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01-20-2024, 03:34 PM
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#21
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Rivet Master 

2024 Interstate 19
Fulton
, Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,099
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StogieMan
I saw this video yesterday and it looks like BB is trying to do “some” competing with the Volta System and good for them. Not an apples to apples comparison for sure but good on BB for coming up with this system. These should be able to go into van builds or upgrades on some of our interstates nicely. At least they’re being upfront too on telling you what’s in the system which is BB batteries and Victron products.
I took a look at the video but not sure if you’re able to open it up to do work yourself or prohibited like Volta but just looks like some screws to open it up. I read the warranty and kind seems like a gray area to me and I would open this up in a heartbeat to change out things like that Orion for the new one that’s coming out. . . .
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Thanks for this info. Looks like an interesting product that could be mounted to replace the generator in Interstate if it could be mounted outside under van. Although it does not look like a sealed unit and video is inside a towable compartment protected by the elements.
It has thumb screws on the top cover and front access panel, so it is probably more open to customer work than the Volta PDH.
__________________
- - Mike
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2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
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01-28-2024, 11:22 AM
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#22
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Rivet Master 

2024 Interstate 19
Fulton
, Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,099
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxster1971
Mine is taking a charge from shore power. I have an appointment to have it looked at on Jan 22nd. I plan to travel later that week and will adjust after I know more.
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Got the system checked at dealer last week. It needs a new Power Distribution Hub (PDH). There is an internal short in the alternator control circuit inside the PDH. That is preventing alternator charging, but works OK on shore power. Dealer won’t open PDH to do repair because of Volta’s warranty policy and lack of information from Volta. Having a system that can only be fixed by manufacturer in Michigan is frustrating.
__________________
- - Mike
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2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
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01-28-2024, 11:45 AM
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#23
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Rivet Master 

2015 Interstate Grand Tour
Salem
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 1,220
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxster1971
Got the system checked at dealer last week. It needs a new Power Distribution Hub (PDH). There is an internal short in the alternator control circuit inside the PDH. That is preventing alternator charging, but works OK on shore power. Dealer won’t open PDH to do repair because of Volta’s warranty policy and lack of information from Volta. Having a system that can only be fixed by manufacturer in Michigan is frustrating.
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Mike, that is frustrating and bound to get old with many Airstream customers with an E1 package. Volta is either going to need to certify and train Airstream techs to work on these or open up more authorized independent service centers to allow warranty work to be performed on these more quickly.
Do they wait for a whole new PDH every time they’ve diagnosed a problem inside of it, install it and then send the damaged one back to Michigan?
Edit to add:
Never mind, I just read your other response in the other thread where you explained it.
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02-10-2024, 02:14 PM
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#24
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Sunny Approach
2024 Interstate 24GT
Phenix
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 33
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Resolved!
We got our Interstate back from the dealer yesterday, and the Volta system is now functional again.
To fix it, they bypassed the computer, which then allowed the unit to charge from the alternator.
The bypass was accomplished by a technician at Volta remotely connecting to the unit at our dealer.
No way of knowing if the problem might return, but we will add a new procedure to our shore power connection to make certain the unit is actually charging when plugged in.
Am going to look and see if I can find any monitoring solution that will notify me if there is a problem. Since this happened while in our driveway, we always have WiFi internet access in the unit, so perhaps I can do something to let me know if the Volta SOC drops below a certain level.
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02-10-2024, 03:52 PM
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#25
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Sunny Approach
2024 Interstate 24GT
Phenix
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 33
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Since getting the Interstate back, I have discovered that the myVolta app now has the ability to stream to the cloud the current status of the unit. It requires two devices - one in the unit connected via Bluetooth with the myVolta app running (with active internet connection) and then another device (in my case, cellphone) with the myVolta app configured to get its data from the cloud.
Now we will get notified if shore power goes off, or the batteries have issues such as low temp.
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04-08-2024, 06:28 PM
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#26
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Sunny Approach
2024 Interstate 24GT
Phenix
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 33
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Wish me luck?
Well, it happened again. Total power failure. All batteries drained. No recognition of shore power being plugged in. No attempt to charge from alternator.
Unit has been plugged in continuously to 30Amp shore power (dedicated circuit). We don’t lose power here, either, as we are 100% solar + Tesla + grid (in case).
Airstream ‘mothership’ is connecting me to Volta so that I (maybe) won’t have to take it back to the dealer and lose the rig for another month.
Will keep you all posted :-)
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04-09-2024, 02:47 PM
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#27
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Rivet Master 

2024 Interstate 19
Fulton
, Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,099
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SunnyApp - do keep us posted. There seem to be many owners with multiple Volta issues. At this point I’m not sure what to think about Volta. Their reliability is not inspiring confidence it taking these vans on long road trips.
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
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04-10-2024, 09:29 AM
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#28
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Sunny Approach
2024 Interstate 24GT
Phenix
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 33
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A better day!
The folks at Volta are very nice!
I logged a call into them when they first opened yesterday. They called back early afternoon and we were able to schedule time to do a remote diagnosis. Took them just a few minutes this morning to ‘reboot’ the system and get it back charging again. First from the alternator, and now from the 30AMP shore power.
The good news is that they are working on a fix with Airstream. They couldn’t say exactly when, but they were hopeful it would not be a very long time.
Kudos to the Volta technical people who saved me a whole day of driving and who knows how many days without the van.
We’ll check it every day to make sure it is still charging / maintaining power. If we are going to not be home or able to do that we will turn everything off.
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04-10-2024, 04:47 PM
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#29
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Rivet Master 

2024 Interstate 19
Fulton
, Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,099
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SunnyApp - if Volta was able to fix your problems by a remote connection and a reboot that tells me the main issue is Volta software. I wonder what fix by Airstream will improve the situation.
Member dw2650 is having similar problems with his 2023 Atlas. He also has Volta involved - maybe a good fix will happen soon.
Member PaulSantaFe reported his 2024 Interstate 19 w/E1 lost 12VDC power and no 120VAC power. These all are starting to sound like software and relay issues. Adds up to a very poor design that needs some serious fixes.
Other Volta discussions it this older thread:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ml#post2729018
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
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05-28-2024, 05:50 PM
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#30
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Sunny Approach
2024 Interstate 24GT
Phenix
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 33
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Latest Update
Our current struggle with Volta system is the inverter. Basically, the Volta system loses visibility to the inverter. This is a HUGE problem because if you have the unit on bypass (shore power) and then the other bug (system thinks shore power is gone) the Volta system doesn’t realize that you are disconnected, so starts to deplete the battery (to keep 12v systems alive).
The only solution to the total draining is to check your unit every day, or leave it completely powered down (with charged batteries).
When the inverter issue occurs, I have been able to get it reconnected by a weird set of steps. Sometimes they have to be repeated 3-4 times to get it to work.
1. Shut down system fully.
2. Plug into shore power (Volta will flash green)
3. Turn on Volta (solid green)
4. Unplug shore power
5. Turn off Volta
(These steps are a ‘soft reset’)
6. Start engine
7. Turn on Volta
8. Cycle the inverter using the circuit breaker
9. Hold down the volta power button
- slow flash orange
- fast flash orange
- (beep) - from microwave? Inverter is back on
- green
10. Now you can turn inverter on at Volta panel
11. Put it into 30amp mode for charging
12. Turn off motor
13. Plug in shore power
14. Make sure it shows working on shore power.
15. Turn off Volta (flashing green)
All either works - or has to be repeated.
When working, may stay good for 7-10 days or much less. The bug will inevitably return.
We have to wait for AS and Volta to resolve, as this supposedly has something to do with how AS wires up the Volta and Firefly differently to other manufacturers.
Inverter issue will require a visit to the dealer. Volta did try and help, supplying a new control panel in case the issue was in there, but it wasn’t.
Good times!!
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05-28-2024, 07:01 PM
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#31
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Rivet Master 

2024 Interstate 19
Fulton
, Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,099
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Thanks SunnyApp for the update. I've seen the fix you came up with on YouTube.
__________________
- - Mike
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2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
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06-15-2024, 03:42 AM
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#32
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Sunny Approach
2024 Interstate 24GT
Phenix
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 33
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Latest update:
All of my magic reset options and tricks no longer work. The inverter will not come on at all.
The van is going to the Airstream hospital next week. Will update everyone on what we discover!
Oh, and I found out when plugged into shore power and turned off (flashing green) that Volta will still drain down if the system thinks it has lost shore power .. unlike when it actually DOES lose shore power, which causes (correctly) a power down.
The fun continues.
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06-15-2024, 02:17 PM
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#33
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Rivet Master 

2024 Interstate 19
Fulton
, Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,099
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SunnyApp
Latest update:
All of my magic reset options and tricks no longer work. The inverter will not come on at all.
The van is going to the Airstream hospital next week. Will update everyone on what we discover!
Oh, and I found out when plugged into shore power and turned off (flashing green) that Volta will still drain down if the system thinks it has lost shore power .. unlike when it actually DOES lose shore power, which causes (correctly) a power down.
The fun continues.
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Thanks for the update. Looking forward to hearing about the fix from Airstream/Volta.
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
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06-16-2024, 08:28 AM
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#34
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4 Rivet Member 
2025 25' Flying Cloud
2024 Interstate 19
Noblesville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 315
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SunnyApp
Latest update:
All of my magic reset options and tricks no longer work. The inverter will not come on at all.
The van is going to the Airstream hospital next week. Will update everyone on what we discover!
Oh, and I found out when plugged into shore power and turned off (flashing green) that Volta will still drain down if the system thinks it has lost shore power .. unlike when it actually DOES lose shore power, which causes (correctly) a power down.
The fun continues.
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My symptoms exactly. I could periodically get it to work, then nothing. Volta failures are systemic and i'd strongly suggest anyone considering this to avoid it. for the cost, there are other proven systems that would be better. My AI is now in the shop going on 3 weeks. The inverter simply died. I'm reading about failures all over the internet. Airstream needs to discontinue offering this.
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06-21-2024, 02:06 PM
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#35
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Living Riveted since 2013

2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Winter Garden
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,253
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Given it seems Airstream currently has no idea how the Volta system they "install" with the E1 option actually works, I'd steer well clear of this for a couple more years. Maybe I'm overly cautious, but there are several other-branded Class B units out there with full-on lithium-based systems from the factory that seem to work well, so if I were shopping today for a system with that kind of gear on board, it wouldn't be one made by Airstream. Our Victron-based lithium system, installed in our van as an upgrade by a 3rd party who knew their business works beautifully, so that's another option if one is buying a gently used unit at a good price and want to increase its capabilities. The only trick is finding such an expert near one or being a capable DIY person. If I were looking today, I'd start by asking custom van build shops in my area who have a good reputation whether they'd like to do such an upgrade for me.
By my theory of 3 types of DIY folks, there are (1) Those who don't know how to do it, who are aware of that, and who want to hire an expert, (2) those who know how to do it and can pull off an excellent job on their own, and (3) those who don't know what they don't know and make a horrendous mess of things by attempting it anyway. I'm type (1) for anything more complex than a few basic DIY repairs, because accidentally turning myself into a type (3) is my biggest concern, haha!
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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07-18-2024, 07:43 AM
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#36
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Sunny Approach
2024 Interstate 24GT
Phenix
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 33
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Good day, and maybe good news!
I have dropped another video on YouTube (SunnyApproach.com) showing our Volta system after it came back from the ‘hospital’.
It is working as I would expect for the first time ever.
Shore power connect / disconnect automatically recognized - and at correct amperage.
Inverter turns on and off!
When shore power comes on, inverter is ‘grayed out’ on Volta panel.
All loads shed/unshed as expected.
Charging details seem normal.
The ‘hub’ (entire unit under bed) was returned to Volta. We also got a new Volta touch screen. Multiple software updates too.
We’ll do a shakedown trip and see how things are.
Hopefully this is a good sign for success and that the rest of you with similar issues can also get yours resolved.
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07-18-2024, 08:55 AM
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#37
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Living Riveted since 2013

2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Winter Garden
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,253
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Pleased to hear you've got yours working now. "Good news, everyone!"
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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07-18-2024, 01:57 PM
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#38
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Rivet Master 

2024 Interstate 19
Fulton
, Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,099
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SunnyApp
Good day, and maybe good news!
I have dropped another video on YouTube (SunnyApproach.com) showing our Volta system after it came back from the ‘hospital’.
It is working as I would expect for the first time ever. . .
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That is good news - now you can start enjoying your Interstate.
This entire Volta mess just once again demonstrates to me that Airstream is not capable of building a good reliable electrical system. That was true on my old 2013 Interstate that would develop weird issues. Most were result of improper wiring connections. After I rebuilt the entire 12VDC and 120VAC system it worked flawlessly for eight years before I traded it.
I like the Airstream aesthetic design, but if you look behind the pretty panels you will find a "Rats Nest" of wires.
__________________
- - Mike
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2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
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07-24-2024, 12:45 AM
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#39
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1 Rivet Member 
2022 Interstate 19
Sunnyvale
, California
Join Date: Jul 2024
Posts: 13
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Airstream Carpenters
I was shocked when I looked at the wiring mess under the CS ottoman. My conclusion was:
The front of our Interstate 19 has been designed by German engineers - the back has been built by Airstream's carpenters.
About a month ago I started ripping out all electrical wiring for a major overhaul:
Replaced the 1 kW Xantrex Freedom 1000 inverter with a Xantrex XC-Pro 3000. The inverter has almost the same foot print and, after cleaning up the mess under the passenger seat, it fits into the passenger seat box.
Rewired all 120 V circuits with 10/3 and 12/3 marine grade cables - getting rid of all ROMEX.
Removed the ONAN generator and the automatic switch between shore power and generator.
Split the 120 V power center into two groups - shore power and inverter power.
Cleaned up the DC wiring mess under the bed by following inspiration from '23 model. No longer have all the power distribution bars and 12-hour/24-hour fuse blocks mixed with carpet and aluminum shavings. I was seriously considering asking AS if they have a shop vacuum, it is unbelievable how messy the electric compartments were.
Performed a road test to make sure everything is working as expected.
The next step includes removing the 2x BB 100 Ah batteries (done), adding 3x EPOCH 12V/300 Ah in a box to take the place of the generator and wiring up a second alternator (Nations + WS500).
The box is almost done and will go in this week, the alternator will be added early next month.
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07-24-2024, 04:46 AM
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#40
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Rivet Master 

2015 Interstate Grand Tour
Salem
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 1,220
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m210658
The front of our Interstate 19 has been designed by German engineers - the back has been built by Airstream's carpenters.
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That is the best line ever and couldn’t agree more!
m210658, welcome to Air Forums. Seems like you’re an experienced DYI’er that we could learn a few things from. Please stick around and contribute. Lots of good advice and help around these parts as there are a few that have completely redone their rigs on both the motorhome and trailer side. After all, lots of the info overlaps between both sides as it’s Airstream building them.
Lastly, nice upgrades that you’ve made but you might consider starting a new thread so that we could get more details and ask some questions about your upgrades. We also love pictures.
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