Custom interior build in Bison overland shell

[Ray chill821]

Hey all! Just placed my deposit this morning for my Bison Overland flatbed shell. After a ton of research, I'm feeling overwhelmed about building out the interior. What's the best layout? How can I utilize the space best? How can I combine functions to allow more space? *screams internally*.
I won't get the shell until March, but of course I'm excited and want to get the planning started. Any resources for build ideas and budget-friendly supplies would be amazing! I'll come back to this post and update with build progress when we get started

 

[Kolockum]

Congrats. I have never heard of bison campers until now. Post lots of photos when you get it. Their website doesn't have any.

I always liked the dinette seating in the back of the camper with the kitchen on the side. But get some cardboard and mock up different layouts and see what you like. Unfortunately this would be easier once you get the camper. I would start planning your electrical needs and plumbing needs. Are you going to have solar, fridge, furnace, inverter, 12v USB power outlets, etc. For plumbing are you going to have a toilet? indoor plumbing? water supply etc. It can be overwhelming but can also be the fun part. There are lots of good resources on this forum.

I would recommend using marine grade or stainless steel components and fittings. Normally you can find them through Granger or Mcmaster-Carrs for less than most marine shops. Their websites can take some getting used to but they have almost everything.

 

[Vic Harder]

Lots of builds have been posted here. I'd suggest you build in an way that allows you to change/adapt as you go. I'm on build number 3 and pretty happy with it....

 

[Karlton]

I never heard of Bison, and their minimalist website leaves a lot to be desired for exploring the products. How did you find out about them? I checked out the IG, and they look like pretty nice. However, I didn't see any interior photos. Their logo is pretty cool, tho!

 

[Beach]

Another thing to think about is weight distribution. Batteries and water tank(if you go that route) should be fwd as much as design allows for. Also, If you install an electrical system you'll need to first figure out your power requirements, will you need both A/C and D/C or just a D/C system? My used Hawk came equipped with a iota charger/power supply which for my power requirements is more complicated than needed(it has been reliable though). If I was doing it myself I would install a stand alone A/C system with a small breaker panel for times when plugged into shore power. D/C system battery(sized to meet power requirements) would be hooked to my solar and all circuits would be distributed through a blue seas switch/fuse panel. As mentioned above, use marine grade connectors/fittings. Use stranded wire as its less likely to fatigue from vibration. In keeping with Vics comment you might think about a modular build out. Take a look at different interior layout here and on you tube lots of great ideas, build what works best for you.

 

[okiedavid]

I don't think Bison has built out any interiors yet. He just got back from the Ozark Rally so might have done something up for that, but his whole philosophy is camping beside the camper more so than in it. They are less than one year old and are just getting started so a lot has already been upgraded from the prototype on the overall build. However, you can see his prototype (made out of a converted Four Wheel Camper) on youtube by looking up his original company name before they changed it, "FourWheel Overland"

FourWheel Overland

 

[rando]

It seems like a bit of a risky undertaking to order a camper from a company that doesn't seem to have actually completed building a camper yet. It seems to me that it takes a lot of iterations, testing and feedback to get things just right and there have been a lot of these camper startups of late, many of which have never really delivered fully finished product.

I built my previous camper from scratch and like Vic, it took me about 3 years and 2-3 redesigns to get it right, and I still had a list of things I would do differently the next time. This is part of the fun of DIY, but I wouldn't be keen to pay for someone else's learning experience. For my current camper I bought something proven and have since modified it to my tastes.

 

[okiedavid]

I could be wrong, but I think he has built 3 shells so far, and no interiors other than the prototype. So if you're looking for a shell, they have worked out the kinks, but like you, I wouldn't want to be the first customer for the inside build-out. On the other hand, you could order it built however you want...

It seems like a bit of a risky undertaking to order a camper from a company that doesn't seem to have actually completed building a camper yet. It seems to me that it takes a lot of iterations, testing and feedback to get things just right and there have been a lot of these camper startups of late, many of which have never really delivered fully finished product.

I built my previous camper from scratch and like Vic, it took me about 3 years and 2-3 redesigns to get it right, and I still had a list of things I would do differently the next time. This is part of the fun of DIY, but I wouldn't be keen to pay for someone else's learning experience. For my current camper I bought something proven and have since modified it to my tastes.

 

[Ray chill821]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes, Bison is brand new. Ill actually be the 12th build. To my understanding, they've been working hard adjusting kinks , addressing issues, and feedback. And there are safeguards in place...he's not naive to peoples concerns. I plan on documenting my build in some fashion so ill keep you guys posted when I get it this spring!

 

[rando]

I am not sure three versions and just a few months of real world use is enough to have really worked out the kinks and have confidence in the product. But I guess someone has to go first, I just wouldn't want it to be me, at least not without a major discount.

 

[Ray chill821]

To be fair, there are people that don't know anything about building that make overlanding rigs. If Drew and his partner felt confident enough in their skills and their product to invest in a business, I'm going to trust them more than YouTuber123 building out a van lol. Plus, its a camper shell...not a space satellite

 

[Karlton]

It all has to start somewhere, and there is always room for improvement. Shoot, how many of us are swapping out the old plastic drain valve on our FWCs? Best with your investment, and I know folks will be keen to see your progress.

 

[LuckyDan]

As you have taken the plunge, good luck with your research and planning for the interior. As previously stated, there is a lot of build stuff here and I too hope to see a post(s) of plan and execution.

 

[Ray chill821]

Definitely! I appreciate the feedback and will keep everyone posted

 

[WillTheThri11]

Out of curiosity, what "amenities" come with the shell and/or what options have your ordered(is there an electrical system, etc...)? What vehicle will you be pairing it with?

The FWC flatbed starts at $29k but they don't offer a shell option so I see how Bison is filling in a gap there, was there another appeal over getting a FWC? You may save some money building it how you like, but you now also have to be the designer, engineer and technician of a one of a kind camper.

My advice is keep weight toward the front, make storage accessible and think about how and where you will use it. Make a list of things qualities you care about (privacy, comfort, style, indoor vs. outdoor space, hauling recreational gear like bikes or kayaks, etc...), then how and where you plan to use it (weekends, multi-week or drive around the world....summer, winter) then list what you want to include (fridge, stove, sink, heater, hot water, shower, etc...) then decide how to implement each one based on the qualities you want from the camper and the intended use cases...write it all down....probably on spreadsheets and get ready for this to consume your life and for you to wonder if you shoulda paid the extra ~$9k to FWC for an already built out camper....BUT, keep your eye on the prize, you'll be left with a unique, custom camper that meets your needs better than any "factory" camper could.

I have a standard galley style FWC and many people really prefer the dinette option. I think I would like it too, but with the galley we have just enough room for the dogs to hang out inside and then enough room for them to sleep downstairs at night. This flat out wouldn't work with a front or side dinette unfortunately (the dogs are not small).

 

[Ray chill821]

Out of curiosity, what "amenities" come with the shell and/or what options have your ordered(is there an electrical system, etc...)? What vehicle will you be pairing it with?

The FWC flatbed starts at $29k but they don't offer a shell option so I see how Bison is filling in a gap there, was there another appeal over getting a FWC? You may save some money building it how you like, but you now also have to be the designer, engineer and technician of a one of a kind camper.

My advice is keep weight toward the front, make storage accessible and think about how and where you will use it. Make a list of things qualities you care about (privacy, comfort, style, indoor vs. outdoor space, hauling recreational gear like bikes or kayaks, etc...), then how and where you plan to use it (weekends, multi-week or drive around the world....summer, winter) then list what you want to include (fridge, stove, sink, heater, hot water, shower, etc...) then decide how to implement each one based on the qualities you want from the camper and the intended use cases...write it all down....probably on spreadsheets and get ready for this to consume your life and for you to wonder if you shoulda paid the extra ~$9k to FWC for an already built out camper....BUT, keep your eye on the prize, you'll be left with a unique, custom camper that meets your needs better than any "factory" camper could.

I have a standard galley style FWC and many people really prefer the dinette option. I think I would like it too, but with the galley we have just enough room for the dogs to hang out inside and then enough room for them to sleep downstairs at night. This flat out wouldn't work with a front or side dinette unfortunately (the dogs are not small).

electrical comes with the package thankfully. Solar prepped as well. So I have to build my dinette, kitchen,and storage. FWC had a wait time of 15 months, plus the idea of building it is a challenge I'm willing to take on.

 

[Kolockum]

the idea of building it is a challenge I'm willing to take on.

That's the spirit. My eagle is on it's last legs and I think within the next few years I will make my own camper.

 

[Totemo_Hayai]

I have Bison #1, I'll start a build thread for it shortly. I've completed most of the interior build at this point, but finer details and revisions remain. There is also a lot of work to do under the flatbed.

I went with the Bison because they were willing to build it to be only 79" wide which allows me to park it on the street where I live. I also really like the placement of the door being very far forward which allows for a large rear dinette. Six adults can comfortably hang out inside the camper while still having space for a fridge, sink, cooktop, and porta potty. I was hoping to save some money versus buying an FWC Hawk Flatbed, but in the end I think I spent the same amount of money and had to spend a couple hundred hours building it out. I do have better electrical components than are available from FWC, but still no plumbing.

You will also get a lot of people curious about your rig with one of these. One of the people that came by to talk about it while I was skiing today suggested I join here. So here I am.

 

[Kolockum]

I have Bison #1, I'll start a build thread for it shortly. I've completed most of the interior build at this point, but finer details and revisions remain. There is also a lot of work to do under the flatbed.

I went with the Bison because they were willing to build it to be only 79" wide which allows me to park it on the street where I live. I also really like the placement of the door being very far forward which allows for a large rear dinette. Six adults can comfortably hang out inside the camper while still having space for a fridge, sink, cooktop, and porta potty. I was hoping to save some money versus buying an FWC Hawk Flatbed, but in the end I think I spent the same amount of money and had to spend a couple hundred hours building it out. I do have better electrical components than are available from FWC, but still no plumbing.

You will also get a lot of people curious about your rig with one of these. One of the people that came by to talk about it while I was skiing today suggested I join here. So here I am.

Welcome to the forum and we are certainly looking forward to a build thread with a Bison

 

[longhorn1]

I think Drew has a quality product. He is dedicated to building a superior product. I think a time will come where you can get a custom interior build. I met Drew at RMFWC when he was picking up his FWC in 2018 and we have kept in touch. He is very passionate about building a quality camper. He is all about quality. There is a nitch for a flatbed shell.