The camping van market is not showing any signs of slowing down, forecast to jump 50% by 2027. To help meet that demand and expand its adventure van offerings, Airstream is going compact. Its new Interstate 19X takes the rugged features of the Interstate 24X and applies them to a smaller and more maneuverable package.
Airstream started building the Interstate 19X with the 19-foot version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van chassis. While Benz has moved its vans from 4×4 to AWD, Airstream has kept the old 4×4 system and made it standard on this model.
Off-Road Van Life: 4×4 Standard, AWD Optional
The 4×4 system, which comes with a 188-horsepower 3.0L turbodiesel V6, gives the van durability to go with its off-road capability.
If you want the newer AWD system and its 211 horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel, Airstream gives you the option. Going with AWD gets you a nine-speed automatic, too, and is a full-time system instead of the part-time 4×4. It can send half of its torque to the front wheels if needed, 15% more than the older 4×4 system can.
Black wheels wearing all-terrain tires help complete the look and the off-road capability. The van can tow up to 5,000 pounds with either powertrain.
Interstate 19X Rugged Off-Pavement Protection
Just like on the 24X, Airstream gives the Interstate 19X off-pavement protection. The big Tenzing brush guard with integrated LED lights comes standard on the adventure van. The protective coating on the lower body, front bumper, and hood is also standard. The tough coating helps prevent pinstripes and rock chips when you’re blazing a new trail.
Airstream emphasizes the Interstate 19X’s cargo storage system. To help you make the most of the small footprint, Airstream offers customizable or removable upper cabinet storage. The van also comes with L-track brackets on the floor, walls, and ceiling to help make it as configurable and versatile as possible. The cabinets and drawers have soft-close mechanisms and come with positive locks to make sure they stay closed on the way to your remote campsite.
Off Grid but Always Powered Up
Two-hundred fifty watts of solar panels are mounted to the roof, helping you to keep the pair of 100Ah lithium batteries charged when you’re camping. Airstream will offer an even larger optional battery pack, for more time without the need for a plug.
You can also tick a box for a second alternator. Adding that option will let you charge the batteries with about 2.5 hours of highway driving.
Other features in this compact van include a heated wet bath with a shower, sink, and a flushing toilet instead of a cassette. There is a 13,500BTU air conditioner, a 20-gallon freshwater tank, a 16-gallon greywater tank, and a 9-gallon blackwater tank. It also has a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter.
A 1,000W induction cooktop forms the start of your galley and folds away when you’re not using it. There is also a fridge, microwave, and a drawer freezer, with the fridge and freezer accessible from the side doorway.
Airstream Interstate 19X Adventure Van
The Interstate 19X comes standard with a Truma heating and hot water system as well as a 2.5kW propane generator. Airstream is also offering an optional E1 package upgrade. It comes with a single-source fuel system that uses the van’s diesel tank for hot water, the furnace, and the generator.
Airstream said the Interstate 19X will go on sale starting Sept. 12. The MSRP starts at $199,940.
