Balboa Specifications

The Balboas were built on the Chevrolet, Dodge and Early Ford Chassis. All of the Balboas started out as standard vans and had the rear body cut off. 1 ton chassis versions were used. The van body was cut off and the dual walled fiberglass body was installed. This body gave more width and standing height inside the vehicle. The fiberglass body was dual walled, at least at the top half, with 2 inches of injected foam insulation. The lower interior body was fiberglass exterior and wood panel inside. 

There appear to be 2 different layouts, first with an L shaped kitchenette on the driver side, with double sink and storage, and a 4 burner gas range and oven opposite. Refrigerator was located next to the range. This version had single sliding windows. The other was a “straight” kitchen, with stove, fridge and sink lined up on the driver side. 

Balboas were well equipped with a 30+ gallon water tank located under the passenger side bench.  This is a large capacity for an RV of this size. It is serviced by a 12v water pump and also has a hybrid 120v / engine heated hot water heater that uses waste heat from the engine while driving. You can arrive at your destination with piping hot water, ready to go. This appears to be derived from the marine roots of the Balboas, being built by Jensen Marine. 

The full bathroom, unusual for a unit this size, has a sink, shower, small vanity and light. It has an electric macerating Thetford toilet right above the large holding tank. The toilet is still produced today, in a slightly update form. There is a fan equipped exhaust vent in the ceiling. 

A rear mounted combination gray and black water tank is positioned in front of the rear bumper. The bumper is heavily reinforced to protect from collisions and the resulting ugly mess that could occur. 

House battery

Newman DCV 50 amp converter

50 amp connection

Gas powered generator optional

70s colors