Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

You don't have to cover the solar panel to cycle through the modes but the light won't turn on until it's dark or the panels covered.

 

Winter is coming. I picked up #229 in August, and am looking forward to spending some quality time with my Kimbo out in the PNW mountains skiing.

What do y'all use for a ski rack? I was looking at this Chuck Bucket as a good hitch-mounted option. The yakima EXO also looks great, but quite steep in price.

https://thechuckbucket.com/

 

Welcome! hopefully it'll be a fantastic winter in the NW!!! looking forward to seeing what you figure out.

 

Profloundering, could you elaborate on why hauling in overdrive is a no go for you?

 

I should elaborate some...I recently regeared to 5.29, and I have relatively small tires. At 60mph in my current configuration, I'm running around 2100 RPM in 5th gear (overdrive gear). I can understand not being in overdrive at a much lower RPM due to the torque imparted on the drivetrain, however on a flat road cruising on the highway above 2k RPM, I don't think I'm straining the drivetrain in an "unhealthy" manner.

 

My plan is to use some old Yakima Button Downs mounted to the jack plates. Skis may end up blocking access to the passenger rear doors on my truck, but I'm not too concerned about this. I'll let you know it goes and post some pix soon.

 

Hey Guys, Stoked to have stumbled onto this thread and looking for help on my Kimbo order. Originally I was quoted a 9 month build time. But just recieved this from Kimbo "We are now at a 6.5 month lead time meaning we are estimating the new planned completion date to be 2 months earlier than originally quoted for Kimbo owners".

Before final build conformation I wanted to ask folks what they would do different "next time" on there build. I only plan on the propane heater and propane storage locker as my options. And will build out the rest starting with a U shapped seating area with kitchen/solar later into my build.

Thanks for any input

 

That’s awesome news. Good to hear they are getting into a solid rhythm. I’m pretty happy with the base and being able to design as I go. I was able to find solid deals on my solar equipment and didn’t mind the install. I was happy for them to have the solar pre-wired though the roof. I did spend a few months building mine out, so if you have the time it will be worth it.

 

I really like that setup. Might have to use my new welding skills to try and build something similar. Currently I found a gently used Thule ski rack on Craigs List for about $40. I secured it to the ladder. It’s a bit of a pain to get more than one pair up there, buts it’s secure and high enough to stay out of road grime.

 

Completely stock truck (essentially) - the overdrive gears (5-6th) are designed for gas mileage and not towing. The overdrive gears are relatively delicate and can be damaged if worked too hard...at least that's what the common opinion has been historically - that and it jumps around like crazy with any hint of an incline.

 

Hey Kimbo Fam! Hope all is well. It's been great seeing some new members join and some very amazing buildouts. I just came back from a dirt bike trip and everything worked perfectly. Getting ready for snow season and trying to think of modifications I may need to make to the Kimbo. I think some of the kitchens that have been built out by this group are fantastic, but I cook most meals outside at the picnic table and can't justify remodeling my kitchen, at least not yet. I have also thought about mounting bars to the top of the Kimbo for storage baskets, but I don't have excessive storage needs. I guess I would like to hear what you all are planning next for your Kimbo. I suppose if its working fine then just keep using it right?

 

Great to hear things are still working out well for you!

Couple projects in the works:
Get the fabric re-attached to the insulation - almost seems like the glue from the factory is water soluble because as soon as the environment got moist, the fabric began delaminating...thoughts?
Rear awning of some sort to keep snow/rain off the porch - have a bunch of sailboard sails that I'd like to repurpose.
Warm window/door cover to mitigate the frost on inside of door - This should be happening soon, I'll try to post pictures and plans.

 

looking build a removable, quality storage bin that a toddler can also sleep on

 

I used this https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40069424/ to install insulation on a van buildout and it held really well, it might work but I would test it on a piece outside of the Kimbo before trying it

 

Thanks - I'll check it out!

 

magunha, I'm looking to put a drawer style refrigerator in that same location. I'm not sure about the height of the bench or width but hopefully one of these will fit (and I can continue the seating on top of it).

The 65 is 21-1/2" tall x 20" wide and the 85 is 25" x 21". If one of these fits it should help keep some of the weight lower in the camper.
https://pantherrvproducts.com/3065ba7c/
https://pantherrvproducts.com/d085dngia/

 

Will be needing to do the same. Fabric needs some new glue. Did not read small print on the Gorilla Glue Spray and ate a little of the foam.

I have thought about drilling two holes in the aluminum fin above the door for connecting a fabric awning.

 

I’m ready for winter too. Good to hear everything is working as it should. I think more storage without compromising the space inside too much is what I’m working on. I believe shelves in the closet space would suit our needs better and a potential cabinet that would double as a sleep platform. I think one pelican on the outside would be nice too. Midsize truck life.

 

Hi all, I am grateful for all the information and ideas shared on this post. I just received confirmation my Kimbo is #321. I’m thrilled and looking forward to off-grid camping. My first question: has anyone tried a composting toilet in their Kimbo? I’m wondering what the height of the floor storage area is (floor to under the cover). Thanks again for this informative forum. Best wishes.

 

Hey guys - just a quick note/teaser...had a disaster (but not as bad as you might think) with the porta-potty this weekend.

If you're using the porta-potty option in your Kimbo, be sure that after you clean it to add at least a gallon of water to the lower section.

Ours was squeaky clean and I had added a gallon or so to the upper/flushing section of the unit but only added a little splash of chemical to the lower section before we headed out (lazy I guess). Well, at some point it tipped over due to the top heavy condition (we have never in over 5 years of using a porta-potty had a tip over issue but also have always added water to the lower portion). The blue mess that resulted was thankfully the clean upper portion.

This left us with quite the soggy mess - I'll be tearing into it today and write more later.