20
May 2025
Sprinter and Transit van featuring Aluminess products.

Welcome to Aluminess Event Recap

Overland Expo West 2025

We are back from another incredible weekend at Overland Expo West, and while the dust may have settled in Flagstaff, Arizona, the excitement is still going strong! With thousands of overlanders gathering to share ideas, explore gear, and celebrate the freedom of the open road, this year’s event did not disappoint.

We had plenty of boots on the ground and sister companies in the field (shoutout to our friends at Baja Designs!) soaking in the energy and taking notes from some of the most dialed-in van builds we have seen yet.

Event Overview

Overland Expo West took place at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona, from May 16–18, 2025. The venue, originally built in 1930 as a National Guard training facility, now serves as a county park and fairgrounds, and sits at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. It offered the perfect mix of history, mountain air, and rugged charm.

The event featured:

  • 400+ exhibitors
  • 150+ expert-led classes and demos
  • A showcase of adventure-ready vehicles and gear
  • Onsite camping under the pines
  • Family-friendly activities and happy hours to foster community

Conditions were cool and breezy, with bursts of sunshine, and even a brief Sunday morning cloudburst that made things extra memorable.

Van Builds and Featured Products

Alongside our Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit display vans, we proudly showcased Field Van’s F350 Econoline build, all featuring Aluminess American-made exterior accessories. From roof racks to rear door storage, each setup demonstrated how functional upgrades can be tailored to fit the unique needs of every van adventurer.

Among our most popular products of the weekend were:

Sprinter van featuring Aluminess products.

Spotlight: The PowerLift Bike Rack

The product that stole the show? The PowerLift Bike Rack. Now shipping for Sprinter and Transit vans, the PowerLift left a lasting impression on anyone who saw it in action.

Attendees gathered throughout the weekend to watch the rack seamlessly lift and lower two full-sized e-bikes at the touch of a button. Their reactions said it all: “Wow, that’s just what we need!”, “That’s amazing!”.

We were also proud to debut a new compatibility option for the B2 Classic Bike Carrier by Owl Vans, making the PowerLift experience even more accessible to vanlifers using a variety of rear door setups.

Rear view of a van featuring Aluminess PowerLift Bike Rack.

Community and Connection

One of the best parts of Overland Expo West is the shared experience. Whether learning something new in a workshop, discovering gear on the show floor, or trading stories around a campsite, the event continues to remind us why this community is so special.

Despite a bit of wind and that early morning rain, the good vibes never faded. It was a weekend of curiosity, creativity, and camaraderie.

Aluminess campsite.

Until Next Time

To everyone who visited the booth, shared their build, or just stopped by to say hello, thank you. Overland Expo West 2025 was a success because of you. We left Flagstaff inspired, energized, and excited for the road ahead.

If you missed us this time, we hope to see you at the next one. Until then, keep building, keep exploring, and keep pushing the boundaries of what your van can do. We’re here to help!