Airstream debuts new compact luxury camper van

The RV industry is booming, and one of the fastest growing sectors is the Class B market (not sure of the difference between a Class A and a Class B? Read this). Camper vans don’t require any towing, can often function as both a daily driver and a weekend getaway van, and some even fit in standard size parking spot. Love campers and trailers? Come join our community group.

The latest Class B van to hit the market is from industry powerhouse Airstream. As the longest-tenured recreational vehicle manufacturer in the world, Airstream is best known for their iconic “silver bullet’ trailers. But they also make Class B touring couches with their Atlas and Interstate lineups.

This past week they debuted the Interstate Nineteen, a compact Class B that’s full of Airstream’s signature touches. At only 19 feet long, the Interstate Nineteen sits on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 chassis and a 144-inch wheelbase. It sleeps two comfortably on a power rear sofa that converts into a generously sized bed, and there is ample storage thanks to high-end overhead cabinets. When not used as a bed, the rear area functions as an eating a lounging area, and a compact kitchen boasts Dupont Corian countertops, a sink, and a cooktop.

Despite the camper’s small size, the Interstate Nineteen still includes a wet bath with toilet, one-piece shower, sink, mirror, a retractable clothes line, and a cute riveted aluminum porthole door. Other amenities read like a laundry list of top-notch home comforts; the van includes power window shades, adjustable LED lighting, USB charging ports, and a ceiling fan with rain sensor.

An exterior power awning provides shade when it’s hot, and screens keep the bugs out. An outside shower boasts both hot and cold water, and an optional on-demand 4x4 system gives you four-wheel-drive at the push of a button. Like their other models, Airstream lets you choose from three color schemes, from a dark Columbian walnut wood to a lighter beach wood. Seating is available in a white oyster or black, and exterior paint colors are black, silver, or white.

The Interstate Nineteen starts at $149,240, making it a hefty investment and priced just slightly above similarly sized Class Bs like the Winnebago Revel. It also doesn’t offer a ton of gear storage for bikes, kayaks, and the like, so it’s more of a touring coach than an adventure van. But for lovers of all things Airstream looking for an alternative to a trailer, it might be just the thing.