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Old 07-04-2017, 08:02 PM   #1
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Overland Park , Kansas
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AI alternative

For all of those who asked (well two did ), here's a couple of pics of the new ride. Started w/ a new van that we ordered specifically w/ the options that we wanted. Our upfitter, Chalmers Automotive, added three rows of Captain's seats, 32" and 24" TVs (primarily for the Xbox), Dometic frig/freezer, 1000W pure sine wave inverter, 70,000 BTU ProAir rear A/C, two cupholders & USB & AC outlets for each seat, Sony head unit for rear, rear camera (on all of the time supplementing the OEM camera that's only on when in reverse) and overhead storage. Since our van is about one foot shorter than our AI, we had to give up any restroom facilities and winterizing.

Just got back from our first trip w/ some of the grandkids and everything worked as advertised. No squeaks and rattles to try to find and eliminate. Only needed to run the rear A/C for a few minutes when starting off and then the front A/C could keep the van cool. Temps ran in the upper 80s and low 90s. Being about one foot shorter reduced the volume and the van is much better insulated.

While the added seats were very comfortable, the OEM seats don't measure up to the ones in the Sprinter.

More pics at Chalmers website here. Our van is currently at the top of the page.
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Old 07-04-2017, 09:03 PM   #2
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Nice cruising van!!
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Old 07-04-2017, 09:28 PM   #3
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2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Sedona , Arizona
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Very pretty van! I had been wondering for a while and with my vivid imagination I was thinking an ARV or perhaps (heaven forbid) a Prevost!
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Old 07-04-2017, 10:16 PM   #4
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So it looks like you've given up any pretense of anything other than a people hauler, or am I missing something in the pics?
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Old 07-04-2017, 11:16 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyFishinRVr View Post
So it looks like you've given up any pretense of anything other than a people hauler, or am I missing something in the pics?
Since we weren't campers and just traveled w/ the grandkids and parents, we felt that all of the things in the AI that we didn't use just made for cramped quarters for the riders.

I forgot to mentioned that the ride, both front and rear was much better and there was none of the rock and roll when traversing an entry to a parking lot or driveway at an angle.
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Old 07-05-2017, 12:52 AM   #6
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2015 Interstate Ext. Coach
Lake Mary , Florida
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Very nice Marc, for the short trip rides. Softer ride, shorter turns and parkings, and no need to fix shakes and rattles. Everything what you demanded - you've got it. Congratulations!

However, no amenities, and missing the ability to pee, nap, make a coffee or a hot snack, is already regretful in a long trip. At list for me, also not a camperman but already spoiled by the Interstate.

And yes, the Airstream craftsmanship quality is sucks in comparison with your upfitter or other small conversion brands.

Again, my congrats for your enjoyment!
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Old 07-05-2017, 07:22 AM   #7
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Very nice, Marc, and seems perfect for what you need.

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Old 07-19-2017, 08:22 PM   #8
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I mis-spoke re: length. It's about three feet shorter than the AI was.
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Old 07-19-2017, 10:10 PM   #9
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Shark,
Thanks for posting your finished project. Looks like you finally have that smooth and cool ride in the back that has eluded all of us non-air suspension AI owners!
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