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.
Hmmmmm. We are a little biased, having an 06 Interstate over 2 years now. 50,000 miles later, we have not regretted it for a minute. We had always wanted a Roadtrek or Pleasureway, until we saw this----it was love at first sight, and we had to have it. The big difference was the absolutely beautiful, luxurious interior. We have plenty of storage space, do our own organizing thing to make the best use, but you really do streamline when you are traveling so small. We would suggest you carefully peruse the interior of each. Carolina Coach & Camper in Claremont, NC, has more small RV's than we ever knew existed---might be worth a drive there to really look at what is available. Good luck.
Doug&Maggie is right... I really think you need to see both in person. They are very different coaches. I really liked the earlier Westys on the Sprinter chassis. I haven't seen any of the late model B-Vans except in photos... but the floorplans and material choices are a very personal kind of decision.
Roger
__________________ AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 1994 Airstream B190 & 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ
Last edited by 85MH325; 06-08-2009 at 06:18 PM.
Reason: subject-verb agreement... duh...
For comparison sake, we owned a 2005 Leisure Travel Van (similar to the Airstream). We traveled a lot (30,000 miles) in a 2 year period. We averaged 24.4 mpg during this period. Yes, you really downsize but with all the comforts of home - best of success in your decision.
In comparing the two Sprinters, Airstream Interstate and the Roadtrek RS Adventurous with the rear sofa design and two passenger seats the plans are almost identical.
From what I can tell Airstream basically cloned this plan from Roadtrek as has Four Winds and Winnebago with their Sprinter B offerings.
You have to look at the specs to make further comparisons. As far as fit and finish goes Roadtrek uses real wood for their cabinets and solid surfacing for their counters vs. Airstreams plastic laminates. Roadtrek has more depth of experience in putting together B vans. Whether that translates in to better design, quality, etc. may be of a minor degree since I haven't heard about complaints from either. It may be subtle, but I've always like the exterior look of the Interstate over most all other B manufacturers.
Did you not mention on RV.net you were considering full-timing? Alone or with partner? That makes a big difference. If full-timing, both the Airstream and Roadtrek sacrifice a lot of space for the extra two passenger seats that would rarely be used. Space is dear in a B. The other things I never liked about either model was the bathroom on the passenger side. When driving I like that side open as much as possible to see cars through the rear view mirror and also to simply look back into the interior. The tall stuff is more suitable directly behind the driver where you can't see anyway. Also, I never liked the refrigerator right on the floor on these designs.
People like their Airstreams and Roadtreks. Don't get me wrong there. Everyone has priorities in desires. With the extra passenger seats they might be more functional for multi-use or use with friends. My preference is the plan (mostly similar between them) offered by Pleasure-Way, Liesure Travel Vans and Great West with the bathroom behind the driver.
Since you like the Roadtrek and Airstream I am assuming you like the plan. If so, then I would recommend you buy the one that gives you the best deal. I think that is what it should come down to because the basic vehicle is identical (MB Sprinter) and the specs and features of almost all the Sprinter Bs are basically the same. Even if there is a quality difference as I mentioned, both will offer good enough service. Bs in general are quality made RVs compared to most other types of RVs. Again, look for the best deal.
Wanted to add to the prior post that, unless you are driven to have something right off the assembly line, you might find what you want in an earlier, gently-used model. We have the mid-bath, rear-sleeper, (06 Interstate) which is the only design we were interested in. The bath is directly behind the driver's seat, there are no extra passenger chairs, the back has unobstructed viewing and opens completely up. We bought a screen for the back opening that attaches with velcro and has a full length zipper up the center. Very nice. We are not full timers, but close. Happy hunting.
We liked the Road Trek SS Agile (Short Sprinter) We also looked at the new Interstate on the 1 ton chassis. Airstream has done an excellent job on this rig, with one exception for us. There is no place to store large items, like a double bed sleeping sack/foam, and comforter. The electrically powered rear coach mechanism takes up most of the room under the rear coach.
We had planned on removing to 3rd and 4th seats to place dog kennels.
We also like the SS Agile, but we would have atempted to force our bedding under the couch in that unit too. The Adventurous hides the spare tire under the rear couch. The Agile has a rear hitch mounted spare.
The Forest River Sprinter has a manual couch and lots of room behind or under the rear couch for kennels, bedding etc.
None of the above mentioned Sprinters had nice bathrooms. However, we saw a Crystal Coach Sprinter conversion that had a very nice bathroom unit. That coach had space to store large bedding as well, but they are expensive too. Being made in California, with not much of a dealer network, I never expanded that idea since we live in Colorado. Where would you go for warranty work?
For the cost of these units, we decided to search for a Classic Airstream motorhome under 31ft and found a 270 in Ohio which we did buy.
We love the Sprinter conversions. Especially the Westfalia Airstream imported a few years ago, but their costs are still higher than we wanted to take on.
We had a B-190 1997, that sold 2 months ago, and the 270 is its replacement.
There will always be a place in our hearts for the Sprinters, just not a place in our barn
__________________
Jim and Chris
WBCCI #5812
Denver Unit 024
5 Airstream trailers, 1951, '59. '67, '79, 2006 Q/S
1984 Classic 270 Motorhme with 34K documented miles
I got a RoadTrek RS Sprinter because, not only is it an excellent unit, it has a better resale than the Airstream for some damn reason. The Airstream is awesome and I am an Airstream fan, but RoadTrek and Pleasure Way are better trusted names in the Van conversion biz.
Yeah, I don't think you'd go wrong with a Roadtrek - they've been making class Bs for quite a few years, so they should have a good idea of how to do it.
__________________ 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.
I do love the look of the Airstream Sprinter conversions. However, they seem to be a slower sell and I just guessing that it's more about the Roadtrek name and it being synonymous with "B" Class RVs and their experience with the conversions.
We just sold our Roadtrek 200V and was actually looking for a Roadtrek RS Adventurous to replace it. The Roadtrek is a high quality product and well thought out. At the Hershey show we looked at all the Sprinter Conversions, (Roadtrek, Pleasure Way, Leisure Travel, Winnebago ERA), and somehow missed the Interstate. After driving the PW 3500 Sprinter chassis, I found it to be superior on the road, especially in high winds but the floorplan didn't work for us. The 2009 Airstream Interstate we ended up has a higher level of fit & finish than the RS I was so close to bringing home. We've already been out on a 2000+ mile road trip with no regrets.
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