Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

Just did some research on this option - it won't work in the kimbo...unless you want to install it with self leveling compound. It uses the self leveling compound as a heat sink, darnit. Great idea though...thinking outside the box!!

 

Wondering if anyone out there has a used Kimbo they are wanting to part with. I have read pretty much every page of this thread and have decided that I need a Kimbo!! Thanks!

 

It looks like this is what you need for a heated floor. I wonder if the width would work. It’s a 12v system. https://expeditionupfitter.com/products/12v-floor-heating?variant=42168876892409

 

That looks interesting but it also says that there shouldn't be insulation above or below the grid when installing (didn't see any specifics thought)...I did find this site though that uses a film instead of a cable and looks intriguing.

https://infrarot-fussboden.de/VinylDesigner

 

Question: what kind of portable jack lift do you all have when you have an issue on the road like a flat or tire blowout? Realizing the one that came with my Tacoma prob can’t support the truck and Kimbo, especially since I typically drive without the camper jack-stands attached.

It could make sense to bring the jacks if I head out on a longer adventure incase I need to pull the camper off to service the truck.

Curious on what you all are doing.

Thanks!

 

I carry a bottle jack with a wooden block due to my lift. It has plenty of capability with the Kimbo on it. I forget which one but probably the 6 ton Husky, it fits in the back behind the rear seat. There is a small footprint so you just have to be smart when using it. I also carry an air compressor and puncture kit.

 

Or you can go this route @WY_4x4 .

 

Hey all,

First time poster here, thanks to all who have posted previously on this thread. There is a tremendous wealth of Tacoma/Kimbo knowledge here and it’s extremely informative to hear about folk’s firsthand experience with this setup. Great to hear a lot of folks commenting that the Kimbo build quality is second to none.

I have spent the last few days combing through this thread and couldn’t find much insight on the below questions I have been researching. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

1) Is there a general consensus on what absolute upgrades should be made to the Tacoma for hauling the Kimbo? Anything needed besides airbags w/cradles? Are brake upgrades necessary for folks living in mountainous regions?

2) Has anyone had any experience running a Zero Breeze Mach 2 or Eco Flow battery powered A/C unit in their Kimbo during hot summer days as opposed to the shore powered a/c unit that is an option from Kimbo? I’m trying to understand what options there may be for cooling the unit when offgrid/boondocking.

3) Is anyone running a basic Kimbo “shell” model on their rig? If so, any chance you could post a few photos or direct me to where I might find some? Photos on the interwebs seem pretty limited of this configuration and I’m considering doing my own diy buildout.

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome!

I think all have done well with the airbag only system with E-rated tires. Upgraded brakes I'm sure would be nice but not needed. Driving down mountain passes is a breeze if down shifting. It's not the most aerodynamic so I bet catching some of that wind helps too. I've recently use 4-Low in 2nd and L gears on a gnarly pass/off-road with no issues.

I've been interested in those units but no contact with anyone with them. There seem to be similar designs coming out with lower price points too.

https://www.bougerv.com/products/28...nditioner?currency=USD&variant=43101668475096

Here is mine with just the solar prewired from the factory before I built it out. I added the baskets myself.



If you haven't ordered a Kimbo yet, I just saw a post that they reduced their build out time down to 5 months.

 

Voltron, great info! Thanks so much. It looks like you did not go with the propane fireplace from Kimbo. Are you using a different heat source?

 

Yep. When I placed my order they were offering the wood burning stove. By the time mine was being built they took it off the menu. I decided to do it myself. I also have a diesel heater. There are a few others with the diesel heater too. Both work really well. I do enjoy the wood stove the most though. Have some links in the first post for it.

 

Saw a kimbo for sale in Tucson:

https://tucson.craigslist.org/rvs/d/tucson-2022-kimbo-truckbed-camper/7551983626.html

 

That's a frikin steal for $24k with all the options it has!

 

Hey all - I'm picking up my Kimbo in a few weeks and can't make a decision on tires... Looking for some feedback - I've read through all the threads and I know very little about tires. I currently run GoodYear All Terrians that have a max load of 2,456lbs. (9,876 lbs. total).

First question... do I really need E-rated tires? Or can my current tires handle the weight just fine?
Next question... has anyone NOT upgraded to E-rated tires and had problems?

I probably have another 10k miles on these tires and want to wait to upgrade if it's not necessary, but I don't want to be unsafe.

 

@Profloundering sorry to hear about this incident. I had something similar happen within a week of picking up the kimbo. A water jug fell over on a bumpy road up in BC and flooded the back - didn't realize until we got to whistler. It was "luckily" 110 degrees that day and I tore out the cabinets and flooring and let everything dry outside.

Question for you: what model porta potti do you use? Do you keep it in the storage "locker"? I've been looking at the Thetford porta potties and the dimensions look like they fit nicely in there.

Also does anyone have a grey water tank they use? Trying to figure out how to be self-contained before I go on some planned winter trips.

 

I asked this same question a while back and while your tires are probably OK under a static load, they very well may not be under dynamic loading (I.e. braking down a steep mountain grade, in a sharp turn). They add a lot of stability and piece of mind anecdotally speaking.

As far as a specific brand, I went from Falken wildpeak AT3 to Toyo ATs and I can say that I regret that decision and will be switching to a wildpeak AT (E rated ofcourse) in the future. Toyos have a nasty habit of holding onto rocks and slinging them into your body work at high speeds: never had that issue with the Falkens, and I’ve noticed better wet and snow grip with the Falkens as well. That’s my personal take but I’m sure you’ll hear plenty of opinions on this matter. I will say that the Toyos are a bit better on the highway at high speeds (slightly less road noise and seem to roll a bit easier).

 

I did the math too to make my new C-rated tires work. I ended up on upgrading to E-rated and not worrying about it anymore and the "what if's". Im very happy I did. I have full confidence in my tires and the extra stiffness they provide when cornering. It's not just the load rating that benefit the Kimbo, but the support they provide when turning and the added puncture protection. In the summer, tires will also build up heat and you'll be maxing the psi out on anything less than an E-rated tire.

Used tires like yours can be sold, possibly cover the cost of the install of the new set. When the camper is off, I don't mind the E-rated tires one bit. They corner even better and the ride still feels the same, but that is with my suspension setup.

 

Great feedback gentlemen! Really appreciate it. Voltron4x4 what tires are you running? I'm finding my local tire dealers don't have a lot of E-rated options in 265/70 R16s. I also know very little about tires and am having a tough time navigating the differences in ply rating, index rating, and load range... I'm lost and every tire shop I talk to have a different take on what I really need.