Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

I would probably try using a spray adhesive. There are different strengths. If it's in the middle, you'll probably have to pull the whole thing. Drys really quick though. @spacerhover took it off around his kitchen and added sheet aluminum.

3M 45, 10-1/4-Ounce General Purpose Spray Adhesive, 10.25 Ounce (Pack of 1), White, 10 Ounce

https://www.amazon.com/3M-General-P...4328065&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-4&ts_id=2933694011

$16 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive Glue, Paper, Cardboard, Fabric, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Net Wt 16.75 oz

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Multipurp...4328065&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-5&ts_id=2933694011

 

Wood Stove Info:

Just purchased all the parts including the cubic mini stove. Used a few different businesses for the flue parts, links below. Looks to be a 6-7 week wait for the stove which will be fine since we pick up in December. This was a big highlight for our camper and I believe I can do it better and cheaper.

https://www.tinywoodstove.com

https://www.woodlanddirect.com/vacu...17670_40=30057-26854_43=14984-17686_44=30071-

https://www.midmichiganmetalsales.com/product/high-temp-silicone-pipe-boots/

 

Congrats on the good news! I look forward to your early impressions and ideas for mods.

Did the folks at Kimbo give an explanation for the discontinuation of the wood burning stove? I liked that option but I remember a video where Mark was saying they were having issues keeping smoke out of the camper.

 

Diesel Heater Info:

Along with the wood stove I'll be installing, I'll also have a diesel heater to last through the night. I found this page really helpful for the install and the video link explaining the fuel system. I'll will be using a Rotopax for the fuel tank and will need to figure out how to DIY it for use with the heater. Thinking about using a metal fuel line from the top to prevent leaks.

https://abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/diesel-heater-mistakes/

 

I believe it was due to heat and safety issues with the way they had it installed. As I researched I found that there needs to be a gap between stove pipe and the roof along with some better heat shielding possibly. Since they were using the same diameter opening for use with the propane stove there was probably some heat build up when the stove was running too hot. Also, looking at the same mount position may have created a shorter stove pipe that could affect draft. I'll be mounting a little lower with a longer insulating pipe that will keep temperatures where they need to be creating more draft. Hot air rises so when the pipe becomes cool, draft is affected. Read an interesting article about an architect complaint about all the fireplaces being build outside houses and how inefficient they are. Ordered a better stove cap too for better performance during windy weather too. I'll be posting up the entire install and things I learned along the way once I start. I'm actually happy to be doing this myself now because I can now custom the hearth it sits upon and the heat shielding. I think this would have been a headache for Kimbo to do since the shells come precut for assembly.

 

Tire Info:

So in preparation for the Kimbo, new tires were not needed but wanted something fresh with winter coming to CO. I also wanted to change size to something a little skinnier for better traction and loose some weight for better performance. I decided to give Duratrac a shot at 255/75/17 which seemed to have more positive reviews then negative "duracraps" so we'll see. I did gain an inch of clearance and loose 6 lbs per tire. But I almost considered switching them out to a 10 ply tire the more I thought about it untill I learned more about the "Ply rating." Some may already know this but thought I'd share just in case.

I had already done the math with the weight of the Tacoma, Kimbo, dogs, gear, and people of course. With both the Wildpeaks I had and the new Duratracs I had about 5,000 lbs to spare. The Wildpeaks have a max load at 2679lbs at 51psi and the Duratracs have a 2721 lbs max load. But I was wanting the puncture protection of a "10 ply" tire. It did add an additional 2000lbs capacity but damn that would be way too much for the Tacoma. We are already pushing it with the Kimbo alone. I then learned that the "ply rating" goes back to when they made tires out of cotton layers and doesn't mean there are actually 10 layers of rubber or protection. The difference between what I have and an E rated tire is probably only a one layer difference.

https://info.kaltire.com/ply-rating-or-load-range-what-to-look-for-when-choosing-tires-for-hauling/

Also, the tires that I currently have really are not SL or P rated based on their specs. They more closely match up with C rated at 51 psi.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=195

I think after learning all of this, I should be fine with 5,000lbs gap with the Kimbo on the road and moderate back roads and mountain passes.

But... dont let this change your mind if you want the extra protection a E rated tire will provide and possible more peace of mind, definitely go for it.

Edit: If I had pulled the trigger on another new set it would have been 245/75/17 Toyo ATIII. Still a couple of pounds lighter than my Wildpeaks with the E rating. Just stock width at about 31 inches.

Edit: I have decided to go with E rated after hearing from KIMBO and other outfitters. Although my math worked out, I believe its best to be safe than sorry and take the advise of those with more experience. I decided on 245/75/17 Toyo AT3. Same weight as my 265 SL-rated 31 inch tires, just skinnier at 31 inches which should provide increased traction.

 

New Kimbo Videos:

 

I snagged some images off of the Instagram spacerhover account listed earlier in the thread. The person redesigned the interior and as someone debating purchasing one for full time the interior design is spot on for comfort for extended use. I just wanted to share some of the possibilities. He also included one of those RV tables that is hidden on a swivel behind the drawer set up. If Kimbo utilized this design or something in line I feel that it would draw a larger market.

 

This was the instagram account from the post earlier in the thread. Additionally, I have include the text from the persons post regarding the interior design which I found to be interesting. Kimbo really should take note on the design process. It will never be perfect for everyone and I understand that but it is a cleaner design.

https://www.instagram.com/spacerhover/​

 

Yeah his account is great. I’ve talked to him a few times for questions about his build. He definitely got it dialed in but does miss some floor space with that design he says. We are getting a base model and building it out too which allows me to add my wood stove the way I want. Kimbo is in the process of designing more modules for the interior but yeah more options would be great. But honestly I probably would still like to design and bullied my own.

edit: I do remember him saying he definitely carries a lot of extra weight when we are talking tires.

 

Also, that’s a Lagun Table mount. We bought one too and an extra mount plate. Going that route is great since it lets you create your own table top.

https://www.lagunusa.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjr-A4qaf7QIVGrbICh3-wACZEAAYASAAEgKUkvD_BwE

 

Just a heads up, I switch the T union for separate valves. I was told by a member that air could shift from one bag to the other causing more wobble. Made sense so switched it.

 

Whatever happened to just adding air shocks to hold up a camper? Probably a naive question but just curious as to why not?

 

Good question. I had already done the suspension upgrades, leaf springs and front shocks. before I decided on the Kimbo. The airbags would have been just fine with the stock suspension and good tires.



Edit: Suspension upgrades: Dakar medium duty and 885 coils up front.

 

Shock absorbers are just that- dampers. The proper springs are what should be supporting the vehicle; that's the right way to do it. Plus, some shock absorber mounts are not thick enough to support excess loads and can bend/fail if air shocks are used.

 

Very logical answer, never thought of it that way. Once you go springs that are for lack of a better word "calibrated" to the camper weight, when you take the camper off wouldn't the ride get really stiff or the back end go way up? Leading me to the adjustable airbags as a solution. Again, probably naive, just trying to figure it out. Thanks.

 

Yes, springs that are for heavy loads will make the ride stiff when that weight is taken off. The easiest comparison I've heard on here has been between the 885 vs 886 springs from OME, both offer the same lift. People with the heavy ARB bumpers benefit from the heavier load from the 886 and notice a much stiffer ride before the bumper is installed. Without the rear suspension being done in conjunction the front will ride higher. I believe the heavy duty leafs offer from OME allow you to load 650lbs before they move with ~2.75 lift. Obviously without the load in the rear too, it will make for a stiff ride. If the camper was going to stay on permanently on the truck it would be an easier to choose the correct springs and so forth. Since I will be more of a weekend warrior and breaks off because I teach, I've tired to find the best medium. My suspension, although it is not designed for heavy loads, it does give me the lift I wanted and is stronger than stock. The airbags supports this system with the camper. I can not speak from experience but I do know airbags alone have been sufficient for some traveling with a Kimbo, although the stock system has been known to sag as it ages. The weakest link is still your tires so please keep that in mind too.

There is no perfect setup, you just have to choose your pros and cons for each one. Hopefully this helps.

 

Any updates? Hows the camper doing?

 

Baskets for Camper:

I just received these baskets and I believe are the same or similar ones used in the Kimbo. If you are building out a base model and decide you want baskets for storage or different colors and sizes, here they are. I ordered them in bronze and it looks to be of very good quality, almost black in low light. Counted the squares to be sure. I went with these since there looks to be mounting spots that are the same in all campers and these would fit the same. There are other styles to choose from. We will be bringing these with us for the return trip back to CO to have some storage available easily.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DCZM6Y3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

If you are getting airbags, I would carry this as part of your SHTF kit. One of my connectors didn't seal properly so I used this silicone tape that's good for over 900psi/500 degrees until its warm enough to redo the line. I'll probably back-up all the connections with this stuff since its so easy to work with.

$11 Bond It Rescue Tape, Self-Fusing Silicone for Emergency Plumbing, Pipe & Hose Repair, Electrical Insulation, Waterproof, 950PSI, Made in USA, 1" x 12', Blue

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZTM72U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1