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Gio · 02-10-2015, 04:55 PM

Didn't see this mentioned anywhere yet, but if you were to order a new factory build of the 2015 Interstate Lounge EXT today, seems that there would be some sublte updates:

1. The dark grey plastic magazine holder (or whatever that is) behind the second row passenger seat, attached to the bath, is gone and replaced by a short overhead cabinet.

2. The front TV is bigger and fold up into the ceiling (so I was told)

3. The control panel is now at the front of the coach instead of the back.

4. The dealer told me that the side screen door and the back screen on the GT is now available for the Lounge Ext.

Went digging on the internet and found this video that actually shows some of these mods:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp4lYUpxgx0

I think that these are all pretty good changes but I'm new to the Interstate though so what do I know really. : )

Gio · 02-10-2015, 05:40 PM

forgot, 5.) the pull out microwave is now available for the Lounge EXT (not sure if this is standard or an option though).

also just to clarify that when I say, control panel, I mean that the controls for the generator etc. are now at the front similar to the Grand Tour which I think is better.

Ron_CA · 02-10-2015, 06:10 PM

The control panel that the girl in the video referred to, are actually the switches to control lights etc. that are on older models as well as my 2015.

The small cabinet on the driver side is new and could be nice although I like the shelf in mine. I don't like the small cabinet over the behind the passenger seat. Looks like a head knocker for sure.

The TV in the video looked the same as mine so not the fold up option?

The microwave oven would be nice for getting food in and out of but looks like the handle takes up quite a bit of aisle space.

I was told long ago that screens were being developed for the Interstates so hope this is true. I am 50/50 if I will get the side screen though as I don't like the way it restricts the opening on the GT. May just fabricate my own screen curtain as others have done.

Oh, and the girl in the video knew absolutely nothing about anything so not sure why the interviewer was asking her questions.

Gio · 02-10-2015, 07:00 PM

Hi Ron,

unfortunately, the girl in the video refers to ever switch as a "control panel". I agree that she's definitely not the best person to be giving an informative walkthrough.

with that said, I was told that the generator start/stop controls, levels/meters etc (what I personally call a control panel) is now moved to the front on the Lounge, as it is in the GT...as well as the front tv folding upward to probably alleviate people hitting their heads as she did in the video (case in point). Not sure if this feature was added after this particular video was shot or the mounting is there and we're just not seeing it demonstrated.

73shark · 02-10-2015, 08:48 PM

That was very painful listening to her since she really didn't know diddly about the Airstream. Everything was "stuff" to her. I think she liked the upholstery tho.

Didn't think putting the t-stat above the TV was a good idea. Too much heat there.

Noticed that they are using the intermediate stop on the slider which should help prevent the cabinet from becoming a head knocker. Wondered why the one over the psgr seat behind the driver is not full depth any more.

Gio · 02-10-2015, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73shark

Wondered why the one over the psgr seat behind the driver is not full depth any more.

Hi 73shark, I think that is what confirms the new placement of the panel because it looks almost identical to the GT in that regard, to me anyway.

73shark · 02-10-2015, 09:17 PM

Oh, so that's the real "Control Panel". Nice.

Gio · 02-10-2015, 09:25 PM

73shark, where is your t-stat located? Have they not always been in that location, near the TV?

73shark · 02-10-2015, 09:41 PM

It's not as close. It's up higher. But still in the TV heat updraft path. It just looked closer in the video but might be I'm just misremembering. Sort of like Brian Williams.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 02-10-2015, 10:54 PM

Hi, it seems as though the first overhead cabinet door was rubbing on something, so she closed it, before really opening it. The bathroom door was really creaky too. She said that they were going to show how easy it was to set-up the bed, but the bed was already set-up. [at least that is what I thought I heard] Not a good sales pitch from her, but my wife and I also think it is just too cramped in there, especially compared to our 25' trailer. The guy said all Airstreams come with a 100 watt solar panel. I think he meant the Interstates. "Stuff, squishy, shiny, and for it's size" sums it up.

Gio · 03-01-2015, 06:38 PM

Colonial Airstream just listed a 2015 Lounge EXT with the screens added.

Ron_CA · 03-02-2015, 01:42 PM

The back screen looks like a roller shade that rolls up and down. There were trim pieces added to the sides to make for a straight transition from cabinetry to the screen. Might be kind of nice if you need to get in the back and can just roll up the screen a little bit.

Looks like the side screens will make it harder to get in and out of the van. The limited floor space is OK but the extra room over the top of the seat makes it much easier. Can't imagine it makes it any more comfortable for a passenger sitting there either.

And then there is the price?

Lily&Me · 03-02-2015, 02:06 PM

I'll be interested to read how they hold up and work out over time.

Happy I am with my velcro-attached-and-zip-up-center at the rear, and $25 screen for the cargo door

Maggie