What we do
Boxes | Interiors | Systems | Subframes
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Fab Habs offers design and engineering services to those embarking on an overlanding truck build.
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We support our clients in their build by applying our specialized engineering expertise when:
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• designing their box and interfacing with their box-builder
• designing their furniture, providing cut-lists and assembly guides
• designing their systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) with schematics, hardware lists and routing plans
• designing the right subframe for their base vehicle and habitation box
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Wherever we get involved we apply engineering methods and core principles to guide our designs and recommendations. We believe investing in quality engineering from the design stage makes for a much smoother and more successful build.
We work with our clients to provide support when and where they need it the most. We believe our role is to help you make your vision a reality by providing technical expertise. We work in partnership with you to understand your goals and preferences and systematically scope your project.
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The design process
Below is an outline of each stage of our design process, as well as the key outputs.
We find this breaks the work down into discrete, manageable elements and gives our clients an opportunity to bring us in as and when they need us.
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Although following the process in its entirety guarantees the best results we are also happy to come in at different point in your expedition truck design to make sure you get the support you need.
Capturing Requirements
Understanding your lifestyle, use-cases, and vision as well as constraints like time, budget, and skills.
Outputs
A list of requirements. Mainly needs and preferences as well as some necessary legal, safety, and sensible ones.
Specification & Floor Plan
Using your requirements to size suitable systems for your build within your constraints. A specification is an engineering document.
Outputs
A draft floor plan and set of schematics for every system (electrical, water, gas, HVAC etc.)
Decision making
This stage involves selecting the actual hardware, materials, and construction method of the habitation box.
Outputs
A confirmed floor plan, comprehensive list of hardware, and a good materials cost estimate for the entire project.
CAD Design and cut lists
The creation of a comprehensive design. The outputs from this stage can be handed over to fabricators, carpenters, electricians, gas fitters etc.
Outputs
A 3D CAD model, results from stress and thermal simulations, 2D plans for each discipline, and a comprehensive bill of materials. You can take these outputs to professionals and they will build your hab.
Build support
We project manage your build, source suppliers, materials, and hardware, and become a technical point of contact during construction with optional on-site support.
Outputs
A completed habitation box!
Examples
Electrical System Planning and Design
We define and quantify all the loads (electrical appliances) and use-patterns, do some scenario planning to size battery banks and come up with a charging strategy.
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The key outputs are a pictogram of the system, control panels, and switches, a technical schematic, and a purchasing list.
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Mass Distribution
For specific analyses, we have prepared special tools to make early design decisions. E.g. our front-rear weight distribution tool helps plan for good off road capability and staying well within manufacturer axle weight limits.
Concept Visualization
We use CAD to create clear visual models of your concept before you commit.
Using renders, animations, and interactive 3D models you can interrogate your design.
Get in touch
Tell us about your project and find out if we can help.