxury motorhome with second floor, two story rv concept vehicles