1972 Dodge Vintage Balboa Campervan with Lots of Modern Upgrades!

"Betty" — 1972 Dodge B300 Balboa Sportsman | $29,900 OBO

Imagine waking up on the coast, light pouring through the long side windows of the rear lounge. You pull yourself up from the futon bed, brew coffee in the galley while standing at full height, take a hot shower in a real bathroom — all inside an 18-foot vintage motorhome that fits in a regular parking space.

That's a Tuesday morning in Betty.

She's a 1972 Dodge Balboa — the original Class B+ motorhome, built by Jensen Marine in Costa Mesa, California. Only an estimated 50–100 are believed to survive. She turns heads at every trailhead, campground, and gas station. People walk up and tell us stories about their grandparents' van.

We hate to sell her, but we can't take her with us when we move overseas.

A modern Sprinter conversion costs $80K–$150K+. Used ones at this price typically have 150K+ miles and depreciate thousands every year. Betty has already done her depreciation — she's worth what she's worth, and that floor is stable.

But the real reason isn't the money. It's how she lives:

1. She's wider and roomier inside than a Sprinter. Rectangular floor plan with flat walls and full standing height throughout — no curved walls pressing in on you, no crouching to reach the back.
2. Giant windows along both sides of the rear lounge. Sprinter conversions famously feel like dark caves even with the optional windows added — they're narrow and the windows are small. Betty has long panoramic side windows that flood the interior with natural light.
3. A real galley, a real bath, and three distinct sleeping areas. A 4-burner propane stove with an oven, butcher block counters, a sink with a pull-out faucet. A wet bath with a flushing toilet and a real shower head — not a closet with a hose. And three places to sleep across the length of the van.

She also has something no Sprinter ever will: a fiberglass camper shell that won't rust, and a permanent California smog exemption. Pre-1976 means no smog testing, no electronic engine management, no computers to fail. Just a 360 V8 you can wrench on in any parking lot.

1. Futon-style pull-out couch/bed along one side
2. Dinette conversion — drop the table, spread the cushions across, and you have a large bed
3. Small overhead bunk above the cabin — perfect for a kid

1. 375W of rooftop solar (with room to add more)
2. 300 Ah of LiFePO4 lithium batteries
3. Victron components with Bluetooth monitoring — check battery state from your phone
4. DC-to-DC charging from the alternator while you drive
5. 1200W inverter, surge protector, 12V trickle solar for the starter battery
6. Fridge runs on propane, 110V shore power, or 12V

Realistic expectations: a couple of sunny days running fridge + lights + fans + phones + laptops before plugging in. Plenty of headroom to add panels, more battery, or a more efficient fridge.

Bought July 2022 at 15,300 indicated. Methodically gone through by reputable San Diego shops (Dyno Shop, BeeLine, North County Spring, A New Way Auto):

1. Engine: new Edelbrock 4-barrel carb, Pertronix Flame Thrower coil, Spiro Core wires, timing cover, water pump, fan clutch, intake manifold gasket, motor mounts. Radiator recored. Dyno-tuned to 162.3 HP measured.
2. Fuel system: all new lines, vent hoses, filler hose, locking cap.
3. Transmission: full service, new pan gasket, filter, Versatrans fluid, U-joints, seals.
4. Suspension & steering: rebuilt rear leaf springs with new bushings and U-bolts. New Monroe shocks, drag link, idler arms, ball joints, control arm bushings, front alignment.
5. Brakes: fully refreshed front and rear — new drums, shoes, cylinders, hardware, axle seals, brake fluid flush.
6. 2025 service: new starter, new primary battery (4-yr warranty), oil change.
7. Tires: four LT-rated, plus a matching new spare on the rear swing carrier.

Full receipt binder comes with the van.

New 3-point shoulder seatbelts (replaced the original lap-only belts), LED headlights, backup camera, tire pressure monitoring, fire extinguisher + portable suppressant, smoke and CO detector, locking gas and water caps, emergency seatbelt cutter / glass break tool.

1. 4-burner propane stove + oven, propane water heater
2. Flushing toilet, wet bath with indoor and outdoor shower options
3. 40 gal fresh water / 40 gal waste tanks
4. Two roof vent fans (galley + bath)
5. Custom blackout curtains throughout — unique print designed specifically for Betty, on professional tracks
6. Butcher block counters, new vinyl plank flooring, machine-washable runner rug
7. New pull-out kitchen faucet (long enough to use as a second outdoor shower)
8. Bathroom shower has an added extension for outdoor use
9. Bluetooth radio with remote, phone holder, cup holders
10. Numerous storage cabinets and drawers, including a clothing wardrobe

Two beach chairs, beach umbrella with screw anchor, a folding pet bed, futon protective cover, folding flat-pack grill, charcoal chimney, small electric space heater. Full kitchen kit: cast iron skillet, pots and pans, French press, AeroPress, hand grinder, kettle, full silverware set with steak knives, full kitchen knife set, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, plastic wine glasses, cutting boards. Full road gear: jack, jumper cables, air compressor, leveling blocks, tire chocks, 50ft hose, 50ft extension cord, water filter, dump hose with external storage tube, 5-gal jerry can, tarp + bungees, cargo net, ratchet straps. Plus misc spares — fuses, bulbs, brake components, fluids, oil, antifreeze, manuals.

Show up with food, drinks, and a surfboard, and you're camping by sunset.

We'd rather you know upfront than discover during inspection:

1. 5-digit odometer reads 20,942. Van presents and drives as low-mileage; we've added ~5,600 documented miles during our 4 years. Can't definitively rule out 120K or 220K because of the 5-digit odometer.
2. Exterior paint and bodywork need attention. The fiberglass shell won't rust but has one hairline crack that needs patching. A fresh paint job and your choice of stripe color would transform her.
3. Soft spot in the floor near the rear door — likely from where it repeatedly got wet from wetsuit removal. Localized.
4. Windows can let some water in around the seals during heavy rain. We use the included tarp on rainy days. Two spots of wall paneling cracking. A reseal would be a good early project.
5. Fridge is the original absorption unit — works and freezes but it's old-school. Fine for drinks, snacks, sealed items. Not recommended for raw meat in summer.
6. Fuel gauge is unreliable — we track mileage between fills without issue. External jerry can included.
7. Cab heater bypassed — we never needed it in San Diego, but it could be added.
8. It's a 1972. Drives well and is fun to drive. Highway speeds fine on flat ground; steep uphill or strong headwind takes some patience.

None of this is dealbreaking. All of it is reflected in the asking price.

Payment: cash, cashier's check verified at the issuing bank in person at the time of sale, or wire transfer with confirmed receipt before title transfer.

Pre-purchase inspection welcome at buyer's expense. San Diego, CA. Out-of-area buyers welcome — happy to send the full receipt binder, more photos, and a walk-through video before you make the trip.

Betty deserves another adventure family. If she sounds like yours, message me.