American Expedition Vehicles

What American Expedition Vehicles does

American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is a privately held, founder-led manufacturer of off-road vehicle conversions and aftermarket parts headquartered in Wixom, Michigan. Founded in 1997 and led by President Dave Harriton, the company engineers turn-key adventure vehicle builds and component systems across 13 platforms including Jeep Wrangler (JL350/JL370), Gladiator (JT350/JT370), Chevrolet Colorado, Silverado 1500 and HD, GMC Canyon, Sierra 1500 and HD, Ford Super Duty (FXL), and Ram HD (Prospector, Prospector XL, Tray Bed, Cab Chassis). Its proprietary technology stack centers on frequency-tuned DualSport RT/XP/SC suspension systems with custom-tuned Bilstein shocks, stamped steel bumpers, HighMark fender flares, proprietary wheel designs, snorkel kits, and integrated skid plates — all developed and assembled at the Wixom facility with serialized VIN plates and exclusive AEV branding on every build.

AEV's core technology differentiator is an OE-level systems integration approach: rather than selling standalone aftermarket parts, the company engineers components to operate as a tested package, eliminating compatibility and tuning guesswork for buyers. Its parts and accessories catalog (suspension, bumpers, lighting via Baja Designs, winches via COMEUP, BFGoodrich tires, recovery gear) is sold both direct-to-consumer through a Shopify-powered e-commerce site and through a US-wide authorized dealer network. A separate commercial dealership channel supports Prospector XL Cab Chassis builds for fleet and expedition work applications, supplemented by preferred-partner integrations with Blissmobil, Truck House, AT Overland, and Overland EX.

The company monetizes through three streams: custom vehicle builds ($12,449-$25,999 starting package prices, one-time hardware sales), aftermarket parts and accessories sold via DTC and dealer channels, and a Certified Pre-Owned program for resale of factory-inspected AEV vehicles. Customer segments are predominantly enthusiast consumers (off-road adventurers, overlanders, expedition travelers) with a growing commercial fleet vector. Marketing relies on the company website (Build & Price configurator), earned media in automotive outlets, Instagram (@AEVCONVERSIONS), email/newsletter, and trade event presence (SEMA). The company is privately held with no disclosed external investors.

Name

American Expedition Vehicles

Legal name

American Expedition Vehicles

Website

https://aev-conversions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

American Expedition Vehicles is a privately held Wixom, Michigan-based manufacturer of turn-key off-road vehicle conversions and aftermarket parts, engineering OE-level integrated suspension, bumper, and wheel systems across 13 platforms including Jeep, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Ram for enthusiast and commercial expedition customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Wixom

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Vehicle Builds: AEV sells turn-key custom off-road vehicles built on Jeep, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Ram platforms. Customers can custom-build vehicles through the website's Build & Price tool or purchase pre-built models from dealer inventory. Revenue is generated through one-time vehicle sales with various package configurations ranging from JL350 ($14,424) to Prospector XL ($24,399).
2. Aftermarket Parts & Accessories: AEV sells individual off-road parts and accessories including suspension systems, bumpers, wheels, lighting, recovery gear, and service parts through their e-commerce platform and dealer network. Products are designed for specific vehicle platforms (Jeep, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Ram, Toyota/Lexus).
3. Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales: AEV operates a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program, selling inspected and certified pre-owned AEV-built vehicles with warranty coverage.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AEV designs, engineers, and manufactures turn-key custom off-road vehicle conversions on Jeep, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Ram platforms, and sells a full line of proprietary aftermarket parts (suspension, bumpers, wheels, lighting, snorkels, recovery gear, fender flares, skid plates). All vehicles are built at the Wixom, Michigan headquarters with serialized VIN plates and exclusive AEV branding. Products are sold direct-to-consumer online and through an authorized US dealer network.

Product overview

American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is an off-road parts manufacturer and custom vehicle builder offering a dual portfolio of pre-built conversion vehicles and aftermarket parts/accessories. The pre-built vehicle lineup includes JL350/JL370 (Jeep Wrangler), JT350/JT370 (Jeep Gladiator), Colorado ZR2/ZR2 Bison, Silverado 1500 ZR2/ZR2 Bison, Silverado HD ZR2/ZR2 Bison, Canyon AT4X/AT4X AEV Edition, Sierra 1500 AT4X/AT4X AEV Edition, Sierra HD AT4X/AT4X AEV Edition, FXL (Ford Super Duty), Prospector and Prospector XL (Ram HD), and specialized Prospector XL Tray Bed and Cab Chassis variants. The parts and accessories catalog includes DualSport Suspension Systems (RT, XP, SC variants), stamped steel bumpers (front/rear), snorkel kits, LED off-road lights (7000 Series), wheels (Salta XR/XD, Savegre II, Pintler, Crestone DualSport, Borah, Katmai, Katla), skid plates, fender flares (HighMark), tire carriers, and recovery gear. All vehicles and components are designed and manufactured at AEV's Wixom, Michigan headquarters with an OE-level engineering approach.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AEV JL Wrangler Conversions (JL350 / JL370) Turn-key off-road conversion packages for the Jeep JL Wrangler 4-door featuring AEV bumpers, DualSport suspension, BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires, AEV 7000 Series LED off-road lights, and AEV branding package.
• AEV JT Gladiator Conversions (JT350 / JT370) Custom off-road conversion packages for the Jeep JT Gladiator pickup with AEV suspension, BFGoodrich tires, LED off-road lighting, and AEV branding.
• AEV Colorado ZR2 Conversions (ZR2 / ZR2 Bison) Off-road conversion packages for the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 with AEV wheels, fender flares, tires, winch, and appearance upgrades.
• AEV Silverado 1500 ZR2 Conversions (ZR2 / ZR2 Bison) Off-road conversion packages for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 with AEV rear bumper, lighting, winch, appearance upgrades, and 35" tire clearance.
• AEV Silverado HD ZR2 Conversions (ZR2 / ZR2 Bison) Premium off-road conversion packages for the Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 with heavy-duty wheels, 37" tires, winch, and clearance upgrades.
• AEV Canyon AT4X Conversions (AT4X / AT4X AEV Edition) Off-road conversion packages for the GMC Canyon AT4X featuring AEV Salta XR wheels and AEV content upgrades.
• AEV Sierra 1500 AT4X Conversions (AT4X / AT4X AEV Edition) Off-road conversion packages for the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X with AEV wheels, winch, and appearance upgrades.
• AEV Sierra HD AT4X Conversions (AT4X / AT4X AEV Edition) Premium off-road conversion packages for the GMC Sierra HD AT4X with comprehensive AEV enhancements for premium adventure.
• AEV FXL (Ford Super Duty Conversion) Turn-key Ford Super Duty conversion featuring an AEV stamped steel front bumper, 4" DualSport RT Suspension, 40" BFGoodrich HD-Terrain KT tires, AEV 18" Katmai DualSport wheels, and HighMark Fender Flares; starting at $25,999.
• AEV Prospector (Ram 2500/3500) Heavy-duty off-road conversion for Ram 2500/3500 with AEV stamped steel front bumper, 3" DualSport RT Suspension, AEV Katla wheels, 37" BFGoodrich tires, and heavy-duty rear bumper.
• AEV Prospector XL (Ram 2500/3500) Enhanced off-road conversion for Ram 2500/3500 (2020+) featuring AEV stamped steel front bumper, heavy-duty rear bumper, 3" DualSport RT Suspension, 40" BFGoodrich HD Terrain tires, AEV diesel intercooler shroud kit, and hydraulic-assist steering upgrade.
• AEV Prospector XL Tray Bed Limited production expedition truck featuring aluminum tray bed, ComeUp 20k winch, 3" DualSport RT Suspension, PSC hydraulic assist steering, 18" Salta XD wheels, and 40" BFGoodrich HD-Terrain tires.
• AEV Prospector XL Cab Chassis (Ram 3500 / 5500) Commercial expedition truck conversion for Ram 3500 and 5500 cab chassis with AEV front bumper, suspension lift, hydro assist steering, AEV wheels, and up to 40" tires; targeted at commercial fleet and expedition operators.
• AEV DualSport Suspension Systems (RT / XP / SC) Aftermarket suspension systems (DualSport RT, XP, SC variants) with frequency-tuned triple-rate coil springs paired with custom Bilstein shock absorbers, available in 2" to 4" lift heights for Jeep, Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford platforms.
• AEV Stamped Steel Front and Rear Bumpers Heavy-duty stamped steel front and rear bumpers with chassis-mounted recovery points, integrated skid plates, tubular corner protection, and winch-mounting capability; available across Jeep, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Ram platforms.
• AEV Snorkel Kits Raised air intake systems for improved engine performance in off-road conditions, manufactured in the USA from UV-stable cross-linked polyethylene; available for JL Wrangler, JT Gladiator, Colorado, Silverado HD, and Ram HD.
• AEV LED Off-Road Lights 7000 Series LED off-road lights designed for all-terrain travel with exceptional clarity and distance, plus Baja Designs Squadron Sport LED lights and S8 light bars distributed through AEV.
• AEV Off-Road Wheels Off-road performance wheels including Salta XR, Salta XD, Savegre II, Pintler, Crestone DualSport, Borah (beadlock), Katmai, and Katla, available in multiple finishes for various vehicle platforms.
• AEV Skid Plates Heavy-duty protection plates for engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, and differentials, designed to shield critical vehicle components from off-road hazards.
• AEV Recovery Gear Comprehensive recovery equipment including winch hook isolators, jack bases, full-size recovery gear kits, utility ropes, soft shackles, kinetic recovery ropes, tree straps, snatch blocks, and extension straps.
• AEV HighMark Fender Flares HighMark Fender Flares that increase fender radius to accommodate large tires with only minimal suspension lift; available for JL Wrangler, Colorado ZR2, Silverado, Ram HD, and Ford Super Duty.
• AEV Tire Carriers Swing-out and bed-mounted tire carriers for secure spare tire storage without relying on tailgate hinges; available in vertical and horizontal mount configurations for multiple platforms.
• AEV Dealer Inventory (Pre-built Conversions) Pre-built AEV vehicle inventory available at authorized dealerships across the United States, offering various platform and package combinations for immediate purchase.
• AEV Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Factory-certified pre-owned AEV vehicles with verified mileage and condition, offered with warranty coverage as another path to AEV ownership.

Quantifiable outcome

• DualSport RT Suspension provides 2.5-4 inches of additional ride height while maintaining OE-level ride quality and handling
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered preferred partner and core partner.

• Blissmobilpreferred partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlissmobil is listed as a preferred partner for customers building expedition trucks using the AEV Prospector XL Cab Chassis platform. They offer specialized expedition living solutions that can be integrated with AEV vehicle builds.
• Truck Housepreferred partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerTruck House is a preferred partner offering expedition truck solutions that complement AEV's Prospector XL Cab Chassis platform. They specialize in turn-key expedition vehicle builds.
• AT Overlandpreferred partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerAT Overland is listed as a preferred partner for AEV Prospector XL Cab Chassis customers seeking expedition and overland vehicle solutions.
• Overland EXpreferred partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerOverland EX is a preferred partner offering overland and expedition vehicle solutions compatible with AEV's heavy-duty truck platforms.
• Bilsteincore partnerTechnology or IntegrationAEV partners with Bilstein for shock absorber technology. AEV's DualSport suspension systems use custom-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, including the XP8100 Reservoir Shocks for premium applications.
• COMEUPcore partnerTechnology or IntegrationCOMEUP provides winch solutions integrated into AEV vehicle packages. AEV offers COMEUP winches including the Slim 9.5rs, Seal 9.5, and 12.5RS models as standard or optional equipment on various vehicle packages.
• Baja Designscore partnerTechnology or IntegrationBaja Designs provides LED lighting solutions sold through AEV's parts catalog, including Squadron Sport LED lights and S8 light bars.
• BFGoodrichcore partnerTechnology or IntegrationBFGoodrich is the primary tire brand specified for AEV vehicle builds, including BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 and HD-Terrain KT tires in various sizes (35", 37", 40").

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• King Shocks: Manufacturer of high-performance off-road shock absorbers and bypass shocks. Partial overlap with AEV's DualSport XP premium suspension systems using Bilstein technology; competes in the same high-end off-road shock segment.
• Method Race Wheels: Beadlock and off-road wheel manufacturer competing in the same off-road enthusiast channel as AEV's wheel products (Salta, Katmai, Katla, Crestone). Partial product overlap focused on the wheel category only.

Broad incumbents

• Truck Hero: Roll-up of multiple aftermarket truck accessory brands (including ADD, Extang, UnderCover). Comparable to AEV at the portfolio level — an aggregation of off-road parts brands serving the same consumer base with broader category coverage.
• WARN Industries: Established incumbent in winches, recovery gear, and off-road accessories with much larger scale. Comparable to AEV's recovery and winch product categories, though AEV positions more as an integrated vehicle builder.

Direct peers

• Addictive Desert Designs: Designer and manufacturer of off-road bumpers, suspension, and accessories for trucks and SUVs. Competes head-to-head with AEV's bumper, lighting, and recovery product categories across similar vehicle platforms.
• Fab Fours: Manufacturer of premium off-road bumpers, grilles, and recovery equipment for trucks and Jeeps. Closely comparable to AEV's stamped-steel bumper and recovery gear product lines in both channel and customer base.
• BDS Suspension: Specialist in suspension lift kits, coilovers, and steering components for trucks and SUVs. Comparable to AEV's DualSport suspension product line in engineering approach and customer base.
• Icon Vehicle Dynamics: Premium manufacturer of suspension systems, shock absorbers, and complete off-road vehicle builds. Directly comparable to AEV in targeting enthusiast-grade, OE-level engineered conversions and aftermarket parts for trucks and SUVs.
• ARB 4x4 Accessories: Global leader in aftermarket 4x4 accessories including bumpers, suspension, lighting, and recovery gear. Comparable to AEV in product breadth, OE-level engineering ethos, and overland/off-road enthusiast targeting, with broader geographic reach.
• DV8 Off-Road: Manufacturer of off-road bumpers, armor, lighting, and accessories for Jeep and truck platforms. Direct overlap with AEV's parts catalog and dealer distribution model across overlapping vehicle platforms.

Market position

Strengths2 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/aevconversions
• Xx.com/AEVconversions
• Facebookfacebook.com/aevehicles
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-expedition-vehicles

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 American Expedition Vehicles