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Paul of Freedom Vessel – Adventures in Vanlife, a van builder and restorer in the Cardiff area of Encinitas, California, walks through a rare, very original 16-foot 1977 Dodge B200 Tradesman Xplorer 212 in the YouTube tour below. He’s selling it, and he describes it as a time capsule with a Grateful Dead vibe. Freedom Vessel’s for-sale page, which embeds the same tour, lists the asking price as $16,000.
According to the video description and the for-sale listing, the van has a clean California title, recently passed smog, and a 318 V8 with 72,000 miles on the odometer (oil just changed). Original paperwork, manuals, and receipts come with it. It was originally from Colorado and more recently owned in Southern California. In the tour, the seller notes the California title is in his name.
Outside the Xplorer
The tour covers the exterior first: 16-inch tires with plenty of tread and a rear-mounted spare, a tow package, and a rear swing-open door. The vintage louvered windows and screens are original, and so is the orange stripe. A rear bench seat can be removed for hauling gear. A recently installed Dometic rooftop 110V air conditioner/heater is on the roof. The seller also points out shore-power hookup, water fill and drain, propane fill, and the rear of the three-way fridge.
Cab and Chassis
The chassis is a Dodge B200 Tradesman with an Xplorer 212 camper body. The video description lists a new battery, alternator, and voltage regulator, plus factory dashboard AC, heat, radio, 8-track player, and cruise control. In the tour, the seller also mentions a three-speed automatic 727, working heater, gauges, and lap belts up front.
Kitchen and Living Space
Inside, the listing and video description include:
- Three-way fridge/freezer, propane heater, and two-burner stovetop with vent fan
- Sink with a new water pump and fresh water tank, plus storage cabinets and drawers
- A couch that pulls out into a bed and a rear dinette that converts into another bed
- Two tables and nine seatbelts total
- Interior 12V lighting, original wall coverings and headliner
- New vinyl plank flooring paired with the original cleaned shag carpet
- A new lithium cabin battery (about 100 amp-hours, per the video description)
- Original upholstery, privacy window covers, and curtains
Video Tour
What Still Needs Attention
Freedom Vessel flags a few items in the video description:
- Dashboard AC is not blowing cold
- Original rear upholstery is aged with some torn seams
- Original curtains are on hand, but some curtain tracks are cracked or broken
- Some rubber door seals are cracked
- The 8-track player and FM radio do not work properly; new Pioneer speakers currently play AM only
What It Costs
The YouTube description does not state a price. Freedom Vessel’s for-sale page, which embeds this same tour next to the 1977 Dodge Xplorer 212 listing, shows an asking price of $16,000.
Vintage Class B campers like this tend to look cheap next to a new camper van, but plan on some money for catch-up work. Before you buy, it’s worth budgeting for:
- The items Freedom Vessel already lists: diagnosing the dash AC, replacing cracked door seals and curtain tracks, and repairing or swapping the stereo
- Re-covering the rear upholstery if the torn seams bother you
- A pre-purchase inspection, including a leak test of the propane lines, heater, stove, and three-way fridge, which are original to a camper of this era
- Insurance: ask about collector or classic RV policies, which some insurers offer for vintage campers
Learn More
Where to learn more and inquire about buying
YouTube van tour: 1977 Dodge Xplorer 212 Vintage Van Tour
For-sale page: freedomvessel.com/for-sale
Freedom Vessel site: freedomvessel.com
Instagram post: instagram.com/p/DfCpwKim5F0
Video stills: Freedom Vessel – Adventures in Vanlife (YouTube).
Highlights
- 1977 Dodge B200 Tradesman Xplorer 212 vintage camper van (16 ft)
- For sale by Freedom Vessel in Cardiff (Encinitas), California
- 318 V8 with 72,000 miles; California title; recently passed smog
- Dometic rooftop AC/heater, three-way fridge, propane heater, two-burner stove, 100amp lithium cabin battery
- Couch and dinette convert to beds; nine seatbelts
- Asking price on the for-sale page: $16,000
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- More van conversions for sale
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Would you take on a 1977 Xplorer with this much original character left?
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More Like This: Van Conversions For Sale | Van Life | Vintage | Video Tours
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Alex
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