La Aduana: 1989 Dodge Xplorer

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Now I know what you’re thinking, that thing should have flamingos and Astroturf in front of it. I admit, it’s not your traditional overland vehicle. There are no oversized tires or large bumpers, the body is somewhat long, and it has the departure angle of a Blue Bird Bus. Sadly an 80’s design, lackluster colors, and simple features have left it a little bland and unexciting in comparison to the bright and flashy campers of today. This Xplorer appears unassuming upon first glance, but looks can be deceiving. With fewer miles than vehicles an eighth its age, four wheel drive, and a current bid of around $13,000 this pristine camper is a great option for your next excursion.

Starting life in a Chrysler plant in 1989 this van soon made its way to the Xplorer factory where it was converted into a full camper, including a kitchen, bedroom, washroom, and shower. From there it was handed over to Pathfinder 4×4 who turned the 2WD road queen into something a bit more capable off-road with 4WD. According to the seller this Xplorer was garage kept its entire life, and has just 35,987 original miles on it. Additionally there is no rust or major damage on, or underneath, the body, and only a few small surface blemishes on the paint. Inside you’ll find a camper that is equally well maintained and in almost the same shape as when it left the factory. For those of us who love the idea of a self-contained adventure camper, but don’t love the high price tag, this Dodge Xplorer could be the perfect fit.

To learn more take a look here on Ebay Motors:

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Here’s what the seller has to say:

A true beauty. This rig has gone through 3 factories before it was delivered to the original owner’s doorstep in 1989 (Chrysler, Xplorer, and last but surely not least, Pathfinder 4×4). You will NOT find another of it’s kind. It is in fabulous condition inside and out. The original owner pampered this unit and garage kept it. The mileage is original at 35,987 (2nd owner miles) sadly, the original owner was forced to sell it in late 2010 due to a medical condition. The man knew what he had, he took exceptional care of this baby. He ordered it with every option possible: cruise control, cab air, tilt wheel, power windows, power locks, power steering, power brakes, sink, 3 way fridge (w/auto selector), hot water heater w/dsi, microwave, 2 burner stove, Fantastic Fan, shower w/separate sink, electric flush toilet, all holding tanks, roof a/c, awning, full privacy curtains, side dinette (seats 2 people legally and converts to a twin bed), monitor panel, 25ft shoreline power cord, 40lb LP gas tank, deluxe high backseats w/arm rest, compass, chrome bumpers w/guards, spare tire and carrier, custom ladder, luggage rack, running boards w/wheel flares, windows safety glass w/screens, special anniversary paint, unibody construction steel reinforcement, insulated sidewalls and roof, rust-proofing all metal conversion parts, interior and exterior storage, manual leveling jacks, hub-a-lert system, and much much more. This unit is truly an attention grabber. Scroll down to view a video tour of the unit inside and out, in which I have mentioned notable defects. Don’t hesitate to phone me at: 847-596-1327 anytime, I’d be glad to answer all your questions to the best. Please note, although I am a dealer specializing in class B RV’s, this unit is being sold by owner (me). I have purchased it and fell in love with it, and now its time to part from it. There are no taxes, or any other fees. Thank you!!!

 

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Chris didn’t receive a real taste of the outdoors until moving to Prescott, Arizona, in 2009. While working on his business degree, he learned to fly and spent his weekends exploring the Arizona desert and high country. It was there that he fell in love with backcountry travel and four-wheel drive vehicles, eventually leading him to Overland Journal and Expedition Portal. After several years of honing his skills in writing, photography, and off-road driving, Chris now works for the company full time as Expedition Portal's Senior Editor while living full-time on the road.