Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

Heya, been a while since I asked my first questions...I didn't have a Kimbo or a Tacoma. I've got half of the equation now, and I'll be picking up the Kimbo late July!

Naturally, I have a swell of new questions as I get closer to picking it up. Apologies if I ask anything that's already been directly answered. I've done my best to keep up with the thread, but there's a lot.

1. Is a bed mat recommended? I was planning to pick one up anyways, but was curious how that comes into play with the Kimbo.
2. General propane question...is there a way, from the factory, to run a line from the propane bay to the kitchen area? I'm curious how people are setting up kitchens and what the general considerations are. (we ordered the Kimbo with fireplace + propane, not much else)
3. How far do the legs protrude off the side of the camper? If the Kimbo is 77.25" wide, what is the additional width considering the legs? I'm working through storage options right now. I think we have enough room beside the house if we install an RV gate, but it's gonna be tight...
   
4. Any recommendations for E-rated tires that are "good enough" off-road, but more importantly have solid road comfort and aren't loud? I want some off-road confidence on BLM and forest maintenance roads for finding those good boondocking spots, but most of my time will be on pavement getting there.
5. What are the general means of attaching things to the walls of the Kimbo? Things like baskets on the inside, or larger things like awnings on the outside.

Thanks!

 

Congratulations on the Truck and Kimbo! I will do my best on these to get you started .

I don't have a bedmat. The crew at Kimbo made a framework that was 2 qty 2x6s high so that the Kimbo wouldn't impact the cab shark fin. I have lowered that to one 2 x 6 and it still has good clearance. EDIT 2 x 6 laying flat so about 1 and 5/8 inches.
On the propane line you would need to ask Collin at Kimbo, my guess is maybe for an additional fee.
The outside edge of the camper jacks are 5 inches from the camper. So 10 inches added together.
I have Cooper Discoverer AT3 , they are not loud. Rated good for snow which was my main concern. Having driven on many forest service roads in the past, (but not with these) I think they would handle it fine but maybe others have suggestions there.
We have not attached to the walls, we have drilled a couple holes for bunchies and we have the baskets but others have so hopefully they will chime in.

 

Welcome back Kevtron! super happy for your soon to be new addition to the family - I'll share what I know below:

1. That is a super tough question for me actually - a bed mat would definitely help keep the bed and Kimbo from scuffing, however I've found that when I'm loading the Kimbo and it's just a tad proud at the tailgate...I'm able to just give one of the outriggers a shove to move it in enough to get the tailgate closed properly. I'd imagine with a rubber mat, that would be next to impossible. I guess if i actually checked the tailgate before lowering it all the way down would also work but I find that i'm not all that smart...LOL.

2. I've put this one on my to-do list - I'm going to install a bulkhead where the tank line enters the Kimbo (I don't like that the rubber hose simply passes through a bare hole in the aluminum). Once I have the bulkhead installed, I'll 'T' it so I can run one line to the Kitchen/bbq or whatever we get figured out. I'll post some basic pics soon of our current setup but we are waiting for the flatbed to plumb everything in because the water source and gray tank will be located in the hips outside the Kimbo.

3. My measurement from the side of the Kimbo to the end of the crank spindle is 7" in the rear and 8" in the front (per side). Total width on mine is 93.25" crank spindle to crank spindle.

4. I'd second the Coopers - I don't have any experience with the E-rated ones but I had the Discover M+S tire and they were wonderful on my previous setup. If they had an E-rated version of the M+S, I'd likely have gone with them instead of the K02's but I got a great price on the K02's that I couldn't pass up.

5. I attached the baskets where the black knobs were. The spacing is decent but you'll need longer screws and washers. In the kitchen I just picked up longer screws and some brass countersunk washers to dress them up a bit. There is also the option of mounting them on the spars too depending on your design. Almost everything I've read on awnings has been negative...although I considered a small one off the back, that idea hasn't had any traction yet. The main considerations for the awning are how much close quarters driving you're planning on (tightly wooded/rubbing branches) because the awning has a tendency to catch things and part ways with whatever it's mounted to. Then there is the wind factor, wind has a way of sneaking up and snatching stuff and carrying it far away. Just things to consider. We will be utilizing a popup shade with screens for the outside cooking/hanging out in hot weather, realizing that the same concerns with wind still apply - the risk of sneaky wind in the PNW has not proven to be a huge concern... yet. Other items attached to the outside of the structure will be done with lots of sealant and pop-rivets to maintain the proper aesthetics.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the replies, Tacomaroma and Profloundering. Really good point about the bed mat. I hadn't considered nudging it into place once it's on the bed. Though it also sounds like I'll probably need more than the bed mat anyways to clear the shark fin?

Now I'm definitely curious how many folks have considered plumbing out around the wheel well area in the bed. I keep thinking about all that space and how it'd be nice to keep the water weight low. I've seen some interesting diy options for grey water, but I'm not going to rush into anything until I understand how I'll be using the Kimbo.

Those dang cranks are sure making me wish my yard was a foot wider It's gonna be a super close call with my fence. I've given a fair amount of consideration to making a wheeled cart or platform just so that it's easy to move around when in storage. We'll see...

I actually have Discoverer AT3 right now, but I've been working from home and have barely been driving at all, so I haven't formed any strong opinions. I'm pretty content with them. Some KO2s are certainly temping...just cuz , but I'm guessing I'll be at least mildly irked by the noise.


I just got things scheduled for installing some Firestone Ride Rite airbags. Airbags and tires are obviously the most important things to get wrapped up before driving from AZ to WA to pick up the Kimbo...and back again. Which leads me to another question: any additional advice for that maiden voyage? Especially with a bare bones Kimbo.

Thanks!

 

As far as the shark fin - I’ve not had any trouble without any riser (2020 double cab) but it’s close, about two inches of clearance, and that may or may not be too close for you.

the maiden voyage is so glorious - you’ll def want to be sure and cook off the propane stove smoke/oil/whatever...high heat for at least an hour or more. Beyond that - the bed is super comfy, the view out the front is epic, relaxing and just enjoying it is the key. With so little info available when I got mine there was a ton of misinformation and so I was nervous out of the gate but that was quickly worked out. I’d recommend picking up a port-a-potty and just sitting it in the corner of the kitchen floor next to the propane tank box (it’ll need a rubber mat to keep it from sliding around). Having a toilet on board is a game changer and using the thetford aqua-Kem is key to never having any smells.

I run the airbags at 35-ish as a starting point then adjust to taste.

Get a digital gauge and a decent floor pump - allows you to fine tune as you go. Also if you can pick up a spare push connect fitting in case a tube springs a leak or gets pinched.

 

subbed to read later.

 

Thats some good news. Thought I'd drop my .02 too on your questions.

1. I have a bed mat and yeah it doesn't slide once its resting on it. It may provide additional insulation but probably minimal. You do have to take the front rail off for it to slide all the way forward. Kimbo really used every square inch of real estate back there.

2. What @Profloundering is doing sounds awesome. Do that.

3. Looks to be answered.

4. Ive been real happy with my Toyo AT3's. They are new to the line up and have performed very well so far. Definitely had the truck/Kimbo on some good 4x4 trails where you're picking lines to protect your goods underneath. They too are real quiet on the road too.

5. For light things the baskets do very well on the shell/insulation side. I worry about any thing too heavy since they are the rivets your putting the load on. The divider on the other hand by the mud room you can bolt directly through it. This post show how I mounted items to the inside of the Kimbo. I used 1in HDPE as a spacer to mount flush to the insulation. If you're mounting to the outside you simply bolt through and use quality sealant on the inside and outside. Thats how I did my fuel tank on the outside for the diesel heater. Hope that helps.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kimbo-campers-and-mods.651104/page-19#post-25401126

 

Thanks for the many cents of feedback! It's super helpful. I just ordered a Thetford toilet + recomended Aqua-KEM and really looking forward to that. As for tires, I think I'm between the Discoverer AT3 XLTs and the Toyo AT3s now.

In general, my plan is to keep things pretty low tech, and to only make major decisions after I've had time to settle in and actually use the camper first. I got a 35qt Yeti cooler rather than a fridge, since I realistically anticipate boondocking no more than 3 days or so at a time before heading back through a town. I've got some rough ideas for the kitchen and I'm pretty excited to get to work on that.

Has anyone added or considered adding tie down anchors on the inside of the Kimbo? It's something that's been on my mind since I fly a paramotor, and it'd be really nice if I could transport it on the inside of the camper on longer journeys, rather than dangling off the back of the truck on a cargo rack.

Related to the previous question: what are the dimensions of the door opening?

 

Sounds like you're well on your way and I think it's smart to get a feel for the space before making the key decisions.

My door dimensions are 59.25" tall by almost 20" wide. The corners are 45'd on the bottom about 3" up and the top necks down from the bend in the door/wall to 18" at the top.

I've not considered tie downs on the inside, it would depend on how much weight we're talking about and in what directions the pull would be. Installing "L" track in the floor would probably be the most secure/least intrusive for pulling toward the floor but if you needed to keep something tall from tipping side to side you'd have to look at possibly installing attachment points on the walls but it depends on your load.

Hope this helps

 

Hi all, I’m redoing my solar and had some questions for the guys who installed their own.

1. Did you remove the headliner inside to gain access to the aluminum ceiling from the inside when securing the the solar panels with brackets? I have some brackets with screws and figured they need to go into something more than just the aluminum, like a backing or I could use bolts.

2. If you did remove the headliner panels was it challenging and do you have any tips?

3. did you use butyl tape on the brackets or sika flex 221 for sealing?

4. Any particular advice?

All the best. Hope you’re all getting lots of smiles on the road.

 

I can’t get over how top-heavy his thing looks.

 

Simple Kimbo build. So I know there are some really nice interior builds, this is just easy stuff for organizing. Did well on a 800 or so mile journey with no spillage on some bumpy campground roads, curvy mountain roads, never had to go to 4wd for any of it though. First pic Sterlite drawers on top of goal zero housing, cut a piece of plywood and added dowels that the drawer framework sit on , screwed the plywood down on to the housing. My wife added Velcro on drawers to hold shut with bungee for extra safety when traveling.
Second pic of closet area where we hung an organizer , the velcro strap keeps shoes etc in place. Next to it is basic lightweight sterlite drawers with same mod with velcro to hold shut and again bungeed for extra caution while traveling, it's super velcroed to the divider and rear of camper, stayed in place the whole time, baskets on top -left one bolted to divider, the one with table cloth zip tied to the first one.
The original Kimbo cushion no longer fits on the bench so we will have to get something for that. Don't have pic but on the opposite side we bungeed in our Yeti on the bench towards the back where Kimbo puts the kitchen. We used the stick on hooks for that, I thought for sure they would pop out but no problems, so although not fancy for minimal expense and only a couple holes drilled I am pretty pleased overall with function.
2nd pic

 

Hey nelsonator - I've been considering adding additional panels to the roof of the Kimbo as well but I'm not sold on the idea of adding to the roof. I like the idea of being able to park the rig under natural cover (if available of course) and locating the panels in the sun. I'm still working on a solution that would accommodate storage/extension cords and plugs/etc...

Also, I'm not positive but I thought I've seen the panels essentially just glued to the roof instead of actually drilling holes that have to be sealed up - if that's accurate, it'd likely be a preferred way. I'll let you know if I find out any additional detail on this.

 

Looking good! there is something to be said for getting the functionality down before making big changes, we learned with our first project that it takes quite a bit of camping and refinement to get things just the way you want them.

It's pretty awesome to have everyone sharing ideas that you can take and make your own as you see fit.

Can't get over how awesome this Kimbo is - has a buddy drop by yesterday for a quick visit. He's headed out of town today and was supposed to stay in a crummy hotel last night but we were able to offer him a night in the Kimbo so he canceled his hotel and had a cozy night in our driveway thanks to the Kimbo!

 

These guys are redoing an avion but the articles deal with much the same issues that these will as they age so it's a good idea to get familiar with the issues.

This is a particularly good article when renovating adding stuff/using dissimilar metals:

https://roamlab.com/galvanic-corrosion-vintage-campers/

 

Hey guys, enjoying my second month of the Kimbo with my family. I have a question I did see anyone with an awning except one Instagram post. Thinking of making a bracket that mounts on passenger side jack mounts then has a crossbar to avoid drilling but it wouldn’t look as good as a direct mount...

Thoughts?

so far I’ve cut out plywood and made a bed connecting both rear benches so my two kids can sleep away from wife and I. They love it.

 

Welcome Arctictomcat!

The sleeping platform is a great idea - i'll be doing something similar for a mother-in-law sleeping spot.

There has been a little discussion about the pros-cons of having an awning but it really boils down to what you're needs are and how rugged you'll be getting on the trail. The mount between the jack mounts seems like a solid way to go to avoid drilling into the Kimbo. We're working out a 10'x10' pop up canopy solution with bug netting for the summer and fabric sides for the winter, but it's a custom solution that's still in the very early stages.

Hope to see more of you here on the forum!

 

After thinking harder about awnings, I'm pretty sure that I'm just going to go the route of a lightweight, pop-up canopy tent. This one is under 30lbs:

$110 EAGLE PEAK 10x10 Slant Leg Pop-up Canopy Tent Easy One Person Setup Instant Outdoor Beach Canopy Folding Portable Sports Shelter 10x10 Base 8x8 Top (White)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NYMRGGF/

I want finding level ground and having shade to be two independent concerns when settling in somewhere, especially in the sunny southwest. I'd imagine that the flexibility to be able to create shade wherever I want will suit me better.

 

I think you made the right choice going with a pop up. You can move it around depending on the time of day. It is also a lot cheaper when the wind tears em to smithereens. The ones with an air release at the top tend not to get destroyed as fast:

$190 EAGLE PEAK 13x13 Straight Leg Pop Up Canopy Tent Instant Outdoor Canopy Easy Single Person Set up Folding Shelter w/Auto Extending Eaves 169 Square Feet of Shade (Blue)

https://www.amazon.com/EAGLE-PEAK-S...lawn-garden&sprefix=pop,lawngarden,251&sr=1-7

 

Its aluminum plate and 1in foam all around, no framing and no cabinetry like traditional campers. Top half is pretty light but gas takes a hit in strong wind. You get about the same MPG as some of these rigs with lower profile overland setups. It definitely looks top heavy though.