AVO in NC recovers from Hurricane Helene

A Message from the AVO Team

Asheville Vehicle Outfitters is a family-owned full-service 4×4 and overland vehicle outfitter located in Asheville, North Carolina and Jacksonville, FL. With many years of experience in the off-road and overland industry, we are driven to provide our customers with only the highest quality overland truck accessories from leading brands such as ARB, Alu-Cab, Four Wheel Campers, Powerbrake, Dometic, Mits Alloy, and so many more! In addition, our certified ASE service technicians ensure our customers receive the highest quality installation. From camper shells and slide in campers, to suspension and brake upgrades, our work is among the best in the industry. In addition to outstanding service and premium parts, we also host guided trail rides, open house events and 4WD instructor-led training workshops to help build a community of 4WD enthusiasts both in Western North Carolina and now in North Florida.

Hurricane Helene

Our North Carolina location was affected greatly by Hurricane Helene. Our area has been devastated by flooding, power outages, and loss of life. We were fortunate enough to be located one mile from the French Broad River flood line and did not receive physical damage to our store. However, during the power outage and once the water had receded enough so that we could access our building, it had already been looted and over $50,000 of tools and inventory stolen.

With all this being said, we have received an overwhelming amount of support from our customers, friends, family and strangers. One of our customers in particular, drove a trailer full of supplies from Alabama, donating generators, fuel, propane, food and water with no request to be reimbursed. The AVO families and friends were so grateful as they had all been out of power and water and running low on supplies. One of our AVO employees had just had a baby and was in the hospital downtown Asheville when the storm rolled in.

AVO in NC has been operating on a generator and a donated Starlink to keep the business running, support our employees, and assist customers in town as they prepare to return home.

Some of our team was able to make it to Overland Expo East in order to take positive steps forward. We were overwhelmed with the kind words and support from people at the show. Many people wanted to check in on us and see how they could help our business and the WNC community. With all of the difficult challenges in life, we are so encouraged to see the kindness that still exists. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read our story as we take one day at a time. Today is a gift and we are so thankful.

– The AVO Team