Interstate Mods - I'll go First

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by VAtom

Not a big deal but I needed a single rail bolt.

Sprinter store had them for $5, good deal. Minimum order 6



So I banged this one out



Wordless Workshop

What is that bolt for? What function? What rail?

[VAtom]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

What is that bolt for? What function? What rail?

The bolt is for attaching accessories to the Mercedes Benz Sprinter roof rail system

[scott.semone]

I recently added the motorized bug screen within the rear cargo door area on our 2014 Lounge; Colonial sold me the actual motorized screen and the two pieces of finished wood which matched my interior. The total cost after my own visits to the hardware store, as well as the arts & crafts fabric store, and AMAZON for a momentary 12VDC switch was approx. $930

The motorized screen came with the remote receiver, however it didn't come with the remote transmitter; it was better off this way - I would just go nuts trying to find the remote when I needed it.... I installed a momentary switch on the passenger side - rear door pillar, just above the door latch (see attached pictures).

It was a great project, I would recommend to all... Scott

[wachuko]

^ Nicely done!!

[Tronadora]

Scott.Semone: Fantastic job getting that screen installed !!

If you want to add a second method of operating it from the inside, you could get the remote and I have an idea to help prevent the remote from getting misplaced. This is next on my list and I'll use this for my TV and Amazon / AppleTV remotes.

Cut a custom sized Command Strip Velcro strip (so you can later remove it if you want) and the remotes can mount vertically in these two little out of the way wasted spaces.

Big thumbs up to GETRIDAONE for the locker shelf idea.

Mark

[Tronadora]

Although I see from your photos you have a Lounge version... so not sure if you have the same or similar spaces available in your overhead lockers....

If anyone wants more detail on those shelves from GETRIDAONE, see here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240...-92862-66.html

[Protagonist]

Velcro on the back of the remote (make sure it doesn't prevent you from changing the batteries) allows you to stick it just about anywhere you want, not just inside an overhead locker. In my opinion, the best place to stick the remote would be near the device that it controls.

I've been using Velcro for my Interstate's television remotes for about 5 years now (to stick each remote to the back of the television that it controls), and I've never once had a remote come loose in transit.

[Pahaska]

We two elderly and arthritic travelers have trouble opening some of the Interstate storage doors. The worst offenders are the two doors that were under the side-facing seats and are now beneath my twin bed conversions. The narrow aisle makes it very hard to get a good angle of pull on the slippery knobs.

I had several nice drawer pulls laying around in my workshop. With the help of a template to get a nice, straight alignment, there is now a lot easier way to open the doors.

The added pulls are hidden under the overhanging bedspreads.

[amirm]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

We two elderly and arthritic travelers have trouble opening some of the Interstate storage doors. The worst offenders are the two doors that were under the side-facing seats and are now beneath my twin bed conversions. The narrow aisle makes it very hard to get a good angle of pull on the slippery knobs.

I had several nice drawer pulls laying around in my workshop. With the help of a template to get a nice, straight alignment, there is now a lot easier way to open the doors.

The added pulls are hidden under the overhanging bedspreads.

I used an easier solution . I simply disabled one of the pulls. The remaining one is still strong enough to keep it closed and we are now able to open and close it with relative ease.

[Pahaska]

It is difficult to buy the High Gloss Asian Sand laminate I wanted in order to make some changes to my 2014.5 Interstate.

I ordered a piece of non-gloss Asian Sand laminate from Home Depot. After laminating my new parts, I wiped the laminate down with alcohol to remove any manufacturing residue and sprayed the laminate with several light coats of Crystal Clear High Gloss.

It is difficult to tell the sprayed parts from the original interior parts.

[Haasman]

Good for you John. These little stubby slippery chrome knobs are the worst. And don't even try opening one with a wet hand.

As I see it, the problem is the drawers have magnets in them to keep them from flying open around turns. So the needed pull to open them is quite a bit, unnecessarily.

Found a company that has an almost exact fit match to the stock drawer/cabinet latches, but they lock via a mechanical latch. No magnets.

The only two downsides-they require a latch (supplied) retained by 2 screws. They have to been carefully placed so the cabinet face sits flush but they also latch and hold the drawer closed.

About to do the latch. Will post results

Haasman

[Haasman]

nice!

[Lineolated]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

It is difficult to buy the High Gloss Asian Sand laminate I wanted in order to make some changes to my 2014.5 Interstate.



I ordered a piece of non-gloss Asian Sand laminate from Home Depot.

We’ve twice gotten the High Gloss laminate from Home Depot by placing a special order for it. They had to check with their supplier before accepting the order.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by amirm

I used an easier solution . I simply disabled one of the pulls. The remaining one is still strong enough to keep it closed and we are now able to open and close it with relative ease.

There are only one pull knob on each of these doors. They are held shut by springs in the hinges.

I think you may be referring to the added black latches that are on some of my drawers; there are none of those on these two doors. It is simply arthritic hands and a very awkward location that makes them difficult for us to open.

[Lotus54]

This thread got me to thinking of what I’ve done.
So I started a list. I’m sure I’m forgetting some things.

Interstate mods

By PO:
Bigfoot auto leaving system (two way hydraulic jacks)
JVC radio w/XM (I’m going to replace it, button too small)
LED replacements for all incandescent bulbs inside
electric air horn
Larger TV
Air springs with remote on rear and onboard compressor
Wired for brake controller (but no controller)
Stick on mirrors and holder in shower
Several hooks for jacket hangers
Step LED strip


What I’ve done;
Installed the missing jacks to make the leveler work again (and moved controller)
GPS mounted on dash with wireless rear camera (modified plastic above radio)
Seat heaters for front seats
Moved arm rest from passenger to drivers seat (now two arm rests for driver)
Built extension (aluminum) for USB, power outlet and power disconnect on Centre console
Built relay setup and factory switch to turn on Espar heater for as long as I want without engine running, powered off house battery
Replace house battery with larger AGM on side, modded holder
Installed voltmeter in Centre console, with factory type switch to view either van battery or house battery
‘Kicker’ subwoofer behind drivers seat
AC outlet (on spare breaker) on wall behind drivers seat
USB charging outlet (switched) on wall above TV
Power outlet (inside closet, opposite above) connected to switch beside above, to power TV)
Replaced TV with 12Vdc and built in DVD player etc
Sumo front ‘springs’ (bump stops)
Fox rear dampers (still to install)
Aluminum replacement for turbo resonator
Cup holders in rear

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by Lotus54

This thread got me to thinking of what I’ve done.
So I started a list. I’m sure I’m forgetting some things.

Interstate mods

By PO:
Bigfoot auto leaving system (two way hydraulic jacks)
JVC radio w/XM (I’m going to replace it, button too small)
LED replacements for all incandescent bulbs inside
electric air horn
Larger TV
Air springs with remote on rear and onboard compressor
Wired for brake controller (but no controller)
Stick on mirrors and holder in shower
Several hooks for jacket hangers
Step LED strip


What I’ve done;
Installed the missing jacks to make the leveler work again (and moved controller)
GPS mounted on dash with wireless rear camera (modified plastic above radio)
Seat heaters for front seats
Moved arm rest from passenger to drivers seat (now two arm rests for driver)
Built extension (aluminum) for USB, power outlet and power disconnect on Centre console
Built relay setup and factory switch to turn on Espar heater for as long as I want without engine running, powered off house battery
Replace house battery with larger AGM on side, modded holder
Installed voltmeter in Centre console, with factory type switch to view either van battery or house battery
‘Kicker’ subwoofer behind drivers seat
AC outlet (on spare breaker) on wall behind drivers seat
USB charging outlet (switched) on wall above TV
Power outlet (inside closet, opposite above) connected to switch beside above, to power TV)
Replaced TV with 12Vdc and built in DVD player etc
Sumo front ‘springs’ (bump stops)
Fox rear dampers (still to install)
Aluminum replacement for turbo resonator
Cup holders in rear

What’s the purpose for the Sumo front springs? Would these help with the hard bump we get when driving onto a bridge where the surfaces are not level?

[Lotus54]

Originally Posted by Tincampers

What’s the purpose for the Sumo front springs? Would these help with the hard bump we get when driving onto a bridge where the surfaces are not level?

They are longer than the factor one. I believe the idea is they 'engage' sooner and give a more consistent 'bump stop'.
What it appears driving, the big bumps are noticeably smoother (like hitting a big bump on the freeway, the factor would hit HARD, but with the Sumo I could certainly feel it, but it was a much smoother, milder 'hit').

It was super easy to install (I have hydraulic leveling jacks, so I could just lift it, pop in a jack stand, pull a wheel and swap the factory to Sumo).

I thought it was well worth it.
mark

[Lotus54]

I realize I didn’t specifically answer your question.

Yes, it most certainly helped on the ‘step’ when entering a bridge or something.
Very noticeable for me. (And mine only had 52k miles when I installed them)

Mark

[Haasman]

SumoSprings® are a patented suspension products designed to enhance load carrying ability, stabilize sway, and improve overall driver control and ride comfort. They are maintenance free, do not leak air, and do not require airlines or compressors. SumoSprings® are manufactured in a variety of heights, diameters and densities except support multiple front and rear applications. They are manufactured from proprietary closed micro-cellular urethane providing a smooth and progressive spring rate.

I installed these on our 2016, front and rear. I installed them myself, but I am mechanically inclined and have jacks and tools.

They replace the factory suspension bumpers (when the suspension compresses fully they prevent metal to metal contact and damage). They are slightly larger/longer than the OEM parts but compress with increasing resistance.

The difference in a big Airstream Interstate is reduction in rocking in cross winds, going across pavement transitions such as driveways. Additional the suspension reaction to movement and influences such as wind is remarkable. Once installed you wouldn't know they are they there, except that the coach feels more stable and sure-footed.

They are not that expensive, can be found on Amazon and can easily be installed in several hours, both front and rears.

Haasman

[bugsbunny]

Lotus54 - If handy, could you tell me the brand and model for your TV.... I am looking for the 12V+DVD combo... Thanks!