AVC Chronicles

Welcome to AVC Chronicles, our very own blog! Here you can expect to find a variety of posts made specifically for the DIYer. Follow along with the shop as we tackle projects from fully fletched out builds to simple products. Adventure starts here!

How-To's

Step by step instructions to build your van.

Trip Reports

Original posts ablout where we went, or where we're going.

Product Alerts

Posts about product releases, showcases, and more.

Build Deliveries

Walkthroughs to showcase finished van builds.

New Videos

Posts to show off the most recent video posts.

Lock It Up: Installing the AVC Cab Locker in Your Ford Transit

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.

An Oregon Coast Family Adventure: Our Trip to Fort Stevens State Park

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.

The Best of Adventure Van Expo: New Products & Innovative Ideas

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.

Behind the Scenes: A Walkthrough of the AVC Rigs Booth at Adventure Van Expo!

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.

The DIY Van Life Essential: Building Your Own Water Transfer Pump

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!

Maximize Your Space: Installing a Vancillary Headliner Shelf in Your Van

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.

Pure Hydration on the Go: Installing a Separate Drinking Water Faucet & Filter in Your Van

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!

Power Up Your Van: Installing Solar Panels with AVC Solar Brackets

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.

Elevate Your View: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your AVC Roof Deck Panels

Welcome back to the shop, van adventurers! On today's AVC Chronicles, we're going to walk you through how to install one of our popular products: the AVC Roof Deck Panel System. These panels are designed to transform your roof rack into a versatile, sturdy platform, perfect for enjoying sunsets, setting up camp, or mounting additional gear.

L-Track vs. Unistrut: Which is Right for Your Van Build?

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC, and welcome back to the shop! Since we released our Unistrut install video, we've been flooded with questions about why we often prefer Unistrut over the more common L-track in our van builds. So, we decided to dedicate a special post just for you to dive deep into the pros and cons of each. Let's get to work!

Elevate Your Build: Installing the AVC Wall-to-Ceiling Support

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC, and welcome back to the shop! Today on AVC Chronicles, we're diving into the installation of a product that's been a staple in our builds for a long time, but with some crucial updates: our Wall-to-Ceiling Supports. This is an updated guide to an existing product, designed to make your van's interior even more seamless and professional.

Black Hills & Beyond: Our First Family Road Trip in the New AVC Show Van!

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC, and welcome back to the shop! On today's AVC Chronicles, we're doing a trip report! Recently, I packed up the family and our brand-new 2025 show van for a 6-day adventure to Stockade Lake in the beautiful Black Hills region of South Dakota, near Mount Rushmore.

From our shop, it's about a 5-hour drive, making it the perfect testing ground for our latest build. And let me tell you, even though the van wasn't completely finished, this trip proved that with a little adaptability, van life is always worth it!

Running Water, Van Style: Completing the 2025 Show Van's Water System

Okay, van lifers and DIY enthusiasts, get ready to dive deep into the heart of van comfort! Matt's back from the AVC RIG shop, and on this episode of AVC Chronicles, we're wrapping up the crucial water system in our 2025 show van. If you've been following along, you know we've already tackled the undermounted tank and basic lines. Now, it's time for the nitty-gritty: plumbing for hot and cold water to the sink, the rear shower, and integrating the hot water tank.

This isn't just about pipes and fittings; it's about bringing the comforts of home to the open road. Let's explore how we bring water to life in an AVC RIG build!

Flatten Your Van Walls: Introducing the AVC Aluminum Furring Kit

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC, and welcome back to the shop! Today on AVC Chronicles, we're thrilled to unveil a brand new product designed to revolutionize how you install wall panels in your Ford Transit van: the AVC Aluminum Furring Kit.

Elevated Adventures: Our Custom CloudCap Enhancements

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC, and welcome back to the shop! Today on AVC Chronicles, we're diving into the exciting "extras" we've added to our CloudCap pop-top on the 2025 show van, making it even more comfortable and adventure-ready.

The CloudCap is an incredible addition to any camper van, offering a fantastic sleeping space up top. But, as always, we love to innovate and refine. We've focused on several key areas to truly integrate the CloudCap with the van's interior and elevate the overall experience.

Adventure Ready: Touring Our Ultra-Lite Ford Transit Camper Van

Alright van enthusiasts, buckle up! Matt's back in the AVC RIG shop, and he's just given us a sneak peek at our latest ultra-lite build in a trusty Ford Transit 148 medium roof. If you caught the video tour, you already know this one's a beauty. But for those who prefer to read about the magic, or want a quick recap, let's dive into the details of this thoughtfully designed camper van.

Installing the Cloud Cap by Super Pacific!

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop! Today we're going to be installing the Cloud Cap by Super Pacific. Let's get to work!