American Expedition Vehicles
| Private | |
| ISIN | 🆔 |
| Industry | Automotive Industry |
| Founded 📆 | 1997 |
| Founder 👔 | |
Area served 🗺️ | |
| Members | |
Number of employees | |
| 🌐 Website | https://aev-conversions.com/ |
| 📇 Address | |
| 📞 telephone | |
American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is an American automotive company specializing in off-road vehicle conversions, aftermarket parts, and overlanding equipment. Founded in 1997 by Dave Harriton, the company operates in Michigan and Montana. AEV develops products for Jeep, Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford vehicles.[1]
History
Founder and Early Development (1997–2003)
AEV began as a business plan developed by Dave Harriton while attending the University of Montana with an interest in engineering and outdoors. Before starting AEV, Harriton worked on whitewater kayaking equipment, gaining experience with engineering and manufacturing. His interest on modifying Jeeps started when he began extending the frame of his father's Jeep Wrangler to gain space and practicality. Harriton then entered a college business competition with a proposal based on modifying and extending Jeep Wranglers. After winning the competition, he obtained a loan for $35,000 and established the company in 1997 in Missoula, Montana. [2][3]
Company Philosophy and Culture
AEV was established around Haritons interests of making durable and functional vehicles for offroad expeditions. Harriton believed the aftermarket industry was lacking in high-quality parts that met the standards set by vehicle manufactures. This influenced AEV's emphasis on quality and durability rather than focusing on appearance, AEV designs their parts with intent to maintain daily driving while improving off road capability. AEV's approach combines manufacturing and engineering with outdoor exploration.[4]
The AEV Brute (2003–2017)
One of AEV's earliest major projects was the Brute, a pickup truck conversion based on the Jeep Wrangler TJ. Introduced in the early 2000s at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Brute featured an extended frame and the addition of a pickup bed. AEV later developed the Brute Double Cab, offering four doors and additional interior space. The Brute gained attention in the off-road world and helped pave the way to Jeep's introduction of the Gladiator pickup in 2019.[5]
Expansion to Michigan (2007–present) 
In 2007, AEV expanded its operations into Michigan to work more closely with automotive manufacturers. The expansion helped the company increase production improve quality of parts, and gain access to more advanced automotive technology.[6]
Vehicle Turnkey Programs
Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator
AEV offers turnkey conversions for the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, including the JL350, JL370, JT350, and JT370. These packages feature upgraded suspensions, larger tires, specialized wheels, and protective equipment designed for expeditions.[7]
Ram Heavy Duty Trucks
AEV produces the Prospector and Prospector XL, and Prospector XL Tray Bed conversions for Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. These packages combine the trucks towing and hauling capabilities with upgraded suspension systems, larger tires, and additional protection.[8]
Chevrolet and GMC
AEV collaborates with General Motors on off-road vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison and GMC Sierra AT4X AEV Edition along with GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition. These vehicles incorporate AEV-designed components such as stamped steel bumpers, skid plates, and other protective equipment.[9]
Ford Super Duty
AEV expanded into Ford Super Duty vehicles with its FXL conversion program. The package includes larger off-road tires, suspension modifications, specialized wheels, and protective parts for Ford heavy-duty trucks.[10]
Engineering and Manufacturing
AEV designs suspension systems, bumpers, wheels, skid plates, and other off-road accessories. Its manufacturing operations support both individual aftermarket parts and complete vehicle conversions. AEV focuses on combining its modifications with existing vehicle platforms while maintaining everyday use.[11]
References
This article "American Expedition Vehicles" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:American Expedition Vehicles. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
- ↑ Dorr, Bryon (2023-03-27). "Origin Story: American Expedition Vehicles". GearJunkie. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ Dorr, Bryon (2023-03-27). "Origin Story: American Expedition Vehicles". GearJunkie. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ Journal, Overland. "Dave Harriton (AEV) on Why Innovation, Quality, and Adventure Matters". Overland Journal. Retrieved 2026-11-09.
- ↑ Dorr, Bryon (2023-03-27). "Origin Story: American Expedition Vehicles". GearJunkie. Retrieved 2026-11-09.
- ↑ "AEV fills the void for a Jeep pickup, will debut truck at the SEMA show". Autoweek. 2011-10-30. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ Korfhage, Jered (2017-08-09). "AEV to Celebrate 20th Anniversary With Open House". MotorTrend. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ Gonderman, Monica (2023-08-24). "AEV Upfit Packages Wrangle Their Way Into More Jeep Wranglers for 2024". MotorTrend. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ "2022 AEV Prospector XL First Drive: Mining the Overlanding Market". MotorTrend. 2022-07-11. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ "2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison First Test: A Sleeper Mechanical Bull". MotorTrend. 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ "AEV's New FXL Kit Gives Ford's Super Duty Trucks What They Were Missing: 40-Inch Tires". Car and Driver. 2026-01-12. Retrieved 2026-11-02.
- ↑ "The American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) JL370 is a Jeep Wrangler JL built for adventure". MotorTrend. 2020-08-14. Retrieved 2026-11-02.
