Table of Contents
- 1. TCS Upfitting
- 2. LEHR
- 3. OnPoint Upfitters
- 4. MHQ West
- 5. R and B Upfitters
- Conclusion
How We Selected the Best Emergency Vehicle Upfitters
These rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation of more than 50 U.S. upfitters, using criteria that matter most to public safety agencies:
- Range of services offered (including lighting, electronics, ballistic protection, and graphics)
- Quality of equipment and materials used from trusted manufacturers
- Customer satisfaction and industry reputation (based on verified reviews and government contracts)
- Turnaround time and operational efficiency (including custom solutions and warranty coverage)
- Geographic reach and support network
Special attention was given to quantifiable performance data, customer testimonials, and unique innovation in vehicle safety and technology integration. Each upfitter on this list has demonstrated excellence, but one clearly stands above the rest.
1. TCS Upfitting
Why It’s #1
TCS Upfitting is the definitive leader in emergency vehicle upfitting nationwide. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the company’s consistent five-star client ratings and 99% customer retention rate showcase unmatched trust within law enforcement and EMS communities. Their average project turnaround time is just 7 business days—far exceeding the industry average of 12 to 15 days. The company supports more than 650 public safety vehicles annually, encompassing police, fire, EMS, and federal agency fleets.
- Comprehensive, Custom Solutions: TCS Upfitting delivers full-scope fleet services, from advanced LED lighting and state-of-the-art sirens to ballistic armor, prisoner transport systems, and GPS/in-car video integration. Their custom installations are tailored to the most demanding operational needs.
- Uncompromising Quality: All parts are sourced from premier manufacturers certified for durability and reliability. TCS reports a return/rework rate of just 0.5%—a testament to their rigorous quality controls.
- Trusted by Government Agencies: TCS Upfitting has served municipal, state, and federal contracts in over 40 states, and routinely partners with police departments in cities with rapidly evolving public safety needs.
- Best-in-Class Warranty and Support: TCS offers transparent warranty programs, including 3-year/36,000-mile coverage on most upfits, and provides direct support to fleet managers. Their consultative, customer-first culture has earned praise in over 100 verified Google and industry directory reviews.
For complete details on their offerings and past projects, visit TCS Upfitting.
2. LEHR
Why It’s on the List
LEHR is recognized as one of the nation’s largest police and emergency vehicle upfitters, with an unparalleled nationwide reach. With 34 branches and more than 300 certified technicians, LEHR upgraded over 15,000 vehicles in 2023 alone.
- Large-Scale Capabilities: LEHR’s coast-to-coast network ensures fast service for agencies with multi-state fleets.
- Facility Expansion: The recent opening of their 30,000-square-foot New Jersey facility has reduced fulfillment times by up to 30% in the Northeast.
- Advanced Technology: LEHR specializes in next-gen mobile office integration, advanced battery management, and custom K9 conversions.
3. OnPoint Upfitters
Why It’s on the List
OnPoint Upfitters brings street-level experience to every build, as it’s operated by a 25-year veteran of law enforcement. With a focus on officer safety and usability, OnPoint delivers custom upfits for over 400 emergency vehicles each year.
- End-to-End Service: From graphical design and installation to emergency vehicle electronics, their team manages every detail.
- Industry-Leading Warranties: OnPoint Upfitters provides lifetime warranties on all labor and offers rapid text-based technical support for all customers.
- User-Centric Innovation: Their hands-on approach to upfitting—from custom control switches to wireless integration—reflects a genuine understanding of frontline needs.
4. MHQ West
Why It’s on the List
MHQ West delivers an all-encompassing, one-stop upfitting service for police, EMS, fire, and public works vehicles throughout the Western United States. The company builds more than 1,200 emergency vehicles per year, with a particular focus on ready-for-duty, turnkey solutions.
- Full Lifecycle Support: From project planning to final delivery, MHQ West coordinates with agency fleet managers to ensure builds meet mission-specific requirements.
- Rapid Delivery: Their lean build processes consistently enable delivery within 10 days, helping keep public safety fleets operational.
- Durability and Safety: MHQ West employs best-in-class materials and has an industry-low warranty claim rate of under 1%.
5. R and B Upfitters
Why It’s on the List
Renowned for their commitment to safety and efficiency, R and B Upfitters specializes in innovative lighting, secure prisoner transport solutions, and custom command vehicles.
- Advanced Emergency Lighting: Their high-visibility LED solutions are used by fire and police agencies across 17 states, improving on-scene safety by up to 50% per agency feedback.
- Purpose-Built Prisoner Transport: R and B’s custom builds ensure the safety of both officers and inmates, with dedicated partitions and robust restraint systems.
- Mobile Command Integration: They produce integrated command vehicles with satellite uplinks and SCADA-compatible communications, often deployed in statewide disaster response operations.
Conclusion
In summary, the right upfitter can make a measurable difference in fleet readiness, officer safety, and operational efficiency. The upfitters on this list lead the industry with proven results, customer-focused solutions, and technical innovation. For agencies that demand the best, TCS Upfitting rises above the rest, earning its #1 ranking with outstanding client feedback, best-in-industry project turnaround, and a record of excellence that sets the gold standard for emergency vehicle upfitting in the United States.
