Our Story

Our Story Begins In 2002

A friend invited me to join him & 5 others on an overland trip to Botswana and Namibia and I reluctantly agreed to join the trip.

I hesitated because of my experience during my mandatory army training year of camping & sleeping in tents (and I then promised myself that I would never sleep in a tent again). I bought myself a 4×4 double cab vehicle, sleeping bag, rooftop tent, cooler and plenty of plastic boxes to store cutlery, clothes, food and drinks in.

I absolutely enjoyed the 3 week trip driving on "off the beaten track" locations, experiencing the fabulous unspoiled nature which city dwellers are not even aware of and enjoyed the fellowship of the rest of the group.

BUT, I hated the unorganised setup. At about the 3rd day, I would find my teaspoon, GPS, underpants and tooth brush all mixed up in the same box. On that moment the AHA dream was born.

The AHA dream was to have an accommodation unit on the back of my double cab bakkie (with all the relevant comforts of my house), without converting my bakkie permanently to a camper.

Was it an impossible dream?

I did a lot of research and was amazed to see how many quality outdoor products are available in South Africa, but not one could offer me what I wanted in one affordable package. So I designed my own.

During 2002 I took my first camper (prototype photos below) to Sodwana where we went scuba diving and when I opened the unit on the beach I drew a lot of attention from people around me. I had to open and close it approximately 50 times as the people came and went that day. Every so often when I opened the unit, people would utter “AHA” in amazement.

That day I decided to “start a business building campers” as I had so many requests to do so.

Dawie Maas | The Owner of AHA Outdoor Systems in Pretoria.

Dawie Maas

Owner & Founder: AHA Outdoor Systems

Explore Our History

 

 

 

AHA Transformer setup at a campsite
An AHA Transformer open on a white Ford Ranger double cab, kitchen out and ladder down.

The Creation (Commencement)

On the 1st of March 2003, we formally established the company and named it AHA Outdoor Systems.

Our earliest product, the AHA-45, was named this way for its quick setup time of merely 45 seconds for sleeping or camping.

An AHA Transformer on a Land Cruiser single cab in the Namib, additional storage box fitted.
AHA Transformer mounted on a Toyota Land Cruiser double cab, with the kitchen open and the roof lifted. A calm bushveld setting in the background with trees glimmering at dusk.

The Journey (Challenges)

Our initial models encountered challenges such as dust and water leaks. Fortunately, outdoor enthusiasts are generally patient and amiable, providing invaluable support feedback, and cooperation that helped us resolve these issues and improve the product based on customer feedback.

We went on to manufacture 987 AHA-45 campers before the new AHA-15 was born, similarly named for setting up in only 15 seconds.

AHA Transformer on a Land Cruiser single cab. Set up for camp next to a waterfall in Lesotho.

The Present

Today, there are more than two thousand AHA campers on South African and international roads. We have customers in more than 10 countries, spread across at least 4 continents. Our customers travel to many other countries, and 6 continents have seen the AHA slide-on bakkie camper range.

Additionally, our product line has expanded to include the AHA A/T Trailer (AHA Transformer mounted on a versatile, custom built, off-road/on-road trailer), the AHA Luggage Trailer, and a wide range of accessories.

The First AHA Camper Prototype

Prototype of the camper that eventually became the AHA Transformer. The prototype in this photo, taken on 24 May 2002, was in the process of being slid onto the bakkie, with its legs no longer visible.
Prototype of the camper that eventually became the AHA Transformer. The prototype in this photo, taken on 24 May 2002, was in the process of being slid onto the bakkie, with its legs still visible.
Prototype of the camper that eventually became the AHA Transformer. The prototype was free-standing in this photo, taken on 24 May 2002.
Framed photos of the prototype camper that eventually became the AHA-45, and later the AHA Transformer.

Our Journey Through the Years

Since 2002, AHA has been pioneering the slide-on bakkie camper, and every one is still built in Pretoria.

The idea has never changed: a real bed, a kitchen, running water, a shower and a toilet inside. All of this on the back of the bakkie you already drive, without turning it into a permanent camper.

For thousands of owners, that has meant one vehicle for everyday driving and for camping in the bush, and a camper that moves to the next bakkie when the old one is sold.

Find Out Why We Started

2002

First Prototype Built

Dawie Maas builds the first AHA prototype, developing a modular camping concept designed to adapt to different vehicles and evolving outdoor lifestyles.

2003

AHA Outdoor Systems Founded

Dawie Maas establishes AHA Outdoor Systems with a vision to create adaptable camping solutions that cater to diverse needs.

2008

First 500 Units Sold

Reaching a major milestone, AHA Outdoor Systems celebrates the sale of its 500th AHA camper, marking its growing popularity.

2015

Introduction of A/T Trailer

We unveil the A/T Trailer, offering unparalleled flexibility for campers who value independence and accessibility.

2023

20 Years of Innovation

Celebrating two decades of success, AHA Outdoor Systems continues to lead with cutting-edge designs and customer-focused solutions.