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If you love the great outdoors and like to get off the beaten path, you’re going to want to check out the Kimbo Camper. This is a one-of-a-kind drop-in truck camper built to fit medium to full-size pickup trucks.
With its creative design and comfortable interior, the Kimbo Camper is quickly becoming the must-have camper for those desiring a minimalistic lifestyle with an adventurous spirit.
If you’re looking for a unique camping experience, the Kimbo Camper is definitely worth checking out. Here’s what you need to know about this cool truck camper.
What Is the Kimbo Camper?
The Kimbo Camper is a unique, hand-built six-foot truck camper designed for “nimble, simple, living,” as its website states. The purpose of the camper is to provide maximum interior space while keeping costs at a minimum.
Because it fits on a medium-size pickup truck, the Kimbo is easy to maneuver and park. It’s also lightweight, making it more fuel-efficient than a larger RV.
Voted by Popular Mechanics as the number one slide-in truck camper with safety as their most important priority, the Kimbo Camper is changing the “stuck in the seventies” truck campers design. Now, with a sleek and modern look, the Kimbo Camper is one of the most extraordinary and innovative campers on the market.
Behind the Kimbo Camper Brand
When Mark King explored the inside of the nuclear submarine his father captained, the engineering and design of such a small space amazed him. That experience inspired him to live a simple life in a 19’ Airstream travel trailer. However, after a few years, he wanted to downsize even further, so he built his own submarine-style camper.
And that’s how the Kimbo Camper brand was born.
Kimbo Camper 6 Series Specs
- Truck Category: Half Ton
- Length: 10.9 ft.
- Center of Gravity: 24.3 inches
- Truck Bed: All Beds
- UVW: 900-1,050 lbs.
- Sleep: 2-3
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Measuring 6.5 ft. tall, 6.4 ft. wide, and 10.9 ft. long, the Kimbo Camper is a lightweight and compact unit perfect for midsize trucks. The camper weighs between 900 to 1,050 lbs. depending on the options you choose. So it’s important to ensure your truck’s payload capacity is within that range.
The loft fits a short full-size mattress measuring 54”x75,” and with the additional cushioned bench, the unit can sleep three people. Unlike most truck campers, the headroom stands at a towering six feet and five inches, making it one of the roomiest truck campers on the market.
There is no toilet, and your freshwater container is a five-gallon jug. There is also no grey water tank, so you’ll need to be mindful of water disposal.
What’s the Kimbo Camper Made Out Of?
The Kimbo Camper is a unique and innovative take on the classic aluminum travel trailer. However, unlike earlier campers and trailers, the Kimbo camper has no aluminum frame, making it lighter than its predecessors.
The camper is constructed from a single wall of riveted aluminum, insulated with rigid R5 foam that’s lined with suede. This patented construction makes the truck camper extremely durable while preventing water leaks.
The Kimbo is a truly unique and innovative product that is sure to revolutionize the RV industry.
Standard Features of the Kimbo Camper
Mark designed the Kimbo Camper for those who want to embrace the minimalist lifestyle. As a result, it doesn’t have the conveniences found in most RVs today. However, it has a few creature comforts that will make your camping experience more enjoyable.
Surprisingly, one of the standard features of the Kimbo is a wood-burning stove! Another interesting standard feature is the use of wire baskets instead of overhead storage cabinets.
The camper is perfect for any weather condition with three double pane insulated windows, a three-speed reversible roof vent fan, and a skylight.
The high-efficiency LED lighting ensures that the camper is well lit even in the darkest of night. In addition, the Kimbo comes with a teak entryway/mudroom, which includes a gear closet and two cushioned benches.
The basic camper is equipped with a Yeti 400 solar generator with a 12-volt sealed battery with integrated 110v outlets and USB ports for your devices.
There’s an exterior propane bay for a 30-pound propane tank you can use for a propane-powered furnace.
Kimbo Camper Optional Upgrades and Features
Kimbo’s modular configuration means customers can design their own campers to suit their specific needs and wants.
There are a variety of modules available, including:
- Kitchen with a sink and hot water
- Refrigerator
- Dickinson propane fireplace with chimney
- Rooftop 100-watt solar system
- Workspace module
- Air conditioning unit with storage bay
- Fold-out shower unit
- Wood storage/table unit
- Retractable movie screen with projector
With so many options, the Kimbo Camper is truly customizable and can be outfitted to suit any camping need.
What So Cool About the Kimbo?
The Kimbo Camper is unique in many ways, but one thing that makes it so special is the love put into each unit. Nothing is hurried like the RV industry of assembly-line mass production, where quality is often sacrificed for quantity.
Instead, the talented craft workers at Kimbo take their time to build each camper by hand with the utmost attention to detail and quality.
The style of the camper speaks to the heart of minimalists who appreciate the simple yet functional design. Careful thought is planned into the use of space and storage from the cubby for an optional air conditioner to the teak entryway with built-in seating and gear storage.
What Does Modular Mean?
The Kimbo Camper is a modular camper, which means it is composed of several sections that can be added or removed as needed. This type of construction makes the Kimbo highly customizable, as each customer can choose which modules they want.
Some of the most popular modules include the kitchen, shower, and workspace. Having the ability to choose from different modules creates a perfect camper for each customer’s individual needs.
Does the Kimbo Camper Have a Toilet?
As mentioned, the Kimbo Camper does not have a bathroom, so you are responsible for your own sanitation. However, as many van-dwellers are aware, there are several types of portable toilets available that can be used in place of a standard RV toilet.
One popular type of portable toilet is the cassette toilet, which stores waste in a removable tank that can be emptied when full.
There is also the composting toilet that breaks down waste into compost over time. These toilets do not require water or chemicals, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
What Kind of Truck do You Need to Haul The Kimbo Camper?
The most crucial aspect to consider when installing a Kimbo Camper is the weight your truck can handle. Generally, the average 150/1500 series pickup truck has a payload capacity between 1,500-3,000 lbs., which makes the Kimbo an easy pairing.
For example, a Toyota Tacoma’s maximum payload is 1,440 lbs. Since the Kimbo weighs approximately 1,000 lbs., 440 lbs. remain for occupants and personal belongings.
A solo minimalist may find the Toyota Tacoma a good match, but a couple looking with a lot of gear may prefer the Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 that has a 3,000 lbs. capacity.
Kimbo Camper Reviews
There are many online Kimbo Camper reviews, from full-time RV blogs to pickup truck websites, social media, and everything in between. But what do they all have in common?
They all rave about the Kimbo Camper’s build quality, attention to detail, and style. Reviewers also love that the camper is highly customizable and can be outfitted to suit their needs.
“I liked the attention to detail that was taken on every level.”
“Ingenuity, creativeness, craftsmanship, and appeal.”
Its obvious reviewers are highly impressed with the Kimbo and all it offers.
Does the Kimbo Camper Have Any Cons?
As with most things, everyone can differ on what they consider a con or disadvantage.
For example, the fact the Kimbo Camper doesn’t have a toilet may be a deal killer for some, while others embrace the storage benefit of not having a bathroom.
Additionally, the Kimbo must be mounted to your truck. The unit comes equipped with manual removable jacks lifts, but for those looking for an electronic jack system, this may be a con.
Other than that, it’s hard to find any cons with the Kimbo Camper. Of course, it’s not for everyone, but those looking for a high-quality, stylish, and functional camper will not be disappointed.
Final Thoughts on the Kimbo Camper
We’ve taken a detailed look at the Kimbo camper, and it’s clear this slide-in camper unit that fits a mid-to-large pickup truck is a great option for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
It’s packed with features to make camping more comfortable with its cozy interior and built-in amenities. It’s simple, lightweight, but highly functional, making it an excellent option for campers who prefer a minimalist living.
If you’re in the market for a new camper, we highly recommend considering the Kimbo if you enjoy roughing it in comfort. But no matter what, when you travel with a Kimbo Camper, be “Prepared for Adventure,” as their tagline says because you’re sure to have one.