Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

I think we just picked up a digital thermometer from wall mart that had two remote sensors...I'll have to take another look at it - pretty sure there are a dozen or so available on Amazon-ish interwebsites.

 

I ran my Dickinson Heater in the Kimbo 24/7 for about 4 months this last winter, traveling at highway speeds and in blizzards. Never blew out once, highly recommend doing it this way. I typically ran it on low heat and low fan speed while keeping the Maxair Fan running 24/7 also. Only time it was turned off was to refill the propane tank which as about every 6-8 days.

 

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like the answer was right there inside the Kimbo the entire time, the good ole trusty Dickenson.

 

With this hot weather we've been having I'd like to run my Maxxfan fan while driving ( I've put thousands of miles on other Maxxfans and never had any issues). My question is if anyone has had any experience driving with the rear window opened to the 1st position? I need to get some fresh air circulating.

 

I regularly drive with the rear window locked into the second latch point on the frame (allows about a 1/4" of venting) however, you'll want to make sure the screen is up - if you leave the shade down it will pull the shade out of the track. Also, when driving on dusty roads...there will be dust pulled into the Kimbo if the rear window is left open.

 

Also - driving with the maxxfan open will wear out the lift gearbox (don't ask how I know) - it flaps in the wind so you either have to lock it wide open or completely closed. Currently searching for a replacement gearbox...

 

Just noticed someone got noticed in the Whistler parking lot and added to the article on Pinkbike...

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/truckworx-crankworx-whistler-2023.html

You on here?!??

 

Profoundering, I've run 2 Maxxairs in my Sprinter for the last 13 years. Luckily for me I haven't has any gearbox issues and I do lock them into the open position ( but I did have a curcuit board go bad on one). Maxxair's customer service was pathetic and in the end I should have just bought a new fan and not wasted my time trying to deal with them.

I will definitely take the advice and not drive with any windows open (these windows are one of my favorite parts of this build).

 

Ya, the only caveat to an amazing fan system is the circuit board shorting out - there is a fix for it on post #738. I've performed the fix and have had zero issues with the board.

 

Has anyone else had issues with the ratchet straps that tie down to the bed d rings? They kick my ass every time and tear up the access door on my truck. I’m wondering if anyone has seen a better system or different strap system that would seemingly work better. Something like the Rhink straps?

 

Thats me! I was stoked when my buddy sent me the link to the article.

 

Hello everyone, I will have an order in for a Kimbo on Monday. Made it about 75% through this thread so far and am impressed with your builds and adventures out west. Not much like that east of the Mississippi but I will find some fun places to go when I receive my own.

My truck is a 23 F-150 eeeewwwww! extended cab 4x4 with a 5.0 V8. Right now I am trying to get the truck ready for the camper. I will be installing air bags soon and have a question due to something I read in this thread that has me perplexed. If a truck with bags is lifted on a hydraulic lift in a shop, will the weight of the axle, tires, wheels etc pull the bags down and damage them?

My truck has enough payload for the camper but you guys talking about E rated tires has me wondering if my P or passenger rated Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires are enough. Anybody know? I couldn't find much about them on line but I cant imagine factory tires not supporting the payload of the truck.

Well those are my first two of potentially hundreds of questions I will have over the next few months. Thanks to everyone who has made this thread epic.

 

Profloundering,

Did I see you eastbound on the 1 in Vancouver today?

 

Nope - not me, been out of action for a bit but getting back at it soon! Did you see another Kimbo/Sherptek combo in the wild?

 

Nice - been a while since I've been to Whistler (sadly) - where do you ride around the PNW? Tiger/Black Diamond/360/Port Angeles/Cap Forest?

 

Probably not the answer you're looking for but...if you want the perfect solution:
https://sherptek.com/kimbo

 

I did see another one, that’s wild. I’ve only ever seen pics of your here and it’s such a niche product that I assumed you were the only one with that combo. As for riding in the PNW, I live in Bellingham so I ride a lot there, around Glacier and Whistler. I don’t make it down south to Tiger too much or out west to the OP. If I’m gonna drive a few hours I would rather it be to the north and get to BC somewhere.

 

Ya, there is one more dark silver/gray short bed out there that I'm aware of with a Kimbo on it, they're out of Leavenworth and it was up for sale a while back.

Bellingham, I've had the opportunity to ride up there a few times and it's always epic! Most legit tech outside of Whistler.

I have a niece that just got a legit bike so I'll be up there again before the end of the year to see how she's progressing.

 

Hey TCR, you'd definitely have to check out your tire specs and your specific GVWR to see if your current tires are adequate - I did the research on the stock Tacoma tires and the options were mind boggling. I went straight to "E" rated tires, that way I don't have to worry about it. It depends on your risk level.

 

I am fairly certain my tires are good to go, as they say 2679 @ 41 psi. Assuming I am reading it right I will just air up when the camper is on. Thanks for the reply.