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08-24-2016, 07:22 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Weymouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
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Hello Everyone
I finally purchased a used 2014 Interstate EXT, have been debating in my own mind and with the other half. We have a couple other units but this EXT fits the need for certain events for us and we love it. I have been on and off this site gaining insight and it has been loads of help. Even though I have never joined till now, I feel as though I have gotten to know some of you, and thank you for taking the time to post your knowledge.
I had been looking for quite some time and found the perfect choice of used for us and it couldn't have gone any more smoothly. After trying to purchase a unit from other closer dealers,after days of emails,phone calls and paperwork things stalled each time. I took a chance and purchased our new unit with a phone call to a dealer 1500 miles away, not only did they make it painless but the owner delivered the EXT to my front door right outside Boston for less then what I was going to pay someone else. I own a small business with just 11 employees and sometimes it pays to do business with a family owned store.
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08-24-2016, 07:31 PM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
Currently Looking...
Taylor Ridge
, Illinois
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 144
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Welcome to to forum. I'm sure that you will love your new rig!
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08-24-2016, 07:32 PM
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#3
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Weymouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
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Hello
I can take more pics tomorrow, I posted couple pics from the dealer I had.
The unit is having clear shield installed on hood etc, tinting front windows and a good coat of wax. I think previous owner did nothing but enjoy knowing he was only using for a short time. She had a little over 17k when we got it about two weeks ago. I changed the oil before the trip and after and it looked like it had never been done. I fix vehicles for a living and 10k intervals or more are asking for trouble in my opinion, that is if I am allowed to have one here yet !!!
The day it was delivered we left for a five day trip to Ohio, it went very well but missed the space of our 34ft Endura!!! Fuel mileage was incredible compared to our gas rig.
Be back soon
and glad to finally be part of the community
dean
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08-24-2016, 08:25 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2006 22' Interstate
League City
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 698
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The Interstate gets bigger once you learn what to pack, and just as importantly, what not to pack.
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08-24-2016, 08:36 PM
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#5
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
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Greetings from the Florida Panhandle
Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. May you have safe travels and many great Airstream Adventures with your new baby.
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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08-25-2016, 05:45 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
League City
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 6,139
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Autodoc
...
The day it was delivered we left for a five day trip to Ohio, it went very well but missed the space of our 34ft Endura!!! ...
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Welcome to Air Forums!
It might help to further evaluate why you felt you missed space. Was it truly space that you missed, space for its own sake, or was any of that more accurately described as missing certain types of functionality?
Space cannot be altered but modifications to functionality can go a long way toward changing the feel of the Interstate. Ours has steadily gotten "bigger" over the past 2 years because we keep adding features and improving various aspects of its functionality.
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08-25-2016, 06:15 AM
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#7
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Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Autodoc
I fix vehicles for a living and 10k intervals or more are asking for trouble in my opinion, that is if I am allowed to have one here yet !!!
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Everyone has opinions, and everyone has a right to voice them. And if they're informed opinions born of experience such as yours, they'll be welcomed even if we disagree with you.
I personally believe that there's nothing wrong with a 10k interval. Mercedes Benz uses only synthetic oil, which Consumer Reports allows should have a change interval roughly twice as long/far as for conventional motor oil.
But Consumer Reports also says that the recommended oil change interval in the owner's manual should be considered a maximum, and should be shortened if you drive under "severe" conditions— jackrabbit starts, high altitude, extreme heat*, and/or towing.
*That's extreme air temperatures, which in turn cause the engine to run a bit hotter because the radiator operates less efficiently as a heat exchanger when the air is already hot (also why altitude is a factor— thinner air doesn't take heat away from the radiator as quickly as denser air). If the engine overheats, an immediate oil change is called for, regardless of the miles since the last oil change. Engine oil can break down under extreme engine temperatures, and form a varnish that coats moving parts, making them sticky where they're supposed to be slippery.
Quote:
The day it was delivered we left for a five day trip to Ohio, it went very well but missed the space of our 34ft Endura!!!
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"Missed" as in "noticed it was gone," or as in "was really inconvenienced by its lack"? It's a difference of degrees. In the first case, you can adjust to it in time. In the second case, not so much.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
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08-25-2016, 06:28 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,051
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Congratulations on your new baby, and welcome.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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08-25-2016, 06:51 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2015 Interstate Grand Tour
Southaven
, Mississippi
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 256
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Welcome to the forums. Hope you enjoy your Interstate.
__________________
Dalwyn
2015 Interstate Grand Tour
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08-25-2016, 02:40 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2011 Interstate Coach
Overland Park
, Kansas
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,798
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Autodoc
I changed the oil before the trip and after and it looked like it had never been done.
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Welcome to the AirForums community.
One thing about diesel crankcase oil is that it turns black very quickly due to the larger amount of carbon in the fuel.
And MB just increased the change interval to 15,000 miles so I wouldn't worry too much about going 10,000. But if more frequent changes floats your boat . . .
__________________
Glass half full or half empty to an engineer is the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
2011 Interstate SOLD! Upfitted 2017 Transit 350. SOLD!
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08-25-2016, 05:38 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 48
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I use Mobil 1 0W-40 synthetic oil with 16oz of Opti-Lube Oil Fortifier in our 2007 T1N Interstate and have it regularly tested by a certified testing lab, Blackstone Labs. An additional test checks for TBNs which indicates the amount of protective additive remaining in the sample. In my last test, the lab said I could safely extend the change interval from 10K to 12.5K miles. I will still shoot for 10K but won't stress if it goes to 11K.
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08-25-2016, 07:59 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 333
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If I had a dime for all the advice I've received on oil changes . . . You should see the banter on this topic in my motorcycle groups.
Per the 2016 MB Sprinter Manual, "The on-board computer automatically shows the date for the next oil change as an event message in the display. Only by using engine oil . . . of the Mercedes-Benz Specifications . . ., can the maximum interval for oil change be achieved." I have over 17,000 miles on the factory first fill and I've read that the interval is 20,000 miles +/- depending on the on-board computer's assessment. It currently says service is required in 5,000 miles. The Euro6 Sprinter's interval is ~35K miles.
For my other vehicles I change once a year regardless of mileage. This can range as low as 2K (motorcycle) to 12 - 15K on an MDX. I have never had an engine failure or consumption issue. Vehicles range from 19 years old to 11 months.
I do use quality synthetics.
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08-26-2016, 08:07 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Weymouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
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A pic after front windows tinted this week
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08-27-2016, 09:33 PM
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#14
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3 Rivet Member
2018 25' International
Columbia
, Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 124
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Did you tint the windshield as well? Did you use one of the IR inhibiting tints for heat exclusion? I'm on my first drive with the IR excluding tint on the front windows and wow what a difference!
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08-28-2016, 08:06 AM
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#15
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Trying to Retire
Decatur
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 342
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Welcome aboard! RE: tint
I really need to tint the front windows, not so sure on windshield.
I drive a bunch overnight - any recommendations on the tint level? Is there state law restrictions? Am I better off just using the static cling like I do now so good visibility at night?
I've added reflective cutouts in all but rear side windows to cut down on heat, but the morning & evening sun while driving is a pain.
Mike
__________________
Mike
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you work until you have everything you 'WANT' - it will probably be too late to enjoy it.
Live in the Moment and enjoy today.
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08-28-2016, 11:09 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Sedona
, Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,084
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Njg
Did you tint the windshield as well? Did you use one of the IR inhibiting tints for heat exclusion? I'm on my first drive with the IR excluding tint on the front windows and wow what a difference!
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I've heard very good reports on the 3M Crystalline tint. The degree of tint is dependent on your state.
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
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10-12-2016, 08:19 PM
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#17
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Weymouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
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Hello again
Thank you for the Welcomes. Sorry for delay in reposting. I had taken some time to repost on my iPad and after several long posts getting deleted, I gave up for a bit along with life itself also getting in the way
I am now on my iPhone and hope for better luck
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10-12-2016, 08:39 PM
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#18
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Weymouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
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Update
After a few long trips(for us anyway) A week at a time, we are loving somethings but not all.
It is an adjustment but we love it and are always up for new challenges.
First challenge was a small annoyance of a creak/squeak that turned into an embarrassment when we had anyone actually drive in the van with us. After diagnosing the noise and subsequent repair our first annoyance has been resolved. I have attached couple pics(hopefully)
The bathroom wall seems to have maybe sagged and was contacting the seat frame wood support.
Took about three hours. Question for everyone......has anyone returned to airstream for warranty service for similar issues? Not sure if it is worth paying the $250 warranty transfer fee.
I can do most service myself and the closest dealer in believe is about 50 miles away
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10-12-2016, 09:04 PM
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#19
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
2014 Interstate Ext. Coach
Weymouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
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Tint reference
I went with 20%, kind of dark at night when it is raining, a little tough to use passenger side mirror at night for backing. I may add side lights!
We did the windshield with film inside to reduce heat and glare and put brow on outside as well. It is much cooler inside and much more private.
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10-14-2016, 12:28 PM
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#20
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
2017 Interstate Lounge Ext
Temple City
, California
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 88
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Autodoc
After a few long trips(for us anyway) A week at a time, we are loving somethings but not all.
It is an adjustment but we love it and are always up for new challenges.
First challenge was a small annoyance of a creak/squeak that turned into an embarrassment when we had anyone actually drive in the van with us. After diagnosing the noise and subsequent repair our first annoyance has been resolved. I have attached couple pics(hopefully)
The bathroom wall seems to have maybe sagged and was contacting the seat frame wood support.
Took about three hours. Question for everyone......has anyone returned to airstream for warranty service for similar issues? Not sure if it is worth paying the $250 warranty transfer fee.
I can do most service myself and the closest dealer in believe is about 50 miles away
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I have that exact same squeak/crackling sound from that exact spot! I had my wife sit in the back as I drove down the road to find the noise. She narrowed it down to that exact spot, we just used a folded piece of paper to temporarily fix the noise. Was that panel hard to remove?
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