Airstream press release - "The core elements of the Airstream experience - refined by nearly eight decades of travel and exploration around the globe – are simple: thirst for adventure, a yearning to explore the open road, the desire to own something truly hand-made and unique. Now Airstream has infused its exclusive blend of rugged construction and luxurious hand-crafted workmanship into an all-new model, the 2009 Airstream Interstate 3500. Smaller than a full-size motorhome, yet unlike any other “Class B” Touring Coach on the road today, the Airstream Interstate 3500 features best-in-class hauling and carrying capacity, a state-of-the-art Energy Management System, an eco-friendly drivetrain, a luxurious interior and a bevy of Airstream-engineered on-board systems that make travel a stress-free experience."

“The 2009 Interstate 3500 is the perfect package for people that feel the urge to explore, but want to do it in a comfortable, easy-to-drive, fuel efficient vehicle,” says Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler. “The Airstream brand stands for adventure, quality and durability. Our new Interstate exemplifies those points, thanks to a rugged Freightliner Sprinter 3500 chassis and cutting-edge turbodiesel engine, combined with contemporary exterior styling and all the high-end interior appointments and innovations you’d expect from an Airstream.”

NOT JUST ANOTHER SHELL

What truly makes the Interstate 3500 stand out from other recreational vehicles are compact exterior proportions and car-like handling combined with a large, well-appointed cabin. The Mercedes CDI V6 Diesel can achieve up to 20mpg highway mileage, and is rated to run on B5 Bio-Diesel. Driving the Interstate is a pleasure, thanks to standard Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP), power-assist rack and pinion steering, and European-designed suspension.

While the Interstate’s sleek exterior features unique Airstream styling cues and subtle silver accents, it is more than just another Sprinter shell. Unlike other Class B coaches on the market, Airstream starts with the heavy-duty 3500 series chassis, which features dual rear wheels for improved stability and hauling capability, as well as a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). That means you can pack more gear, people and adventure into your Interstate without worrying about exceeding its limits. The Interstate 3500 is even rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it capable of pulling a variety of boats, ATVs and other adventure accessories.

PRACTICAL LUXURY

Inside the Airstream-designed cabin, the 2009 Interstate can seat eight people and sleep two. Its unique adaptive floor-plan can be configured with forward facing bucket seats and a rear bench, a rear bed, and even social “club seating” facing a center table when parked. The Interstate’s laminated interior floor is as unique as the vehicle itself. The floor is over 1.5-inches thick, and is designed to offer maximum insulation from the outside climate as well as superior sound dampening and isolation from road noise. All Interstate seating surfaces are covered in UltraLeather and UltraSuede, and all cabinetry is constructed of extruded aluminum or real wood. The galley includes a 1.2 cubic foot Apollo oven that features convection-microwave and two other advanced cooking options. A stainless steel two-burner stove cooktop is flush mounted beneath a glass cover, fueled by onboard liquid propane. The 3.1 cubic foot refrigerator uses an AC/DC compressor that consumes 90% less power than a standard RV refrigerator.

Other Interstate 3500 features include an expandable bathroom with an easy-to-clean one-piece gel-coated fiberglass shower with integrated sink. A special chrome pull-out faucet converts to a showerhead and a built-in liquid soap and shampoo dispenser eliminates loose bottles and increases convenience on the road. A new onboard monitoring system keeps passengers updated on power and water levels, and a new electrical system utilizes cutting-edge absorbed glass matt (AGM) batteries that can be charged by the tow vehicle’s 220-amp alternator, camp ground hookups via the converter/inverter, or an optional 50 watt roof mounted solar panel.  When compared to traditional RV electrical systems, the Interstate system is easier to use and requires significantly less maintenance.

OPTIONS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE

Options on the Interstate 3500 include the aforementioned roof-mounted solar panel and charge controller, a rear backup camera mated to a 5.5-inch LCD screen, even a 13-foot power operated awning.  If you want to keep your passengers entertained on the road, a 19-inch flat panel LCD TV/DVD mounted in back above the rear bench/bunk is perfect for watching movies at the campsite. A roof-mounted high-efficiency Carrier air conditioning unit is available, controlled by a wall mounted thermostat “just like home,” and an Onan 2.5 KW liquid propane powered generator can also be mounted under the floor to save interior cabin space and keep the vehicle’s center of gravity low. Thanks to its LP fuel, the generator emits extremely low emissions and makes the Interstate totally self-sufficient.