Extended Length I-3500

[RoadJager]

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]

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

[zigzagguzzi]

Try Airstream.com. jim

[RoadJager]

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]

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

[RoadJager]

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]

but how big of an Airstream can it tow?

[pattonsr]

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

[Protagonist]

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]

FWIW here's the brochure.

[pattonsr]

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

[Protagonist]

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]

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]

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.