For Raymond Ferreira, Alu-Cab isn’t just a job. He lives the Alu-Cab life. As the National Sales Manager, he doesn’t just sell overlanding equipment from behind a desk. Instead, he sleeps on the roof of his car, testing Alu-Cab products in every possible condition while traveling between dealerships, trade shows, and remote campsites across Southern Africa.

We sat down with Raymond to dive deeper into his unique lifestyle. Discover how he balances work and life on the road, the evolution of his camper setups, and why he believes there’s no better way to represent a brand than by living it.

The Life of an Alu-Cab Nomad

Raymond’s role at Alu-Cab is anything but predictable.

"Building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with clients, dealers, franchises and independents is a large part of my role. Sorting out complaints and implementing solutions to foster long-term relationships is key."

But what truly sets him apart is how he travels. While most sales managers hop from hotel to hotel, Raymond lives on the road, using Alu-Cab’s gear in real-world conditions.

"By using the product in various environments, it’s a great way to test Alu-Cab products in all seasons and weather conditions. There’s no better way, in my view, to get to know, live, and breathe the Alu-Cab brand."

Hotels? No Thanks

In seven years with the brand, Raymond has never stayed in a hotel.

"My schedule and appointments are constantly changing. No day is ever the same. Making bookings for hotels takes up valuable time and becomes a challenge. I find it a lot easier to simply pitch up at a campsite without any booking."

Beyond convenience, this lifestyle lets him connect with customers in a way most sales reps never do.

"I get to meet many like-minded people—customers and potential clients—while camping. I wouldn’t be afforded this opportunity when staying in a hotel."

From Rooftop Tents to the ModCAP Camper

Raymond’s journey with Alu-Cab began with a 2017 Ford Ranger fitted with a rooftop tent, canopy, awning, and full storage systems.

"I loved this rig. To me, it was the perfect setup."

Then came the Canopy Camper in 2019, which revolutionized his experience.

"It was an absolute game-changer in the overlanding market."

After putting 270,000 km on the Ranger, Raymond switched to a Toyota Hilux in 2023. Then, in March 2024, he upgraded to the ModCAP Camper, Alu-Cab’s latest innovation.

"I’ve done 110,000 km with the ModCAP Camper since it launched, and like the Canopy Camper, it has held up perfectly in extreme conditions across the country."

A Day in the Life

Raymond’s days are never the same.

"Traffic, accidents, road conditions, and weather all play a role in getting to appointments across the country safely and on time."

At dealerships, his tasks vary from meetings and demos to troubleshooting.

"Time spent at dealers depends on their needs. There's interactions with staff, demos for retail clients, and any issues they need help with."

And between stops?

"Numerous calls, messages, and emails need answering while driving. I constantly pull over to respond safely."

Camp Cooking

Gourmet camp cooking? Not quite.

"Unfortunately, there’s little time to make a fire when arriving late. Embarrassingly, I use an air fryer, induction cooktop, microwave, or gas. I must admit, I’ve become quite the pro at air frying steaks!"

But when time allows, nothing beats tradition.

"If I’m away over a weekend, nothing can beat the old bush TV!"

Showers? Most campsites have facilities, but during COVID, Ray relied on a portable lithium shower inside the camper. Laundry? Either done at home on weekends or at camp if he’s away for more than two weeks.

The Challenges

The hardest part?

"Being away from my wife and family. Thankfully, I have a fantastic wife and family who support me."

Evenings are spent phoning home or catching up on YouTube overlanding shows.

Then there’s the weather.

"The coldest to date was -13°C in Kokstad. People ask if I’m off my rocker camping in subzero temps!"

The Rewards

Despite challenges, the rewards are unbeatable.

"Being able to travel to so many amazing locations using Alu-Cab’s premium products and testing them in varying climates and conditions is a dream come true."

His favourite place to wake up?

"Cheesy as it may sound, each place I stay at is special in its own way."

Bizarre Road Stories

Life on the road isn’t without its odd moments.

The Camper Bat

"For weeks, I heard scratching on the tent canvas. One morning, I found a bat had made its home between the dual-layer canvas. It was using my camper as a hunting launch pad!"

The Storms River Truck Incident

"A truck got stuck under trees after a highway reroute. We used chainsaws and ropes to free it. Only for its brakes to fail downhill, spilling concrete everywhere. Bystanders and I had to clear the mess to pass."

Other notable mentions?

How This Lifestyle Helps His Work

Raymond’s firsthand experience makes him a trusted advisor.

"I can advise clients honestly about what to expect from the product. Many tell me they’ve been searching for the info I give them but couldn’t find it elsewhere."

He also sees common customer struggles firsthand.

"Too many in our industry offer advice from behind a desk without real experience. Living this way helps me understand client challenges and how to assist them."

Dealer & Client Reactions: "Are You Hiring?"

People are often surprised and intrigued.

"Most ask if there are job openings at Alu-Cab. Others joke that I’m crazy for camping in freezing temps. And some ask if I feel safe alone."

There’s No "Perfect Setup."

After years of tweaking his camper, Raymond has realized that building the ultimate rig is an ongoing process.

"I’m always changing the interior to find the ‘perfect setup.’ But the truth? There is no perfect setup. That’s just a sales pitch. The best setup is the one that meets your needs. No two people are the same."

For Raymond, Alu-Cab’s products strike the right balance. Allowing him to work, travel, and live comfortably on the road.

Why Authenticity Matters

Raymond’s story isn’t just about selling products. It’s about trust, real-world testing and passion. By living the Alu-Cab life, he bridges the gap between brand and customer, proving that the best sales pitch isn’t a script. It’s experience.

Want to see the ModCAP Camper in action? Keep an eye out at a dealership or campsite near you. You might just spot Raymond, operating his air fryer, ready to chat about overlanding, Alu-Cab and life on the open road.