Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

Thanks so much for the measurements @Tacomaroma!! Of course just perpetual drawing and planning until the Kimbo is in hand!

thanks @Voltron4x4 & @Profloundering for welcome! Sorry I missed you guys in Tahoe, that’s my home base & I’m a great tour guide for fellow Kimbo lovers, if your passing through again, let me know!

has anyone had any success with the TruckVault or Decked system with the Kimbo? I’ve looked at Decked as a ‘basement’ storage area would be so clutch, but haven’t gotten past mounting the Kimbo to the TruckVault system as both use factory tie downs on the trucks. Anyone found a solution to this?

 

I think nelsonator was looking into a basement for the Kimbo using a vault system in this thread - maybe he'll chime in on what he is planning to do.

 

Do you guys all upgrade your stock suspension for these campers? How much does a finished one weigh?

 

There are items that will require updating to get the best performance from your stock suspension - it seems to be a general consensus at this point that the minimum upgrades will include: RideRite airbags (or some type of suspension assist) and E-rated tires.

These seem to be the most popular upgrades on the Tacoma platform so far. Of course there is bound to be someone that is running a fully decked out Kimbo, custom 50 gallon water tanks, treadmill, 1000 watts of solar, full size fridge, hot tub, and tons of other heavy options with stock running gear/tires...however, I don't believe that's sustainable.

The Kimbo starts out around 900-950 lbs and goes up depending on the options that are purchased.

There is some discussion on this earlier in the thread that might also add some additional detail.

 

Exactly what I did plus some rear bilsteins. Put a deposit on the camper before buying the truck. When I did get the truck went straight from the toyota dealership to a tire shop that gave me a trade in on the stock tires towards E rated Coopers. There is also some weight info on the Kimbo website .

 

Installed the truck vault system last night. It is amazing, new basement will provide tons of large object storage. I went with truck vault over decked because of the water proof, dust proof, and drawers that are not tapered. They are built to spec as well. I am using the bed rails for tie downs:

$49 Tigeracing Tie Down Anchors Retractable Truck Bed Top Side D Ring Compatible with 2015-2025 F150 / 17-25 F250 & F350 Super Duty / 17-25 Raptor - 3000 LBS Capacity of 4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P6ZCC4P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8

 

Also the decked system is only one height, 12 inches, so its up pretty high. The truck vault height can be ordered to spec.

 

Awesome @nelsonator!! I was thinking something similar, but how do you think you’ll mount the Kimbo on top of the TruckVault with the factory tie downs on the Tacoma not being accessible anymore??

 

Sorry haven't gotten those measurements yet. Trying to finish up before I leave this weekend. Really satisfied with the way everything fit and how the clearances are working with regards to heat and cooking if using a top shelf. Any specifics you're looking for?

 

Hi Joby1,

You can install bed rail tie downs

$49 Tigeracing Tie Down Anchors Retractable Truck Bed Top Side D Ring Compatible with 2015-2025 F150 / 17-25 F250 & F350 Super Duty / 17-25 Raptor - 3000 LBS Capacity of 4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P6ZCC4P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8 or just connect to the same tie down with the truck vault "wings" removed. I haven't done this on a Tacoma, I did it on a full size diesel truck, just an FYI. My truck bed has about 8" on each side of the Kimbo the "gallies".

Also, you'll create a large gap between the cab and the kimbo bed, this can create wind noise and decrease MPG, on my truck I had to put the kimbo up 7.5" just to clear the cab. Just an FYI.

 

thanks @Voltron4x4! No worries, I understand your a busy guy! I was just looking for the LxWxH of the kitchen cabinet you designed and build. Looks like you’re going to use a standard 2 burner Coleman camping stove?

 

Kimbo Version 1.0

Kitchen/Mini Bar Measurements:

Well I think she’s ready. Coming from a ground tent, she was ready when we drove her off the lot. But this is a tad more comfortable and what I had envisioned, or at least pretty damn close. Modifying and designing as I went I learned a few new tricks. The main reason I’m stoked to be done, is that now I can focus on my biking. I can relax and start being in the moment. Had to put that aside to get this done, but ready to slow way the fuck down, except on my bike.

Measurements are below. Got creative with securing the bottom shelves while moving and the single burner stove has just the right amount of clearance with the top shelf. Burned it pretty hot without anything on top and just felt some warmth with my hand up top. With a pot it should be even less. I kept an eye on the humidity level and noticed a 4-5% increase while burning it long enough to boil water. Propane would be more obviously, especially with two burners going. My thinking is that cooking outside will be 90% of the time since I like cooking with a view. This single burner will be just fine for coffee or something easy if it’s shitty out and the wood stove isn’t going. The duel burner still fits though. Other than breakfast, we mostly use the fire to cook. Hope that helps with my kitchen idea/purpose @Joby1


Width: 26.75in Tall: 39 Deep(Table): 15

Table Top to Top Shelf: 19.5

Table Top to Bottom Shelf: 17.5

Granite Tile: 12x12

 

Here are the pictures of the water system and how the camp “glasses” will stay put.

EDIT: HDPE spacer is sealed on the inside with Sika Flex and bolts outside with Proflex RV. Stuff is so messy and hard to keep clean. I have no clue how Kimbo was able to keep their shit so neat.

 

Outstanding!!

 

Thanks man. Appreciate that!

 

I wish I could get one of these up here... Yours looks amazing inside!

 

Yeah you're a ways up there! I hope to travel the Demster one summer or fall. Wish I had more time to explore your neck of the woods. Pun intended.

 

Yeah, it's pretty gorgeous here not going to lie. I feel weird because I don't really appreciate it anymore lol. Keep an eye on your camper if you do...

 

I live about 15 minutes from the Dempster...

 

Great! I'll send up smoke signals when I run out of gas or get a flat, which ever comes first.