Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

I believe its the type of discharge for starting an engine, vs running accessories or appliances for extended periods of time. If you keep trying to start your truck in really cold temps it will go dead pretty quick I bet. The lead acid will charge with the alternator in much lower temps, but I'm sure the truck regulates it also to some extent.

The Yeti or all Goal Zeros have a system built in to protect the system and where ever it is. It's the DIY systems that use AGM batteries that have to make sure there is some sort of battery protect BMS in place. Otherwise their system would fully drain a lead acid battery or charge it too quickly damaging the battery. This is built in to lithium batteries.

 

Some more info on AGM batteries and winter storage. It looks like it's primarily overcharging that would cause an AGM to explode but a Goal Zero would certainly prevent this. @nelsonator

https://lifelinebatteries.com/2020/11/winter-is-coming-is-your-agm-battery-ready-for-it/

 

Making it thru the big shutdown part of the pandemic is a strong testament to their survival. They are more efficient now and able to produce the campers at a faster rate. Lack of sales doesn't seem to be a problem but like you said, we don't know their financials or material costs. He could be plowing money from Trayvax into Kimbo or the other way, we have no way of knowing. It would be nice for those with a deposit to have some peace of mind with returned emails/phone calls. They have the manufacturing process figured out now, so lack of raw materials or labor like you said would be trouble.

 

Well made some progress this weekend and cut a larger hole in the Kimbo. Measured and remeasured several times. Would have been way easier going through a flat roof but I have it fitting well with all my clearances. She looks good. Can’t wait to get the first fire going.

 

Looks good, and tall enough to give a decent draft. Do you put a flashing down over the pipe? Is the pipe set up like a gas pipe where it pulls in outside combustion air from one layer and the exhaust goes out the other layer?

 

I have one more 20in section that will connect to this one so draft should be great. Happy with this drive height, sits below the fan height. I do have a high temp silicone flashing for it too. There are two vents on the stove, one main vent and a second one underneath the stove. That second one allows for a secondary burn inside the stove. Just like when we run the diesel heater we’ll have some windows cracked due to how well the Kimbo is insulated.

 

Cracking a window makes sense, that's why I was asking about the combustion air . If your vent terminates above the roof it should be even better draft so that will be excellent. Probably only need a match box full of wood to heat up the whole camper!

 

Truckhouselife (instagram/youtube) has a wood stove with an interesting setup - might check that one out to see what he's doing.

 

I've seen a few of his. Makes me want to drive up to Alaska. He has a nice wind directional flu cap that is supposed to help draft in windy conditions. I made sure to get one that improves performance in windy conditions too, but a different one. That truck is sweet.

 

#137, in theaters (ahem, my driveway) this Friday! Anything y'all would recommend doing/bringing to prepare for pickup? Or any questions to ask?

I'll be custom building the kitchen, but it'll be a while before I cut any @Voltron4x4-sized holes.

 

Hahaha! I did start with a little pilot hole, you'll work your way up.

Make sure you take off the rail in the bed under the rear window. The Kimbo sits flush against the back. Colin drilled some holes in the bed to aid in drainage, front and rear. Check how the windows are locked. You can easily not lock them all the way. Be carful when you ratchet the front straps, you can take some paint off the truck if you're not careful. I wrapped a little duck tape to the ends just in case. Looks like you have some nice black ones. Trade my red ones... Can't think of too much else. They have a checklist they will run through with you too.

Enjoy the day man!

 

when you fire up the Dickson heater for the first couple times do it with the windows open and a fan running. It has to burn off the oil from the manufacturer. It’s in the owners manual. Always make sure the windows are locked closed when driving so you don’t tear em out. Have a great time and enjoy the amazing journey of life. Congrats!!!

 

remember to get the paperwork for the dickenson, maxxfan, solar (yeti or whatever you have), and the origination paperwork. If you’re in WA state, it needs to be registered and plated. They’ll take the origination paperwork from you tho, I wanted to frame it but you get a title instead (not the same).

register all of the components with the respective manufacturers for warranty purposes as soon as you get home.

check the clear sealant around the windows very closely, I know it’s overkill for that sealant but just make sure there aren’t any bubbles in it.

get baskets off of Amazon ordered now - you’ll need them pretty quick for storage and they work awesome.

take a checklist with you - you’ll likely just want to load and go but take time and enjoy the pickup process and go over your checklist/talking points.

congratulations on the Kimbo - coming up on a year and I’m still thrilled just to go out back and hang out in it when we can’t get out of town. They are so versatile and customizable - welcome

Looking forward to seeing your interpretation of the perfect Kimbo!!

 

Pardon me, I multi-quoted this mostly for me as these are great suggestions. When I visited the shop last month, Antonio pointed out the window design issue, that you have to be sure they are locked in proper position before getting underway. I'm also building out my own kitchen. Congrats, and be sure to post photos of your build. Cheers

 

Pre burning the heater before camping is a biggie. They told us about the windows when we picked ours up. Figure you already upgraded tires and suspension. Congratulations also !

 

Yesterday was the day! Antonio gave me the rundown and was super helpful. I ordered the maxxfan, 100w solar, propane fireplace, the storage/desk combo, and c-channel roof tracks for yet-to-be installed Yakima crossbars.

Extremely satisfied so far! The build quality is truly incredible. I was surprised at how fast the fireplace heats up the space, and the fit and finish overall is wonderful. The airbags helped a ton with the load and it was smooth sailing back to Seattle.

Thanks everyone for the tips!!

 

Looks good! Congratulations! Are they still putting the giant KIMBO letters on the front?

 

send a photo of the C Channel they put on the roof if you don’t mind. I’d like to see how that was installed.

 

Yeah, looks like they're putting something above the door/roof bend...def interested in what that's about.

 

They are indeed ... that's definitely on the list to remove! Happy to keep the rear and side decals, but the front is a bit much.

Here's a pic from the factory on my particular kimbo — They reach the very front of the roof and maybe 12" or so from the rear of the roof — They don't overlap into the aluminum skin on the rear.


This is with crossbars installed. Mounted a bit close for my taste, but should be fine.

Jim and the team were really responsive towards the end of the build, as I asked for the roof tracks and maxxfan about a month and a half before my pickup date. There was some finessing needed, as the fan and solar panels mean there's not a lot of room up there — I'm fine with that, as the only thing I'll have up there are 2 surfboards in bags.





When I initially asked about adding roof tracks, they sent me this image as an example of previous mounts they've done. I'm sure with some finessing one could mount higher towers and reach over the solar panels, but mine (Yakima Streamline/Skyline) were about 1/8" too low.

Overall they seem very sturdy, but the main concern is more likely having the weight up top impacting handling vs. what the structure can handle.