Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-07-2017, 09:48 AM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Naperville , Illinois
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 12
2018 AI Touring sliding door and power shades

Our new 2018 AI Touring (mid November) has two issues with the sliding door
1). Our interior panel is rubbing against the door brackets and the along the outside of the RV, creating dirt markings and indentations to the interior panel covering. The dealer says that the panel appears thicker than what was used on the 2017

2). The sliding door power shades, both day and night, only open about 3/4. Inaddition, when closing, both shades easily come off the tracks and need to be manually adjusted

The dealer has notified AS service and submitted photos. I’m waiting on a response

Has anyone else noticed a similar condition with their 2018?
Windchaser01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2017, 06:51 PM   #2
3 Rivet Member
 
2011 Interstate Coach
Evansville , Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 239
Not sure if what you are describing is the exact same thing but the interior panel interfering with the sliding door is nothing new. Our 2011 door closes hard and also has an indentation at the lower rear edge. Boxster1971 did a nice modification to his sliding door by removing a portion of the mouse fur panel in the lower corner. He posted it on 4-11-17 but I don't know how to add a link to the post.
BurntAsphalt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2017, 07:06 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
2013 Interstate Coach
Waterloo , Iowa
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,598
While at JC I saw them cutting back the floor of an AI to provide extra clearance. I don't know if it helped or not.
Titus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-08-2017, 08:49 AM   #4
Airstream Ambassador
 
AirstreamInc's Avatar
 
Jackson Center , Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 742
Blog Entries: 1
Hi Windchaser01,

We're sorry to learn about the issues that you are having on your 2018 Interstate. If you do not get a response from your dealer soon, please call our customer service and technical support team at*1 (877) 596-6111, option 2 so we can learn more and help.
__________________
Official account for Airstream, Inc.
Airstream Customer Service and Technical Support can be reached at 1 (877) 596-6111, option 1.
AirstreamInc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-08-2017, 08:56 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
Boxster1971's Avatar

 
2024 Interstate 19
Fulton , Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,867
I agree with BurntAsphalt that problems with sliding door are not new to Interstates. Most of the problems are caused by Airstreams mods in step side area and what they add to the inner door panel. Here is how I solved my problem.

Sliding Door Would Not Open
http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165207
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
Boxster1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-08-2017, 11:07 AM   #6
4 Rivet Member
 
kfrere's Avatar
 
2008 31' Classic
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Lenoir City , Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 264
We have had both issues with our 2016 AI. The shades have been fixed several times; the door issue in the middle of repair.

Since Airstream is listening I'll say this. The local Sprinter specialist was in the midst of servicing our chassis when he graciously agreed to address the sliding door problem. It had become so bad that the outer door latches were bent and the door would no longer close properly. They fixed the latches but left the screen door completely off because AS would not approve them to repair the screen problem. We have a dealer within reasonable driving range but they have caused so much damage to my two AS's in the past that I wouldn't let them anywhere near this issue. AS is fully aware of my dissatisfaction with the local dealer's service department because of actual damage caused by that department on two prior occasions.

Yes, we could drive it, once again, to Ohio for this fix, but good grief - how hard is it to simply let good people who are local to us make a needed repair.
__________________
Kelly & Matt
WBCCI - #4335
2005 Diesel Excursion
2008 31' Custom Classic "Moonshine"
2016 Interstate "BugOut"
kfrere is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-08-2017, 01:10 PM   #7
2 Rivet Member
 
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Franklin County , Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 86
On our 2018 GT we have only about 1/16 to 1/8 inch clearance between the panel and the body. So far I have not seen any signs that it has hit.

When we picked up our unit we were told to never have both the day and night shade lowered on a window at the same time. One must be fully up before lowering the other. I don't recall reading this in the owner's manual however I may have missed it. The tech said the shades would jam up if we did not have one fully raised first.
AI927 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2017, 06:35 AM   #8
2 Rivet Member
 
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Lady Lake , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 74
Quote:
Originally Posted by AirstreamInc View Post
Hi Windchaser01,

We're sorry to learn about the issues that you are having on your 2018 Interstate. If you do not get a response from your dealer soon, please call our customer service and technical support team at*1 (877) 596-6111, option 2 so we can learn more and help.


Attachment 300686Attachment 300687

We have a 2016 AI GT. It has been to North Trail RV three times for sliding door issues. The trim panel is still falling of almost every time the door is opened, it also rubs on the side of the vehicle. The last time it was in the shop, the Airstream solution was adjusting the sliding door further away from body so the trim panel would not rub on the side of the vehicle. That may work if only the trim panel would stay on the door.

We are going to North Trail again to address the issue. We will contact you.

Mike
M and R is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2017, 07:04 AM   #9
3 Rivet Member
 
sthrngary's Avatar
 
2018 Tommy Bahama Interstate
Birmingham , Alabama
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 176
Dealers That Simply Don't Get it

I completely understand how dealers work internally. Interestingly enough, all dealers are made up of a group of humans with human emotions. UNLESS, the brand has an agreement that provides the dealer with consequences for positive and negative client work (Ownership Experience) the dealers is simply not motivated to do so.

The good news is Airstream has recently created a client rating system (for both sales and service) that means a LOT to the dealers to do well in. I have to drive hours (4-7) to get a competent dealer to work on my pride and joy (Airstream). My closest dealer is 32 miles and a few more dealers available an hour or two away. Driving 4-7 hours so my unit will not get messed up worst then it is now, is completely unacceptable. Any level of touch-point with any dealer that does not support an excellent long-term "Ownership Experiences" is also unacceptable.

Thank you for your post, I am NOT trying to high jack it. I am supporting that fact that the issues got worse due to folks working on your coach that really did not under stand them. I hope your issues get handled quickly and exceeds your expectations.

Gary T. The "RV Advocate"

Quote:
Originally Posted by kfrere View Post
We have had both issues with our 2016 AI. The shades have been fixed several times; the door issue in the middle of repair.

Since Airstream is listening I'll say this. The local Sprinter specialist was in the midst of servicing our chassis when he graciously agreed to address the sliding door problem. It had become so bad that the outer door latches were bent and the door would no longer close properly. They fixed the latches but left the screen door completely off because AS would not approve them to repair the screen problem. We have a dealer within reasonable driving range but they have caused so much damage to my two AS's in the past that I wouldn't let them anywhere near this issue. AS is fully aware of my dissatisfaction with the local dealer's service department because of actual damage caused by that department on two prior occasions.

Yes, we could drive it, once again, to Ohio for this fix, but good grief - how hard is it to simply let good people who are local to us make a needed repair.
__________________
Gary and Tami T., The “RV Advocate”

Proud new owner of a 2018 Airstream Interstate Grand Tour Tommy Bahama
Previously owned a 2017 Airstream Flying Cloud 25 ft.
sthrngary is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2017, 11:04 AM   #10
New Member
 
Currently Looking...
Venice , Florida
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 3
Equity 5

We have exactly the same problem on our 2018 delivered in July 2017. The interior door panel has scuff marks along the cross members of the screen door, scuff marks through the paint on the rear upright of the screen door, distorted and broken wheels on the screen door, and it takes a real hard slam to get the van sliding door to shut or the rear upper edge of the door does not close fully. Took it to a Mercedes dealer for service as a door problem, but they documented there is not enough clearance between the door and the screen for the door to close properly. It also affects the door handle which no longer has a smooth action when opening the door. They took the sliding screen door off and found it closes just fine.

It is now at the Airstream dealer who tells me all is well, the wheels have been replaced and the door closes just fine. The cause was not keeping the screen door open while closing the van door which is incorrect, as I always have done as recommended at the orientation on delivery.

The real problem is a lack of clearance between the door and the slider. The fix would be to make the stationary screen narrower and fit it all with narrower and repositioned tracks. Am waiting for the dealer to "discuss again" with Airstream.

Charlie
Land Equity is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2017, 12:11 PM   #11
1 Rivet Member
 
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Naperville , Illinois
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 12
Thank you all for your insights.
UPDATE...After 2 1/2 months since we took delivery of our AI there has been no solutions presented by either the dealer or AS on how to correct the problem. I have been to the dealer twice to follow up. Each time they have called AS for an update I get the impression that they are hearing about the problem for the first time even after the dealer sent photos when we took delivery.

Currently in the showroom there is a 2018 AI TB that has a significant "horizontal impression" in the door panel that is visible when the door is closed and viewed from the inside. For our door, there is a significant "vertical impression", but it is not visible when the door is closed. However, there are dirt marks visible between the sliding door window and door handle caused by the inner panel rubbing against the outside of the vehicle. And when you look down between the sliding door and the side of the vehicle, you can see where all the rubbing is taking place. Overall, the sliding door does not easily close/latch and usually takes a second attempt to get the right force to close the door.

Regarding our day and night shades, neither one of them open fully no matter what open/close configuration we try. In all cases, the shades only open "3/4 of the way" up.

As recommended earlier in this thread, I plan to follow up on their invitation to directly contact the JC technical support team. I am hoping that once the holiday season is over we will see some resolution in early 2018.
Windchaser01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2017, 01:41 PM   #12
Contributing Member
 
Pahaska's Avatar
 
2018 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Austin (Hays County) , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,164
Images: 4
I don't have a screen door, but I do have an image of the frame and bungees of the compartment behind the sliding door deeply embossed into the upholstery of the door. I think this is what makes my door hard to close.

I temporarily removed the frame and bungees and it did help in door closing. Since this compartment is only used for my tire gauges and IR thermometer, I am going to remove the frame and bungees and figure out a good way to seal off the compartment to protect the wiring in there.
__________________
John W. Irwin
2018 Interstate GT, "Sabre-Dog V"
WBCCI #9632
Pahaska is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2018, 10:44 AM   #13
New Member
 
Currently Looking...
Venice , Florida
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 3
Update on Screen Door Clearance issue.

I called the Airstream number and spoke to “John” who tells me that Airstream has authorized dealers to move the screen door tracks and latch mechanism inward where there is a clearance problem, and to fill the original mounting holes. Have advised our dealer of this and am awaiting confirmation that it will be done.

I am still skeptical, however, such there is very little room to reposition the tracks.

Will update again with success or failure.

Charlie
Land Equity is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-22-2018, 08:34 AM   #14
1 Rivet Member
 
2017 Interstate Lounge Ext
Calgary , Alberta
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 8
Airstream Interstate Shades

My 2017 AI shades have been a problem. Planning to pick up from the dealer after they replace some shade motors. I really hope this is not something that will plague me for the rest of my ownership time with the rig. In many ways I would be very happy with manual shades as they would never malfunction.
Brownstone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-22-2018, 12:19 PM   #15
2 Rivet Member
 
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Lady Lake , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 74
We have a 2016 AI GT. We have had two motors replaced. Need to make an appointment for three more to be repaired. Agree with manual shades.
M and R is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-22-2018, 12:50 PM   #16
SWH
4 Rivet Member
 
2021 Interstate 24GT
Cordova , Tennessee
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 268
Fingers crossed, knocking on wood, with the exception of one coming off the track once, we have had zero issues with our 2017 AI shades
SWH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-22-2018, 08:01 AM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Ouray , Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 26
Power shades and sliding door

The power shades always have been a problem on my 2016 from day one. They are always getting off track, then jamming, then getting out of adjustment (often due to folding up on themselves on the roller or getting looped around backwards on the roller). Half of them don’t work. The sliding door shades are particularly troublesome due to getting squeezed by the tight-fitting door and screens. There simply isn’t enough room. I find my door does better if the screen is in a partly-closed position, but the interior panels are all creased and stained, the shades are inoperative, and the door latch is getting harder to release. I installed the factory screen myself and there is no room to “move it in”—it barely fits at all.
I am thinking about removing all my interior panels, removing all my power shades, seeing if I can make the interior panels thinner by removing any horizontal components that are there simply to create depth for the shades, then reinstalling the now-thinner panels and installing manual shades. I’ll gain 4-5” of interior width, which would be quite significant in a Sprinter van. I’ll recut the rear panels to expose the entire rear window, too. Has anyone done this?
mineralfarme is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2018, 01:27 PM   #18
2 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Loma Mar , California
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 78
PHP Code:
I am thinking about removing all my interior panelsremoving all my power shadesseeing if I can make the interior panels thinner by removing any horizontal components that are there simply to create depth for the shadesthen reinstalling the now-thinner panels and installing manual shadesI’ll gain 4-5” of interior widthwhich would be quite significant in a Sprinter vanI’ll recut the rear panels to expose the entire rear windowtooHas anyone done this
I think this is going to become a big idea. The increasing failure rate of the power shades will bring it about.

For us, we "only" have a 2.5 hour drive to reach our closest Airstream service center. Our power shades have failed since the day we picked it up in August 2016 until again last month.

There may be a really good reason only Airstream uses them.

Keep the group updated on your retrofit.

Haasman
Haasman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2018, 10:59 AM   #19
Airstream Ambassador
 
AirstreamInc's Avatar
 
Jackson Center , Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 742
Blog Entries: 1
Hi Haasman, mineralfarme and M and R,

We are sorry to hear about the issues you are having with your power shades. If there is anything that we can assist with, please send us a direct message with your contact information and the last 6 digits of your VIN so we can share it with our Customer Service and Technical Support team.

You can also reach Airstream Customer Service and Technical Support at customer_support@airstream.com

We look forward to helping you get this resolved. Thank You.
__________________
Official account for Airstream, Inc.
Airstream Customer Service and Technical Support can be reached at 1 (877) 596-6111, option 1.
AirstreamInc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2018, 12:14 AM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Loma Mar , California
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 78
Thank you. I sent an email to Customer Service as suggested.

Haasman
Haasman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2018 Jeep Eco-Diesel VS 2018 Expedition? Barretta2 Tow Vehicles 57 03-10-2018 03:39 PM
Considering Ordering 2018 Interstate Grand Touring AI927 Sprinter and B-van Forum 35 07-28-2017 10:47 PM
Sliding screen door for the sliding door! weirdstuff Sprinter and B-van Forum 29 02-28-2014 08:19 PM
water leak in rear upper cabinet and sliding door russ240 Sprinter and B-van Forum 12 12-13-2013 01:11 AM
Ok attempting reinstall of dual closets and sliding door.. Mrcrowley Cabinets, Counter Tops & Furnishings 5 09-17-2010 07:32 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:56 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.