Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

I'm running 40-ish.

 

Nice man! Congrats!

 

Wow, now THAT is nice!

 

We all need some soon! Or we move to Hawaii during blizzards.

I finally figured out that middle notch position in the window, will be using that a bit more this winter. I have gotten pretty good and setting the thermostat to a good point, but there are still some big temperature swings. I think no fan and just the bed window open could be a good temperature regulator, at least till bedtime. Being dryer out here, temperature regulation is the only hurdle, but I believe I can pull air in which might help circulate the heat a little.

The diesel heater dose take a considerable amount of moisture out of the air though. It sits lower than the propane stove and has a strong blower on it. The little tank I have lasted 3 nights when I was in Steamboat. Will probably be more beneficial in the PNW with that humidity.

 

Yeah - Hawaii is looking real good, surf in the morning-ski in the afternoon!!!

Last year when we took our first snow camping trips, I think we still had a lot to figure out so hopefully this year in the subzero-ish weather will go even better. It was still a game changer compared to what we were used to.

The diesel heaters are pretty awesome but I have to say, I really like the propane furnace. It is up higher but it'd be tough to bring it down and lower. We still need to figure out how long the tank will last with continuous use though - my guess is weeks.

We figured out that even though it has a "low" setting, you can push the button in and move it even lower if you're real careful and works great for those 'not so cold but still too cold' times. Another note on the furnace, if you turn the fan switch on when the dial is set to high, it may not turn on...evidently the fan motor is a super efficient model that doesn't like to start on high, so remember to turn the dial down before hitting the switch and then bring the fan up to speed slowly (reasonably).

Approaching the 1year mark with and still enamored with the Kimbo!!!

 

I would like to utilize the inverter in the back during extended winter/cloudy days. I believe it just takes spending the money on a high amp charger and making sure its compatible with the battery you are using. You can get a 10amp charger for $125 from NOCO with a lot of safety settings or a 20amp charger for about $100 that may not have temperature settings. I would install it in the propane storage and just run the line in I guess. What are the components of your system? How much do you need for a full send?

This is great to know. My friend will have the propane stove and she lives down the road. Stoked to go play with hers.

 

For those who have opted in for AC and are looking into table options, Collin informed me that the metal storage box is very strong so you should be able to mount just about anything to it. All you’d have to do is take out the AC and drill the holes for the lagun table. @Voltron4x4 this is a better solution for me than mounting it on to the storage box because I got the shower model. Adding a cross bar for support would be tough. Picking up #160 on 12/27!

 

Yep that would make showering interesting for sure. Unless you made it into a seat, although long soak sessions in the Kimbo are probably not advised.

 

Right now is pretty much the stock Yeti 500X solar generator with the add of SeaBlue fuse block (added the sink pump, extra fan, fridge/freezer). It does surprisingly well but I've reached out to GoalZero regarding the modified sine wave charging possibility so we can charge while driving in sub-optimal solar...the PNW is notorious for only having sun for a couple weeks per year so a DC/DC charger is definitely in the near future.

Full send would involve at least one SOK, the appropriate EPEVER MPPT controller and Victron DC/DC charger (may need a higher output alternator too), at least additional mobile solar panel, pure sine wave AC inverter (2000w-ish), circuit breakers, cabling...figure it'll be north of $2K all in. Prices on the batteries are coming down and the competition for a solid LithiumIron battery is pretty fierce and that is the big ticket item in that package...who knows, maybe next spring with bring forth a bounty of solar .

Primarily the reason for the full send would be so when we boondock we could run some more convenient appliances (water boiler/coffee maker/toaster oven/etc...) but we have ways of getting to the same place without the solar, it just takes more time...and we may just look at the price/weight to convenience ratio and stay with what we have with the DC/DC option to keep things topped off.

 

The 500X is about 50amp hours. I believe with the NOCO 10 amp charger you could have it full from 0% after a 5hr drive with it plugged into the truck's inverter. 12v Lithium batteries are getting cheaper since there is more competition. Hopefully there are some good deals in the spring. I'll keep my eyes open.

https://electricscooterparts.com/battery-recharge-time-calculator.html

$125 NOCO Genius GENPRO10X1, 1-Bank, 10A (10A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger, 12V Waterproof Onboard Boat Charger, Battery Maintainer and Desulfator for AGM, Lithium (LiFePO4) and Deep-Cycle Batteries

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G3M697...&pd_rd_r=a6d4f000-c145-4902-8785-24ed6b884096

 

Ok, GoalZero alread responded!!

They say that "yes you can use a modified sine wave if you are trying to charge from a generator or something like that"

I'll let you know how well the 110v tacoma outlet works once I've had a chance to test.

 

Here is what I'm using but it's not a standard setup...

 

Maybe your spring build... @Profloundering

15min build /100+AH / 21lbs / Bluetooth / BMS / Battery Shunt = $555

 

He's the man - anything solar, he's on top of it - love his testing and no holds when it comes to calling out low quality offerings.

 

Yeah, definitely a consideration - need to test how the truck outlet does because it's essentially just running the 110v to the unit and charging at whatever rate it would be with the goalzero wall charger.

I did hear there was a "fast" charger that could be purchased but again, that's money that could be put towards the full send build.

 

Yeah I forgot about the GoalZero connectors. Would have to get an adapter too. I believe the GoalZero charger may be a 3 amp.

 

I've purchased a few of these Lynx 120 AH batteries that are performing great!

https://lynxbattery.com/collections/cylindrical-cased-battery

Spoiler: My Solar Part List can be found Here

My Parts:

Box for two batteries mounted on their side here

$233 GoWISE Power 1500W Continuous 3000W Surge Peak Power Pure Sine Wave Inverter w/Digital LCD Display, Black/Green, 1500w Cont/ 3000w Surge Digital (PS1008)

Here's the Inverter for the trailer, and

HQST PWM 20A 12/24V Waterproof Common Positive Solar Charge Controller with LCD Display, Compatible with Gel, AGM, Flooded, Lithium Batteries

here's the charge controller for the trailer.

For a remote outlet, I use

$13 Kungfuking Desktop Power Grommet Conference Recessed Power Strip in Desk Outlet Power Socket 2-Socket &2-USB Ports 9.85 FT Extension Power Cord, ETL Listed

this one. For USB I bought

Deyooxi 12v Outlet Socket 12 Volt USB Outlet Panel Prewired 3 in 1 Cigarette Lighter Socket Quick Charge 3.0 with Dual USB Socket,LED Voltage Display and Toggle Switch for Marine Boat Truck RV

this one for the USB only, but I'll probably end up buying something like

$19 [Upgraded] 2Pcs 12V/24V USB Outlet with Voltmeter& ON/Off Switch, Quick Charge 3.0 Dual USB Power Outlet, Waterproof Fast Charge USB Charger Socket DIY Kit for Car Boat Marine (2 Pack)

these. Trickle charger for the Lithium

$21 Heagstat Battery Charger, 12V 2-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Trickle Charger and Maintainer for Car Motorcycle Lawn Mower Boat ATV Lead-Acid and Lithium(LiFePO4) More

here. With SAE connectors for the portable solar panel and charge controller

$10 YETOR SAE Connector,SAE to O Ring Terminal Harness with 15A Protection Fuse for Safety, 2-Pin Quick Disconnect Plug,SAE Battery Extension Cable with 2FT 10AWG for Motorcycle Cars. (60CM)

here and

$10 10Gauge Sae Extension Cable 10AWG - 3FT Sae to Sae Cable Battery Charger Extension Cord Heavy Duty 10AWG Quick Disconnect Sae 2Pin Connector Solar Panel Power Connect Plug Harness with Waterproof Cap

here. SAE connectors for trickle charger

$12 Battery Tender Ring Terminal Harness Accessory Cable - 18" Cord Adapter with SAE Quick Disconnect - Easy Quick Convenient for Motorcycles, Cars, ATVs and More - 081-0069-6

here and

$17 Battery Tender 6 Foot Extension SAE Cable - Designed for Use Chargers - Quick Connect Plugs for Easy Connection to Motorcycle, Cars, ATVs and More - 081-0148-6

here.

Solar Parallel connectors

HQST Branch Connectors Y Connector in Pair MMF+FFM for Parallel Connection Between Solar Panels

here, Temp sensor

$11 Epever Temperature Sensor Cable Fit for MPPT Solar Charge Controller with 3.81/2P Connector (RTS300R47K3.81A)

here, Roof Cap

$10 LINKSOLAR Weatherproof ABS Solar Double Cable Entry Gland,Curved Cable Connector for All Cable Types 6mm² to 12mm² for Rv, Campervan, Boat (Type D, Black)

here, Mounting Brackets

HQST Solar Panel Mounting Brackets with Nuts and Bolts Set of 4 Units, Supporting for RV, Boat, Roof, Wall and Other Off Gird Installation

here, Extension cable for the remote panel

$17 Renogy 10Ft 10AWG Solar Adaptor Wire Extension Cables with Female and Male Connector, 1 Pair, Black

here, Flexible panel

$128 Renogy Flexible Solar Panel 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Semi-Flexible Bendable Mono Off-Grid Charger for Marine RV Cabin Van Car Uneven Surfaces

here (portable/remote), Hard mounted panel

$60 HQST 100 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel with Solar Connectors, High Efficiency Module PV Power for Battery Charging Boat, Caravan, RV and Any Other Off Grid Applications

here. Extra connectors

Tumo-Int Solar Panel Connectors Male and Female for Cable Connectors (5 Pairs)

here. Parallel cables

$15 Cartman 4AWG 18" Battery Inverter Cables Set, 4Gauge x 18" (1 Positive & 1 Negtive) for Car, Truck, RV, Solar

here. Circuit breakers (2)

KUMEED 12V DC 20A 30A 40A 50A 60A Car Audio Inline Circuit Breaker Fuse for System Protection (30A)

here (one before and after the solar charge controller) Self leveling caulking here, Butyl tape

$17 Colormetrics Gray Putty Tape / Butyl Tape 1/8" x 1" x 30' (Single Roll)

here.

A nice list of parts list with a Victron 115 AH AGM can be found here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-dual-battery.479948/page-3#post-26582150

 

Awesome man. Appreciate that!

 

For those who have removed the massive Kimbo logo, did you just use Goo Gone? I'm definitely removing the logos day one lol.

 

Mine pealed off pretty easily once started. There was a little residue left being but that has since worn off. GooGone would have sped up that process. Heating it would help if cold out.