Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

I had a '15 manual 4cyl 4x4 with stock gearing 6' bed - we camped in a fiberglass service slide in that I converted, suppose it weighed 3/4 of the Kimbo we have now. The mountain passes were a challenge, got into a couple snow spots that let out the stink in the clutch (if you know, you know) - but for general travel it worked fine for us but it was not a cabover slide in so the wind resistance on the Kimbo as noted above by voltron4x4 has an impact on gas mileage. Surprisingly, it is not top heavy or squirrelly in the wind, probably because the Kimbo keeps the weight low...the pump never forgets though.

 

Maybe reach out to this guy...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7l-4cyl-truck-slide-in-camper.308088/#post-7905866

 

Post 186 on page 10

 

The grill that's on the side where the door swings....

 

I had a 2017 4 cyl manual access cab before I bought my Kimbo.....I made the decision to trade the 4 cylinder Tacoma in and get a 2021 6 cylinder auto. I am glad I did as the 6 cyl goes right up those hills without any effort. You might be ok if it were just level driving, but that is not the case 95% of the time. I also got almost what I paid for the truck on a trade-in so that was great.. You would get several hundred pounds more usefull load with the 4 cyl, access cab over the 6 cylinder 4 door though....my 2 cents for today.

 

Solid window/handle interface...highly desirable combo.

 

Seems like those with a decent 2nd gen are able to compensate well with this market at or above MSRP for a different one. Good to hear.

 

You have come far my friend.

 

Sounds like a lot of us are having issues with the ecoflow batteries gents. Mine (as well as my other Kimbo buddy) no longer charges. Just started working with Kimbo on having them send out a new unit. Anyone else having this issue?

Horrible timing. We're getting one last storm come through Bend and having the biggest festival of the year at the mountain this weekend. Lifts are even spinning until 7PM.

 

Hopefully everyone is removing the solar charge cable in the winter while travelling (unless you leave the heat on while on the road).

It's pretty common knowledge that charging LiPo batteries in freezing temps is a big no-no...but don't forget that if there is sunlight on the panels, there is power to the battery. I have been actually pulling mine battery out in the winter while we are not using the Kimbo and storing the goalzero in the house, then putting it in the cab when we leave until we get to the winter wonderland.

Something to consider.

 

I pull my Ecoflow battery and put it indoors all the time until I go camping.....I don't want to take a chance...it has been working great

 

Stunning photos!

 

Good to know, but that’s not the issue. Something’s going on regarding the rapid charge / wall charge. Solar works just fine!

 

Some before and after of a DIY Storage bench/electrical cabinet/2nd bunk. Wanted to build this entire thing out of t-slot aluminum but couldn't get any in a reasonable amount of time so had to improvise. I used Aluminum deck railing cap that I had left over from a job and some strips of light weight plywood to create the frame. Just used some ACX plywood for the top and finished it with a coat of Benite and 2 coats of Daly's Ben-Matte finish. Found a memory foam mattress that was 74"x30"x2" which fit perfectly (Not pictured).

 

Looks great! I happen to run into the same issue, so it turned into a proof of concept and hope to move to the 80/20 at some point when the refinements slow down. Can't wait to see how you finish it out.

 

Nice work! That layout looks great, loads of options.

 

Here is how I installed my awning. I purchased the standard awning brackets for an ARB awning. I had them modified so that when mounted on the sloped portion of the Kimbo roof, the awning side of the bracket would remain in a vertical position. I also made some backing plates out of aluminum to match the Kimbo. Did some calculations as to where would be best to mount the brackets. Drilled and mounted the brackets and then mounted the awning to the brackets. I did this job solo but would recommend having a helper. I used a healthy amount of marine sealant under the bracket and on the threads of the bolts. It has not leaked or moved at all in the 8 months since I installed it. Definitely a little worried about snagging it on a branch etc but so far hasn't happened.

Standard Bracket.


Modified Bracket and Backing Plates


Drilling for the Bracket Install


Done

 

I’m a week out from picking up our Kimbo! Driving up to Bellingham from Wyoming next weekend. Any last minute checks or prep I should think about this week?

I know you all have talked about this at some point but what kind of pressure are you running in your tires and airbags once the camper is installed?

As always, thanks for all the info and resources on this site.

 

I run 46 psi cold.....they go up to 51 psi after running about 15 minutes...put in what you need on the airbags to level.....start with 40 or so and adjust////I am sure the others will have slightly different comments.....congrats on your pickup and have fun

 

I run about the same in my tires with a little more in the rear. Once your fully loaded do a chalk test at home. Depending on your load out and suspension you’ll have anywhere from 25 to 40 in the bags. With my stiffer leafs I’m at 25 or so.

Make sure your bed rail under the back windows is off. Kimbo needs to sit flush with the front of the bed.

Exciting times!