Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

Speaking of resale value ... first Kimbo I've seen pop up on craigslist.

For anyone watching this thread that wants to skip the wait times from the factory: https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/rvs/d/clackamas-kimbo-camper/7344366406.html

 

Could be the first resale Kimbo - I've seen one that was for rent but have not seen one for sale yet.

 

I linked a sale ad last year, I think. Doing a CL search all, I got this one that was just deleted so probably sold.

BRAND NEW Kimbo Truck Camper - Never Used - Southern ...
craigslist › for sale › rvs - by owner

Jun 12, 2021 ... palm springs > rvs - by owner · BRAND NEW Kimbo Truck Camper - Never Used - Southern California Specia - $29,900 (Palm Springs).

 

Hey folks....so I just picked up my new Tacoma TRD off road today....still have stock tires on it......seems like BFG KO2's are 6-8 month delivery as I am told....I heard someone talk about Cooper's....any other recommendations on E rated tires?....I don't get my Kimbo till November so I have some time.....thanks.....Boy Dog

 

Something to consider:

Stock size (265/70r16, $265ea) are for some reason more expensive compared to 265-75-16 ($200), slightly taller but $65 or more cheaper per tire - same tire otherwise.

I ordered (5) and had one put on the spare.

Looks like they both sizes are available from Discount tire - I got mine from Costco but that was a few months ago.

 

Thanks Proflounding....I bought 5 yesterday of the 75's...a noticable difference from the stock goodyear wranglers as far as weight and height...they are going to use some more power to push them down the road but I like them.

 

I love Craig's List. This beauty is perfect for someone. The original red paint job is starting to come through and looks like a zebra that escaped a lions mouth. Kinda cool...



https://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/d/brighton-jeep-cherokee-with-pop-up/7346808551.html

 

Decent price too for a capable turn key setup. Sold my previous setup last week and freed up some space in the yard finally. Happy wifey for sure!

 

The hardwood platform simply slides under the main bed and I roll up the foam sleeping pad and put it in the underwear storage space.

 

2 month Kimbo report
TRUCK~First plan was to put Kimbo on my 98’ Tacoma but I got spoiled with the 8ft bed of the Tundra. Having extra space to put gear and shoes at the back is nice.

TOILET~The Thetford port-a-potty has been working flawless, and is a really nice compact functional addition to any kind of camping.

NOTARIETY~When I drive Kimbo around I am guaranteed to get at least 1 person to ask. So far everyone from young to old love it. I agree this being a TIMELESS creation that will hold value very well.

BUILD QUALITY~ I have towed up multiple travel trailers abs talked with dozens of owners of motor homes. They ‘PLAN’ on things breaking EVERY trip out. That’s a big reason I bought Kimbo. I have had only issues with the windows. Now that I know how to adjust the tension it has helped, but kids left front window cracked while driving and it ‘blew the hinges’ apart…Arctic tern will not warranty stupidity ‍♂️. Love how solid door sounds when you close it- the thump tells me Kimbo will hold up to kids and weekly camping trips for years.

STORAGE~ I DREAD taking this thing off. It shakes and tips and scares the bejeezus out of me every time. Wish I had a flat driveway or an overhead lift. Tundra sits higher and exaggerates the issue but didn’t need to modify suspension with a 1,600lb bed capacity.

 

Awesome update!

Yeah, bejeezus gets out of town any time I remove mine too - worried about tipping forward over the cab is whats unnerving for me. Once it's free of the bed it's fine and there is a post by Voltron4x4 that shows a kickstand for the cabover area that's pretty cool.

Nelsonator also has a slick setup he just shared with the forum - his truck is quite a bit higher than the Tacoma so maybe you could glean some ideas from his setup.

Sorry to hear about the front window - can you share some pix on where the hinges failed? Leaving a window open is always a stress point, so easy to forget.

Pro-tip: Leaving the back window and top vent cracked (in an attempt to keep the interior cool while in transit) on a dusty dirt road fills the interior with said dust in short order - you have been warned.

 

Was searching for info on Dometic and GoalZero and came across your post. Wanted to add this -
https://www.goalzero.com/blog/yeti-...cepting a,working in extremely hot conditions.

 

Thanks - good info to tuck away for those miserably hot weekends.

 

I see from a few photos you guy's have posted that when you take the Kimbo off your truck, you put some support under the main cabin (tires/pallets)......is this recommended to support the middle or are the 4 jack stand sufficient if you were boondocking?....perhaps when storing at home, it is being conservative....any comment would be great.....Boydog

 

Have two sets of bricks with 2 x 6s and then keeping with my simple kimbo style, just a homemade support holding up the front. Have the jacks raised about an inch off the ground. Please ignore firewood and junk wood, recently moved and have about 3 projects underway.

 

so I just notice you left the TM when you removed the KIMBO sticker…

 

Just for A subtle differentiation.

 

Thanks Tacomaroma for the pic.....looks like you have it elevated about 18" off the ground....I'll work on an adhoc platform.....cheers

 

Hey Nelsonator - That landing pad looks awesome! I need to get something put together shortly that is a bit more permanent too.

Been pretty busy with life lately and I'm just getting a chance to read the article about the frankenyeti.

Once concern that comes up is the different battery chemistry and the same charger - I'll look into it more when time allows but I thought that the lead acid and the lithium batteries require completely different charging/discharging parameters - the lead acid is only 50% duty cycle and the lithium is 80% and can be deeply discharged without harming it.

I know I would never go back to lead acid simply because of the weight involved (I know you have all that capacity in the world with that sweet rig you're sporting) but the cheaper up front price is tempting. Will Prose on the DIYSOLAR channel has some great info.

 

I've got a little update - the truck went under the knife at SherpTek in Eugene and has been under the skillful eye of Ryan and Rebecca.

Now that it's back, I can begin getting some serious work done.

Putting the word out - looking for left/right silver rear fenders to cut the bottoms off of to make some under bed skirts until I decide if we have the capacity for underboxes.