Long before GlueTread’s official company launch in 2018, we were off-road enthusiasts ourselves, fueled by a love for the outdoors and a drive to push limits without compromising safety. That passion led to GlueTread, and over the past seven years, we’ve grown from a small garage project into a brand offering American-made solutions designed to keep you safe and rolling on trails less traveled.

Along the way, we’ve met some incredible people and discovered a few standout companies that share our commitment to quality and adventure. In this month’s blog, we’d like to highlight three American-made off-road brands we think you’ll appreciate as much as we do.

Factor 55: Engineering Safety on the Trail

Back in 2012, an engineer named Michael Costa was frustrated by a weak point in off-road recovery: the winch hook. From his garage in Idaho, he started designing a safer alternative, and Factor 55 was born. What started as a personal pursuit quickly gained traction in the off-road world, and in 2020, the company partnered with Warn Industries to keep growing while maintaining its commitment to American manufacturing.

Their most well-known innovation is the FlatLink™ shackle mount, designed to replace traditional winch hooks with a closed-system setup that is stronger, more secure, and engineered to handle serious stress.

Recently, GlueTread teamed up with Factor 55 to create a custom version of our Side‑by‑Side Pro Kit, complete with a Factor 55‑branded sleeve. These kits are hitting the road with the Factor 55 crew as they attend off‑road events across the country, giving enthusiasts a chance to see two American‑made brands working together to keep trails safe.

The people who love Factor 55 are the kind of off-roaders who think ahead: Jeep drivers, overlanders, and weekend warriors who know that preparation is key. Much like GlueTread, they believe that when you’re on the trail, the right gear makes the difference between cutting a trip short and finishing it strong.

Go Fast Campers: Innovation From the Mountains of Montana

Next up is Go Fast Campers, a company rooted in Bozeman, Montana. That town is now home to several of our GlueTread team members, which makes our connection to GFC and their trail-ready innovations even more meaningful.

Founded in 2017 by Wiley Davis, GFC set out to rethink what a truck camper could be. From the start, they focused on building lightweight, aerodynamic pop-up campers that didn’t slow you down on the trail. What began in a modest Montana shop has grown into a movement, earning GFC a reputation for clever engineering and durable, American-made design.

Their signature Platform Camper stands out for its lightweight design and trail-ready durability. At around 275 pounds, it’s light enough to leave your fuel economy intact yet tough enough to handle rough backroads and remote overland routes. Drivers praise the quick setup, quiet ride, and how it clamps directly to the truck bed without drilling. It’s a true game-changer for adventurers who want simplicity without compromise.

Their campers are a favorite among mid-size truck owners, including our CEO Andy. His GFC setup handles everything from weekend trail runs to long-haul road trips.

The people who gravitate toward GFC are the explorers who see their truck as more than transportation. They’re the ones chasing remote campsites, dawn trailheads, and weekends off the grid. Much like GlueTread, GFC builds for those who believe preparation and reliability are what make real adventure possible.

American Expedition Vehicles: Big Builds, Bigger Adventures

American Expedition Vehicles, better known as AEV, has been transforming off-road rigs since 1997. Like Go Fast Campers, AEV’s story begins in Montana, where founder Dave Harriton started out in a Missoula garage by stretching his own Wrangler into something entirely new. That one-off build caught the attention of fellow off-roaders and eventually led to AEV becoming one of the most respected names in the industry. Today, their research and design remain rooted in Montana, while much of their manufacturing happens in the Detroit area. The result? A lineup of builds that are proudly American-made.

AEV is best known for its Wrangler and Ram conversions, with packages like the Prospector and Prospector XL that turn already-capable trucks into trail-dominating machines. Their lineup also includes stamped-steel bumpers, suspension systems, and rugged wheels designed to take a beating while looking factory-fresh. Even though the legendary Brute pickup is no longer in production, it remains a symbol of the bold, go-anywhere spirit that defines AEV.

The people drawn to AEV are the off-roaders who dream big: Jeep and Ram owners ready to invest in a build that can handle anything. For them, quality and capability aren’t optional; they’re the foundation of every adventure. Much like GlueTread, AEV delivers gear that ensures the journey doesn’t end when the trail gets rough.

Standing Strong with American-Made Brands

Off-roading is about more than the ride; it’s about the gear you trust to keep you going. From the recovery innovations of Factor 55, to the lightweight ingenuity of Go Fast Campers, to the legendary builds of American Expedition Vehicles, American-made brands are setting the standard for reliability and adventure.

At GlueTread, we’re proud to stand alongside companies that value quality, preparation, and doing things the right way. Wherever your tires take you, we hope you’ll continue to choose brands that are built with purpose and built close to home.

Written by Caroline Crow