Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

I used the non-heated Geyser shower in my Kimbo. Had a heated one but it started leaking straight out of the box. Not a whole lot different than a sponge bath but it was still a pleasant shower with minimal water use. Didn't need a curtain, which was nice. I used a collapsible dog bath as my tub. Would buy again.

 

Yea apparently the first shipment had a lot of issues (they’re a start up) but they next dayed a new model to everyone. I think I’m going to get the 12V heated model so I can heat it up while I bike ride and come back to it ready to go.

 

I've been thinking that cork paneling would be a great alternative to the suede fabric. It would be super light, but water proof and more durable. Hope someone at Kimbo sees this suggestion!

 

I had one of the more recent models. For the heated version, be sure to only lightly screw on the top. That thing gets vacuumed on there with the heat and pressure, which I'm guessing can lead to a leak.

 

I also had a wee bit of dampness around the floor as well. Not to the degree of what others have had here though. It happened for me after three solid days of rain. I was living in the Kimbo at the time.

Installed a vent fan cover and made sure to run the fan anytime it rained. I usually kept the windows shut with the hope that the fan would suck the humidity out, which it did quite well. Never had the condensation issue again. Was fun to watch the interior humidity drop on my gauge even when it was pouring outside.

Oh, and did I tell you guys that I'm Kimbo's first repeat customer? Lol. Word to the wise - don't sell your Kimbo. You'll regret it.

Hopefully they'll throw in a free Trayvax haha

 

In a nutshell, because once I retire, I plan to be out on the road for the long term and there are times when the Kimbo will have to come off of course, like service on the truck. For the rest of the time, the stands stick out a lot and I don't won't them catching on stuff going down BLM/Forest roads. Not to mention that the Kimbo/Tacoma looks way better without the stands. Thanks for answering this. I'm waiting for my Tacoma to arrive at the moment, much like many of you are waiting for your Kimbos.

 

That's hilarious. Why did you sell to begin with, you wanted something bigger?

 

Mmm, it's complicated. The Kimbo was great for me, though, so it wasn't anything that had to do with the camper.

 

What is the height of a Kimbo when on the back of a Tacoma(generally speaking)? Has anyone put a Bluetti ac200p in a Kimbo? Just wondering how much work it is keeping it charged up.

 

The AC200p is about 166 amp hours. My solar setup uses a 206 Ah battery and I have yet to get it close to 60%. Granted I have plenty extra, but with a mobile office in the works and maybe other electric appliances, it's nice not having to worry. Currently powering the lights, rechargeables, diesel heater and fan. I also live in CO so it rarely stays cloudy/snowy longer than a day or two. Two 100w panels work well to replenish the battery. In the summer there will be even more juice. I wanted to make sure the diesel heater had plenty mainly since it was a heat source in the winter. Hope that helps.

 

I believe it's the combination of air circulation, heat source, relative humidity, and output. In CO winter air is really dry. The only frost I see is a little on the door. The Kimbo has been covered in ice from my heat sources and dry as a bone inside, even around the floor. With the diesel heater going at low, I'm venting heat every 5-10 min when the fan comes on around 75 with temps below 20. The fan pushes the air really well even on low. This is the reason I went for a larger model to save on battery usage. When its running, you wont be able to keep your hand in front of it for long. It sits on the bench, low to the floor. Even with our dry air, snow covered gear and dogs, with my girlfriend, we would all be increasing the humidity pretty quickly. It stays at 20% or below.

Hopefully I'll get the chance to have some winters in the PNW next year to put it to the test. I realize fighting frost is a bit easier out here in Dryorado. Sometimes I have to take a step back though and realize how much we are all putting these campers through the gauntlet in the winter. No RV, soft sided pop up, or RTT would work as well when it comes to insulation, dependability, and comfort. With an RV you'll have pipes to winterize and who know what else breaking, my parents are constantly switching out Airstreams, coaches, back to Airstream, and now to a 5th wheel, it's complicated. I have yet to hear any experience from Scout owners but I'd imagine them to be similar experiences to Kimbo due to design and heat source. The aluminum will conduct more cold than the composite, but I think it has more benefits overall. Seems like more the merrier when it comes to heat in the winter helps.

 

Dumb question but I gotta ask anyway…is the Kimbo fully stable when on Lift jacks? It really looks like it might tip over if somebody gets in the bed.

 

@Voltron4x4 I’m sure I get more moisture inside than most because I also have the AC option. So along with the front door, that AC Steel box freezes as well for me. I’m going to look into getting some custom covers made for the door and AC for next winter.

 

Yeah you're going to want to brace that part for bed use. I have what I use when it's in the driveway linked below. It also helps stabilize it if you don't have it resting on anything. Currently I have about 5 pallets stacked and a spare tire. There are casters on the bottom pallet so I can just roll it out when loading. I did this to save time when raising the jacks to load. When resting on the platform I still keep the jacks in contact with the ground. Very stable this way.

Place a piece of wood in-between so it wont dent and disperses the pressure.

Support Stand:

$90 Arcan Underhoist Support Stand, 3/4 Ton Capacity, 12" Diameter Base, Contoured Saddle, Bearing Mounted Spin Handle, Supports Vehicle Components (ALSS15)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VM9JCN5?ie=UTF8

 

So it’s not just me? It really will tip over if someone jumps in the bed when up on the stands?

 

Well I’ve never tried but apparently Kimbo must have. Collin there mention it.

 

Total height with my setup is around 9 ft tall. Mostly loaded Kimbo minus the fridge, Tacoma TRD Sport with blue Sumo Springs.

 

Is that all you needed to do to stiffen the suspension? I've got an TRD OR coming soon and I'm still debating just how much to do. I bet the Kimbo is small enough to fit under that big rock on Long Canyon Rd. in Moab.

 

That's all I've done but might do more in the future if I feel like it's needed. Got my Kimbo a month ago and only have one trip under my belt at this point so other members with more experience might have better advice. That being said it handled really well and sat pretty level with just the sumo springs.

 

I definitely don't want to do anything more than necessary. Sumos, maybe bigger leafsprings, or Bilstein 5100's. Just waiting to talk with someone in the know. Kimbo recommended airbags, e-rated tires, and more but I can't see putting air bags on a truck that actually is going to go off road.