Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

That's a whole lotta braaaap in those PJ's!!

Looks like a hell of a time out there.

 

I really like the switch hauler, its the 108-311 that has a 3.25 inch drop which allows me to lower the tailgate without taking the bike off the rack, I just unscrew the two pins and lower it, having access to the Kimbo without removing the bike was huge. Yes, it also works a a step too.

 

I've been mulling over the Tundra vs Tacoma question too. With the Tundra, you don't need to make any modifications to handle the weight of the camper. But Tundra doesn't come with the smaller Access Cab, so it would be harder to maneuver in tight parking situations. I wonder if gas mileage :might: be the same because the larger engine wouldn't have to work so hard?? Anyway, I hear that the Kimbo folks are working on a larger version designed for a full-size truck like a Tundra. By the time I have the financial wherewithal, both options will probably be available.

 

I spoke to a guy I shared a trail with who had a Tundra, no camper. He got the same mpg as I did with the Kimbo loaded. I imagine at times his was better such as during a strong headwind. But without the camper I’m sure I was easily getting better mpg. Not sure what a Tundra would get with a Kimbo on its back but probably wouldn’t be great. They are just not efficient V8s. My friend has a new GMC AT3 with the Duramax diesel. He’s getting over 30 mpg on the highway. But he also paid a shit load for those mpg.

It’s a lot to consider and you won’t check all the boxes, but once you figure out your main ones the choice will be a lot easier.

Thier plans may have changed, but a year ago the full size Kimbo was put on hold since they had enough business with the current and the state of things. I would like to see what they have in mind though. I’m sure they could do a lot with it.

 

I heard Mark mention in a video a "future" 8' model - that will be interesting. One of the factors for my decision to order a Kimbo was the fact that I will be able to close the tailgate behind it - I really would't want it any other way...

 

Hey folks, what sort of warranty does Kimbo provide on their camper?

 

Collin from Kimbo informed me that it comes with a one year warranty.

 

Just got back from our two week ikon trip with the Kimbo! Went from Bend OR through SLC and Colorado. Unfortunately we got the worst of Winter conditions - super low temps with zero snow lol. The kimbo did amazing, even in -11 and -13 degree temps with a few hiccups in between. Regardless we had so much fun an were envious of the amount of bluebird days CO gets.

1. The bottom suede got damp all the way around from frequent change in temps (top stayed dry and cozy so didn’t bother me much). Cole from Kimbo is doing a pressure test on Tuesday to make sure I don’t have a leak.

2. Kind of inevitable when camping in -13 but our sink was basically out of commission the entire trip from being frozen lol.

3. The AC steel box completely froze over which basically made a giant icicle in the middle of the Kimbo - Something to consider for folks looking into the AC option as this is also inevitable.

Other than these things, we couldn’t have asked for a better camper. We slept amazing even in the -13 temps. The kimbo stayed about 50 degrees inside! I’d recommend turning the heater on throughout the day if possible if you are camping in temps that cold. It takes a while to heat up.

The solar panels also did very well at charging the Ecoflow throughout the trip. Someone was asking about the DC fridge - it is small but we were able to store about a week and a half of food in it. It sips power which is awesome but we run it at 4/7 power (might need to increase this during summer). The biggest complaint with power (as mentioned in this thread) is the lights! The light at 100% drains sooo much power.

Lastly the $30 floor Matt made a HUGE difference. We were able to walk around with slippers on the entire time. Going to do this every winter.

if anyone needs any tips on where to stay near SLC or CO resorts let me know!

 

Sounds like some cold temps! If you don't mind a few questions...
1. did you experience any interior ice other than the AC unit? pics of THAT would be awesome
2. do you happen to know how many amps those lights pull at the brightest setting?
3. Yes please! would love to hear any tips you have staying near SLC resorts especially little cottonwood canyon?

Thanks!

 

One thing to keep in mind when in the super cold temps - your battery pack (whichever one you have if it's lithium-ish and maybe even lead acid) can be damaged when charged at below freezing temps...the goal zero doesn't have a low temp disconnect that I'm aware of, so I've begun pulling the solar plug when driving in super cold temps to keep the panel from charging the battery in transit or until the inside of the Kimbo is up to temp once we arrive. Just something to keep in mind and help keep your battery happy.

Low temp disconnect is definitely something I'll be taking into account when upgrading the battery.

 

Great point! also worth looking into are some of the newer battery designs that incorporate internal heaters at cold temps.

 

Ecoflow River Pro (that came with my Kimbo) is supposed to operate within a really wide temp range. Like -40*F to 140*F if I'm remembering correctly from their manual.

 

Yeah, lithium can operate more efficiently than lead acid in the freezing cold but charging needs to be done above freezing.

 

Hey Tiny Livin,

What model of fridge do you have in your Kimbo? Is it just DC or propane too? Thanks.

 

Bottom of the suede got damp all the way around? the entire panel or was it wicking up on the lower edge that touches the floor? or??

 

From GoalZero:
Thank you for contacting Goal Zero!

Unfortunately, none of the yetis have a low temp disconnect to protect them from low temperatures if anything we recommend that you don't keep your unit in temperatures below 32 or less because this will cause damage to not only your unit but the internal battery itself.

 

hey @RT395, also had some pretty bad moisture / ice around the bottom of the Kimbo. I am getting a pressure test done tomorrow to make sure there are no leaks in mine (fingers crossed). pics attached.

2. I don’t know the exact specs on the lights but I think @Voltron4x4 found those somewhere!

3. SLC is actually really tough regarding vans / truck campers. We stayed at good ol Cracker Barrel most of our nights in SLC. I have the harvest host app so we could have stayed at a brewery but the neighborhood seemed kinda schetch compared to Cracker Barrel. The other two options near the canyon could be found on the iOverlander app. Other peeps had some great success at a nearby Church (which is a pickup spot for the ski resorts) and also a nearby LDS parking lot.

 

the bottom suede all the way around. I’m getting a pressure test done again. Might have a leak unfortunately.

 

it’s just the DC. Been working on my Kimbo with Cole all night and he said that he’s had to replace like 60 of the propane fridges.

 

I have this from the check out at Kimbo. I’m guessing the lights haven’t changed. Hope this helps.

48 watts / 12V = 4 amps