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01-30-2018, 08:32 AM
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#21
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Rivet Master
2017 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 586
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2017 GT owner
We have a 2017 GT, with air ride. Drive-out was about $142K. We are quite pleased with it (nothing is perfect, of course).
I am unimpressed by the changes for 2018 so have no regrets with our timing. We added solar and batteries, making up for that difference. It is a fairly simple and affordable (<$5K) job to add solar and batteries to the 2016 or 2017, if you have access to a competent RV shop in your area.
We have a friend with a 2016 GT also quite happy with his.
I have no direct experience with vans lacking air ride but comments from others emphasize air ride is really important.
__________________
Leigh & Bettie
Houston TX
2017 Interstate GT
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01-30-2018, 10:09 AM
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#22
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2 Rivet Member
2018 27' Globetrotter
Orlando
, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 26
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Great job on the breaking down of your Choices. All sound great.
If you opt for the $100,000 you should:
1. Try to beat the price down a bit more($5,000-$7,000) for the unknown issues to both you and the owner and the issues the Owner is aware of but not telling you about. (Leaks etc.) Trust nobody.
2. A. Get an Inspection on the Mercedes Benz Engine from a Sprinter Dealer. They are very good at finding issues. (It's where they make their money) B. Find a Professional RV Inspector to go through the Unit. Yes it costs money but $100,000 is a lot of Money!
3. Read the Existing Warranty, extend if it's worth it and extendable.
4.Open Cabinets, feel the bottoms of Drain Pipes and Faucets for Moisture.
5. Be prepared to walk if it doesn't go your way. Nobody dies.
I'm a worst case scenario person because the RV Lifestyle demands you prepare for the worst. When you are prepared, nothing can ruin your fun.
Be careful and have fun out there.
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01-30-2018, 11:41 AM
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#23
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New Member
2015 Interstate Grand Tour
Manchester
, Massachusetts
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 3
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2016...No Question
2016...has the assesories and colors you'd like and as has been said, has all the bugs worked out....may be still under MB warranty and possible extended warranty that's transferable. The "bells and whistles" read gadgetry is not worth the extra pricing over a good, low mileage 2016
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01-30-2018, 12:52 PM
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#24
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2 Rivet Member
2017 20' Flying Cloud
Appleton
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 21
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Check out Pleasure Way Plateau XLMB (I think this is the right model number). About 22 ft. as I recall, full nice bathroom in the back, nice kitchen area, then lounge behind the driver and passenger seats. This was my runner-up before I purchased my 20 ft. FC Airstream. Good manufacturer with Pleasure Way.
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01-30-2018, 01:12 PM
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#25
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Prof. of Pending Projects
2018 Tommy Bahama Interstate
Orlando
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Darby Mc
Check out Pleasure Way Plateau XLMB (I think this is the right model number). About 22 ft. as I recall, full nice bathroom in the back, nice kitchen area, then lounge behind the driver and passenger seats. This was my runner-up before I purchased my 20 ft. FC Airstream. Good manufacturer with Pleasure Way.
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Could it be the Ascent TS (20'11")? or the Plateau FL or TS (22'9"). Same width as the AI but not as long...
http://pleasureway.com/pleasure-way-ascent/
http://pleasureway.com/plateau-fl/
http://pleasureway.com/plateau-ts/
The XLMB is wide!
http://pleasureway.com/plateau-xlmb/
I did not look at those when I was searching for one...
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01-30-2018, 01:14 PM
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#26
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 41
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Our Interstate 2014-15 experience
Quote:
Originally Posted by reverie room
hello,
I had thought for a long time to get a TT but gave up on it as I am concerned about towing / swaying, hitching and unhitching and generally just not being able to get on to road often enough if there is any sort of laborious nature to it.
I moved on to looking at motorhomes, first C's because of the cost, then B+ because I really like the Leisure Travel Vans, finally landing on B because I want to fit in a regular parking spot. Also, this will be my first MH and I am concerned that the extra width of a B+ will be difficult to me. I also like that a B does not have fiberglass.
I was close to pulling the trigger on the Hymer Aktiv 2.0 but got squeamish as I've heard of issues with the lithium batteries and perhaps some beta testing they are doing on their clientele. I also don't live super close to a dealer and while the 6 year warranty is appealing, it appears there may be need for much warranty work. The distance is a concern. I test drove the Aktiv 1.0 and felt like I was getting pushed around on the highway a bit. I had to put the breaks on the whole transaction and think/research some more.
I've been getting a lot of help over on the Class B Forums and learning so much. It appears a diesel engine (while having some issues, emissions? DEF?) provide a sturdier ride, better gas mileage, better uphill performance. Feeling safe on the highway is of prime importance to me (especially after the Promaster test drive, I was a bit white knuckled - it was a windy day and there were plenty of 18 wheelers).
For the way I'd use it, I want a B with seatbelts near the front (for passenger comfort / to help with carsickness -- I understand the Air Ride should help).
I've come around to thinking the Airstream Interstate Lounge checks all the boxes for me. It is a bit more than I had hoped to spend and I am evaluating options and hoped to get your opinions on what you'd do in my shoes. Screens on the doors is a must so I was focusing on 2015 and later.
I am planning to test drive one tomorrow - I am a bit concerned about the length... had hoped to top out at about 20 or 21 feet but it's hard to find the right thing with that as a parameter.
(1) Used 2016 for $100k with low miles from a private seller. Has Air ride Suspension, screen doors, and my preferred interior colors (light seats and light cabinetry). I'm told in excellent working order
(2) New 2017 Tommy Bahama for $129K, NO Air Ride.
(3) New 2017 Tommy Bahama for $140K, Has Air ride.
(4) New 2018 for $$$... I don't even know what a good price would be? I would not be able to go for Tommy Bahama in an '18... I like that package but am fine without it as long as the interior is on the lighter side (no black leather and prefer light cabinets).
Of course the 2018 has all the new bells and whistles, the 300 w solar panels, the tankless water heater, the black tank wash out by connecting a hose (I could be wrong, thinking that is new for 2018?).
Cost is definitely a concern. I have the money to get any of them but the more I spend the harder I will have to work this year and I'm pretty wiped out to start with... Would like to try and take it a little easier!
In my situation what would you do? (assuming the test drive goes well tomorrow).
ps: I looked at many other brands - I don't like the bathroom right behind the driver's seat (or any tall cabinet - it feels claustrophobic to me). I need more than two seat belts which eliminated other options. I'm fine minimizing the galley and bathroom to have more windows and an airier feel. I will be going on weekend trips so the storage it comes with is fine. I'm not overly mechanically oriented but I am good at learning and tend to dive in so that I feel better about the decisions I make.
Thank you!
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We have finally broken in and resolved issues with our Oct 2015 interstate purchase. We had DEF sensor and inverter/electrical issues finally resolved on last day of warranty. We found local Mercedes dealers mostly unwilling to do chassis work and local Airstream dealers to put off anyone who hadn’t bought from them. So we found working the Ohio factory into our trips when warranty work was needed was the most reliable and efficient.
No screens which I once wish we’d been offered but there are pros and cons. No Air suspension, and I discovered trying to lie down on the back sofa with a headache was a thrilling airborne experience. But how often is that needed.?
We got all four belted chairs—one for the dog, and used by us to watch TV in the evenings. We found we had plenty of storage (my clothes in the 1/2 wardrobe in back and his in the front overhead)
We sometimes take a group of 8 max, with seatbelts on an outing. Works fine and fun to not caravan multiple cars.
We love the spacious feel having no high objects impeding view down one whole side in the Interstate. In ours it’s on the driver side.
We have the EXT model (24ft) and do have to do some parking planning but can’t imagine more than a weekend trip without that storage.
Easy to drive once you get used to trusting the electronic cameras and mirrors. Once retired, we tend to slow down and not drive on extremely windy days if we can help it.
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01-30-2018, 02:50 PM
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#27
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Rivet Master
2013 Interstate Coach
Waterloo
, Iowa
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,598
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We have the Lounge EXT. There are few instances where I couldn't park the 24' but for which I could have parked the 22', and thus I would not give up the extra storage space. It is just the two of us, and thus would see little benefit to the smoother rear ride of air suspension. We use ours almost exclusively for camping and a screen for the sliding door would is nice (I improvised one). I can't think of a time that we wished for screens on the rear. From what I read in this forum I would stay away from the GT unless you plan to always plug in or are willing to make a lot of electrical upgrades. I think all you list have the black tank washout.
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01-30-2018, 08:45 PM
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#28
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2 Rivet Member
2018 16' Sport
-
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 90
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Just wanted to thank you all for sharing your experiences, suggestions and words of encouragement. It means a lot.
I am left feeling a bit like I did when I bought my BMW X1... this is a car I'd like to own under warranty but not when it's out of warranty. I bought it as a certified pre-owned with just 27k miles on but a warranty that goes to 100k miles. I will sell or trade in when I get close as I know BMW repairs are $$$$$$.... There really do seem to be parallels with Airstream.
In that vein, my instinct says to either buy new (and try to get the best deal possible) or buy something else used (a Pleasureway?). Seems for the mechanically / electrically less inclined an out of warranty Airstream might be a bit much. Reading so much on here, you all seem like you understand so much about tinkering. I wish I did, but that's not me.
Having said all that, I test drove the 2108 AI Lounge today and I LOVED it. It was such a nice ride. I was on the highway and felt secure. I backed into a parking spot as a trial and it worked out well. I sat in the way back while the salesman drove and felt the ride in back was extremely comfortable and not rough at all (this was an air ride suspension model). I loved the light and bright interior. Loved the comfy seating. Loved the size of the bed. Honestly, the only thing I don't love it the price and the thought of problems that shouldn't happen given the price.
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01-30-2018, 10:43 PM
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#29
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4 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
2019 Interstate Lounge Ext
Jackson Hole - Tetons
, Wyoming
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 406
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I could really use some advice, new 17 or 18 vs. used 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by reverie room
Just wanted to thank you all for sharing your experiences, suggestions and words of encouragement. It means a lot.
I am left feeling a bit like I did when I bought my BMW X1... this is a car I'd like to own under warranty but not when it's out of warranty. I bought it as a certified pre-owned with just 27k miles on but a warranty that goes to 100k miles. I will sell or trade in when I get close as I know BMW repairs are $$$$$$.... There really do seem to be parallels with Airstream.
In that vein, my instinct says to either buy new (and try to get the best deal possible) or buy something else used (a Pleasureway?). Seems for the mechanically / electrically less inclined an out of warranty Airstream might be a bit much. Reading so much on here, you all seem like you understand so much about tinkering. I wish I did, but that's not me.
Having said all that, I test drove the 2108 AI Lounge today and I LOVED it. It was such a nice ride. I was on the highway and felt secure. I backed into a parking spot as a trial and it worked out well. I sat in the way back while the salesman drove and felt the ride in back was extremely comfortable and not rough at all (this was an air ride suspension model). I loved the light and bright interior. Loved the comfy seating. Loved the size of the bed. Honestly, the only thing I don't love it the price and the thought of problems that shouldn't happen given the price.
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Hope you don’t mind some additional thoughts.
Shoot!!! You already test drove one [emoji312]
This is what I was going to say...
”Please stop worrying” - and I say that with a smile and all the kindness I can muster. You’ll never notice the extra 3 feet (or so) between your “target” vehicle length and the actual Interstate extended length after driving it for a week or so.
But you have that figured out.
We have a black / black 2018 4x4 and here is what I can promise:
You’ll have some tweaks to make after taking delivery of new - just keep a list and shake that vehicle out. Maybe set up a service appt at delivery for 30 days out. Drive it, use it as much as possible and keep a list. After you tweak what needs to be taken care of ... it’ll be all yours and you’ll know the coach better than before. It’s not heart surgery just some moving parts, some rattles, maybe some early electronic failures but it won’t fall out of the sky, and the brakes won’t stop working (maybe the fridge, but not the brakes).
We like to buy new every year, we are weird.
Most folks buy and hold, they are normal.
We don’t care about the incremental cost of new, we see return at resale each year.
Nobody can tell you how to go through this buying process, it’s very personal. But while it’s clear your buying process may be different than my buying process ... I hope I can encourage you to smile, relax, and know that the Airstream product offers the best brand recognition and resale (just my opinion) more than any other B on the market.
Plenty of people get scared off by the list price, but in my mind they are missing the point. It’s not what it cost me to acquire the unit, it’s my total cost of ownership (which includes how much I recover when I sell it...). I’m basically “parking money” until I sell the B ... and no offense, but I “ain’t” parking my money with Winnebago, Pleasure Way, or Road Trek. All fine units I’m sure, and we can split hairs on how they manage electricity etc...but I really don’t care.
I look at:
Did my family and I enjoy our experiences in life utilizing the van?
Does the van bring value to our lives?
Do the van’s limitations reduce my usage of the van? (Utility)? 2wd vs 4wd?
Was the van dependable and were my service experience’s efficient, effective, and pleasant?
Whether it’s a personal aircraft or a motor home these “things” (in my mind) are acquired to enhance the life of my family and I. Do we adventure together more? Do our 15,16 year old kids play board games while cruising down the road? Yes.
So, gosh I hope I don’t offend you with my “perspective” ... it’s just that if you’re more comfortable with a warranty buy new. If you don’t want to lay out all that cash then finance $50k at $440/month payments (guesstimate) on a 20 year note with tax deductible interest (in many cases)...heck that’s all in your wheelhouse and very personal.
But by golly (as the old timers say) buy it, know what to expect, and Kick-Ass-and-go-have fun.
Oh, and Go Patriots this Sunday yes I’m from NH...
The first photos are of our 2018 unit with 800 miles or so, heading to service over the snowy Cascade Mtn Pass last week. Lora, our Airstream service manager at Airstream Adventures NorthWest (Portland Oregon) fixed everything (our 30 day ownership punch list) perfectly and professionally... Tomorrow it goes in for service at the MB dealer for new-vehicle “warranty tweaking” with a wheel alignment, wheel balance, and sliding door adjustment...another 7 hour round trip (because we live in the high mtn desert of Bend Oregon, away from rainy Portland Oregon). But I’ll grab a loaner car and have a productive day while they “tweak” or make corrections / adjustments to our new van. I expect it. I’m mentally prepared for it. And it’s not a big deal.
Have fun - life is really kinda short when you think about it. And if you don’t like your unit, just re-sell it !!!
Go Pat’s ... oh, I said that already 🤣
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01-31-2018, 06:35 AM
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#30
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Prof. of Pending Projects
2018 Tommy Bahama Interstate
Orlando
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottP
Hope you don’t mind some additional thoughts...
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So that is how you do it! Best I could do was 18 mpg... but I do not think that I went bellow 65 mph. I need to take it easy and slow down. 20+ mpg is just amazing. And I know those that have the older AI without the DEF system are getting even better number...in the 24-25 mpg range.
Quote:
Originally Posted by reverie room
In that vein, my instinct says to either buy new (and try to get the best deal possible) or buy something else used (a Pleasureway?). Seems for the mechanically / electrically less inclined an out of warranty Airstream might be a bit much. Reading so much on here, you all seem like you understand so much about tinkering. I wish I did, but that's not me.
Having said all that, I test drove the 2108 AI Lounge today and I LOVED it. ...
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Well... all I can tell you is that now, anything else you look at, will not measure up to the Airstream Interstate... that interior (design, materials, looks, etc.) is hard to beat. So forget about going with something else... you will always wished you had gone with the AI... just my opinion of course...
Your instinct is spot on... buy new for peace of mind. Negotiate a decent discount. Do a complete pre-purchase inspection before signing anything (not like me that I put a deposit, bought, etc. before, lol, so glad that all has gone well...) and go for it.
In the subject of 2017 vs 2018... if you can get a deal that you can live with... go with the 2018. Besides being a newer unit, you do not have to deal with adding solar (about 410.00 for each panel, plus install) or the muffler for the generator (but this one is very easy to do on a 2017). My guess is that you will be able to get a better deal on the 2017 but need to see if that offsets the additional cost to bring solar to the same level as a 2018...
With either one, it is highly recommended that you install a new solar charger controller... just do it... I have read so many threads on this that I just did it as my first set of mods... very happy to have done so. That and the Blue Sea ACR...
Everything else can really wait or will depend on how you use your rig... and yes, I accept that I went overboard with mods for a newbie... that is just me... I like to work on things, keeps my mind busy. Reason for having some many projects going...
Let us know what you end up with and how we can help.
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01-31-2018, 11:08 AM
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#31
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3 Rivet Member
2017 Interstate Lounge Ext
Jacksonville
, Jacksonville, Fla, Sautee, Ga, Boca Grande, Fl, Breckenridge, Co
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 136
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2017 vs 2018
Agree with comments about the solar upgrade, but my problem with the 2018 is the Propane only hot water heater that uses the very limited propane available in the small tank, and eliminates the option of using electric power that you already pay for when you are staying at RV parks as you travel. Just as bad, the new water heater installation uses up a lot of the back under seat storage available in the 2017. There is a cosmetic benefit with the elimination of the vent area on drivers side. For me, if I could get a 2017 for a better discount along with the same warranty, I would take that option. The additional discount should more than pay for the extra solar, or get the dealer to add the extra panels as part of the deal. Just my opinion of course.
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01-31-2018, 11:52 AM
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#32
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Rivet Master
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bellevue
, Washington
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 689
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wachuko
So that is how you do it! Best I could do was 18 mpg... but I do not think that I went bellow 65 mph.
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That is my experience too. The only time I went over was when I was rolling down hill from elevation.
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01-31-2018, 02:19 PM
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#33
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Rivet Master
2017 Interstate Lounge Ext
Northern
, California
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,299
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Quote:
Originally Posted by busb2
2017 vs 2018
Agree with comments about the solar upgrade
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For folks debating the '17 vs. the '18 based on the solar.....it really shouldn't be a deal breaker. If you find a good deal on a '17 and feel you need 300W of solar, adding 2 more panels will cost about $400 including the cabling. Plug it all together, glue them down, and viola, done.
Whether you even NEED the extra solar capacity is totally dependent on how you intend to use your coach. I only use the solar to maintain my batteries when the coach isn't in use, and my single 100W panel does that just fine (since replacing the solar charge controller....but that's another story). When I'm camping, I drive my van during the day and the engine does a fine job of charging the batteries so they're full when I get back to my original camp site or arrive at the next one. If you're more of a "destination" camper, then the extra capacity can be useful because it can replace most of what you use during the day, but only if you're willing to park in the full sun and endure the internal cabin heating (not pleasant in the summer). No matter how much solar you have on the roof, it only works if the sun hits it!
Keep in mind that with the GT, even with the '18 and 300W of solar, you still may not be able to boondock using just the solar due to the power hungry fridge. Back of the napkin calculations show it will be close. Honestly I think AS needs to add another battery to the GT so it can make it through the night, but the OP is looking at the Lounge so that argument is somewhat moot here. Still, I thought I'd toss it out there since it came up in another thread recently.....
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01-31-2018, 07:57 PM
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#34
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2 Rivet Member
2018 16' Sport
-
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 90
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ScottP, thank you so much for the encouragement. and for the "go pats" - I'm betting it's not going to be an easy one for them.
busb2, oh wow, i had no idea that it was just propane. I looked at an '18 yesterday and the night shades got stuck - salesman couldn't get them working - maybe me think of this forum. This is another thing I'm learning here and appreciate it.
Thank you everyone so much for all the advice.
I'm leaning towards used. I'm back and forth, all over the place. Hoping to take my son on a road trip to check out some used ones soon and for him to see the new one that is so impressive but with the price, needs far more contemplation. Big purchase and all.
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01-31-2018, 09:57 PM
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#35
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4 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
2019 Interstate Lounge Ext
Jackson Hole - Tetons
, Wyoming
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 406
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reverie room
ScottP, thank you so much for the encouragement. and for the "go pats" - I'm betting it's not going to be an easy one for them.
busb2, oh wow, i had no idea that it was just propane. I looked at an '18 yesterday and the night shades got stuck - salesman couldn't get them working - maybe me think of this forum. This is another thing I'm learning here and appreciate it.
Thank you everyone so much for all the advice.
I'm leaning towards used. I'm back and forth, all over the place. Hoping to take my son on a road trip to check out some used ones soon and for him to see the new one that is so impressive but with the price, needs far more contemplation. Big purchase and all.
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All shades on the 16, 17, 18 get “stuck” sometimes ... until your dealer gets them operating smoothly. Actually our ‘16 was a nightmare regarding the shades, the ‘17 was much better, but still intermittent issues (which the dealer finally resolved with new shade tracks and wiring in some cases), and the ‘18 has been “p-e-r-f-e-c-t-ooooo !
Just order a new one, put yourself out of your shopping misery and have it by April [emoji38]🤣[emoji16][emoji847]
Decide on 4wd or air suspension (or both)...if you get 4wd you can take it to Gurnett Point ... Duxbury/Plymouth/Saquish across Powder Point Bridge this summer.
Then use your energy to plan trips, book Summer campsites which fill up about now, buy organizers and utensils 🥄 for your kitchen, and read the manual + enjoy the rarely experienced American phenomenon... ”anticipation!!”
And smile, of course.
Good luck whatever you do. There’s plenty of really qualified folks here who can help along the way.
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02-01-2018, 12:11 PM
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#36
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2 Rivet Member
2017 20' Flying Cloud
Appleton
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 21
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It's the XLMB. I have seen some models with an over the cab bed for the kids vs the storage compartment. Very nice rig. I love my new 20 ft. FC though. Whatever you decide - just check lots of different models out before laying down the $$$$$. I did web searches for a couple of years to learn all I could about different manufacturers and models. It helped that my parents were RV people who had Class A and Class B motorhomes. They're gone now, but I wonder what they'd think of my AS purchase. It's a beaut!
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