OEM Spotlight: OverVanding Solutions

Introducing our newest Blog Series: OEM Spotlights for in depth interviews with our OEM Partners. You can hear directly from our OEM Partners about their history & their brand, their experience with Tern Overland Products & Overlanding tips from the experts! So without further ado, we would like to introduce OverVanding Solutions.

Can you tell us about you, your company and how you got started?

We are Orry & Carroll Marie, the husband and wife that started OverVanding Solutions. We founded this business out of a passion for helping everyone get outside in a van that not only looks great, but a van that also has exceptional functionality. Orry worked as an engineer and Carroll Marie a nurse before taking a pause to travel North America in a self converted sprinter van with our daughter. While on the road, we met so many van lifers whose van just did not function how they had hoped. Orry put his engineering degree to use and started a consulting business. He helped DIYers and businesses design and/or troubleshoot their electrical systems. He even designed and installed the electrical system for Battle Born Batteries’ van. After a year of consulting, we started getting a lot of interest from people wanting us to build their vans. In January of 2021, we opened our shop doors in Chattanooga, TN. Our mission has always been the same: to build the highest quality vans tailored to our clients.

What sparked your interest in overlanding? What drew you to this lifestyle?

Our draw to this lifestyle is the combination of the outdoors and freedom. Originally, we both had so many places we wanted to see, and we have a passion for the outdoors. Our motto is “you can never have too many hobbies.” Almost all of our hobbies are based outdoors. Overlanding provides the freedom to go where the wind blows you without needing a campsite reservation or RV hookups. In the same week we can be mountain biking in Idaho and then rock climbing in Squamish, BC. 

What does ‘overlanding’ mean to you?

Overlanding to us is getting off the beaten path, away from the people and noise. It’s going down the dirt roads, or off-road, to get out in the undisturbed parts of the country. The beauty of being in an overlanding rig is that there is nothing holding you back. 

What role does community play in your overlanding experience, and how do you connect with other Overlanders?

Community is so important in every aspect of life; overlanding is no different. We found a huge community of close connections overlanding, and we love staying plugged in. Our business attends expos regularly every year so that we can continue to connect with Overlanders, and hear their stories and experiences on the road.

What are some non-negotiables when it comes to your company and product line?

We will never sacrifice on quality. At our company, we will sacrifice time and/or money to make sure that the product we are building is at the highest quality.

What are the 5 essential items you don’t leave the house without when it comes to overlanding trips?

1. Recovery gear 

2. Atlas (never know when cell service will disappear) 

3. Mountain biking + rock climbing gear 

4. First aid kit 

5. S’mores supplies

Walk us through your trip-planning style. Do you plan your trips at all? If so, are you a light planner or do you plan every aspect of it?

I would say we plan the highlights and leave the details to chance. We personally lived on the road for 2 years traveling in a van, and we learned quickly that having a jam packed itinerary left no room for spontaneity. Now, we know what direction we are going in, but we always ask the locals for the must-see spots.

What factors do you consider when choosing your destinations and stops?

I would say we start with a beginning point, and an end point, and then we just take a zoomed out view of what is between those areas. Most of the time we try to visit places we haven’t been before. We love to mountain bike and rock climb, so any stops that have those two things are a plus. National Parks we haven’t been to are also a guaranteed stop.

What sets your builds/rigs apart from everybody else’s in the overlanding industry?

Our van builds stand apart due to their functionality and the luxury, home feel. When you stand in one of our builds, you think you are standing in a custom built home (you are). But what is the point of having a beautiful van if it doesn’t function the way you want it to? Our builds and electrical systems have top-of-the-line engineer-designed rigs. You can be off grid for extended lengths of time without ever feeling like you left home.

What thrills you the most about overlanding, and what keeps you coming back for more adventures?

The unexpected is what thrills us the most about overlanding. I don’t think most people realize how much noise is in the day-to-day routine of life. Getting outside and getting off the beaten road provides an unexpected calm you didn’t even realize you were missing.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced while overlanding, and how did you overcome them? Challenges you’ve faced as a business in this industry?

There can be both big and small challenges while overlanding. Having enough water on board and finding a fill up spot in the middle of no where can be a challenge so planning ahead is key. Another challenge is pulling up to where you planned to camp for the night and realizing something doesn’t feel right. We learned to always trust our gut when it comes to where to sleep. The biggest challenge we face in this industry is educating clients/potential clients about quality and safety when it comes to camper van conversions. There are a lot of builders out there without the experience and/or education to build a van conversion that is safe and will hold up during travels. However, they are less expensive. We always try to tell people to vet your builder. Ask if they have insurance, what qualifies them for the job, what type of materials are they using, etc.

Lastly, What’s on the horizon for your organization?

We have exciting things ahead for the year! We’re partnering with more brands to provide even more quality products to our clients. Our team is growing, and we are excited to take on more projects. This year we are also teaming up with another van build company to host our first ever overlanding expo, Chattanooga OverVanding Expo, on September 28 + 29.

How did you first learn about Tern Overland's products, and what made you choose them for your builds? What products were you using prior to Tern?

In 2021 we had a client come to us looking for awning style windows. She had recently been on a trip to Europe and noticed all the overland rigs used them there. We set out researching, and we liked the look of the Arctic Tern windows best. In all honesty, we thought they would be a “one off” use for just that specific client. However, after installing them and using them, we quickly realized they were our new status quo.

How do Arctic Tern Products enhance the overall functionality and design of your builds?

First of all, we love that the bug screen and blackout shade are built into the housing of the window. In van builds, space is a premium. Not having to store blackout shades, etc. is a big bonus. Secondly, being able to open windows awning style is such a plus. Weather does not affect whether or not these windows can open, and that provides a lot more use and versatility versus the other windows on the market. Lastly, these windows are made of good quality. Our brand is about quality first, and these windows live up to our standard.

Can you share any feedback or experiences regarding the quality and performance of Tern Overland's products in your builds?

We started installing Arctic Tern windows in 2021, and that van is still on the road with zero complaints or issues. Our clients give us nothing but positive feedback when it comes to the windows.

Have you encountered any challenges or areas for improvement with Tern Overland's products in your builds? If so, how have you/we addressed them?

I think there is room for improvement with the design of a curved window for van installation. Van conversions are a large market space that I believe Tern Overland could capitalize on. We have brought this up to the Tern Overland team, and they were very receptive and encouraging to voice those thoughts.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start overlanding but doesn't know where to begin?

Overlanding doesn’t have to look like the highlight reel on social media; just meet it where you are at right now. It can look like taking your vehicle out and car camping or renting a setup to dip your toes in the water. Talking to people who overland often is your biggest asset. People love nothing more than to share their stories of overlanding, and they’re happy to pass on any tips.

Can you share any tips for staying comfortable and organized during extended overlanding trips?

Don’t let it get out of control in the first place. Wake up and put your bed/bedding away. Everything has to have a home to drive wherever you’re going, so put it back there every night. Also, clean up after each meal. Once your rig starts to lose organization, it’s hard to get it back.

What advice would you give to other OEMs or builders who are considering integrating Tern Overland's products into their builds?

Our advice would be to go for it. The products at Tern Overland have worked seamlessly for us, and on top of that, the TO team is top notch. We have nothing but great things to say about all of the members of the TO team we have interacted with.

Conclusion

It has been an absolute pleasure spotlighting OverVanding Solutions. Orry and Carroll Marie’s passion for van conversions and their dedication to quality resonate with the values we hold at Tern Overland. Their innovative approach to creating functional yet luxurious vans is truly inspiring. By integrating Arctic Tern products into their builds, OverVanding Solutions continues to set the standard for excellence in the Overlanding community. 

We look forward to seeing their future projects and collaborating on new innovations that push the boundaries of adventure living. We hope you enjoyed this in-depth look at OverVanding Solutions and encourage you to stay tuned for more interviews with our incredible OEM partners. Until next time, happy trails!

Get In Touch:

Website: OverVandingSolutions.com

Instagram:  @overvandingsolutions 

YouTube:  @OverVandingSolutions