Picking up our interstate on Sat

[abmoscrip]

We are picking up our 2015 Interstate EXT on Sat! We have never gone RVing before! I am hoping to get a lot of good advice on how to make a good start on this adventure! What is the most challenging thing for first timers?

I am retired, but my husband still works full time. At first, we will be taking long weekends and day trips near Durham, NC until we get used to it.

We don't even have sheets for the bed! Not sure what to get- King, Queen, just a comforter?? They call it a king size. should we buy a pad to make it more comfy?

Very exciting times!

[Lily&Me]

Congratulations!

Sheets are difficult, IMO. We went to a thick and comfy mattress pad several years ago, the kind with elastic straps at the corner (which we cut off), plus an all-season down comforter with washable cover. Works great.

We put bed pillows in simple pillow covers for the day, and fold the mattress pad into a larger, bed pillow cover. Could all be used as pillows by day, although the latter goes up front, gets a small rug on it, and is a travel bed for the pooch.

There is a Small Space Living thread here, where we have gotten lots of tips gathered for space efficient living, if you want to take a look at that.

There is a great rally in September near Charlotte....Alumalina. Would be a good chance for you to meet others and show off your new rig.

Have a great time, and post pictures.


Maggie

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by abmoscrip

What is the most challenging thing for first timers?

I am retired, but my husband still works full time. At first, we will be taking long weekends and day trips near Durham, NC until we get used to it.

We don't even have sheets for the bed! Not sure what to get- King, Queen, just a comforter?? They call it a king size. should we buy a pad to make it more comfy?

The size of the sofa-bed in a non-extended Interstate is a "short queen." For an extended Interstate, it's a "queen." But don't bother trying to put sheets on the sofa-bed; you'll throw out your back trying to fit the corners.

Get yourself a mattress pad to fit the sofa-bed, and then fit the sheets to the pad. Then making the bed is as simple as folding down the sofa into a bed and unrolling the pad.

But in my opinion the most challenging thing for first-timers will be learning the electrical system, and figuring out all of the tricks to keep the drain on the house batteries to a minimum. It's a rare Interstate owner who doesn't have a problem at least once with the batteries getting depleted for no discernable reason. Fortunately, we here on the AirForums are always willing to answer questions when it's your turn to have that problem.

Another thing that most Interstate owners bump up against is the lack of storage. Over time, you'll accumulate stuff to make your excursions more comfortable, more enjoyable, or more memorable, and you'll have to figure out where to put it all. Maggie is an expert on solving that problem!

[abmoscrip]

We had a tech person do a run through and now I can't remember half of what he said! I can't even get the TV to come on! Help! How do you turn on the TV in the 2015 airstream interstate ext?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by abmoscrip

We had a tech person do a run through and now I can't remember half of what he said! I can't even get the TV to come on! Help! How do you turn on the TV in the 2015 airstream interstate ext?

First thing, do you have 120vAC power? Either from a shore power cord, the generator, or the inverter? Won't get very far without juice!

[gambita]

I am also a newbie to this forum, just joined today. Getting 2015 Interstate next week.
Is it worth it to get the 5 year bumper to bumper insurance?
Thanks

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by gambita

I am also a newbie to this forum, just joined today. Getting 2015 Interstate next week.
Is it worth it to get the 5 year bumper to bumper insurance?
Thanks

Opinions differ on that score. I personally didn't get an extended warranty, and haven't needed it either.

One caveat. As with any conversion van, an Airstream Interstate is covered by multiple warranties:
1 - Sprinter warranty, for the base van (body, engine, suspension, etc.);
2 - Airstream warranty, for the interior furnishings (cabinetry, plumbing house electrical, etc.);
3 - Appliances and fixtures all have their own individual manufacturer's warranties, for the generator, awning, microwave, and other components bought as completed units by Airstream from a third party. and incorporated into the van.
Read the 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty documentation VERY carefully before you sign on the dotted line. You may find out that "bumper to bumper" doesn't cover anywhere near what you think it does.