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1973 Dodge Balboa - For Sale


1972 Dodge Balboa Motorhome Camper Van named "Yoda"

 

This unique 18ft fiberglass camper van has been recently renovated and is ready for a new owner.  It has been owned by a family here in Encinitas since Covid. Originally these camper units were only built from 1969-1973 in Costa Mesa, CA by JENSEN MARINE a boat builder.  These very rare unique campers are quite special with maybe only 900 ever made. Encinitas-based van builder, Freedom Vessel (see Youtube, Instagram, website) has been renovating unique campers, including over 30+ Balboa’s over the last 10 yrs.  This one just underwent the “spa treatment” and is ready for summer fun.  Please read the details, see my posts, and I hope this rad van finds a good new owner.  I will do my best to share all I know about this van, recommend any of its needs.  I am happy to guide the new owner on successful path of enjoyment, pleasure and recommendations, as many of us Balboa owners have stuck together and are all happy to share insight.  I have my own 1972 Chevy Balboa and most Balboa owners throughout America know me.

 

Vehicle:

-Mileage Odometer  74,325 

-1972 Dodge Sportsman B300 1-ton Van V8 5.9L w/ Carburetor 3-speed Automatic 

-Bluetooth handsfree wireless stereo with rear 6x9 speakers and remote

-Full tune up oil change, spark plug wires, fuel tank flushed, new fuel lines, fuel pump and filter

-new Alternator, new battery with warrantee/receipts

-new brake master cylinder, disc brakes in front, drum in rear, all inspected, system bleed

-tires have great tread, no cracks, and were replaced by previous owner

-CA title and registration in my name in hand, no smog needed for pre-1976 models

-Fresh exterior paint job with black stripe and all new exterior lights

 

The Camper Unit:

-New 100w solar panel mounted w/ renogy controller and a new marine battery

-110v compatible (vehicle can be plugged into campsite) and outlets work

-40 gallon on-board water tank with new water pump

-New outside shower - great for the beach sand rinse or dog wash

-Toilet/bathroom/shower room with grey/black water holding tank

-Sink with new faucet and new countertop 

-8 gallon propane tank mounted underneath 

-Oven and 3 burner stove 

-New Dometic propane refrigerator

-New lifeproof Vinyl plank flooring/trim, floor mats, and carpet was cleaned

-Interior freshly professionally painted, new hardware, windows sealed, and cleaned

-Upper cabinets carpeted with lights in them

-New cabin lighting

-Curtain rods installed and ready for your style 

-New dinette table that makes the dinette become a bed

-Couch bed pulls out to a double bed

-New vent fan on roof and new cover on vents and bathroom

-Rear door has a screen door and does have a locking key 

-too much to list, its just awesome

 

Miscellaneous needs or items you may want to consider….or not

-interior front seats have seat covers, but upholstery is a bit worn / torn

-green upolstery is nice, but it doesn’t match too well since the new paint job.  I didn’t want to redo the upholstery to match as the new owner may want to pick it out or like the green, the previous owners named the van “yoda” so the green makes sense! -horn has been disconnected as it was honking by itself on occasion (probably easy fix)

-Dashboard heater knob / controller are broken, new one can be ordered on eBay.  

- I don’t know if dashboard AC or cruise control works, I’d say unlikely, but who needs that!

  • There is a Suburban propane camping heater but it is not connected

  • There is no seatbelts in the back/camper area but they could be added 

  • There is no hot water heater

  • There is no spare tire, but it is easy to find/get

  • Although this vehicle is beautiful and looks new….and lots of people will smile and ask you about it…it is 50 yrs old.  It is not a new car and requires a partnership/understanding/connection between the owner and the vehicle.  If you honor that, it will provide you years of memories and good times!  I can help with shipping, I can’t answer the question “will it make it back to the East Coast if I fly in to drive it back”. That's not something I want on my conscious…although it seems to run and stop fine, that’s a BIG question…so maybe!

 

 Encinitas, CA  @freedomvessel        www.freedomvessel                 Youtube: FreedomVessel


-Asking $25,000 

I am willing to negotiate on a solid cash offer

 

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