Jackson Center Not So Confidential

[Al - K4GLU]

The GVWR Is 9600 lbs.

There is no tow rating listed.

The vehicles do not have a full factory tow package but they do include the 7 wire tow harness although there is no connector on the back.

According to the 2010 Trailer Life Towing Guide this vehicle with a 3.73 rear is rated at 8200 lbs and with a 4.10 rear at 10000 lbs. Usually the Trailer Life figures are with the factory tow package but I can't find mention of this in the 2010 book.

[Al - K4GLU]

Well now you are going to shoot me for not having a camera because I just saw one of the new vans. Don't think it was finished and please don't ask for a description because it was nothing to get excited about. They drove it from across the street - made a complete circuit of the Airstream service building and then took it back across the street. Won't even try and guess why. Maybe some civilized person with a camera will get a chance to post some pics in the near future.

And they are moving the antique trailers back to the front parking lot today.

[mutcth]

I'm a bit curious -why would they start out with a full cargo van instead of a cutaway chassis? While the Interstate remains within the Sprinter's original bodywork, most GM Class B's have unique bodywork from the front doors back.

Given that so many other RV manufacturers are shifting to Sprinter platforms, even for Class C's, it seems retrograde for AS to go to the Chevy platform - unless they really felt the need to offer a lower-priced B offering.

Tom

[fmr.capt.evi]

Bingo.

[Jammer]

There is a market out there for true B vans. For the sake of nomenclature, a true class B is built on a van chassis with the original van exterior sidewalls and doors. The vans built on a cutaway chassis where only the cab is used aren't really B vans, though this is a point that is debated endlessly on the B van forums. The major makers specializing in this area are Pleasure-Way, Roadtrek, and Sportsmobile, and Winnebago has had recent success with their ERA, which is a B van.

Other than cost, the problem with the sprinter is that parts and service availability are not as good as for more ubiquitous vans.

[JFScheck]

And loose that great German diesel to the US fuilie - no way....

Come on Detroit - why can't we make diesels like the Germans

[Boxster1971]

A few weeks ago I asked the question direct to Airstream. Here is the relpy:
=========
From: John Huttle [mailto:jhuttle@airstream.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 3:32 PM
Subject: Airstream product inquiry

Hello Mike,

Yes, moving forward Airstream will be building on the Mercedes-Benz chassis. Thanks again for your Interest in Airstream and the Interstate!

Best regards,

John Huttle
Airstream INC.
===========
The new model (name?) will be based on the Chevy as reported -- no doubt to compete directly with Roadtrek.

- - Mike

[skipj]

I heard that many b-van manufacturers were discontinuing using the Sprinter because of problems with the urea storage tank.
SkipJ