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4x4 Chevy Balboa Motorhome

FOR SALE 

I’ll do my best here, but it’s a unicorn vehicle.  Once in a lifetime, one in the world, very special vehicle.  It’s a 1972 Chevy G30 with original Pathfinder 4x4 Conversion 18ft fiberglass Balboa Motorhome.  Originally built in Costa Mesa by Jensen Marine (900 ever made).  This vehicle was owned by the original owner in San Diego and used for Baja surfing and fishing trips, when the second current owner bought it in 2021.  All the paperwork/receipts are with the camper.  Be ready for questions, smiles, and attention if you buy it! In Encinitas, CA .  Lets get into details -

 

The Van:

- Tag labels it as a #768 Balboa Motorhome on 1972 Chevy G30

- 95,000 miles on the vehicle  ~ 200 miles on new engine, transmission, tires, ect

- Pathfinder 4x4 (google it, if you don’t know them) was originally added to the Chevy from the factory, before it went to Jensen Marine for the camper shell build

- New Engine -383 stroker - fuel injected - installed in 2022 ($15k engine & labor w/ receipts)

- Touch screen fuel injection display on dashboard for engine monitoring and real time control

- All components added onto new with engine including exhaust, starter, radiator, ect

- Steering, FOX suspension, springs, shocks, brakes…you name it….new/recently serviced

- New Falken Wildpeak tires, undercarriage/frame was powder coated not too long ago

- 2 new engine batteries, 2 fuel tanks, full size spare tire and rim

- New Transmission with overdrive can be shifted manually (button on floor or dash) or left automatic 

- 4 wheel drive High and Low with locking hubs

- Original dashboard factory AC (doesn’t blow cold but it is there to be fixed)

- Bluetooth hands free Apple/Android car play stereo, cruise control not hooked up

- custom exterior tail lights, new upper running lights, 

  • vehicle underwent basic body and camper shell restoration and fresh paint by original owner

  • roof racks for surfboard, kayak, solar, storage bin, or whatever

  • Classic Grant wooden Chevy Steering wheel - tow hitch - no rear bumper for clearance

  • Probably forgetting stuff, but, yeah the van is really dialed in - clean CA title in owners name no smog needed

 

The Camper:

  • unique 18ft fiberglass shell with large sliding windows and open floor plan

  • Side awning, roof vent fan, small upper bunk with cushion above driver, 6ft ceiling

  • Upper cabinets, rear cabinets, drawers with sliders, unique vintage original interior

  • Custom matching carpet kit and upholstery (front seat area is painted with truck bed liner)

  • Custom front seats that swivel 

  • Rear couch becomes a fold down bed - original kitchen area with sink

  • Hot water heater runs off the engine (marine H20 heater) or when van is plugged into 110v

  • Propane tank on exterior runs Cabin Heater with thermostat, stove/oven, and fridge

  • 3 way Dometic fridge with freezer

  • Black water and grey water tanks, flush toilet in shower room (shower hose reaches outside too)

  • 30 gallon fresh water tank under bed

  • Auxiliary battery under rear seat bench (charges when you drive or when you plug in)

  • Upper cabinet lights, bathroom lights - blinds for privacy, front cover for windshield privacy

  • Spare parts and camping stuff in drawers, even a spare/backup water pump for sink/shower 

  • This van is way cooler than a 4x4 Sprinter, Sunrader, Westfalia Syncro, Unimog, truck camper, or anything else out there in my opinion, it is very hard to list all the details….basically, it’s epic!

 

What does it need, what doesn’t work, whats wrong with it, why are you selling:

-fuel gauge pinned to full (tank and sending units are new, but I think a wire is causing it, should be easy fix)

-Dash AC hasn’t worked since new engine was installed, it blows, just not cold

-rear door knob and lock could be changed as they are worn out  and don’t shut super easy(easy to do)

-maybe a bigger battery (lithium) and or solar for the camper would be nice addition

-owner has several other vehicles and isn’t using this one, and after a year of contemplation, its for sale

-I have posted a YOUTUBE TOUR search 4x4 Balboa Motorhome or Freedom Vessel.  I have it listed on my website with more photos and my instagram @FREEDOMVESSEL @BALBOAMOTORHOMES

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