New 2023 I19 4X4 Owner

[cactusjk]

One thing I forgot to even check was assume you have to use the key fob to lock/unlock?

I am amazed that these RVs do not have any alarm/ imobilizer system.

[cactusjk]

Does anyone know what this travel warning light is for?

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

One thing I forgot to even check was assume you have to use the key fob to lock/unlock?

I am amazed that these RVs do not have any alarm/ imobilizer system.

Do you want any alarm going off at a campsite at 3am?

However, we do have a pedal control which has a theft mode which doesn't allow the van to go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diaAoj668mg

[cactusjk]

Absolutely not! Good point!

Originally Posted by StogieMan

Do you want any alarm going off at a campsite at 3am?

However, we do have a pedal control which has a theft mode which doesn't allow the van to go.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

Does anyone know what this travel warning light is for?

I believe that is the warning if your awning or sliding door retractable step are out.

[cactusjk]

Wow - better check that since on the test drive AS did not recognize it.

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

I believe that is the warning if your awning or sliding door retractable step are out.

[cactusjk]

Has anyone used the Pedal Control? It actually looks pretty nice and has a throttle cutout feature.

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

Has anyone used the Pedal Control? It actually looks pretty nice and has a throttle cutout feature.

I don’t think that you’ll need it on a 2023 AWD chassis for the lag. I’ve seen quite a few videos where reviewers say that there is no lag when hitting the gas pedal from a complete stop. YouTube has some videos on it.

Maybe those with a 2023 AWD can chime in and confirm this.

I do have a pedal power installed and this was my write up on it in my thread.

“ I came a cross this product while surfing the net. Thought about it and finally pulled the trigger. I want to to let everyone know that I’m not affiliated with any of the products that I buy and pay for everything full price and trying to give you my honest opinion. I have no YouTube channel, review sites or getting paid for it in any way. Got that out of the way.

I was tired of that lag when I stepped on the pedal to get onto the highway. You know that lag that finally kicks in and gets the van moving while everyone in back of you is ticked off and gives you the stink eye as they pass you. Doing some research I came across this product and thought that it was maybe BS. But, I bit and ordered it.

I’m glad that I did. Our AI has a little over 37,000 miles on it. I saw bunch of reviews on it on YouTube and one guy got it and was very happy with it but after a while he sensed a small drop in his takeoff and it turned out to be the famous dirty EGR valve. After he cleaned it, he got his power back. So, I decided to start my venture with a clean EGR valve.


I cleaned it myself and what a pain in the butt to get it off. Yup, it needed to be cleaned. Many YouTube videos on how to clean it and even a few on this forum. After that, I installed the Pedal Power module. Pretty easy install and the directions are straight forward. Make sure the van is off for a least half hour before you install it so that you don’t get any errors thrown up on your dash.

So, far so good and I suspect that when it starts to feel like I’m loosing some of that power - it’s time to clean the EGR valve again.

I’ve attached a video from Owl Vans where I got it from. Like he says the best feature is the theft mode that you can activate from your phone. Once activated no one is stealing your rig. In the beginning I forgot to deactivate it and the van would not move when you hit the gas pedal at all and kept freaking me out. I know many on this forum have talked about protecting their rigs for theft via cameras, Apple Tags etc. This baby works for that for sure.

Again, our Sprinter is a 2015 but they have this product for the newer vans too. I’ve been seriously considering their RennTech though but haven’t got the green light from the boss lady. So far I’ve been happy since the install back in February 2022.

[cactusjk]

I definitely like the theft feature!

[cactusjk]

Does anyone recommend adding a 2K inverter to the standard I19 setup?

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

Does anyone recommend adding a 2K inverter to the standard I19 setup?

Go bigger just to future proof your build. 2k inverter is not going to get you enough in my opinion. Honestly, even with all the unknowns, I would go for the E1 package at this point. Better to get it over with now.

[Rocinante]

Still, if you DIY an upgrade, might as well get a 3kW charger / inverter, a-la Victron instead of starting with 2kW and then upgrading later when you realize it's not enough.

[cactusjk]

How hard to swap out the OEM inverter?

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Still, if you DIY an upgrade, might as well get a 3kW charger / inverter, a-la Victron instead of starting with 2kW and then upgrading later when you realize it's not enough.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by StogieMan

I don’t think that you’ll need it on a 2023 AWD chassis for the lag. I’ve seen quite a few videos where reviewers say that there is no lag when hitting the gas pedal from a complete stop. YouTube has some videos on it.

Maybe those with a 2023 AWD can chime in and confirm this. . .

Maybe someone has a new 2023 Sprinter, but no one has an Airstream Interstate of any kind built on the new 2023 Sprinter yet. All the Interstates now being sold as 2023 models are built on the 2022 Sprinters with the V-6 diesel and old 4x4 system that has been in USA since 2015.

I agree that the new 2023 Sprinter with AWD (4MATIC) system should be much peppier off the line. That's why I'm waiting until Airstream switches over to the new 2023 Sprinters with updated drivetrains.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

How hard to swap out the OEM inverter?

For an Interstate 19 it will be rather difficult as the small 1000W inverter is now installed under the passenger seat in cab. I don't think there is room for a larger inverter in that space. Thus, the significance of the E1 package if you want more electrical power.

[DavePDX]

I have a 2022 Interstate 19 and swapped the 1000 watt Xantrex for a 2000 watt in the same location (under the front passenger seat). It barely fits, and required a custom bracket, but it has many advantages and was well worth it.
Now everything in the van can be run off the inverter. Equally important, the charge rate when plugged into shore power or running the generator is more than 3x faster than Airstream’s setting with the 1000. According to both Battleborn and Xantrex, the Airstream setting of 25 amps is far too low. With the 1000, you can bump it to 45 or 50 amps. With the 2000, you can go up to 85 amps.
I also swapped out the controller for the Bluetooth version, which is handy but not essential.
I considered going for the Victron Multiplus 3000 watt, but it would’ve been a much bigger job and would have to be mounted in the garage area, causing me to lose valuable space. I’m very happy with my decision.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by DavePDX

I have a 2022 Interstate 19 and swapped the 1000 watt Xantrex for a 2000 watt in the same location (under the front passenger seat). It barely fits, and required a custom bracket, but it has many advantages and was well worth it.
Now everything in the van can be run off the inverter. Equally important, the charge rate when plugged into shore power or running the generator is more than 3x faster than Airstream’s setting with the 1000. According to both Battleborn and Xantrex, the Airstream setting of 25 amps is far too low. With the 1000, you can bump it to 45 or 50 amps. With the 2000, you can go up to 85 amps.
I also swapped out the controller for the Bluetooth version, which is handy but not essential.
I considered going for the Victron Multiplus 3000 watt, but it would’ve been a much bigger job and would have to be mounted in the garage area, causing me to lose valuable space. I’m very happy with my decision.

Good info - thanks for setting me straight.

[cactusjk]

Agree - great info!

How do you bump up the OEM inverter to 45 or 50 amps?

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Good info - thanks for setting me straight.

[cactusjk]

Also wondering if the mirrors power fold?

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Maybe someone has a new 2023 Sprinter, but no one has an Airstream Interstate of any kind built on the new 2023 Sprinter yet. All the Interstates now being sold as 2023 models are built on the 2022 Sprinters with the V-6 diesel and old 4x4 system that has been in USA since 2015.

I agree that the new 2023 Sprinter with AWD (4MATIC) system should be much peppier off the line. That's why I'm waiting until Airstream switches over to the new 2023 Sprinters with updated drivetrains.

Yup, IMHO you're better off waiting. Ours will be a 2024 but I'm liking all the reviews and info that we've seen so far.

Two great videos from an up-fitter. One on a 2023 review and the other on how to order a new one from Mercedes as I've looked into to this process and a bit confusing. For us it would be a 3500 HD Dually Extended 170 with high roof. I want as much space as possible. Realistic timeline is a bit of a bummer as I was told earlier but to be honest it will probably be early next year. Love working on a van in the winter!

Payload seems to have increased on all of them as the AWD system is lighter than the 4x4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF49ydWkt_Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ef5TigeJ_A