AVC Chronicles

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to AVC Chronicles!

On our latest crew van build, we're doing something that might sound counterintuitive: we're cutting out perfectly good factory windows!

The answer is simple: more venting is always better. Controlled airflow from one end of the van to the other is crucial for comfort in a camper build. While many DIY builders are comfortable cutting metal for a new window location, removing factory bonded glass is a different beast entirely.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC, and welcome back to the shop!

The introduction of our paper patterns for wall kits has brought up a great question: What material should you actually use to build your walls?

The right choice depends on your budget, your final aesthetic, and how you plan to use your van. Let's look at the essential qualities to consider and break down the pros and cons of the most common materials, including our newest, ultra-lightweight option.

Hey, welcome back to AVC Chronicles! Today we’re diving into the essential first steps for preparing a brand-new Ford Transit for one of our interior wall kits. Stripping down a new van can be nerve-wracking, but understanding the factory components and where you need to add mounting points is key to a professional, safe build.

We’re going to cover what needs to come out, how to modify the foam, and those crucial factory details you need to know about hardened steel and rivnuts. Let's get to work!

Hey, welcome back to the blog! Today, we're diving into what many van builders consider the most challenging part of the interior finish: wrapping the foam "blobs" in the Ford Transit.

These irregularly shaped styrofoam pieces (designed for crash protection) are notoriously difficult to cover smoothly, but a meticulous approach and a willingness to try twice will get you a professional, wrinkle-free finish.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to AVC Chronicles!

Today, we're doing a different kind of video—a little bit of an experiment. We have a van that was built here in 2020, which means its Maxxfan install is now five years old. We’re swapping it out for a CloudCap, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to pull this fan out and see how the original install held up against five years of Colorado sun, snow, ice, and everything in between.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop!

The core of any successful van conversion is a robust, well-insulated floor. That’s why we’ve completely redesigned our best-selling insulated subfloor system. We’ve stepped up our manufacturing quality, improved the materials, and—most importantly for the DIY builder—made the installation process simpler and more forgiving than ever before.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop!

The floor is the foundation of your entire van build. A great floor system provides insulation, noise reduction, and a solid, versatile base for everything you plan to put inside. Over the years, we've refined our offerings to give DIYers the best possible choices for their camper van floor.

On today's edition of AVC Chronicles, we're not just customizing our vans—we're customizing the ride itself! We're diving into a fun, low-cost DIY project: spray painting steel wheels for our Ford Transit.

We’ve seen the results on both spray-painted and powder-coated wheels, and the durability of a properly prepped, quality spray paint job is surprisingly resilient. This is the perfect opportunity to take those beat-up old steelies and give them some lipstick!

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to AVC Chronicles!

Today, we're installing one of our favorite accessories: the AVC B-Pillar Lagun Mount. This mount is a game-changer for adding a sturdy, versatile table to your van's front cab. It’s perfect for using your laptop, having a snack, or sharing a meal—and the best part is you can install it any point in your build, even if your camper is already finished!

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop!

Today, we're diving into the technical details of setting up and operating your Espar EasyStart Pro timer for your new Espar furnace. Mastering this controller will help you get the most efficient heat out of your system all winter long.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop!

Today, we're taking a tour of our latest buildout: a Base Camp model on a Ford Transit 148 medium roof. We'll start with the van's exterior features before stepping inside to explore the layout and all the custom details.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to AVC Chronicles!

Today, we're diving deep into the heart of our 2025 show van: its power system. After about six months of real-world use, we're thrilled to share our experience with the EcoFlow Power Kit. This integrated system has been a game-changer, simplifying our power setup and keeping us running smoothly on all our adventures.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop!

So you’ve got a new van, and you're ready to turn it into your dream home on wheels. But before you get to the fun stuff like cabinets and beds, there are a couple of crucial first steps that will make a massive difference in your comfort: sound deadening and insulation.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop!

On today's episode, we're installing one of our most popular DIY products: the AVC Cab Locker. This is an aluminum locker designed to mount securely between the driver and passenger seats of a Ford Transit van, providing a safe, out-of-sight storage solution.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop!

I recently returned from a trip to the Oregon coast, our family's third time visiting the Oregon State Parks, and we're absolutely falling in love with the amenities and beautiful scenery they offer. This trip was a little different from our previous van adventures, and I hope our experience gives you some great ideas for your own travels, especially if you're traveling with a family.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to AVC Chronicles!

We're fresh off of the Adventure Van Expo in Evergreen, Colorado – our home show! It's always a blast to be surrounded by the incredible van life community, and it's the perfect opportunity to check out what's new and exciting in the industry.

We went on a mission to talk to other vendors and see their latest products. From brand new seats and custom wheels to a clever van life app and innovative storage solutions, here's a roundup of some of the cool things we found at the show.

Hey everyone, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the channel!

Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to showcase our latest innovations and build expertise at the Adventure Van Expo in Evergreen, Colorado – our home show! This was more than just an event; it was a chance to connect with the vibrant van life community, share our passion, and give you an up-close look at what we've been working on.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to AVC Chronicles!

One of the persistent challenges of van life, especially when boondocking or exploring remote areas, can be finding a reliable hose bib to fill your water system. If you've ever tried to fill up in places like Moab, you know exactly what I'm talking about – it can be tough!

Today's project is all about solving that problem. We're going to build a DIY water transfer pump that allows you to easily fill your van's water tank from a jerry can, a bucket, or any other water source, all without needing a traditional garden hose hookup. It's a quick and simple assembly of parts that will make your adventures much smoother!

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop! On today's post, we're tackling a popular van upgrade that adds valuable storage and a touch of personalization: installing an over-cab headliner shelf using Vancillary brackets.

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC, and welcome back to the shop! On today's episode, we're tackling a common van life dilemma: that "plasticky" taste in your water system. After hearing about this in one of our recent trip reports, my wife and I decided it was time for an upgrade – a secondary filtered drinking water tap with an under-sink filter!

Hey, welcome back to the shop, van builders! On this episode of AVC Chronicles, we're going to show you how to easily install a solar panel onto any T-slot crossbar roof rack using our innovative AVC Solar Panel Drop Brackets.

Adding solar power to your van is a game-changer for off-grid adventures, and our brackets make the installation process straightforward and secure.