Airstream 2012 INTERSTATE User Manual

INTRODUCTION
The Owners Manual for your new Airstream Motorhome is designed to respond
to the most frequent inquiries regarding the operation, function and care of the
many systems that make modern motor homing a joy.
The Airstream Interstate Motorhome is integrated into a Sprinter Van, designed
and manufactured by Sprinter. Operation of the Sprinter, its engine, power
train, and other related components are discussed in the Sprinter Operator’s
Manual and other literature provided by Sprinter. As a point of reference, those
systems discussed in the Sprinter literature are warranted by Sprinter or their
suppliers.
Airstream realizes our customers possess varying degrees of expertise in the
area of repairing and maintaining the appliances in their motorhome. For this
reason, the service and trouble-shooting information found in this manual is
directed toward those with average mechanical skills. We also realize you
may be more familiar in one area than you are in another. Only you know your
capabilities and limitations.
We want you to use this manual, and hope you will find the information con-
tained in it helpful, however, should you ever feel you may be “getting in over
your head” please see your dealer to have the repairs made.
The operation and care of component parts such as, refrigerator, furnace, water
heater and others are briefly explained in this manual. However, you will also

Airstream 2012 INTERSTATE Specifications

General

Model Year	2012
Model	INTERSTATE
Category	Class B Motorhome
Manufacturer	Airstream
Engine	3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel
Horsepower	188 hp
Torque	325 lb-ft
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Fuel Type	Diesel
GVWR	11, 030 lbs
Sleeping Capacity	2
Air Conditioning	Yes
Heating	Yes
Refrigerator	Yes
Microwave	Yes
Toilet	Yes
Shower	Yes
Generator	Yes
Fuel Capacity	26.4 gallons
Fresh Water Capacity	24 gallons
Gray Water Capacity	27 gallons

Summary

Introduction

Important Safety Precautions

General safety warnings and advice for operating the motorhome safely.

Warranty and Service

Warranty Coverage and Limitations

Details on the limited warranty coverage period, terms, and conditions.

What is Not Covered by Warranty

Lists components and conditions excluded from the Airstream limited warranty.

Obtaining Warranty Service

Reporting Safety Defects

Driving

Loading and Weight Management

Critical aspects of safely loading a motorhome and managing weights.

Weighing Procedures and Definitions

Instructions for weighing the vehicle and definitions of weight ratings (GVWR, GAWR).

Weight Distribution and Seat Belts

Guidance on distributing weight and the importance of seat belt usage.

Trailer Towing and Hitching

Tips for towing trailers, including hitch information and loading advice.

Pre-Trip Safety Checks

Sprinter Van

Fuel and Tire Information

Wheel and Tire Maintenance

Camping

General Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Smoke and CO Alarm Systems

Information on smoke/CO detectors, features, maintenance, and alarm response.

LP Gas Detector Operation

Details on the LP gas detector, its operation, testing, and safety warnings.

Exterior

Patio Awning Operation

Plumbing

LPG System Overview

Details on the LPG system, tank, remote fill, and supply switch.

LPG Regulator and Safety Rules

Water System Operation

Instructions for using the self-contained water system, city water hookup, and pump.

Water System Sanitizing

Toilet System Maintenance

Winterizing and Storage Procedures

Comprehensive steps for winterizing the motorhome's plumbing systems.

Drain and Waste System

Information on the drain system, macerator pump, and emptying holding tanks.

Electrical Systems

120-Volt Power System

Circuit Protection and Breakers

Details on circuit breakers, the breaker panel, and protection methods.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

Information on GFCI protection, breaker testing, and receptacle testing.

Energy Management System (EMS)

Explanation of the EMS, its operation, controlled loads, and averaging.

Generator Operation and Safety

Guidelines and warnings for operating the generator and preventing carbon monoxide exposure.

12V System and Battery Management

Overview of the 12V system, battery storage, disconnect switch, and separator.

Inverter/Charger System

12V Distribution Panel and Components

Appliances

Furnace Operation and Safety

Refrigerator Operation and Setup

Cook Top Operation and Safety

Instructions for using the cook top, ignition, and safety warnings.

Water Heater Operation and Safety

Specifications

Weight Ratings and Definitions

Detailed weight ratings (GVWR, GCWR, GAWR) and their definitions.