Overlandgcc > Articles by: Siddharth Patel
CategoriesOur Story Travel Tips
Post By Siddharth Patel

Power Generator: Unleashing Endless Possibilities

1600-7

Power generators are not just for emergencies or powering homes during blackouts. They can be incredibly versatile and have a wide range of uses in various situations. Whether you’re going on a camping trip, hosting an outdoor event, or simply need a reliable source of power in remote locations, a power generator can come in handy. In this article, we will explore 10 unexpected ways you can make the most of your power generator.

Powering outdoor parties and events.


One of the most popular and practical uses for a power generator is to power outdoor parties and events. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a wedding reception, or a music festival, having a reliable source of power is essential. With a power generator, you can easily set up lighting, sound systems, and other equipment to create the perfect atmosphere for your event. Plus, you won’t have to worry about running out of power or dealing with inconvenient power outlets. A power generator gives you the freedom to host your event anywhere, without limitations.

Providing electricity during natural disasters or power outages.


In addition to powering outdoor events, power generators are also invaluable during natural disasters or power outages. When severe weather strikes or there is a widespread power outage, having a generator can provide a lifeline of electricity. You can keep essential appliances running, such as refrigerators, freezers, and medical equipment. A power generator can also provide a sense of comfort and security during these challenging times, allowing you to charge phones and other devices, power lights, and even run heating or cooling systems. It’s important to have a reliable power source during emergencies, and a power generator can be a lifesaver in these situations.

Running essential appliances and electronics while camping or RVing.


One of the unexpected uses of power generators is their ability to power essential appliances and electronics while camping or RVing. Whether you’re spending a weekend in the great outdoors or embarking on a cross-country road trip, having a power generator can greatly enhance your experience. You can keep your refrigerator running to store food and beverages, ensuring that you always have fresh supplies on hand. Additionally, you can power your electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets, allowing you to stay connected and entertained even in remote locations. With a power generator, you can enjoy the comforts of home while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Powering construction sites and remote work locations.


Power generators are essential for powering construction sites and remote work locations where access to electricity may be limited or non-existent. Construction sites often require heavy machinery and tools that rely on electricity to function properly. With a power generator, construction workers can easily power their equipment and complete their tasks efficiently. Similarly, remote work locations such as oil rigs or mining sites may be located in areas without access to the power grid. Power generators provide a reliable source of electricity, allowing workers to operate machinery, power lights, and run essential equipment. The versatility of power generators makes them a valuable asset in various industries and work environments.

Running medical equipment in remote or off-grid areas.


Power generators are crucial in providing electricity for medical equipment in remote or off-grid areas. In emergency situations or during medical missions, access to electricity is vital for running life-saving equipment such as ventilators, defibrillators, and dialysis machines. Power generators ensure that medical professionals can provide necessary care and treatment to patients, even in locations without access to the power grid. Additionally, power generators can be used in mobile clinics or field hospitals, allowing healthcare providers to bring medical services to underserved communities. The versatility of power generators in the healthcare industry is invaluable in ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of location.

 

CategoriesOur Story Overlanding Know How
Post By Siddharth Patel

The Ultimate Guide to Overlanding Vehicle Builds

Off Road Car Camping Equipment

The Ultimate Guide to Overlanding Vehicle Builds

If you’re ready to take your adventures off-road and explore the great outdoors, building an overlanding vehicle is a must. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to know to create your dream off-road rig, from choosing the right vehicle to outfitting it with the necessary equipment and modifications. Get ready to embark on the ultimate overlanding experience!

Determine Your Budget and Goals.

Before you start building your overlanding vehicle, it’s important to determine your budget and goals. How much are you willing to spend on the build? Are you looking for a basic setup or do you want all the bells and whistles? Knowing your budget and goals will help you make informed decisions throughout the build process. Consider factors such as the type of terrain you’ll be tackling, the duration of your trips, and the level of comfort and convenience you desire. Once you have a clear understanding of your budget and goals, you can start researching and selecting the right components and modifications for your overlanding vehicle.

Choose the Right Vehicle.

The first step in building your overlanding vehicle is choosing the right base vehicle. Consider factors such as the size, weight, and capabilities of the vehicle. Will you be traveling solo or with a group? Do you need a vehicle with off-road capabilities or will a standard SUV suffice? Research different makes and models, read reviews, and talk to other overlanders to get an idea of what vehicles are popular and reliable for off-road adventures. Once you have narrowed down your options, take the vehicles for test drives to see how they handle and if they meet your needs. Remember, choosing the right vehicle is crucial for a successful overlanding experience.

Upgrade Your Suspension and Tires.

Upgrading your suspension and tires is an essential step in building your overlanding vehicle. Off-road adventures can be rough on your vehicle, so having a suspension system that can handle the terrain is crucial. Look for suspension upgrades that offer increased ground clearance, improved shock absorption, and better handling. Additionally, investing in high-quality off-road tires will give you better traction and grip on uneven surfaces. Consider tires with aggressive tread patterns and durable construction to withstand the demands of off-roading. Upgrading your suspension and tires will not only enhance the performance of your vehicle but also improve your overall off-road experience.

Install Off-Road Lighting and Recovery Gear.

When building your overlanding vehicle, don’t forget to install off-road lighting and recovery gear. Off-road lighting is essential for navigating dark trails and providing visibility in challenging terrain. Look for high-quality LED light bars or spotlights that can be mounted to your vehicle’s roof or bumper. These lights will illuminate the path ahead and make it easier to spot obstacles. Additionally, investing in recovery gear such as a winch, recovery straps, and a shovel is crucial for getting out of sticky situations. Off-roading can sometimes lead to getting stuck in mud, sand, or other difficult terrain, so having the right tools on hand will help you recover your vehicle and continue your adventure.

Create a Functional and Comfortable Interior.

When building your overlanding vehicle, it’s important to create a functional and comfortable interior that meets your needs on the road. Start by considering your sleeping arrangements. Many overlanders opt for a rooftop tent or a bed platform inside the vehicle. Make sure to choose a setup that provides enough space and comfort for a good night’s sleep.

Next, think about storage solutions. Overlanding requires bringing along a lot of gear and supplies, so having ample storage space is essential. Consider installing drawers, cabinets, or storage boxes to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Don’t forget about seating and seating arrangements. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you may want to install additional seats or create a comfortable seating area for relaxing and socializing.

Lastly, consider the overall layout and design of your interior. Think about the flow of the space and how you can maximize functionality. Consider adding features like a fold-out table, a kitchenette, or a portable toilet if desired.

By creating a functional and comfortable interior, you’ll be able to enjoy your overlanding adventures to the fullest.

CategoriesOur Story Overlanding Know How
Post By Siddharth Patel

COMPLETE GUIDE TO FINDING THE RIGHT ROOF TOP TENT

Are you looking for a roof top tent to take you and your family on an exciting camping adventure? There are many different factors to consider when choosing a roof top tent such as size, style, weight, durability and cost. Read on to learn more about the advantages of a rooftop tent and what types of tents are available.

Choose a Design That’s Quick to Set Up and Pack Away

Hard shell roof top tents are the quickest to setup, even a young child can open them up, whilst you enjoy a nice drink. Hard shell tents also weather better in hot, dry dusty conditions and dont become an eyesore after 1 seaon in the summer heat of the Middle East.
But not all hard shell tents are the same, you need to look for the quality of the construction, will it be impervious to dust and water, will it be able to hold all your bedding, for instance real pillows are bulky but way more comfortable than inflatable or smaller camping pillows. The extra space in good quality hardshell tent allows to stow your blankets or sleeping bags, perhaps some clothes and a book or 2.
Once you have finished your camping and are heading to your next location or just heading home, the tent must be quick to close, stow away your bedding without spending too much energy whilst the morning sun starts to increase in temperature.
Also do consider what added electrical sockets are available inside the tent, although these can be added later to any tent, but one that has one pre-built only makes it that more neater and useful from the time you have made your decision to install one on your car, these days we need somewhere to recharge our phones, run a small fan and an internal light which not all tents are supplied with.
The ability to also attach other items that are useful to your camping needs, such solar panels on the roof to run your fridge all the time, or perhaps store your messy items such as fire wood, extra fuel, BBQ coal is useful as these items once opened always cause a mess inside a vehicle, so a tent that provisions for you to easily attach extra mounting points is versatile and neater in the long run.
Lastly you need durability and this includes waterproofing as you will want to wash your tent with a high pressure washer, the abilty to drive over rough terrain for hours without the buckles opening or hinges and opening mechanism failing, also the tent should be mounted to your vehicle with appropriate amount of hardware so that there is very little movement of the tent.
CategoriesTravel Tips
Post By Siddharth Patel

Overlanding

Overland Equipment – What Is It? How Does it Work?

Overland Equipment is an innovative new way to travel around the world. Learn more about this amazing concept!

Overlanding is a unique form of long distance travel that allows travelers to explore remote destinations by vehicle, foot, bicycle, horseback, kayak, raft, or any other means of transportation. We focus on products for your 4×4, van, pickup type vehicles. Traditionally referred to as camping, and as camping equipment became more innovative since the mid 2000’s the products have become more luxurisous, easier to setup, able to cope with varying climates, and can be used for more than 1 task, i.e. a hardshell tent can also be used to carry some other equipment on the roof. 

Today vehicle overlanding equipment is fitted with Roof Top Tents, 270 or side awnings, shower tents, kitchens with LPG, induction cookers, water tanks for cleaning/showering or holding drinking water than can be refilled by water filters from various water sources. 

The vehicle has a dual battery system that can power your fridges, lights, mobile devices, laptop and camera equipment power at 220 or 110V AC power, and replinesh the batteries via DCDC chargers that can handle LifeP04, AGM, GEL and SLD batteries. To top up the power consumed for your core electrical components the batteries recharge capacity can be supplemented with solar panels that are fixed or portable and deployed as and when needed. 

The vehicles can be outfitted with suspension lift kits or higher rated springs to carry the loads, winches, driving and camp lights, recovery boards, recovery ropes/shackles and a myriad of tools to allow the occupants to reach that special remote location that we long for away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Listen to the campfire crackle, cook a scrumptious meal, and bond with our friends or family. 

Pop up Car Tent
CategoriesOur Story
Post By Siddharth Patel

Bit of Everything

This blog is a bit of everything that life has offered us. If you have directly landed on this page, we will start with a short overview of where this blog sits and what it is about.

Overland GCC is a venture that aspires to bring the best of the global brands for our fellow overland enthusiasts within the GCC and the sub-continent. Overland GCC is part of Oceanic General Trading, a family-owned business established in the Middle East since the 1970s. You can read more about Overland GCC here. We, Siddharth and Janki, are part of the Overland GCC family, and here we would like to share with you our travel lessons threaded together with our common love for the outdoors. Please feel free to comment, share and let us know if you would like to read more of one thing or less of something else.

 

Our Story:

This section is all about the human in us. We will touch on matters that are dearest to our hearts, matters on family, parenting, life and travel experiences. For ease of storytelling we will unfold our lives from our early interest in outdoors, to how we met, some of the lemons life threw at us and how we are cherishing our lemonades! We will bring a part of our life to you once every month. 

Sid

Growing up as an only child, Sid’s most cherished companions were his bike and the endless ocean that was his backyard. You talk to him about his childhood evenings and his eyes would find a home within the ocean sea bed and the endless treasure and stories it holds! He used to spend his evenings investigating the jelly fish, crabs and live shells that the ocean brought to him.

Sid is blessed with parents who love to travel and in his younger years, they would travel 4 months at a stretch from cannoing in the amazons looking for piranas, picnicking in the Serengetti, to travelling across the philipines, unites states and many more. Sid’s parents have lived in six very varied countries across the world, and taken on exploring their host country to another level altogether. Sid’s love for outdoors may have been inborn and reinforced by the landscape of his early years, but his mum has imbibed in him the ‘go get lost’ philosophy from very early days. Mother and son would be out and about in the wadis of Oman, and his mum would ask him to take his old range rover through all types of terrain often getting stuck. They would befriend the locals who would kindly get them out of the pickle and embrace them as family inviting them home for Arabic coffee, dates and some local produce.

Sid was surrounded by nature during all his formative years, and while he went through the motions of city life, his heart has always yearned for the endless adventures hidden in exploring the outdoors.

 

Janki

Growing up in a second tear city in India, Janki grew up with the usual bag of experiences framed by friends and supporting parents who pushed their kids to grab every experience that life offered. Janki is blessed with parents who encouraged a democratic upbringing much ahead of their times. From very early years, decisions were never imposed but pros and cons were explained with the decision making for one’s own life being one’s own responsibility. Looking back, Janki would say probably that was the reason why, inspite of the unprecedented freedom given they did not screw up!

 

Inspite of the humble lifestyle, her parents instilled in them the need to follow one’s passion keeping in mind a simple motto ‘your life is your responsibility’. Janki’s dad would push them out of their comfort zone to grab every opportunity that came their way. At a time when there were no cell phones or internet to stay connected, Janki found herself at a very young age camping and hiking across Himalayas, undertaking exchange programs around the world, exploring India and debating philosophy with her brother. 

How we met, 

is quite common for millions of Indians, but very uncommon for two people who have travelled across the world and are supported by very progressive parents. As Sid and Janki moved back to their home bases, age was running against them and the pressure of marriage mounting. Both had reached out to their parents for assistance. But as we said, age was against them and it was getting difficult for their parents to hunt for ‘prospectives’ through the regular social channels, which by the way in India are quite extensive.

Lo and behold, Janki’s dad put out a ‘discrete’ advert in the local newspaper, which, by the way would never feature in the next weeks edition as the advert was not so ‘discrete’ after all! Sid and his parents happen to be in town the very same weekend, and his mum being the adventurous person that she is decides to give this ‘advert’ a shot. You can imagine the rage Sid went through, and in his own words ‘You might as well go on the street and pick the first girl you see in a saree to marry me off with!’. So they met, a furious Janki who had to rush home from her day at work in the villages of india to meet someone who had responded to the ‘advert’, and, Sid who hated the second tier city (village according to him), let alone the thought of meeting someone here! The rest is history, as within three months we were gamed to make a life long commitment!

Our parents’ uninhibited approach to life shaped us to who we are, but most importantly it brought us in each others life. I guess one of the reasons we wanted to share this with our readers, is to bring home the point that life happens when we expect it the least! 

Select your currency
AED United Arab Emirates dirham
SAR Saudi riyal
KWD Kuwaiti dinar
BHD Bahraini dinar
OMR Omani rial
QAR Qatari riyal
X
Add to cart