Fans of the television show Breaking Bad likely remember the RV that Walter and Jessie converted into a mobile lab. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a decade since the final episode aired on September 29, 2013. However, there’s still a loyal and passionate following for the show.
To this day, many fans want to know more about the mobile lab and what happened to the iconic Breaking Bad RV in real life.
We were wondering the same thing and tracked down some information.
Let’s dive in and get started!
What Is ‘Breaking Bad’?
Breaking Bad is a television show created by Vince Gilligan that aired on AMC from 2008 to 2013. The stars of the show were Bryan Cranston (Walter White) and Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman). Throughout the five seasons, the show explored various themes focusing on morality, family, and the consequences of actions.
In the show, Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He uses his expertise in chemistry to cook and sell methamphetamine to secure his family’s financial future after his passing. White partners with Pinkman and the couple find themselves over their heads and in dangerous situations throughout the series.
What Is the Breaking Bad RV?
The Breaking Bad RV was a 1986 Bounder Class A that appeared in the first 34 episodes of the show. It was transformed into a mobile meth lab so that the duo and their dirty deeds could go undetected by law enforcement.
Walter gave Jesse money to purchase a vehicle for them to cook methamphetamine. However, Pinkman wasted the money on other things and stole the motorhome. Pinkman nicknames the retro trailer “The Krystal Ship.” However, the last time viewers see the Breaking Bad RV is in season three, episode six.
Who Made the Breaking Bad RV?
The Breaking Bad RV was a 30-foot 1986 Bounder by Fleetwood RV. It’s one of the most popular Class A RVs on the market and is still in production nearly 40 years later. Depending on your chosen model, there is space for sleeping four to eight people.
Some features that make this a popular model are the full kitchen, spacious bathroom, and plentiful storage. It was one of the first RVs to offer basement storage, which has since become standard.
The company has a solid reputation in the RV community for its durability and quality craftsmanship. Regarding comfort and style, the Bounder is one of the most recognized and respected rigs in the industry.
Pro Tip: Watch old episodes of Breaking Bad by using our guide on How to Stream TV and Movies in Your RV.
What Happened to the Famous RV?
Thankfully, the Breaking Bad RV in episode 34 was not the original Krystal Ship. The production crew used a replica and didn’t destroy the original. Rumors were circulating that the RV went to auction. However, these rumors were far from the truth.
In reality, Sony Pictures Studios retained the RV with plans to use it for studio tours. Guests can see the iconic RV on the Sony Pictures tour in Culver City, California. However, tours are only usually on Monday through Friday. You must have reservations, and guests must be at least 12 years old.
Do People Actually Turn RVs into Meth Labs?
Yes, like in the Breaking Bad show, RVs have been used for the manufacturing and transportation of drugs. It’s not just the old beater ones either; sometimes modern RVs are used, many times if they are stolen.
Ways Fans Can Experience Breaking Bad
Much of the filming for Breaking Bad took place in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico. If you’re in the area and want an authentic Breaking Bad experience, there are some ways to do it. Let’s take a look!
Cruise Around in a Breaking Bad RV Tour
What better way to explore ABQ than in a vintage Bounder? Breaking Bad RV Tours is a 3-hour film location tour that provides guests an opportunity to see many of the filming locations in a replica of the Krystal Ship. On this tour, you can see Jesse’s house, the rail yard, and the famous car wash that the Whites purchased.
Visit Walter White’s House
In the show, Walter often refers to his house address as 308 Negra Arroya Lane. Unfortunately, this is a fictional street. However, try punching 3828 Piermont Drive in Albuquerque into your GPS and see what you find.
This is the same house the company used for filming throughout the series. Visitors must know that this is an actual residence. Frances and Louis Padilla purchased the home in 1973 and allowed the show to use it as a set. They have received many visitors, some respectful and some not so much, over the years. Law enforcement installed cameras to help reduce the issues the family frequently experienced.
While it might be fun to drive by and see the famous house, please do so respectfully. Do not approach the house and give the family the privacy they deserve. Stop and take a picture from a distance and be on your way.
Eat at Los Pollos Hermanos (Twisters)
Los Pollos Hermanos was a famous restaurant that Walter White frequented. Gustavo Fring owned the restaurant and used the establishment to mask his illicit activities. However, this was an actual location with a fictional story.
The real Los Pollos Hermanos is Twisters, a fast-food chain in Albuquerque. With multiple locations, the site they used in the TV show is 4275 Isleta SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87105.
The chain gained tremendous popularity with its connection to the show. Their menu comprises New Mexican cuisine, including breakfast burritos, green chile cheeseburgers, and carne adovada.
Buy Some “Candy” from The Candy Lady Store
Throughout Breaking Bad, Walter White and Jesse Pinkman used their skills to create an illegal substance in their RV. However, the substances used on set weren’t drugs but candy from The Candy Lady Store. You can visit her and grab candy resembling the products White and Pinkman cooked and sold during the show.
Pro Tip: Film industry fanatics will love using the Best Way to Hike to the Hollywood Sign while in L.A.
The Krystal Ship in All Its Glory
Despite the rather sketchy events filmmakers depicted inside of it, the Breaking Bad RV is one of the most iconic RVs in entertainment history. The Krystal Ship was the vessel that helped Walter and Jesse soar into a nefarious lifestyle. We’re glad that fans can still see and experience the RV and how the show has helped bring life to the Albuquerque economy.
If you haven’t watched Breaking Bad, what are you waiting for? Plan to binge-watch it on your next rainy day!
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Cheryl
Saturday 8th of April 2023
We've hosted many of our ABQ visitors to the Breaking Bad tour - thanks for the feature article.