Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

Yes, mine is turning opaque too. What's the plan to fix or address it?

 

I’m sure it’s just cosmetic. May be pretty easy to razor blade it off then reapply with some fresh sealant. I’m sure what’s keeping the seal is solid and probably still clear.

 

So the stuff they use does say paintable.

 

It sounds like you're on the correct path - airbags with daystar cradles and E-rated tires would be minimum upgrades IMO. Planning to spend time in the mountains (washboards, potholes, rocks, etc...), I would strongly recommend going with as good of shocks as you can afford - the better ones can be rebuilt and is a huge selling point...OME, Bilstien, King, Fox are the most popular. The major decision besides the brand of shock will be how far down the rabbit hole you're willing to go. Also consider the pros/cons of suspension height and all the changes that altering the stock height will necessitate.

Sounds like you only have a couple weeks though, so what's in stock will also be a consideration.

I have not heard much value in the rear leaf changes, unless you're considering permanently installing the Kimbo on your truck.

IMO:

• E-rated tires
• Airbags with daystar cradles
• Fox 2.5 adjustable shocks (all four corners) - minimal lift to keep center of gravity optimal
• Onboard air system of some type for airing up/down
• Spare gas tank carrier

 

Ok, so it's not just mine - might take a look at alternatives, don't want to have to deal with this every two years or so...

 

You could look for some high UV black paint to cover it. It would blend in with the window trim.

 

Simple ski storage platform

 

Cool - keep it simple.

 

Anyone know what brand the new outside solar lights are on the Kimbo? I'm going to switch mine out, I keep pressing the button too hard apparently and breaking them lol.

Or any other outdoor solar light recommendations? Happy Holidays!

 

I've had a few of these Harbor freight solar lights and they held up pretty well and go on sale regularly.

 

When I picked my kimbo up, they told me to reapply that sealant every 5 years.

 

Hey all, thanks so much for sharing all the experience and do's and don'ts!

I'm a first time poster on the forum and just read through most of this thread. I'm very close to putting down a deposit on one of these babies.

But, I'm wondering about a couple of things:

1) are any of you 6'2" or taller? I'm 6'2" 225lbs and looking to share the bed with my partner and a dog or two and imagine I'll have to lay at a slight angle based on my calculations. I'm also guessing the ceiling will be a little low but doable.

2) what's the consensus on the weight/carrying capacity issue? I've got a 2022 4-door long bed TRD Pro V6 that says it has a factory carrying capacity of 1150 lbs. From what I can tell, everyone with similar builds seems to be doing fine with e-rated tires, airbags with Daystar cradles, etc. Should I plan on maxing out everything (Kimbo, gear, skis, bikes, people, dogs) at around 1400 lbs as long as I get the right tires etc? Or has anyone gone beyond that without doing damage to axels/transmission etc? I'm admittedly pretty clueless about this stuff.

3) Anyone in CO willing to let me take a peak inside their Kimbo so I can gauge the height thing? I live in Denver.

Thanks again! Love the posts.

 

Has anyone yet dealt with a massive spill on the kimbo felt? I did a 2 hour drive today and unbeknownst to me, a jug of oat milk spilled inside my fridge, leaked out all over the floor as well as down the felt underneath the fridge, soaking that area. It also soaked through the felt that covers the felt/insulation near the fold up bench/storage area…quite the mess. SMH.

curious if anyone has experience cleaning this material. my intent is to rent a rug cleaner and use the upholstery attachment with some room temp water and Dawn soap. Then baking soda to dry it out and prevent mold.

curious if anyone has dealt with a similar situation and had success Cleaning this material?

thanks y’all

 

In response to NearandFar......I am 6'-2" and things are fine...may need to bend knees at some point but it depends on how you sleep and how much room you take up with your pillow....the ceiling is fine. I have a 2021 TRD 4 door.....Colin ran the numbers and said the maximum with the E rated tires was something around #1,700...send him an email and he can clarify. The tires give it the added capacity s the stock tires were the weak link. He may need the numbers off your side panel. The height standing inside has never been an issue for me. I put 3/8" interlocked gym floor foam on the floor and it helps with the cold floor. I also have good results with the Joolka shower unit for extended trips......cheers

 

I’ll be in steamboat Dec 21-23 with a Kimbo

 

Hey folks!

I appreciate this forum, as reading all the entries helped me decide to get a kimbo and to know what to expect. Mine was delivered in September, and now I’m working on a kitchen build as I opted to skip that option from the factory. I’m hoping to get some additional info from folks who have drilled thru their walls in order to fasten things (like kitchen builds) in place. On page 35 there was some discussion regarding rivets, but it was mostly just theorizing and I’m too unfamiliar with rivets to be able to look at what’s in the camper and feel confident in buying the same for my own use.

Can anyone shed some light on what I need to buy in order to stay consistent and maintain quality? Any other tips before I start drilling plywood to my walls would be greatly appreciated, too.

Thanks!

 

Aluminum rivets are the way to go. BUT I didn't secure my kitchen in that way. I used the existing M5 or M8 or whatever size they were, screw holes that hold the insulation on to secure the back of my kitchen in. I also fit my kitchen in really tight to assure the friction and some well placed cuts help secure the whole thing in. I'm not too far from being done the kitchen and am exited to share my pictures with everyone as I haven't seen too many kitchen builds in the driver side of the kimbo yet. Just don't make too much fun of my woodworking skills.

 

Oh, man. You’ve already cleared so much up for me, Knotar! Upon closer inspection, I see the hex button hole bolts or whatever are not, in fact, rivets. This is a relief. I had noticed they were a different size on the outside, but hadn’t realized they were entirely different hardware altogether. It seems so obvious now. Thanks for the fast response!

 

Hmm, I seem to still be confused. I was able to unscrew the black caps on the inside, and I think I understand what you were actually meaning. I’ll be curious what others say in regards to how they fastened their builds. Excited to see your finished product, too. Thanks again!

 

Thanks for the detailed install post!

I am considering installing a secondary heat source. I was very happy with a propex heater in our previous van. I am looking at the external mounting option https://vancafe.com/propex-hs2211-6500-btu-external-gas-air-heater/. I am curious what you all think would be the best location. Near the propane tank would be be ideal. It looks like under the kitchen would be the best option? Thanks