Jackson Center Not So Confidential

[Al - K4GLU]

Looks like they're getting ready to start making a new Class B. Sitting in the lot next to the finished trailer lot - where they used to keep the Freightliner vans which are made into the Interstate - are four Chevrolet Express 3500 EXTD WB Cargo Vans, 6.0L Vortec V8 and 6 speed auto. Color is Sheer Silver Metallic and the window sticker price is $36151.00. Seems to me there was mention some months ago that Airstream was planning a new Class B. There are no Freightliners in the lot now so either they're dropping the Interstate or they've got a new place to store them.

For 30 amp hookups Airstream is now using connectors made by Furrion.

Furrion

The housing is a bit fancier and appears to have a posi-lok type connection, If you look at the web page the square one in one they're using. TV connection also uses the same type housing.

And Airstream has a Bowlus Road Chief. It is in the repair shop on the west side 2 or 3 doors up from the back wall. Not in too bad a shape considering how old it is.

Haven't bothered taking the factory tour again this year since I've done it so many times already. May do it later this week and if I learn anything interesting will pass it on.

[Lily&Me]

Take a picture of those Chevrolet vans and post it, wouldja? I keep hearing about them, cannot imagine them being as nice as our Interstate on the Sprinter chassis. They seem like they would be rather boxy.

Thanks,

Maggie

[Al - K4GLU]

Sorry but I have no camera believe it or not. Keep saying I've gotta get one but haven't yet.

[Mexray]

Ya gotta get a cheapo digital point-and-shoot camera - they are easy to use, and even the cheap ones take fairly good pictures...sounds like a Wal-Mart road trip to me...

Ray

[dufferin]

you may have a camera on your phone?

[overlander63]

Here's a photo:

[lewster]

Now that Dodge is part of FIAT, Mercedes stopped supplying them with Sprinters.

You can only get them thru Freightliner (which is owned by Mercedes) or thru 100 select Mercedes dealers. Thankfully, one of those 'select dealers' is nearby in Naples, FL....close to me when I'm in Marco Island.

In fact, Mercedes is running a promotion to 'convert' any SPrinter that was sold as a Dodge back to a Mercedes by removing any Dodge badging and grills and replacing them with the 'proper' Mercedes items. IIRC, this was $300 including labor, which is actually a very good deal. Sort of a 'welcome back to the family' promotion.

Mine is going in for a major service in a week or so. I expect very good things from them, but we'll see.

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Here's a photo:

Thanks, Terry-----nope, not as nice as our Interstate. May have some features inside that make them redeemable.

Maggie

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by doug&maggie

Thanks, Terry-----nope, not as nice as our Interstate. May have some features inside that make them redeemable.

Maggie

About the biggest "redeeming feature" I can think of, is they are built in North America by an American owned company (IIRC, the US government still owns 51%). That means to me when they break down, you can find parts more easily for them.

[Aage]

And isn't it powerful enough to pull any other AS you would care to hitch it to?

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Aage

And isn't it powerful enough to pull any other AS you would care to hitch it to?

Only if it is a 3/4 or 1 ton van.

I ran a 1500 1/2 ton Chevy Express for a few years and while it was generally a good machine (needed a tranny at 30K though) you still need the bigger, heavier components of the higher rated vans to do heavy towing.

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by Aage

And isn't it powerful enough to pull any other AS you would care to hitch it to?

I believe the Interstates are able to pull 10,000 lbs, which seems plenty big to me. Of course, we tow nothing--like to keep it simple and that mileage up!

Maggie

[SmokelessJoe]

Maggie,


The Sprinter has a factory tow rating of 5000 pounds. Some conversions, like Winnebago’s Navion, have a manufacturer's tow rating of 3500 pounds.





Sergei

[Aage]

Originally Posted by lewster

Only if it is a 3/4 or 1 ton van.

I ran a 1500 1/2 ton Chevy Express for a few years and while it was generally a good machine (needed a tranny at 30K though) you still need the bigger, heavier components of the higher rated vans to do heavy towing.

It was described in this thread as a Chevrolet Express 3500 EXTD WB Cargo Vans, 6.0L Vortec V8 and 6 speed auto.

That's a one-ton, right?

Should be able to pull just about any AS out there, yud think...

[Al - K4GLU]

Well I'll wander back up to the lot later and see if there is a tow rating on the sticker. Remember seeing 9600 or 9800 lbs mentioned but didn't notice a tow rating.

[wayneskid]

Here's what Bob Wheeler has to say in the April Airstreamer:

"We start production on the Airstream Avenue, our Class B motorhome built on the Chevy Express chassis. Like all else we do, this will be a best-in-class product with many of the features and luxuries of its big brother, the Sprinter-based Interstate. Keep an eye on the Airstream website for more information."

[wayneskid]

Originally Posted by Al - K4GLU

There are no Freightliners in the lot now so either they're dropping the Interstate or they've got a new place to store them.

I don't think they are dropping the Interstate. On 4/8 the GM of the Interstate group told me there were 50 Sprinters on the way from Germany to feed Interstate production.

[fmr.capt.evi]

Yes, that's a one-ton. However, one of Airstream's challenges will be to keep the interior LIGHT enough to have some capacity left over for towing. (Most class-B's are limited to 5,000 lbs. for that reason).

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by SmokelessJoe

Maggie,


The Sprinter has a factory tow rating of 5000 pounds. Some conversions, like Winnebago’s Navion, have a manufacturer's tow rating of 3500 pounds.


Attachment 103343


Sergei

Thanks for the information, should we decide to tow something.

Maggie

[clancy_boy]

I was there this past weekend - interesting model - they were heading out on trailers by the truck load if that is any indication.

I'll post pics later tonight.

Mike