Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

No worries. Im not quite sure why the cooler's battery protect reads a low voltage. My lithium battery stays well above the required volts for the Max setting. The cooler may sense an easier pull from the inverter/outlet and keeps going on Max. I could try a thicker wire but well within the specs with the length I haveIts not an issue though. Even on Eco its cools pretty quick. I probably wouldn't even use max unless it was hot inside and was throwing in some raw chicken. It worked great all summer, but never got around to figuring it out or researching much. Others with the same issue we’re advised to use 10g. Thanks for the complement!

 

Voltron4x4 Your kitchen area looks great. Would you like to show some more interior shots? the camper looks real nice on your truck too. Is that the double cab with 6 foot bed?

 

I like the look of the fabric wall covering, but I'm kind of skeptical about how it would hold up over time. I would love to hear from anyone who's had their Kimbo for a couple of years; is the fabric coming loose or showing a lot of wear? Has anyone put up something a little more durable, like sheets of cork, or thin plywood?
I see that Kimbo stopped offering the little woodstove option. If you have a small wood stove, are you using the factory stovepipe? How does it perform? any troubles with it not drawing properly and smoking the place up?

 

Profloundering It looks like you have a flatbed tray with storage boxes on each side, do I have that right? Who did you go to for the flatbed?

 

I've had mine for about a year now and no issues with the fabric. Although it is water resistant, there have been instances where it has bubbled. I plan on replacing the fabric with something else down the road so if this happens it would just give me the push I need. I would probably keep with a fabric or faux leather. It would also be pretty easy to repair my applying a new layer of 3M spray adhesive I'd imagine. The Kimbo was designed for easy repairs if needed.

By the time I picked up mine they decided to stop offering the wood stove. This was the main feature that I wanted so I did it myself. Mine sits lower so the flue is longer. I also used insulated pipes and a high end chimney cap to increase draft. It has performed great and even in windy weather. It keeps everything dry and you can even cook from it. Burn time was about 3hrs but remains hot and keeps the Kimbo warm for a total of about 4-5 hrs. When storing the stove pipe inside when traveling, it can put the smell of campfire inside, but only lasts till you take it out.

Appreciate the complements. I'll add some more shots later. Anything in particular you're looking for? It is a 6ft bed and double cab.

 

Yessir - the bed is from sherptek (https://sherptek.com/) in Eugene Oregon. The bed allows for a tremendous amount of storage in the flanks when the Kimbo is installed and has been an ideal setup. It's a very modular and allows for an array of attachment points and can go from full camper mode to flatbed or any number of combinations quickly. I remove/install my Kimbo for the weekends and run the flatbed with flank sides during the week (I bike commute mostly so the truck sees little use during the week).

 

I have found the fabric to be surprisingly durable and stays put - as long as I keep the vacuum away from it, a small brush works great to knock any debris on to the floor to be vacuumed up...I do not use the shop vacuum on any of the fabric because it'll yank it right off the insulation unless you're super careful. Going on a full year and still enjoying the adventure!

 

I noticed that on my Yeti 500X there is a 6mm and a lighter style port and both have 12v up to 10A but only the lighter port is regulated - the fridge wouldn't run on the unregulated port.

also, I'm sure you know that you can set the low voltage detect limit - if not, below is the info:



https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0053/1536/2906/files/ICECO_JP304050.pdf?v=1634109415
page 11.

 

Looking great there @nelsonator pix look fantastic - Yeah, I'm getting a fair amount of paint chipping too - I don't take the outriggers anywhere so they are taken off and on weekly...the quick fix is just some grease to keep the moisture and corrosion at bay (my nuts and bolts are showing a lot of corrosion). The grease is a bit messy until the excess gets wiped off but it's good for now. Looking into getting stainless or aluminum plates to replace the steel ones and also going to go with full stainless bolts.

 

Yeah I had it set at the lowest and it would run a little bit longer before cutting out. I think I may try the thicker gauged wire this summer if I get bored. It maybe due to it not being regulated from my battery where as the inverter has some sort of regulation built in. I will have to learn more about that. The diesel heater does not have a battery protect and pulls more amps during start up without issue, so I'm guessing when there is a sensor like the one on the cooler, having something regulated keeps it happy. Thanks for the brainstorm.

 

Voltron4x4 It's good to hear that the fabric is holding up after a year. It sure looks nice. I've wondered why they install the heating stoves so high, but I guess it's to allow room for the propane locker. It's nice that they will work with people who want to build their own interiors. If you don't mind, I'd like to see photos of any other areas you built yourself. thanks for sharing your work.

 

Profloundering That tip about not vacuuming is a great one. I imagine lots of people have pulled the fabric loose that way. I think that having the flatbed with storage on the flanks would be ideal. The problem with the truck campers is that you aren't left with much outside storage. Those cargo areas would provide somewhere to stow the bulky, dirty equipment. Thanks for the information!

 

This might work in the future if I needed a regulated power source other than the inverter. @Profloundering

$50 Cllena DC 8V-40V to 12V 20A Automatic Buck Boost Converter Step Down/Up Regulator Voltage Reducer Converter Waterproof Regulated DC Power Supply for Golf Cart Club Car LED Light

https://www.amazon.com/Cllena-Autom...ords=12v+regulator&qid=1642709362&sr=8-3&th=1

 

The storage area is so incredible - and with the fold down flanks, there is space to utilize the stuff you store as well!!

 

The kitchen and the wood stove are the main areas I built out. I did install a diesel heater and solar setup, but not much building there, just a cover and wiring. I am working on a small book shelf for the space on the far side of the bed. There is about 3in that allows for some shallow shelves. The main reason is to add some USB ports. Will post it when finished.

 

Far side of the bed = under the big front window? I've been considering adding some stealth storage for 'stuff' up there.

 

@RyanDCLB - how is the noise? Can you hear it while the truck is running (form inside the cab)?

 

I can hear it at low speed, and with the windows down, but not so much when I'm up to speed. I might have a small leak, and the "brain" will cycle as the pressure fluctuates. I have separate Schrader valves, so I can let air out of one side if I'm parked and I want to level out the truck. I like that I can add pressure while I'm underway if I've loaded too much weight, or while driving at night, so my headlights don't blind other drivers.

 

Yep. Been too cold to finish but almost done. Added a switch and 3.0 QC USB plug. Had some 3in beetle kill pine laying around and just put something together. Nice to have something to rest a coffee or beer on now. It wont extend into the corners but there is a little clearance under the window.

 

The small leaks are a PITA - love the press fittings but unless you get a nice clean, square cut and get them seated all the way, they can leak...the 'ole soapy water in a spray bottle is a sure way to find 'em.