An Upgrade to an Industry Favorite: AVW’s New Over/Under Conveyor Design
For more than 50 years, AVW has earned a reputation for building some of the most dependable car wash equipment in the industry. Operators across North America have trusted AVW systems because they are designed with one goal in mind: keeping tunnels running efficiently with minimal downtime.
At this year’s Car Wash Show, AVW introduced a major evolution of one of its most proven systems, the Over/Under Conveyor. While much of the industry focuses on flashy features and complex technology, AVW took a different approach. They improved the equipment operators already know and trust.
The result is a stronger, more serviceable, and more durable conveyor system designed for today’s modern tunnel operations.
For operators looking at a car wash startup, planning a new car wash construction project, or evaluating upgrades to existing tunnel car wash equipment, this new design deserves serious consideration.
Why the Conveyor Matters
The conveyor is the backbone of any tunnel wash. No matter how advanced your automatic car wash equipment, car wash chemicals, dryers, or wash packages may be, everything depends on consistent vehicle movement through the tunnel.
When conveyors experience excessive wear, difficult maintenance procedures, or downtime, the entire car wash business feels the impact.
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Lost throughput means lost revenue.
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Delayed maintenance creates larger repair expenses.
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Equipment failures create poor customer experiences.
That is why successful operators focus heavily on reliable car wash components and preventative maintenance strategies. AVW’s latest Over/Under Conveyor upgrade addresses many of these concerns while maintaining the simplicity operators have come to expect.
What’s New in the AVW Over/Under Conveyor?
AVW carefully evaluated years of operator feedback and engineered several improvements that make this system easier to maintain and more durable over the long term.
Improved Heavy-Duty Fork System
The upgraded roller-up fork system provides smoother operation and greater durability. Built from heavy-duty materials, the new design is engineered to withstand the daily demands of high-volume express tunnels. For operators processing thousands of vehicles per week, reliability is not a luxury. It is a requirement.
Enhanced Roller-Up Pedal
AVW redesigned the manual roller-up pedal to improve ergonomics and ease of use. While this may seem like a small change, operators understand that small improvements can significantly impact daily operations, especially when staff use equipment hundreds of times each day.
Fully Removable Top Plates
One of the most practical improvements is the addition of fully removable top plates at the entrance and exit sections. Maintenance teams can now access key components faster and more efficiently without fighting fixed covers. This upgrade simplifies routine service and helps reduce downtime during inspections and repairs.
Log Chain Compatibility
The new conveyor design is compatible with log chain configurations. This provides flexibility for operators who prefer specific conveyor setups based on site requirements, wash volume, or existing equipment configurations.
Easier Bearing Maintenance
Routine maintenance is critical to extending the life of professional car wash equipment. AVW’s updated design makes bearing lubrication faster and more accessible. Maintenance personnel can complete service tasks more efficiently, helping operators maintain consistent performance while reducing labor requirements.
Bearing Upgrade Replaces UHMW Bushings
One of the most significant improvements is the transition from fast-wearing UHMW bushings to bearings. This upgrade delivers improved longevity, smoother operation, and increased reliability. For operators focused on maximizing uptime, this is a substantial advancement.
Improved Guide Rail Protection
AVW redesigned the UHMW guide rail protection system to make installation, replacement, and maintenance easier. These improvements reduce service time while helping protect critical conveyor components from wear.
Heavy-Duty Steel Construction
Like all AVW conveyor systems, the new design utilizes heavy-duty steel construction built for years of continuous operation. Operators investing in commercial car wash equipment need systems that can withstand demanding environments. This conveyor was built with long-term durability in mind.
A Smart Alternative to Belt Conveyors
Many operators today are evaluating the benefits of a car wash belt conveyor system versus traditional conveyor technology. Belt systems offer excellent performance and customer experience benefits. AVW’s Original Belt remains one of the industry’s most respected solutions.
However, not every site requires a belt conveyor. For operators seeking a simpler, proven, and cost-effective option, the upgraded Over/Under Conveyor offers an attractive alternative. Whether you are building a new tunnel or replacing aging car wash tunnel equipment, this system provides an excellent balance of performance, reliability, and value.
Planning a New Car Wash? Conveyor Selection Matters
One of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask is, “How much does it cost to start a car wash?”
The answer depends on several factors, including land acquisition, car wash building design, utilities, permits, and equipment selection. The cost to start a car wash can vary significantly depending on the market and site requirements. When evaluating car wash startup cost projections, conveyor systems play a major role in overall capital expenditures.
Choosing the right conveyor impacts:
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Throughput capacity
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Maintenance costs
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Labor requirements
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Long-term reliability
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Customer experience
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Future expansion opportunities
For those researching how to start a car wash business, working with experienced car wash equipment suppliers and car wash builders is critical. Equipment decisions made during the planning stage often affect profitability for years to come.
Is It Time to Upgrade?
Many operators continue running conveyor systems that have provided years of reliable service. However, aging equipment can eventually become a maintenance burden.
Signs it may be time to upgrade include:
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Increased downtime
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Rising maintenance costs
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Excessive wear on conveyor components
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Difficulty sourcing replacement parts
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Reduced throughput efficiency
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Frequent service calls
Upgrading to modern tunnel car wash equipment can help reduce operating costs while improving reliability and performance.
Partner with Focused Car Wash Solutions
At Focused Car Wash Solutions, we work with operators every day to evaluate equipment performance, optimize site layouts, improve chemical programs, and maximize tunnel efficiency.
Whether you’re planning a car wash investment, evaluating commercial car wash equipment, considering a conveyor replacement, or designing a new car wash building, our team can help identify the right solution for your operation.
The new AVW Over/Under Conveyor represents exactly what operators have come to expect from AVW: practical innovation, dependable performance, and equipment designed for the real world.
If you’re interested in learning more about this new conveyor system, contact Focused Car Wash Solutions today. We’ll help you evaluate your site, review your operational goals, and determine whether this upgraded system is the right fit for your wash.
Simple. Consistent. Reliable. Valuable.
