Overland Addiction

Kimbo Campers

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Made in USAHard Sided Slide-In
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Kimbo Campers truck camper

Photo: Kimbo Campers

What is Kimbo Campers?

Kimbo builds hand-riveted, marine-grade aluminum slide-in truck campers in Bellingham, Washington. With 600+ units delivered since 2016, the Kimbo 6 and Kimbo 8 stand out for their patented monocoque aluminum construction, minimal weight, and four-season capability.

About Kimbo Campers

Founded in 2016 by Mark King, Kimbo Campers has quietly built a cult following in the truck camper world by doing one thing differently: ditching the conventional wood-and-fiberglass frame entirely. Every Kimbo is a frameless monocoque shell made from laser-cut 5052 marine-grade aluminum, hand-riveted in Kimbo's Bellingham, WA factory. With three patents covering both design and construction, the approach yields a body that is lighter, more weather-resistant, and easier to repair than most alternatives in the slide-in category.

Kimbo offers two models: the Kimbo 6 for mid-size and full-size short-bed trucks, and the Kimbo 8 for full-size long-bed platforms. Both are built to order, typically shipping in 4 to 12 weeks depending on the model. The company has delivered over 600 units as of 2024.

Key Features

  • Fits mid-size trucks like the Tacoma and Frontier, not just full-size rigs
  • Frameless aluminum monocoque: lighter than fiberglass and rot-proof
  • Genuine four-season capability with the optional Dickinson Marine heater
  • 600+ units delivered since 2016 with an active owner community
  • Hand-built in Bellingham, WA with a 2-year structural warranty

Models & Specs

Kimbo 6

Photo: Kimbo Campers

Kimbo 6

Kimbo's best-selling entry model. One of the only hard-side slide-ins that fits mid-size trucks like the Tacoma and Frontier, not just full-size rigs.

$27,990830 lbFits: Toyota Tacoma (2nd/3rd Gen), Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado & moreView
Kimbo 8

Photo: Kimbo Campers

Kimbo 8

The full-size flagship. Adds double the insulation (R10), a standard wet bath, and a queen cabover bed for a more turnkey, four-season build.

$42,9901125 lbFits: Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150/F-250/F-350, Chevy Silverado 1500-3500 & moreView

Specs

Pricing

Starting price
27,990 USD

Weight

Dry weight (base)
830 lb
Dry weight (fully equipped)
1,200 lb

Dimensions

Interior height
75 in
Exterior height
78 in
Exterior length
131 in
Exterior width
77.25 in
Interior floor length
72.88 in
Loft bed size
54 x 75 in
Cabover height (mattress to ceiling)
37.38 in

Capacity

Fresh water capacity
3 gal

Build

Insulation (walls and ceiling)
R5 rigid foam
Shell material
5052 marine-grade aluminum, 0.1 in. hull, frameless monocoque
Windows
Arctic Tern double-pane (x3)
Solar (standard)
120 W
Roof fan
MaxxAir Deluxe 7500K
Warranty
2-year structural (5-year extended available)
Country of manufacture
USA (Bellingham, WA)

Review Videos

Independent Review

Contact

Address

3823 Hammer Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226

Pacific Northwest

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Patented frameless aluminum monocoque is lighter than fiberglass and far more rot-resistant than wood-framed alternatives
  • Fits mid-size trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier where most hard-side slide-ins are full-size-only
  • Arctic Tern double-pane windows and rigid foam insulation provide genuine four-season capability
  • Low profile design with no rear overhang keeps truck handling predictable and fits standard parking structures
  • 600+ units delivered since 2016 with an active owner community on Expedition Portal and Facebook

Cons

  • Fresh water tank is very small (3 gallons on K6), forcing most owners to carry jerry cans for multi-night trips
  • Stock solar and battery system (100W, 12V sealed battery on K6) is underpowered for typical overland use and typically upgraded at extra cost
  • No built-in grey or black water tank on the K6; toilet is a porta-potty add-on
  • Stainless steel fasteners and aluminum fins conduct heat and cold, contributing to condensation in temperature extremes
  • Base prices of $27,990 (K6) and $42,990 (K8) put Kimbo squarely in premium territory, with popular options packages adding several thousand more
  • Wait times can stretch to 3 to 6 months for the K8 depending on demand

Similar Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Kimbo camper cost?
The Kimbo 6 starts at $27,990 and the Kimbo 8 starts at $42,990. Popular add-ons like the Dometic refrigerator package ($3,850), subfloor drawer system ($3,150), Dickinson propane heater ($2,350), and extended warranty ($1,990) can push a fully loaded K6 build over $35,000.
What trucks fit the Kimbo 6?
The Kimbo 6 is designed for 5 to 8 foot beds and fits most popular mid-size and full-size trucks, including the Toyota Tacoma (2nd and 3rd Gen), Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150 through F-350, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500 to 3500, and Honda Ridgeline (2nd Gen). The 1st Gen Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, Rivian R1T, and Ford Maverick require a consultation. The Chevy Avalanche, Silverado EV, Tesla Cybertruck, and Hyundai Santa Cruz are incompatible.
What trucks fit the Kimbo 8?
The Kimbo 8 is designed exclusively for full-size trucks with 6.5 to 8 foot beds: Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150 through F-350, Chevy Silverado 1500 to 3500, GMC Sierra 1500 to 3500, and Ram 1500 to 3500. All mid-size trucks and specialty platforms (Rivian R1T, Ford Maverick, Tesla Cybertruck, Silverado EV, Hyundai Santa Cruz) are incompatible.
How much does a Kimbo 6 weigh?
The Kimbo 6 has a manufacturer-listed dry weight of 830 lbs at base configuration and can reach 1,200 lbs fully equipped. This is lighter than most hard-side slide-ins but heavier than wedge-style toppers like the GFC V2.
Is Kimbo good for winter camping?
Yes, with the optional Dickinson Marine propane or diesel heater, Kimbo campers are genuinely four-season capable. The K8 comes with R10 rigid foam insulation and the K6 uses R5. Arctic Tern double-pane windows are standard on both. Owners have reported camping in sub-freezing temperatures comfortably with the heater running, though the small fresh water tank requires a winterization plan for temperatures well below freezing.
Where are Kimbo campers manufactured?
All Kimbo campers are hand-riveted in Bellingham, Washington, USA by a small in-house team. The company builds to order with current lead times of approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the K6 and 8 to 12 weeks (or more) for the K8.