Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

If you hit the "watch on youtube" button, it comes up......

 

Is it safe to say that the fridge that comes with a Kimbo is LESS efficient than the 12v chest models popular in the overlanding community?

 

I can't say for sure, but having a chest cooler helps keep the cold in better when you are opening it.

 

For sure, but it sure seem like a lot of Kimbo owners are reporting issues involving the fridge that comes with it. I’m wondering if it’s just as well to avoid the Kimbo fridge altogether.

 

Just received an additional LED light controller with remote (identical to the original) - going to try to get it installed tonight before the fishing trip this weekend. I'll report back on how we like the split controllers.

 

Seems to me there is always a trade off - the chest fridges are efficient, cheaper (in most cases), and portable...the dorm style or drawer fridges are built in, somewhat less efficient in use, but much more convenient (think of what style is in your kitchen and why). It may be more of a consideration to determine where and how you will be using your fridge. Think of it like a vehicle - there are cases where gas mileage is less of a consideration than others.

 

I’m in on this for sure!

 

Ok, got the second controller installed...I'm amazed at the difference in brightness - I'll likely replace the the old controller also and the front LED strips because I've had nothing but problems with the first two connectors.

The replacement roll of LED lighting comes with a short power cord and plug soldered to the strip - I cut off the plug and soldered the power wire from my new controller to the short power cord.

The way I split the LED string is by bringing the second controller up the wire channel to the top of the wooden strut and drilled a hole through the strut for the wire to pass through - I decided to do some pre work because I wanted to have the connector to the first strip soldered up and shrink tubed so I wasn't fussing with it inside the Kimbo.




I removed the last LED strip from the channel and replaced with the new power cord strip and then cut the strip just above the window so there would be a zone of LED's for the bed area and another zone in the kitchen/entry area.

There are two things to take into consideration when splitting it this way:
1. the direction of the strip starting on the other side of the wooden strut changes the positive/negative wire relationship with the other strips (I only replaced the first strip going clockwise from the power source). I know that positive/negative usually doesn't matter with LED stuff but I wanted to be consistent with the power so I wasn't introducing problems. To resolve this, I cut one connectors in the corner and just cut/switched and spliced the wires...there is no way to just swap the leads because of the way the connectors are manufactured.

2. When the strip is cut, I bent over the connections at the cut - placed a strip of electrical tape in the channel so they wouldn't make contact with the aluminum channel and then taped the ends also to keep them folded over.

Looking forward to using the new setup this weekend.

NOTE: the new controller is substantially brighter than the old one - can anyone tell me what the amp draw on their system is at full power? I forgot to check mine before starting the work to split mine. Interested to see if the amp draw is less with the split style compared to the all in one system.

 

I spied dark blue tundra going down seaside with a kimbo hangin out the back

 

Howdy folks. It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, been a busy summer with projects and trips! Smoke free so it’s been a blessing. Since my last post, I’ve added an addition solar panel on the front to improve power & wind resistance while driving. Which I believe has improved my mpg to 14-14.5mpg. I’ve also added the OVS 180 awning on the side and the OVS outdoor shower/pooper privacy. Inside I added an additional fold out counter space, spice shelf, and backsplash tile. It’s been a fun project!

 

looks great!

 

Love the cutting board - tell us you’re from California without telling us you’re from California

might use the little door with the cutout idea, that’s cool too!

 

Joby, this work is top notch!!

I am especially a huge fan of how you did the shelves + net. I don't think it violates the "see everything" premise of the baskets, but in my mind it is more versatile! I am definitely inspired!

 

Recently returned from a longer multi state trip in the Kimbo and was very impressed with it. The dual solar panels kept up with all the electrical demands and were usually able to fully charge the battery by noon the next day. Added an anytime backup camera and front camera to the Tacoma and it made the drive less worrisome. Put a splitter on the propane to use it for cooking as well as the heater and that worked out great as well. The best addition was rear sway bars for the Tacoma. They made a huge difference in ride quality and stability. I knew they'd help but was very impressed by how much of a difference they made.

 

Great setup!

 

Saw my first Kimbo in the wild a few days ago at Mammoth Cave NP in Kentucky. It was leaving the campground and off in the distance, but the shape was unmistakable. Not even sure what it was on- Taco I think? Very cool!

Anybody from here?

 

Has anyone put more than 200 watts of solar panels on their Kimbo? Sure seems like there's room for more up there.

update: Just been told that Kimbo now offers 300watts as an option.

 

Went with two 100w panels because of this:

A 100-watt solar panel is half as powerful as a 200-watt solar panel. Therefore it will take double as long to charge a battery with 100W as 200W. Placing two 100W panels in parallel will make the system charge faster than a 200W panel, but it will take up more space and more weight.

Not sure what sizes they are using but hope this helps. There is definitely room for more depending on your needs.

 

I think I uploaded a picture of the printout Kimbo gave us with the level and amp draw. Somewhere between pages 1-10...maybe. I'll look. Currently procrastinating at work.