GoCode Overland’s journey is one fueled by curiosity, innovation, and a passion for problem-solving.
Founded by software experts turned van enthusiasts, Josh and Jared, GoCode Overland took a big jump from ordinary van building to solving incredible build challenges for DIY and professional van builders. Creating innovative, time-saving trim pieces for Sprinter, Transit and ProMaster vans.
"We design our trim pieces in CAD before building out a prototype tool, and finally, making a production tool," explains Vaughn, Head of Growth at GoCode. "A prototype tool is like an MDF or aluminum cast tool, used to help make a production tool, so we're able to drop hot plastic against it and CNC machine-cut off and match the shape of it every single time the exact same way."
But, trim products are just the start of how GoCode is taking van innovations to the next level.
Co-founders Josh and Jared both came from successful careers in tech with unique interests in van building and cabinetry. While Jared brought fabrication experience and a builder’s mindset, Josh brought a personal connection to van life. “Josh grew up in the Pacific Northwest and always had vans around him as a kid. He's always loved it,” explains Vaughn. When COVID hit, Josh built out a van, using it both as a mobile office and an adventure vehicle, before selling it on Van Life Trader. Encouraged by its success, he teamed up with Jared to build another—this time with a focus on streamlining their approach to building.
From there, GoCode was born.
The team realized some of the most time-consuming parts of a camper van build could be where they make the biggest impact. "We started to feel like, okay, how do we build these things better and faster? And then that led to working on the trim components and other products that help save time in the physical world," Vaughn explains.
GoCode’s mission is clear—save builders time by solving the industry’s most labor-intensive problems, especially those involving compound curves and hard-to-fit areas inside vans. Working with community members, they've created a full line of trim components that will complete the hardest van build tasks in hours--not days.
GoCode creates new products with the individual builder's "BOM" sheet in mind. From B-pillars to D-pillars and van window trim rings, every GoCode product is designed in CAD using OEM specs, thermoformed for consistency, and CNC-trimmed to precise tolerances to give you a more efficient, precise way to build vans.
“The goal is to give you back your time,” Vaughn says. “Either build more vans, or spend more time with your family."
Their R&D process is deeply collaborative with community and industry members. GoCode actively works with builders across the country, often developing solutions together.
“We are always open to meet with builders that are trying to work on like model vans, and just really have time-consuming areas that could be solved by thermoforming and creating repeatable solutions that are more plug and play. So if there's something that we can help save someone 10 hours on and do it right now, we're going to do it. And we'll actually cover the cost of doing so with our brands and partners” Vaughn shares.
Dedicated to Innovation
GoCode trim products offer a range of style choices, from paintable ABS plastic to upholstered pillar and trim pieces. They're constantly reexamining their product line up and expanding with fresh ideas.
A good example? Upgrading their quick-install ABS plastic trim pieces to offer professionally-finished upholstered trim pieces that take your build to the next level.
"We’ve learned the importance of sewing when dealing with fabrics and compound curves, and now all kits include sewn in seams to ensure protection over long periods of heat, extensive movement, and beyond.”
Each lesson leads to better designs, smarter materials, and more durable results—always with builder feedback at the center.
"We learn every day, it's always good. And the best way to learn is to ask questions with the people that we're working with and try and understand them as much as possible.
Because we could think that we make this really awesome thing in a vacuum, but that could be totally wrong, right? So, we have very open lines of communication and that's how we learn."
What's Next for GoCode?
Beyond physical products, GoCode is now branching into two major new frontiers: audio systems and smart software for van builders and owners.
Noware Audio, launching in May, is a first-of-its-kind, plug-and-play, 18-channel OEM amplifier that works seamlessly with Sprinter’s CarPlay and factory stereo system, and ties into the factory harnessing without splicing.
“It’s the only system like it—full integration, full control, and an hour install time.”
Then there’s Grover. Behind the scenes, GoCode's team has been working to develop and release a new platform for remote van support and community building.
Grover enables professional builders to hand-off an exciting community app with every finished van—custom-branded and powered by AI. Grover supports new van owners with detailed and real-time product information, and even includes private branded community platforms for sharing campsites and planning their next trip. The goal is to help educate the consumer on how to use their van, feel connected to their van community, and comfortable finding new places to camp.
Now builders are able to deliver an outcome instead of a product and van users feel less overwhelmed with how to use their van.
Vaughn explains, "they just say, I have an error code on my heater, and Grover will know that it's an Espar heater and what the code is. Then it will tell them how to do the troubleshooting steps of resolving that issue. It's also got travel planning, and then this really awesome Strava-like community engagement platform that's hosted on behalf of the brand, and that gives people the ability to share in small communities when they go find their awesome honey holes.
We’re trying to help the van life user journey—on the hardware front and now on the software side too.”
Building a Better Industry—Together
GoCode Overland is constantly evolving and redefining what’s possible in the van conversion world by blending community feedback and real-world builder insight with high-quality, precise design. Their commitment to innovation and deep understanding of the time-consuming pain points that slow down van projects, help develop solutions that simplify the build process and innovate the future of vanning.
Every product is designed with one goal in mind: to help builders work smarter, faster, and with better results. Whether you're a professional upfitter or a DIYer working in your driveway, GoCode’s commitment to innovation means fewer hours building your van and more time enjoying the road ahead.
"We're trying to build things that are really thoughtful, because we believe these things need to exist in the world."
