I was wondering if someone could tell me the pros and cons between the Airstream Interstate and a Roadtrek. Both are great looking B's, however, how can one not fall for the Airstream. However, I have heard the Roadtrek makes more efficient use of space. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I found this thread valuable and coming from some one who for business tugs a 28 safari nationwide. I have intense interest in Road trek, sportsmobile and Airstream class b, and find that living in my 28 Safari is unbeatable, yet I need a vehicle that my wife will drive. I would say at least 5-10 weeks/year I need to cover 2k miles within 2 days. A class b is on the radar. 3 months of the year we live in the 28 on the road. 8 months of the year we sit home all in the summer with no usage of the trailer. We have left 28 in 4 states over the past 3 years and find that this no problem and a real advantage of a trailer. So, it appears a class b that can tow a 28 is our next vehicle of choice. Most of our travel includes cold weather and 4x4 is a must, and it must be able to tow nationwide in all conditions. So far, a sportsmobile v10 Ford or diesel 4x4 is on the shortlist. Roadtrek is a leader in quality and great resale. Thanks for the info and keeping the seating to a minimum.
At the Hershey show we looked at all the Sprinter Conversions, (Roadtrek, Pleasure Way, Leisure Travel, Winnebago ERA), and somehow missed the Interstate.
Was there even an Airstream dealer there? According to the website, no Airstream dealers were signed up to be there, so I didn't go to the show at all.
__________________ 1991 Airstream B190 - 7.5L/460 cu in V8.
Jasper remanufactured E4OD.
Stehl Tow Dolly. Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller.
Pioneer head unit, Sirius tuner.
WBCCI #13270 - Washington, DC unit
B190 Owners: The new site B190 Enthusiasts is dedicated to the 1989-1999 Airstream B190.
The only thing I would say is that I think Roadtrek pretty much wrote the book on van conversions and so probably have more experience.
But then, there may be some layout features of the Airstream that you prefer.
Before we bought our present AS trailer, I was interested in buying the Large Roadtrek (same Sprinter chassis as the AS) They are built just an hour from our home.
But my wife insisted that even though our trips are typically only 6-8 weeks, it would be far too small for us.
After a while I reluctantly agreed she was right, and I guess I don't regret it! I still like them though!
Was there even an Airstream dealer there? According to the website, no Airstream dealers were signed up to be there, so I didn't go to the show at all.
I guess that's why we missed it, but only having seen the previous generation Interstate, I wasn't interested and wanted the 4 captains chairs up front.
The 2008+ AS is essentially a copy of the RS but IMHO the AS has a better bath, better seat cushions/leather, better lighting, and nicer cabinets & hardware. The one thing the Sprinter chassis, in general, gives up over the Chevy is exterior storage. Our RT 200V had storage for an EZ-Up Canopy, 2 folding bikes, 4 folding camp chairs & table and other miscellaneous stuff. But I am thinking of an enclosed hitch-haul.
Our RT 200V had storage for an EZ-Up Canopy, 2 folding bikes, 4 folding camp chairs & table and other miscellaneous stuff. But I am thinking of an enclosed hitch-haul.
Wow. My B190 definitely doesn't have that. In fact it doesn't really have any exterior storage... the only exception is that if you didn't get the generator option, you can use its box as a storage compartment.
__________________ 1991 Airstream B190 - 7.5L/460 cu in V8.
Jasper remanufactured E4OD.
Stehl Tow Dolly. Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller.
Pioneer head unit, Sirius tuner.
WBCCI #13270 - Washington, DC unit
B190 Owners: The new site B190 Enthusiasts is dedicated to the 1989-1999 Airstream B190.
Wow. My B190 definitely doesn't have that. In fact it doesn't really have any exterior storage... the only exception is that if you didn't get the generator option, you can use its box as a storage compartment.
I have been known to tow my aluminum utility trailer with boxes on it for carrying 'bikes, tools, and stuff' behind my B-van!
__________________ AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 1994 Airstream B190 & 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ
Wow. My B190 definitely doesn't have that. In fact it doesn't really have any exterior storage... the only exception is that if you didn't get the generator option, you can use its box as a storage compartment.
It turns out after doing a 7.5K cross country trip this summer, (in the RT that has the 2.8KW Onan), we used the canopy, chairs, & table once and didn't use the bikes, (we're big hikers), or any of our extra camping equipment. I think we'll still take the bikes but we'll definitely travel lighter next year. Even if you take the spare and mount it on the back, the space gained is not convenient.
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