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RoadJager · 12-16-2011, 01:33 PM

Got this in the e-mail last night. Good addition for those needing the extra space.

Interstate EXT

Airstream’s Interstate line-up adds a larger floor plan specifically designed to meet consumer demand for more storage. The Interstate EXT provides an additional 16 inches in length, bringing the sleeping area to a roomy 70" x 82". The rear in-floor storage compartment, among other amenities, gives the Airstreamer nearly 30 cubic feet of storage. And as always, its Mercedes Benz Sprinter platform provides the ultimate in performance with its 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine.

According to Wheeler, “Our brand is synonymous with innovative design, high quality, and a sense of adventure. We’ve rolled all three together in our Class B motorhomes, allowing more people to answer the call of the open road.”

Mockinbrd · 12-17-2011, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the post.
This is great news for someone like myself. Do you happen to know where to find the floor plan for this EXT Interstate? When will it be available to the public? Thanks.
Mockinbrd

xrvr · 12-17-2011, 03:43 PM

Try Airstream.com. jim

RoadJager · 12-18-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mockinbrd

Thanks for the post.
This is great news for someone like myself. Do you happen to know where to find the floor plan for this EXT Interstate? When will it be available to the public? Thanks.
Mockinbrd

Not a lot of info on the AS website. Just a non-elargeable floor plan.
Road Jager

wayneskid · 12-19-2011, 01:10 PM

Use the Quick Contact form on the Contact Us page and let them know about the error on the webpage.

RoadJager · 12-23-2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayneskid

Use the Quick Contact form on the Contact Us page and let them know about the error on the webpage.

Its working properly now.
Road Jager

Foiled Again · 12-23-2011, 03:07 PM

but how big of an Airstream can it tow?

pattonsr · 01-18-2012, 10:01 AM

I wonder if Airstream will offer variations like the lounge wardrobe?

Protagonist · 01-18-2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

but how big of an Airstream can it tow?

About 5000 pounds, rather less than the un-extended Interstate 3500. The extra length does not come with any increase in gross vehicle weight or combined vehicle weight, but has an increased empty weight, for a net reduction in towing capacity. Plus having the receiver located 16 inches farther from the rear axle doesn't help on allowable tongue weight, either.

The same trade-off applies even if you're not towing. You gain storage volume, but lose net cargo capacity for the extended chassis.

There is increased difficulty in accessing the spare tire, too, since the tire would be 16 inches farther from the rear bumper.

This information is from a Sprinter brochure that describes the differences in the various models, and is completely independent of anything that Airstream might do to the chassis during the conversion process.

--Doyle

73shark · 02-10-2012, 09:02 PM

FWIW here's the brochure.

pattonsr · 02-10-2012, 09:14 PM

Brochure is for the 22 foot models (not the extended).

Protagonist · 02-11-2012, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73shark

FWIW here's the brochure.

I didn't get the information about the extended vans from an Airstream brochure, but from a Sprinter vans brochure (attached). Page 25 of the brochure shows that for the 3500 model, all three available body styles (short wheelbase, long wheelbase, long wheelbase extended frame) all have the same 11030-pound GVWR. While the brochure doesn't give empty weights, net cargo capacity, or GCWR for each model, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that for the same GVWR, a vehicle that is extended will weigh more, leaving less towing or cargo capacity.

As it happens, the Winnebago ERA is based on the Sprinter 3500 Extended also, and only has a 5000-pound towing capacity. And the Winnebago interior doesn't weigh as much as an Airstream interior, so there's no reason to expect an Extended Airstream will do any better for towing.

91Limited · 02-11-2012, 08:42 AM

Here's some of the major highlights as I know them -

1. 30+ cu. ft. additional storage
2. Huge rear storage for oversized luggage, 4+ golf bags
3. Oversized overhead storage, accomodates 2-3 airline roller bags
4. Hidden floor compartment with drain, use for storage or a cooler
5. Large oversize bed 70"X82"
6. "Parktronic" audio and visual front and rear parking assist w/sensors
7. Heated seats
8. Heated windshield
9. Side and Thorax Airbags
10. Chrome Grill Inserts

Options are 2nd TV and Solar

Towing Cap. is up to 5000#.
Overall length is 24'1"

Here's the current floor plan that's available for the EXT -

pattonsr · 02-11-2012, 09:44 AM

What do you guys plan to tow with an extended Interstate? The only thing I can think of is a Honda CRV toad which weights in around 3500 pounds.

Protagonist · 02-11-2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattonsr

What do you guys plan to tow with an extended Interstate? The only thing I can think of is a Honda CRV toad which weights in around 3500 pounds.

Towed loads don't have to be toads or dinghies. The question of towing capacity came up based on a semi-facetious comment from Foiled Again asking how big of an Airstream it would tow. I'm sure any Airstream dealer who wants to take both a trailer and an Interstate to an RV show has thought about it. In fact, an Interstate would make an excellent tow vehicle. I can see an Interstate owner offering to tow someone else's Airstream trailer for a WBCCI caravan, and go halvesies on the price since even though it's two Airstreams it's only one tow. Glad I thought of that; when I retire, I might just try it!

By the way, you get extra storage behind the sofa in the Extended model, but not so much as they say, UNLESS you never make the sofa into a bed. When you do, a lot of your extra 30+ cubic feet of storage goes away. It's more like only 10 cubic feet extra (my estimate, not measured) if you still want to make the sofa into a bed. You gain the ability to convert the sofa into a bed without removing the headrests first, though.

It's just unfortunate that in exchange for extra cargo volume in the 3500 Extended, you lose some of your towing capacity and cargo weight capacity.

73shark · 02-11-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattonsr

Brochure is for the 22 foot models (not the extended).

Sorry, didn't notice to I printed it out.

73shark · 02-11-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91Limited

Here's the current floor plan that's available for the EXT -

Did you intend to post a link for the floor plan?

BL1996 · 02-12-2012, 11:34 AM

I drove the Ext yesterday and I llked the unit much. However the wife complained about the front seats being uncomfortable. Can anyone comment on the seats?

Protagonist · 02-12-2012, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BL1996

I drove the Ext yesterday and I llked the unit much. However the wife complained about the front seats being uncomfortable. Can anyone comment on the seats?

I see from your profile that you already have an Interstate. Do you find the seats in the Extended version to be different from the regular version? I haven't driven an Extended, but my Interstate is the most comfortable vehicle to drive that I've ever owned, so much that whenever I go out of town, even when I'm not camping, I take the Interstate instead of my other vehicle. Granted, it took a while to find just the right combination of seat adjustments, but once I did, it was perfect!

73shark · 02-12-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BL1996

I drove the Ext yesterday and I liked the unit much. However the wife complained about the front seats being uncomfortable. Can anyone comment on the seats?

I can drive for several hours in mine and when I get out, I'm not stiff like when I drive the same time in my Tahoe. Could be cuz the seats are higher off the floor. I think they are comfortable.

Doesn't the EXT have the same seats as your regular one?