Turtle Top initially targeted the RV market, and it did well for about a decade. “The RV market in the late 1970s went through hard times and that is when the company transitioned into the shuttle bus design.” Richard Cripe, the nephew of Earnest who never seemed to lack inspiration, was a leader in developing the company as a shuttle bus manufacturer. The progression was natural.

Since its inception, Turtle Top has segued easily into a variety of markets, including school transportation, medical, and emergency markets. One of its most lucrative contract sectors today is government and municipal. The buses can be fitted for handicapped transportation and the high roof designs make it easy for folks of all heights to freely move about the vehicle.

About 15 years ago, Turtle Top began marketing to the limousine and livery industry, and today the timing couldn’t be better. The market has exploded for the limousine and Shuttle Bus industry in the last few years, and Turtle Top is one of the premier ground-up builders. Turtle Top starts with a variety of chassis manufacturers, including Ford, Chevrolet, and most recently Freightliner, to build the bus or coach from the drive train up. Operators can also choose between diesel or traditional gas-powered engines. The assembly line process begins with a welded steel roll cage, which looks like a giant rib cage encompassing the exterior. The floor is also steel, and the weight is distributed and transferred to the outer wall of the perimeter, which prevents the floor from sagging. Turtle Top also incorporates numerous standard vibration controls to ensure a smoother and safer ride for its passengers.