We bought our 05 Interstate in July 04. We've just reached the 20 K mile mark. It is the two couches in the front model.
There were initially some minor fit and finish issues that were quickly resolved by the dealer. We had a sudden deflation of the right rear tire due an undercapacity valve stem failure. DC issued a recall on that item. The Mercedes van part has been trouble free. I added Koni shocks and struts. The Konis improved driving performance, especially in the wind. It tracks better under normal conditions.
We use it two or three times a month both as a touring coach and a camper, both wet and dry. We tow a 2000 pound, 16 foot T@B trailer.
Interstate and T@B 600.jpg
We use the Interstate primarily as a support vehicle for my son's racing. The T@B, a recent addition, is a perfect match for the Interstate. Mileage drops from 22 to 18.5 which is stil incredible for this sort of package. You hardly know the trailer is there when driving and it actually improves performance in the wind.
Both have AC hookups for RV parks. Much of our race track overnites are from 3 to 5 days and are without hookups. Normally tracks have showers. We've never used the inside shower and most likely won't. It would introduce much unwanted moisture to the interior. The outside shower is pretty nice, especially in the summer.
There is a 100 watt solar panel on the roof and it keeps the RV battery charged. The 5 gallon propane tank is adequate for the fridge and for occasional generator use for the microwave and heater. The 12 volt Fantastic fan keeps things cool in hot weather and operates on solar power.
Things that I would change:
Increase the propane capacity to 10 gallons or more.
Add an on-off switch for the floor lights-they stay on when the door is
open.
Allow the TV to operate on 12 volts.
Make the pasenger seat swivel. DC has an optional swivel available.
Ship the unit with two RV batteries and the optional 2nd vehicle battery
under the passenger seat.
The table is worthless, in our opinion.
The awning is scary in the wind, very wimpy.
The Interstate is classy vehicle. It is perfect for traveling, whether you camp or not.
John