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Origin Story: American Expedition Vehicles

Dave Harrington, founder of AEV, sits down and runs us through how the off-road accessory giant got to where it is today.

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From modifying his Dad’s Jeep to winning a business plan competition in College, Dave Harrington started one of the most trusted companies in the off-road industry today. American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) not only makes truly impressive OEM+ quality aftermarket off-road parts for Jeeps and pickups but also works with OEMs for complete vehicle upfit solutions.

Warn Industries AEV Brute custom Nemesis rear bumper
AEV Brute; (photo by Mercedes Lilienthal)

The company started with a stretched Wrangler, but the Brute Jeep pickup is really what put AEV on the map. Not only was it the off-road capable Hemi V8-powered Jeep enthusiasts were clamoring for, but it inspired Jeep to actually build the Gladiator. Sadly, AEV doesn’t make the Brute anymore and Jeep doesn’t offer a V8 Gladiator, yet.

AEV ram prospector xl 20th anniversary edition overland
AEV Prospector XL; (photo/AEV)

While Jeep Wranglers started the company, and Jeep pickups really got the company noticed in the industry, it was RAM pickups that really made the company grow. The Prospector XL builds really blew the minds of overland enthusiasts and big American truck people alike.

Colorado ZR2 AEV SEMA concept, created in collaboration with legendary off-road manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles features the 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine and elevates the ZR2 for even greater adventures; (photo/Chevy)

Today AEV doesn’t just work with Jeep and RAM’s parent company Stellantis, but also GM. With top quality, and fully tested, OEM quality parts for the Colorado, Silverado, and Sierra now available GM off-road truck lovers can get in on the AEV program. Not to mention the Colorado ZR2 Bison, Silverado ZR2 Bison, and Sierra AT4X AEV Edition, which are fully AEV upfitted trucks available directly from GM dealers.

Runtime: 5 minutes

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