These Screws Explore Wilderness - Outback Conversions
In this case study, we take a look into how one of our valued customers, Outback Conversions, harnesses Accu’s range of fasteners to redefine outdoor adventures and explore the wilderness.
Who Are Outback Conversions?
Setting up in 2023, Outback Conversions was born from a shared passion for van life, industrial design and the great outdoors. Outback's founders, Will and Jack, set out to create products that bridge the gap between work and wilderness, enabling a life of freedom without sacrificing much-needed functionality that they weren’t finding with other van conversion kits.
Their innovative flagship camper van conversion kit, The Outback Explorer has revolutionised the camper van industry, offering highly adaptable, premium-quality VW Transporter conversion kits for outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers and tradespeople alike.
Into The Wilds: Balancing Strength, Aesthetics and Precision
Creating high-end camper van conversion kits demands engineering components that are up to the task. Every fixing needs to withstand the rigours of the wilderness and life on the road while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
For Outback, even the smallest screw plays a crucial role in ensuring product durability, structural integrity, ease of assembly and aesthetics. Sourcing the right precision fixings was their major challenge, standard options lacked the strength, aesthetics and precision required. That’s where Accu stepped in.
Why Choose Accu?
Accu’s range of high-precision components has become an integral part of Outback’s manufacturing process. From carriage bolts to hexagon bolts, nylon locking nuts and penny washers, every fixing contributes to the reliability and longevity of Outback’s conversion kits.
One standout benefit? Accu’s black fixings. A finish available on almost every stainless steel component we sell, these AccuBlack finished parts seamlessly complement Outback’s fine-texture powder-coated frames, maintaining a clean and refined aesthetic without compromising strength. In an industry where design matters just as much as durability, this was a game-changer. Will, Outback’s Managing Director said:
“Accu’s black fixings align perfectly with our brand’s clean and considered design. Small details like these make all the difference in creating a premium product that looks as good as it performs.”
Will Collier
Managing Director of Outback Conversions
Speeding Up Prototyping with Accu’s CAD Resources
During the development of their flagship Outback Explorer modular conversion kit, Outback faced another challenge, iterating their prototypes quickly while ensuring absolute precision.
Accu’s free detailed CAD models and 3D spin allowed the team to select the perfect fixings with confidence, integrating them directly into their design files. This not only reduced errors but also sped up the prototyping process, saving both time and material costs.
Using AccuPro To Keep Projects on Track
One of the biggest frustrations in product development is waiting on critical components. Delays can disrupt momentum, slow innovation and increase costs.
Accu’s unlimited next-day delivery service AccuPro (a one-off £30 service offering free next-day delivery for a whole year) eliminated this issue for Outback, ensuring they had the exact fixings they needed, precisely when they needed them. This level of reliability allowed them to maintain design momentum, reduce downtime and hit production deadlines consistently all without additional stress and cost.
Engineering for Strength and Safety
When it comes to the wilds, rugged means rugged. For example, the Outback Explorer’s drawers are rated to 250kg, meaning every fixing must be capable of withstanding these forces. Accu’s precision fixings provide the durability required to ensure long-term reliability.
Take our M10 penny washers, for example, Will says they:
“are thicker and more robust, ensuring they don’t bend under load. In contrast, washers from other suppliers have often been nearly half the thickness, and have warped under duress.”
Will Collier
Managing Director of Outback Conversions
Minimising Waste: Built to Last
Sustainability is at the heart of Outback’s ethos. They minimise waste by carefully nesting CNC-cut components, use 100% recycled memory foam and fabric for mattresses and design products to last.
Accu’s high-quality fixings contribute to this by reducing product failures and ensuring longevity, aligning perfectly with Outback’s commitment to sustainability.
Looking Ahead: Outback’s Expansion and Future Innovations
From the onset, Outback isn’t slowing down. As they expand their range to support more van models, they’re developing a universal adjustable bracket to secure their frames across varying lashing points. Accu’s high-precision fixings will be crucial to ensuring a strong, adaptable fit and allow Outback to tailor their kits to be even more modular.
Additionally, their upcoming swing-out side table will utilise Accu’s black component range, maintaining Outback’s signature aesthetic while delivering functionality and practical advantages such as corrosion resistance.
Wrap-Up: A Partnership Driving Innovation
Outback Conversions sees Accu as more than just a supplier, we’ve become a strategic partner in their innovation journey. With precision fixings that meet the highest standards, rapid delivery times and a range that balances strength, reliability and aesthetics. We’re proud to say Accu has played a role in helping Outback turn ambitious ideas into reality.
“Accu has been a key supplier for us, providing high-quality precision fixings that we can rely on. Their detailed technical resources and fast delivery have streamlined our manufacturing process, helping us maintain efficiency and product quality.”
Will Collier
Managing Director of Outback Conversions
From concept to completion and coastline camping, Accu’s components have played a crucial role in Outback’s success, helping them create industry-leading camper van conversions that bring adventure and work seamlessly together.
Thanks to Outback for allowing us to share this story with you and if you made it this far, thank you for reading! Be sure to check back soon for our next case study.