Airstream Interstate Grand Tour
I've seen criticisms of this vehicle based on out-of-date technology and focus on fit and finish over functional components. i like the floorpan and I think that, if beefed up with more solar, it coul...
Forum Discussion
As a former owner of an Airstream Interstate, here is my opinion:
The design of Interstates, and materials are generally very good. I wouldn't worry too much about "old technology" unless you are particularly looking for state-of-the art stuff--a lot of people aren't and they don't "cheap out" on appliances or systems.
The real problem with Airstream is fit and finish: poorly-installed leaky plumbing, water leaks at vents, bad crimps on electrical wire connections, mis-aligned velcro on shades, panels that don't line up, incredibly sloppy carpentry and caulking in places where you can't easily see, penetrations that rust badly due to improper prep. These are all real-life examples from my van, and are similar to problems reported by others. I looked carefully at several new Interstates in 2014 before we bought our GWV Legend. Things had not improved as far as I could see.
We loved the idea of owning an Airstream, and after we addressed all the issues of our van, we enjoyed it immensely, and I was proud to pass it on to the next owner in better shape than it was when new. The kinds of issues they tend to have are fixable, but be prepared for many trips back to the dealer, and then a lot of your own work on stuff that they won't help with.
The design of Interstates, and materials are generally very good. I wouldn't worry too much about "old technology" unless you are particularly looking for state-of-the art stuff--a lot of people aren't and they don't "cheap out" on appliances or systems.
The real problem with Airstream is fit and finish: poorly-installed leaky plumbing, water leaks at vents, bad crimps on electrical wire connections, mis-aligned velcro on shades, panels that don't line up, incredibly sloppy carpentry and caulking in places where you can't easily see, penetrations that rust badly due to improper prep. These are all real-life examples from my van, and are similar to problems reported by others. I looked carefully at several new Interstates in 2014 before we bought our GWV Legend. Things had not improved as far as I could see.
We loved the idea of owning an Airstream, and after we addressed all the issues of our van, we enjoyed it immensely, and I was proud to pass it on to the next owner in better shape than it was when new. The kinds of issues they tend to have are fixable, but be prepared for many trips back to the dealer, and then a lot of your own work on stuff that they won't help with.
