Kimbo has released photos and a few precious details on the much anticipated Kimbo Series 8 hard side, long bed, wet bath truck camper. The Kimbo 8 isn’t just two feet longer. It’s a ground-up new design!
Behind the scenes, we are in regular communication with the industry movers and shakers. Naturally, our mission is to politely and professionally pester these poor people about the new campers they have in development, and exactly when can we share that information with you. We always get the story!
Speaking of stories, perhaps one of the most eagerly anticipated debuts for 2026 is the Kimbo Series 8. While the prototype is still technically in development, we got Mark King, aka the Founder of Kimbo, to spill a few beans—or should we say rivet-ing details on this new model.
First up, Mark confirmed that this is no stretched out Kimbo Series 6. This bears repeating. Where some might assume the Kimbo 8 is merely an 8-foot version of the 6-series, Mark approached the long bed Kimbo as a ground up new design.
The result is a camper that isn’t just two feet longer, but also wider and taller. That increase in interior space means more interior storage and a queen-size bed in the cabover.
What Kimbo didn’t reinvent was their signature frameless monocoque aluminum shell. That said, Mark explained that they did have to invent a new ‘hemming’ process to join aluminum panels while increasing the strength and durability of the camper. Exactly what is this ‘hemming’ way and exactly what does it mean for the Kimbo structure? That will have to wait for the final camper announcement.
Mark did tell us that the 8-series shell now has twice the insulation thickness as the 6-series. This, he stated, improves both the insulation value of the camper envelope, and improved the thermal bridging. Many of the 8-series improvements—including the option for propane or diesel heat systems—are focused on making the new Kimbo even better for cold weather camping.
With a markedly longer and wider shell and roof area, the Kimbo 8 will be able to support considerably more solar panels. How many more and what total wattage is possible? That still hasn’t been revealed.
On the exterior, the Kimbo 8 features a portable generator compartment. Mark explained that this helps when camping in overcast and/or inclement weather. No sun for your increased solar? No problem. Pull the cord on a portable generator and charge your batteries.
Perhaps the biggest 8 Series news is the separate walled wet bath complete with a standard cassette toilet—composting toilet optional—and an inside shower. This is a rare sight in the overland side of the truck camping world, and one that’s becoming increasingly requested. And as if this feature needed any additional interest, Mark told us that the one-piece seamless shower enclosure was not only inspired by kayaks, but rotomolded and manufactured in the same way that’s employed by kayak production. Looks like we may have an ‘innovation of the year’ nominee on our hands.
More details abound. Adjacent to the wet bath is a mud room and closet for dirty and/or wet shoes, gloves, jackets, and gear. Thermal pane windows are on both sides for cross-ventilation and light. A passenger’s side kitchen offers multi-function storage and increased counter space. A driver’s side dinette converts into child-size sleeping area, and an optional bunk module adds even more sleeping area.
Mark explained that the kitchen and electrical systems are very much still in progress, but that the Bellingham, Washington company is aiming for an April prototype reveal with an in-depth announcement and interview in Truck Camper Magazine. Until then, we’ll keep the pebbles ping-ping-pinging on Mark’s proverbial window for updates. Don’t you worry. We always get the story!
For more information on Kimbo Campers, visit their website at kimboliving.com. Click here to request a free Kimbo brochure.
