Interstate 19 versus GT

[srinimaveric]

I have tried to search the forum and read through some of the posts. But apologize in advance if these questions have been answered. Please direct me to the appropriate threads if you could. New to RVs so want to do sufficient research before taking the plunge.

I have been considering an AI 19, but also looking at the GT. The major advantage I see with the 19 is maneuverability in urban locations, including fitting in a standard parking lot, and blending into my driveway. The advantages I see with the GT are the front work area (behind the driver’s seat), the substantially more counter space, larger refrigerator, and tank sizes (all a factor of larger size, of course). I am heavily leaning towards the 19 because I think I will use it more - as easy as jumping into a minivan in the driveway and motoring along (Californian here), versus the GT, which would need a little more planning on where to go and map things out. I was wondering if others that may have considered these two can share their experience, decision, and reflections on their decision. Thanks in advance.

[Lily&Me]

The consistent complaint here with units with the large refrigerators is their serious battery draw.

I would stay with more simple, and go for the 19’.

Maggie

[Tourair]

Had my Nineteen since Dec 17. Many things wrong but wouldn’t give up. Ready to go now I think but do know mobility makes it very useful, frig is great, love the Truma, ordered 4x4 need an air bag.

[srinimaveric]

Originally Posted by Tourair

Had my Nineteen since Dec 17. Many things wrong but wouldn’t give up. Ready to go now I think but do know mobility makes it very useful, frig is great, love the Truma, ordered 4x4 need an air bag.

What were some of the things wrong? And did you use the 4x4 much? Am planning to order very soon, but opting out of the 4x4 because it’s a lot more $ and I don’t expect to go off-road or use it in snow. Beaches are limited too so sand is a no-go. However, choosing the Tommy Bahama edition which is a nice touch.

[OTRA15]

Welcome to the forum.

The "Sprinter and B-van Forum" may have a better selection of threads to read on the size/options issues IMO:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f240/

Good threads for instance:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...-a-194390.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...x4-208375.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...x4-217350.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...-a-214228.html

Tons of good info in those threads IMO. If you are a solo traveler, the 19' makes great sense. If not, not so much. Maggie's point about battery life would be top of the list here FWIW.

Good luck,

Peter

[OTRA15]

PS -- Wachuko has an excellent thread about his family's 2018 AI TB Lounge, and their travels all over IMO:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ge-173135.html

This thread is long, but chocked full of very helpful well-documented details IMO.

Peter

[srinimaveric]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Welcome to the forum.

The "Sprinter and B-van Forum" may have a better selection of threads to read on the size/options issues IMO:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f240/

Good threads for instance:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...-a-194390.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...x4-208375.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...x4-217350.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...-a-214228.html

Tons of good info in those threads IMO. If you are a solo traveler, the 19' makes great sense. If not, not so much. Maggie's point about battery life would be top of the list here FWIW.

Good luck,

Peter

Thank you for the info. Mostly solo, or duo + dog. And a lot of urban driving, so would like the convenience of maneuverability and parking. While the bigger one is tempting, I think I would use it much less for the aforementioned reasons.

[OTRA15]

Welcome . . . I've driven vans all my life, including in San Francisco for many years. We thought about selling the FC20 trailer a few years ago, and downsizing to a small RV . . . the AI19 was the leading candidate. Never pulled the trigger on this move, but still think about it.

Have you test-driven your 2-3 leading candidates up and down the streets of San Francisco, or the East Bay? I had a 1970 Ford Econoline E-100 van, which ended up with 140,000 miles on the original clutch, as my daily work/play van. The streets there were a challenge, needless to say, and I finally ran out of manual adjustment on the clutch. Found a happy buyer who got a great deal in about 1980.

Happy trails . . . sensing a 19' would work great for you IMO!

Peter

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Unless your "use case" pushes you into the larger van, go with the 19. For mostly one person plus a dog, it should have enough room. If you are 6'8 or the dog is over 150 pounds, that might impact things ..... .

Rumbling around *any* urban area, even with a 19 can be a challenge. It's not a Fiat 500. Move up to 24' and .... yikes .... Also consider that both vehicles will be an issue with most parking garages.

Bob

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

. . .
.... yikes ....
. . .

Well said Bob . . . if we ever downsize to a van RV, this 19' AS AI seems like a great move for those reasons.

Peter