TB differences & stuff I wish I new on my first RV

[sthrngary]

I don’t know how helpful this will be for some,however I wanted to provide the information. Until I took delivery of my new Airstream Interstate, I did not know ALL the differences between a Grand Tour and Tommy Bahama Grand Tour. Now I know some of these things can be added as options but if you are looking for the Relax Edition Option group, hear are some things to consider.

Window Shades: There is only one set of shades. They are wooden blinds. They are controlled by a IR remote control that needs to be pointed towards the back of the coach. Without the TB package, you have a day and night (Blackout) shade. The control is on your main touch panel. One shade vs. two means one channel which is less likely to have issues.

Lots of TB Toys: Some I know and others I was surprised with. (4) Coffee cups; (4) wine glasses; (4) high ball glasses; (1) wooded wick candle; (1) bottle of hand/soap cream; (2) full sets of towels; (1) can opener; (1) cork screw; (2) folding chairs with carry backs; (1 set) Granit Ice Cubes; (1) King Comforter; (Set) of bedsheets/pillow cases; (8) Assorted Pillows, and of course the adjustable bar/liquor holder. In addition, TB logo is found on all seating area, externally and even on the front carpeted floor mat.

Interesting Changes: There is no extended matching shelf at the end of the counter top. It can be special ordered. It seems neither unit has a headphone jack. The front and side window sunscreen are greatly improved. The sides use magnets and front uses two simple Velcro strips with the sun visor. The Rear mirror is a camera. Please remember thinks ARE closer then they seem. In additions, there is NO lines for backup, they would not work anyway do to the high placement of the rear camera. Always was turn off the A/C before terminating shore power or you circuit breaker will engage. Remember, the outside light can only be turned on at the main touchscreen so don’t leave it on when not on shore power. Keep the water pump off until you need it then turn it off again. The tankless water heater is “On Demand” so keep if off until you are about to need hot water. When done, turn it off. Don’t put down the rear electric shade if your TB chairs are front to back, you will eventually knock the shade off its tracks.

Engine Starring and Rear Air Suspension: Turn your key but don’t start your engine for 5 seconds. This allows the fuel pump to get started. When you start the engine, wait approximately 2 minutes to allow the rear suspension to get fully engaged.

Things to do on or immediately after delivery: 1) Set your mirrors properly; 2) Check the positioning of your rear camera; 3) Call SiriusXM for your 90-day FREE trial. Everybody gets it, just look for the small brochure in your Information bag; 4) Immediately update your Fusion Infrotainment system. Located on the FusionEntertainment.com website; icon is in the lower left-hand corner of the screen “Legacy Products”; use the search button to look up the model which is RV-IN801; follow the instructions exactly. When completed go into the screen and put in the stats of the Airstream Interstate (Mainly dimensions to avoid road that do not accommodate your coach), set your WIFI source and Bluetooth. 5) Put on all your safety features, you bought them, use them. 6) Get your alignment checked when you are fully loaded at a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer as soon as possible. It is free when your unit is new. 6) When you are home, turn all the appliances and lights off except the Refrigerator/Freezer. See how long it takes for the batteries to go below your bottom charge limit. Check the coach through out the day. This is just to get a sense of the charge and the solar panel charging ability.

I hope this was helpful and happy camping everyone.

[txntravlr]

Great points... thx for sharing!

As to the front/side shades, I’ve ditched using the OEM set and opted for a curtain I modified and hang with shower curtain hooks to the “oh sh!t” handles and the shelf above the visors. It can be slid open easily for light and closed efficiently for nights, and doesn’t take up much room when not in use - just stuff in forward upper compartment.

[wachuko]

Thank you. Good list to check all goodies that should be there when I take delivery of mine on the 16. And I did not know that Mercedes would do a complementary alignment on a new unit... need to check the local Mercedes dealer in Orlando to see if the service Sprinters....

Originally Posted by sthrngary

Window Shades: There is only one set of shades. They are wooden blinds. They are controlled by a IR remote control that needs to be pointed towards the back of the coach. Without the TB package, you have a day and night (Blackout) shade. The control is on your main touch panel. One shade vs. two means one channel which is less likely to have issues...

Only comment on this... light still comes in with the shades closed... where in the non-TB units you can completely blackout the interior... wished they had installed blackout shades. Now I will need to come up with a solution for it ...

[Protagonist]

My 2012 Interstate came with (non-powered) accordion-fold paper day/night shades on all side windows, and a totally inadequate curtain for the cab. They didn't make the interior dark. They didn't prevent unwanted heat transfer in during the summer or out during the winter. They didn't even really provide privacy at night because anyone moving around inside was silhouetted against the shades so that anyone outside could see what anyone inside was doing.

I ended up ripping out the shades altogether, and using Reflectix panels to block the windows. Completely opaque for privacy; you can't even tell the lights are on inside when looking from outside, let alone see what's going on inside. Easy to put in for privacy when I want privacy. Easy to remove when I want the view. Blocks heat transfer in either direction better than anything else I've tried. And they make the interior dark as midnight even at high noon for when I want a siesta. And they roll up easily for storage (in one end of the window recess) when not in use.

[wildwilly.]

The 2017 AI we purchased has window shades which malfunction continually and randomly during every trip. I wish they were manual. What type of Reflectix do you recommend for the windows?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by wildwilly.

The 2017 AI we purchased has window shades which malfunction continually and randomly during every trip. I wish they were manual. What type of Reflectix do you recommend for the windows?

Reflextix is pretty much all the same. Some premade Reflectix windshield covers on Amazon are a pretty close fit for the large side windows, if you're not up to custom-fitting your own from a roll of the stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Titus]

We have cut reflectix shades for all windows except the sliding door and the window across from it. We bought spring-loaded curtain rods at WalMart and use them to help hold the reflectix panels in place. The rods on the front doors are vertical about midway back. The rods in the back sleeping area are horizontal, about midway up. The reflectix we bought was fan-fold, and thus we store it folded. Reflectix bought in rolls could probably be rolled for storage. I was not sure how durable the reflectix would be, but ours has held up well. Hundreds on installs and removals and still working well.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by sthrngary

I don’t know how helpful this will be for some,however I wanted to provide the information...



Engine Starring and Rear Air Suspension: Turn your key but don’t start your engine for 5 seconds. This allows the fuel pump to get started. When you start the engine, wait approximately 2 minutes to allow the rear suspension to get fully engaged...



I hope this was helpful and happy camping everyone.

What is the source of your stating recommendations? I don't think there is any reason to delay for the fuel pump. However, when cold you do want to delay hitting the starter position on key until the glow-plug light goes out. Here is page from my owners manual on the start sequence.

[sthrngary]

Good question, Mike. I am an educator by profession. Not for RV's or Airstream. Good habits is the key to consistency in training folks especially younger adults. My sources list per your request sold me on the fact this was a good habit.

First, I would like to acknowledge your statement. In good temperature clients, this "5" delay would be 100% needed but is a good habit to start. In colder climates, it is very much needed. This is to support your statement.

My information comes from two sources. I asked this question to two-long term delivery coordinators and they said and I paraphrase, "It is a very good habit to do especially on the larger coaches." The second sources was conversations with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter specialist on a retail level. I am semi-retired now but a chunk of my work was done with luxury car manufacturers and specifically Mercedes-Benz.

Let me also remind every one of another recommendation in the manuals of most RV, it says something to the effect, "I is always a good idea to use a external surge suppressor." I completely disagree with this, it isn't just a good IDEA, it should NEVER be done with out an external high quality surge suppressor. Not the same subject, but back to good habit.

So I made the recommendation with many other in my original post. Thank you for taking to time to respond to me. That is why I am in this forum. Be well and stay healthy.

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

What is the source of your stating recommendations? I don't think there is any reason to delay for the fuel pump. However, when cold you do want to delay hitting the starter position on key until the glow-plug light goes out. Here is page from my owners manual on the start sequence.
Attachment 300495

[Titus]

I agree that there is no need to delay the start because of the fuel pump. Given that the glow plug readiness is shown on the dash display, why not simply use this instead of an arbitrary 5 seconds? I don't use the Interstate when it is real cold out, but suspect that 5 seconds may not be long enough in those instances.

I would however suggest a cool down period before shutoff if the engine has been working real hard (such as going up a steep hill). This is especially important for the turbocharger - to allow the oil to cool it so the oil in the bearings does not coke up when shut off. A period of warm-up before applying load is also a good idea.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Titus

I agree that there is no need to delay the start because of the fuel pump. Given that the glow plug readiness is shown on the dash display, why not simply use this instead of an arbitrary 5 seconds? I don't use the Interstate when it is real cold out, but suspect that 5 seconds may not be long enough in those instances.

Depending on where you live and/or travel, this may also be important to know: DEF freezes at a temperature of 11°F. However, when it freezes it turns to slush (not a solid block) and does not expand, so freezing will not damage the DEF system. But allowing the van to warm up before driving also allows the DEF system time to thaw, and makes it less likely you'll get an error message from DEF system malfunctions.

[Boxster1971]

sthrngary - thanks for feedback. Good info. I also agree with you on a surge protector. I installed one permanently on my Interstate. Some RV manufacturers also offer them as standard equipment. With all the electronics in new Interstates Airstream should also do it.

[amirm]

Warm up is definitely necessarily for full power. We have a steep driveway and the van barely makes it up there. When cold, it literally will not. So I let it warm up for a minute or two before pulling up.

[Titus]

I used to work with diesel engine emissions before I retired. I would be very interested to know if anybody is getting DEF error messages or derates when it is below 11. EPA has some expectations on how fast the DEF system must thaw if/once frozen, and only require warnings and inducements if those criteria are not met. Far as I am aware, all manufacturers meet them, thus no messages. But our Interstate is always tucked away in a barn at those temperatures, so I have no first-hand experience.