You can’t expect to design the world's ultimate overland products from a desk. You have to live it. Recently, four Alu-Cab engineers packed up prototypes and headed to the hills, in order to scrutinize every bolt, strap and stitch under harsh conditions. Their mission to answer the question: How can we make it better?
Gakiem Fakier, Isma-eel Ariefdien, Daleel Samaai and Eduan Kruyswijk braved extreme cold to put 11 new products through real-world testing. Here's why...
Where Theory Meets Reality
Camping in freezing temperatures isn’t just about endurance. It’s about exposing design flaws that only appear when gear is used as intended.
"This was a priceless exercise," says Gakiem. "You don’t just understand why we use two bolts instead of one. You feel it. You see how reinforcements matter when the wind howls, or how ergonomics make the difference between frustration and smooth operation."
From awning upgrade to the new tyre table, here’s what the team discovered:
1. The Awning
- New Canvas: Held up against the cold, with less water pooling and reduced ingress at pivot points. Critical for wet climates.
- Dog-Bone Attachments: This small plastic part outperformed bulkier options, proving simplicity often wins.
- Carabiner Clip: The team brainstormed adding this for faster awning setup.
"Rivets in the arms didn’t snag ropes, and the new reflective ropes? Game-changer for nighttime visibility."
2. The Storm Kit
- Stainless Steel Pins: Held firm but need another weather-resistance review for long-term durability.
3. The Trax Table
- Rattle-Free: Securely fastened even on rough terrain.
- Area for Improvement: The team noted surface scratches when closing, which has been flagged for design tweaks.
4. The New Mattress
- So good, the team recommended offering it as an optional upgrade with fitted covers.
5. The Tyre Table
- Sturdy Under Load: Handled cooking gear and storage without wobbling.
- Quick Setup: Installed in minutes, with no loosening over time.
- Note: Works best with a canvas bag for transport.
Why This Trip Mattered
Beyond technical drawings, prototyping and tests in our R&D workshop, this trip revealed real-world insights into our product. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs. And we love nothing more than taking out a product and testing it to see how we can Make It Better.