Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

I have decided to go with E rated after hearing from KIMBO and other outfitters. Although my math worked out, I believe its best to be safe than sorry and take the advise of those with more experience. I decided on 245/75/17 Toyo AT3. Same weight as my 265 SL-rated 31 inch tires, just skinnier at 31 inches which should provide increased traction.

 

Was trying to find the best portable stairs for entrance and came across this one for sale, for those who don't want to wait for a custom build.
https://carscoms.com/other/kimbo-camper-make-an-offer-153915.html

Edit: not mine, no relation to seller, just came across it.

 

Did you pick up your Kimbo yet?

 

Traveled down the Oregon coast and camping at in the Redwood State Park in CA for Christmas. Loving this camper.

The pick up went great and was able to load up inside since it was dumping outside. Had all my questions answered but definitely have a few more when it comes to modifying mine. Collin showed me all around and explained how everything is sealed, all top grade materials. This Kimbo is crazy airtight. If you have a window open with the blinds down, the ceiling fan will totally suck them in, one of the warnings during the walk through. We ordered a pretty basic build, but were surprised that they still wired multiple 12v wires for accessories normally meant for the fridge and fan for the propane heater.

The first night we stopped at a Lowe’s and picked up what we needed for the baskets and they are working out well. Looking forward to building out the rest.

The truck has been handling the camper very well. One full tank came in at 13-14mpg averaging about 60-65 mph. On some decent steep grades the Tacoma is holding 2500rpm and cruising up at 50 in some cases in the slow lane. Do take the turns slow. If it says 45, your max should be 45. Slow and steady is the name of the game. Navigating in the city and town is exactly what we wanted, simple. Already parallel parked it a couple of times.

Will try to check in and answer any questions the next couple of days but won’t be back home till Thursday I think. This camper is exactly what I expected and then some. Excited to get it to its full potential.

 

Taking in the views and maximizing chill.

 

Congratulations! I bought my Tacoma so I could eventually do something like this. Mine is the long bed also, but is just the 4cyl. Airbags would be on the plans, but do you think a 4cyl. could handle even the base weight?

I know a Canopy Camper would be half the weight, but I like the security of a completely solid shell. That and the Kimbo just looks so cool!

 

You might check on the 4 wheel camper thread. There are a lot more of those out there so the odds of someone having one on a 4 cyl is pretty good. The weight is a bit more on the 4 wheel camper as well so would be good feedback/reference for you .

 

Yay! Glad you got it. The pics are great! Safe travels back to Colorado. We were camping in the Kimbo on Oregon Coast in Yachats on Christmas.

 

Yeah man. Need to start planning a Kimbo gathering or something!

 

So on our way back East. We hit up Tahoe at 17 degrees at night. With plug in and using a electric inferred heater we kept the inside a solid 75-80 degrees with the top vent fully open and back window open. With the ceiling fan turning on at a certain temp, the humidity got down to 11%. Obviously not the goal, but with the fan off and the just the windows cracked I believe we can get a more comfortable humidity level.

As far as we can tell, the Kimbo holds heat extremely well and you can be assured that it will be easy to winter camp in it provided you have the right heating elements.

 

Hi Voltron,

I'm picking up a Kimbo next month. What type of electric inferred heater are you using and what were you using to power it, shore power? I'm so pumped, I plan to use the Kimbo for winter camping as well as adventures year round. Glad to hear you impressions of it are good so far. The pics looked fantastic, all the best. More later.

 

Stoked for you. You’re going to love it. We are using this heater while we are connect to shore power. Works great and drys everything inside. We bought a base model so only using this for current travels. We will be installing a diesel heater and wood stove in the next couple of months. Also bought a hydrometer to keep an eye on humidity. In Tahoe we got down to 11% humidity but plenty warm in 17 degree temps. In Oregon we were off grid and hit 80% humidity inside but was 50 degrees so not too unpleasant. The heater dried everything out quick when plugged into shore power.

$10 ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer Humidity Meter Room Thermometer with Temperature and Humidity Monitor Mini Hygrometer Thermometer

ThermoPro TP49 Digital Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer Humidity Meter Room Thermometer with Temperature and Humidity Monitor Mini Hygrometer Thermometer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WMF95DD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_3Sz6FbREX0PVQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

$81 Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, Wifi Wall Mounted

Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, Wifi Wall Mounted

 

Watching out for low flying aircraft...

 

Heck yeah, Great idea!

 

Well definitely a solid test of the camper on the way home, 4,000 miles done. Finished with a trip to the edge of the Grand Canyon over some good high clearance obstacles. The only issue was stretching the tie downs in the bed. Will be adding some metal to that to reinforce but don’t see myself taking it over any like that again anytime soon. With good dry heat the camper is incredibly comfortable and after 10 nights on the road we are feeling refreshed each morning. Looking forward to not having to push so hard to to get home. Back in CO now and looking forward to the build out.

 

This is awesome! Great pics of the kimbo in action. So now that you've had a chance to camp in it, what are your thoughts on interior space and also bed size/comfort? Also i'm curious how the camper does driving in high winds. Did you hit any gale forces driving at highway speeds yet? Loving the pics and impressions so far!

 

First off the bed is very comfortable for us. There is an additional 4 inches or so on the far side for stashing stuff too and on top of a high quality moisture control mat. We wake very well rested and plenty of head room. I can’t wait to instal the table and our own vision of a kitchen with storage. All and all we have plenty of room. The goal is to have only a cooler to move in and out. The propane storage has come in handy for dog stuff and some side storage for bowls between the truck and the camper on the sides. We’ll probably still keep a bag each in the truck for clothes just because we come over prepared for playing outside. Water fits nicely in the mud area for the time being of you have the ones in the picture.

The truck handles it well. On flat roads you can hold 60-65 and keep it at 2k rpm, 13mpg average. With head winds we’ve kept it at 60 at 2500rpm, sometimes 3k. Climbing hills 6-8% you can hold 50-60 with 2500-3000 rpm. Never had to jump past 3000 rpm and worst mpg has been at 10-11, about the same as a Tundra with oversized tires and wheels. Watch speed on turns, max on what’s posted. Skipped a bit when wet and getting too confident. Off road does fine but can only go as fast as the stiff E Rated tires will take you. Slow on washboards unless you air down. Just watch the wobble on real rocky terrain. Slow and steady you’ll be fine depending on your clearance. Hitting 70 sometimes in 5th on flat and just a tad above 2000rpm. Mostly just cruise at 60-65 if I can keep it in 5th and 4th since I have an auto.

Traveling with two dogs and working just fine. Compared to our tent setup, this is perfect.

 

Here are some measurements of you are planning to do your own solar or other rack system. I’ll be going the no drill method using VHB permanent tape and Sikaflex adhesive. Looking at using a combination of 14g superstrut and no drill solar mounts as backup. With the superstrut, the panel will not sit flat on the no drill solar mounts but there will be a enough of a lip to still hold in place. Will add specifics after I confirm the fit. Looking at the Rich Solar 200 watt. Lots of measuring and getting creative going on the last several days. Measuring twice, cutting once and no drilling in the roof for me.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SUPERSTRUT-14-GAUGE-ELEC-GALV-CHANNEL-EG-10-F/3370630

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Superstrut...Vg7KGCh1VCg25EAQYASABEgLvzPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

$30 RICH SOLAR Solar Panel Roof Drill-Free Corner Bracket Mount for RV, Boats, Caravans, Marine, Motorhomes, & Set of 6(Corner Bracket), White

RICH SOLAR Solar Panel Roof...

$230 RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 12 Volt 9BB Cell Monocrystalline Solar Panel High Efficiency Solar Module for RV Trailer Camper Marine Off Grid

RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 12 Volt Moncrystalline Solar Panel High Efficiency Solar Module for RV Trailer Camper Marine Off Grid

$18 Sika AP Products 017-90915 Sikaflex-252, White

AP Products 017-90915...

$16 Bullshark Bond 3M Double Sided Foam Tape for Heavy Duty Mounting 15ft x 1in (1 Pack) - Strong, Waterproof, Heat Resistant VHB Adhesive for Walls, Automotive, Outdoors - Includes Alcohol Prep Pads

(1 Pack) 3M 1 Inch Width 15 Ft...

 

Solar Plan Update:

Due to lack of 12v connections on the Maxoak Bluetti Solar Generator, I’ve decided to go the DIY solar route in order to power the fan, diesel heater, lights, and any other accessories. Put in a preorder for the 206ah SOK Lithium battery that should be more than enough juice for our needs, equal to 400ah leadacid batteries. Has 3000~8000 cycles. It is highly rated and fully serviceable. Only 47lbs and great price which could go up if they become more popular. Link below.

https://www.sokbattery.com/

https://www.sokbattery.com/12v-200ah-lifepo4-lithium-iron-phosphate-battery-pack.html

 

Interior all cleaned up. A good look at the base build for your own build out. The solar wiring has been added on top of the base with propane door on the outside. Baskets added ourselves.