Airstream Interstate 4x4

[truxpin]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Yes - I also noticed those ripples. Must be another feature of Airstream quality. 😀


- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

This looks like Airstreams new high end choice of flooring, LWV by Infinity. ( Not too impressive in a 6+ figure people mover)

I'm actually installing some next week in our '34 Limited. Hopefully mine doesn't end up looking like that!
Likely, Airstream figured it could save $5 by only glueing the edges instead of the entire floor. (I've read that some are using only staples and no glue, that would certainly invite ripples into the mix)

[toskeysam]

Timing is important. Ours was sheer dumb luck, I guess. We bought our 2013 AI in November. It turns out our chassis is also a 2013. I didn't realize that until our Mercedes service Dept ran the VIN. I also checked and sure enough it's a 2013......odd that I received 2012 manuals with it....


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by toskeysam

sure enough it's a 2013......odd that I received 2012 manuals with it....

Not odd at all. The manuals for Airstream Interstates are not updated nearly as often as they should be, and I have yet to see an Interstate manual that didn't have some glaring errors. Which is why Rich Luhr's Kindle book about Airstream Interstates (https://www.amazon.com/Airstream-Lif...ords=rich+luhr) is such a good buy. He actually spent some time using a 2014 model and wrote up a manual based on actual experience.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Not odd at all. The manuals for Airstream Interstates are not updated nearly as often as they should be, and I have yet to see an Interstate manual that didn't have some glaring errors. Which is why Rich Luhr's Kindle book about Airstream Interstates (https://www.amazon.com/Airstream-Lif...ords=rich+luhr) is such a good buy. He actually spent some time using a 2014 model and wrote up a manual based on actual experience.

+1 on Rich Luhr's book. I also noticed that the Airstream Owners manuals since 2015 are much better.


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[elgo]

Originally Posted by ScottP

We saw the all wheel drive version a week ago in Boise while passing through the area. We liked it and have ordered one. This will be our third ASI in three years, and we'll likely keep this unit for a bit longer than the rest.

The additional height of the vehicle was negligible to me, but the clearance underneath was a welcome addition. The real reason for the purchase was the extra winter traction for us - we'll benefit by expanding our winter travel options because of the all wheel drive.


Scott

3 ASIs in 3 years caught my attention. Do u mind if I ask why ? And have you dealt with the incessant fixes or tinkering on that the ASIs are known for?

[Mr. B]

This mentioned e-book is fine for the very beginners as this was myself in January, and it became useless after you learn what and where in our bus.

PS: that was funny about the floor )))

[Fredjacob]

Originally Posted by Jbrannack

Did you get a chance to drive your new Interstate 4x4? We live in Portland and are trying to decide between the air suspension option that we test drove and the 4x4 which was not available to drive. The air suspension had very impressive performance but Mt Hood passes had snow today so 4x4 sounds attractive.

I found the following info on the VB Air suspension site. Looks like the 4x4 Sprinter with rear dually wheels. Don't know if the chassis is actually the 3500. But seems like Airstream could/should offer this?
http://www.vbairsuspension.com/uploa...s/00001987.pdf

[Amg]

Airstream cannot or will not install air suspension on their 4x4. They say they have a room issue with the space the 4x4 takes up. Probably they need to reconfigure things and it is not worth it for them. I believe Advanced RV does offer their 4x4 with air suspension. They have no generator or propane tank taking up room and that's why can they do it.

[Hahn]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Height of the CG might not even increase. Sure you've got a (slight) increase in ground clearance. But mounting both house batteries under the floor lowers the CG versus having them in a tray above floor level on older models. Having a 4×4 drivetrain lowers the CG versus a 2WD drivetrain due to the weight of the transfer case and front differential below floor level but also increases the unsprung weight on front wheels— which makes front end alignment and tire balancing even more critical. The added weight below floor level might lower the CG enough to offset the increased CG due to added ground clearance. I haven't crunched the numbers to see.

Your answers always inspire confidence. Our family just ordered the 2018 interstate 4wd and i was VERY worried that we made the wrong decision because of the increased center of gravity. I'm glad to see that it might not be as bad as I worried.

Do you happen to know if the added height will make it feel like it's rolling more on curvy roads? just your opinion or guess would be great.

[ScottP]

Originally Posted by Hahn

Your answers always inspire confidence. Our family just ordered the 2018 interstate 4wd and i was VERY worried that we made the wrong decision because of the increased center of gravity. I'm glad to see that it might not be as bad as I worried.

Do you happen to know if the added height will make it feel like it's rolling more on curvy roads? just your opinion or guess would be great.

Love Protag 's analysis / feedback always.

We've owned multiple 4wd and 2wd units

4wd has better road manners on our '17 and '18 4wd units over previous 2wd units. YMMV

[Hahn]

Thank you soooo much. That information about the specific year really puts me at ease!!!

(Being a newbie, I had to look up "road manners" since I got the feeling it had a second meaning, and YMMV. Thank goodness for urban dictionary; I'm sure I'll get all this pretty soon. Just like calling out for one person's opinion was probably not good forum etiquette Thank you again!)

[ScottP]

Originally Posted by Hahn

Thank you soooo much. That information about the specific year really puts me at ease!!!

(Being a newbie, I had to look up "road manners" since I got the feeling it had a second meaning, and YMMV. Thank goodness for urban dictionary; I'm sure I'll get all this pretty soon. Just like calling out for one person's opinion was probably not good forum etiquette Thank you again!)

Suggestion:

Don't "worry" about a thing...everything gonna be alright.

Take delivery and...

Expect multiple service visits (just consolidate your list of tweaks, or repairs such as a stuck power awning, reading light not working etc).

Keep your batteries "charged up" ...don't let them drain down (plug in when in storage)

Have fun with it and hopefully the Interstate will enhance your life. If it doesn't enhance your life - just sell it!

I look at these vans (cars, motorcycles, aircraft) as something to enhance the enjoyment of our family's life, if it doesn't bring value to "your" life then just move on

We purchase a new unit ea year because we appreciate the upgrades and I like to sell each year with low mileage between 10-20k (and I enjoy a warm loving relationship with my adorable service manager at Airstream NW Adventures in Portland OR).

A 2014.5 unit...here with my children & dog

And a 2017 unit with my (older now) son and I on another road trip (Snow Canyon Utah)

Enjoy and expect some time to be spent getting to know your dealer service group as you fine tune your unit.

[Hahn]

I will take every piece of advice you offered ~~ especially about keeping things in perspective (and developing a good relationship with our service manager and team).

Thank you for sharing the pictures of you and your family. Loved seeing what we have to look forward to!