Kimbo Camper BS and Mods

I cross shopped both the Scout camper and Kimbo heavily and did a ton of research on them. After much research I went with neither and ended up ordering a Total Composites camper since I wanted a bit more space, R16 insulation along with customizable interior and systems. While I didn't go with a Kimbo I liked their product very much and I can definitively say it's a MUCH better camper than anything Scout produces. I think everyone here made the better choice in going with a Kimbo camper for many reasons.

I joined the Scout campers owner FB group just to get real world user opinions on it. Now there are always some fan boys that defend the product to no end to justify their $30k camper but there are many others who had some serious QC issues with the Scout. Lots of leaking issues that were either due to poor panel adhesion and sealing at the frame and panels or leaking where they cut holes in the camper for windows, air vents, and other mounts. Panels that were delaminating and panels that were simply coming apart from the extrusion. Condensation build up around the metal extrusion that customers are putting neoprene tape around the frame. Numerous people have complained about the Goal Zero battery that the camper comes with due to poor cold weather performance and have changed out to their own battery systems. More of a performance limitation with Lithium batteries in extremely cold weather but why is Scout advertising 4 season performance when they can't keep the battery warm enough to operate appropriately? They recently changed to a diesel heater so we'll see if that is better at keeping the battery compartment warm enough for the GZ to function correctly. What I see is a lot people buy the Scout and then gut it completely either adding their own interiors or systems to it. At that point it's better to just start off with an empty shell from TC.

I toured both a Scout camper and Total Composite camper at Overland Expo PNW and there is simply no comparison in the quality of the panels, extrusion and trim work. The TC looked like an expedition grade camper body whereas the Scout had the look and finish of an RV consumer grade product, which is what it is coming from Adventure Manufacturing. I haven't set foot into a Kimbo camper yet but from everything I've seen the build quality and component selection is a big step up from Scout. If Scout is good at one thing it's that their marketing and social media influencer team is very strong.

 

Whoa TC looks legit.

 

They absolutely are. TC has been making expedition boxes for unimogs and military rigs for years and have now applied the same technology to consumer level slide in campers. The panel thickness and extrusions are just smaller but the build process is the same. They're sold as shells but most of their dealers and builders will do whole interior buildouts and systems for you. They're a little more bespoke and a la carte but I think that's the fun of it, you get to design your own interior and systems that make sense for you. Wait times are a bit longer because of that so certainly fills a different segment from those that want a fully built camper out of the box. From what I understand though wait times on a Scout camper is around 12 months so there's a wait time for them as well.

 

Hey - welcome! It's great to hear from someone with a TC, I looked at their stuff and am super impressed with their work but they didn't offer anything small enough when I was ready to purchase. It seems like their product is first rate and I considered waiting because they were in development for a small unit. Thanks for your input, ya never know what info we could share that will improve everyone's camping experience.

 

Quick question for you Tacoma Kimbo haulers… I have a 2023 TRD off road with Firestone airbags and about to put E class BF A/T tires on. Should I go with 16 stock size or 17? I’m not lifting my truck at this time. I just don’t want 17’s to rub with the Kimbo on. I don’t know a ton about this stuff.

Also I went all out and got an air lift 74000EZ mount compressor… I got the ez mount because I’m not psyched about drilling into the frame. I will be in the mountains and on rough terrain and bad conditions but I don’t foresee myself crossing deep water ever… is it okay to mount under the truck even with snowy/wet conditions ?

thanks for any advice y’all!
-Andrew

 

I would imagine you would go with what ever wheels you have. I’m rolling on 17s. Are you talking about tire size?

I would imagine some place that stays out of the elements just to keep the wear and tear to a minimum, but no real experience with mounting those.

 

Well another load completed on an uneven, snow covered, skinny driveway. Took a little rocking and pushing while lowering but the tail gate shuts all the way. Heading to Steamboat with my little parking lot ski chalet. Looking forward to some wood stove action. Denver put I nice coat of snow while I was gone. More on the way.

 

Absolutely. I keep coming back to this thread because of all the great ideas you guys have for the kimbo camper. Once I get my TC I'll be sure to come back to share my build process, component selection and user experience with TC.

 

I missed this. Great idea!

 

Can someone with a Kimbo tell me the width between the work seat and the shower storage bin?

 

What is the width of the box you made?

 

I'll try and get in there later this afternoon if no one else gets to it first.

 

From Kimbo themselves:

looks like an anker 767 will fit

 

Shhh, wife made me this for my b-day…

 

Gotta go with the full zip! Very nice.

 

Did any of you guys happen to be at Alta on Friday? Nice Kimbo hanging out in the parking lot during one heck of a snow storm. Great day of skiing.

 

I need to get out there.

 

Im looking for someone interested in taking over my Kimbo order. Due to unexpected health reasons I’m not able to travel any longer and wanted to see if there is someone who’s looking to order one. It’s due to be ready in March. I’m thinking we can contact kimbo for them to collect the down payment from you and refund me.

 

Im hoping you’ll overcome this in one way or another. I’m sure someone will pick this order up. My friend down the street did this very thing and jumped the line. Kimbo actually let her know when she called in for any Black Friday deals, she was joking at the time.

Take care and get well. Keep us posted if it starts to take awhile.

 

I almost had to do this myself. Kimbo was nice enough to hold the order for me and 3 days after my surgery i was on my way clear across the country to pick up my Kimbo. I hope you are better soon and can still get it, but either way, get well my friend.
Let us know what additions and features you have as that may be a make or break for some people.