BREAKING: Kimbo 8 Full-Size Camper to Debut at Overland Expo SoCal

It took a decade of waiting, but it’s finally here. Kimbo Campers will be revealing its brand-new Kimbo 8 at the 2026 Overland Expo SoCal this weekend. Engineered for full-size, long-bed pickup trucks, the Kimbo 8 leverages a decade of experience building aluminum truck campers.

To date, the Bellingham, Washington-based manufacturer has built more than 600 Kimbo 6 truck campers for the mid-size segment.

“This camper is built on everything we’ve learned,” says Kimbo founder Mark King. “After close to a decade and 600+ campers on the road, you gain thousands of cumulative years of feedback. The Kimbo 8 brings that learning into one refined platform.”

The Kimbo 8 extends the floor length by 2 feet—but it’s also wider and taller. The additional footprint enables a “reimagined” interior layout that includes a queen-size cabover, increased ceiling height, expanded storage, and a dedicated bathroom and mudroom zone. The result is a camper designed for extended travel—be it for couples, solo nomads, empty nesters, or small families seeking long-term mobility.

Despite the expanded footprint, the weight of the Kimbo 8 has been carefully controlled. The dry weight of the Kimbo 8 is projected to be in the 1,300–1,500-pound range, depending on configuration—roughly one-third more than the popular Kimbo 6. For a full-size, hard-side camper with a dedicated bathroom and true four-season capability, this is quite an accomplishment for a camper of this size. Even half-ton trucks, like the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra, can safely haul this lightweight, aluminum camper, yet it’s 7.7-foot floor length still gives long-bed truck owners the option to retain the tailgate to use as a porch.

Fortunately, the Kimbo 8 retains Kimbo’s classic, aluminum, retro-futuristic, monocoque design. The aluminum shell is constructed from 2.5mm 5052 marine-grade aluminum—thus eliminating the need for heavy interior framing while maintaining strength, durability, and repairability that is found in aluminum construction. This approach advances Kimbo’s long-standing philosophy of building for longevity rather than replacement cycles and we like that kind of thing.

Concerned about the aluminum camper’s four season capability? Don’t. The company also improved the Kimbo 8’s four season capability by doubling the insulation value from R5 to R10 that not only makes the camper warmer, but also reduces thermal bridging to improve cold-weather performance even more. Four Arctic Tern double-pane insulated windows with integrated bug screens and blackout shades are also included. Buyers can choose between either propane or diesel heating systems, expanding the camper’s true four-season capability, while the standard 10-speed MaxxAir Deluxe 7500 Roof Fan with a built-in rain shield and remote control helps keep things cool in summer.

The Kimbo 8’s electrical system provides the owner with true independence from campgrounds. Standard features will include a sealed 166 amp hour lithium battery with 120 volt AC and 12 volt DC USB ports, two 120 watt roof-top solar panels, fully-installed electrical wiring, and a 120 volt shore power connection. Moreover, a dedicated generator bay, where a portable generator can be stored, supports winter travel when solar input is limited. Need more solar? Kimbo’s got that covered too by offering an additional 600 watts of solar power.

According to the press release, one of the most requested additions for the Kimbo 8 was a dedicated bathroom. Rather than integrating a conventional RV wet-bath—that is prone to seam failure and leaks over time—Kimbo engineered a rotomolded, one-piece shower enclosure manufactured using the same process found in high-performance kayaks. The seamless construction eliminates joints where leaks typically develop, prioritizing long-term durability over short-term convenience.

The Kimbo 8’s bathroom comes with a cassette toilet as standard, with a composting toilet upgrade as an option. Adjacent to the enclosure, a dedicated mudroom and closet system isolates wet gear from the primary living space—a practical refinement shaped by years of customer feedback.

Not only does the Kimbo 8’s increased size create a camper that is more livable, but it also provides a platform that is more adaptable to the changing seasons of life. Convertible seating, optional bunk modules, expanded kitchen workspace, and increased natural light allow the camper to serve a range of travel styles. Features include a queen-size cabover with an 8-inch thick 80×60-inch mattress, a bamboo kitchen countertop, an articulating bamboo swivel table, a bamboo entryway and mudroom with a gear closet, and more.

We’ve been a huge fan of Kimbo Campers for years, and have been waiting for this full-size, long-bed version for just as long. As a long-time Airstream and Avion enthusiast, we instantly took to the retro-futuristic, aluminum campers that the company built and predict that this larger Kimbo 8 camper will be even more successful, and based upon the popularity of the Kimbo 6, that’s saying a lot.

For more information about Kimbo Campers or to get a quote, email the company directly at sales@kimboliving.com.