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

2012 INTERSTATEINTRODUCTION
find the complete manufacturer’s information supplied in a packet included
with this manual.
Note: All information, illustrations and specifications contained in the literature
are based on the latest product information available at the time of publica-
tion approval. Airstream reserves the right to make changes if and when new
materials and/or production techniques are developed that can improve the
quality of its product, or when material substitutions are necessary due to
availability.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual. Always
read and obey all safety messages.
Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CaUTiOn indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
nOTiCE: used without the safety alert symbol indicates a situation that could
result in property damage if not avoided.
NOTE: Important information regarding the maintenance of your recreational
vehicle.
(Optional)
This denotes items that may be an option on all or particular models. Additionally,
some optional items can only be included during the manufacturing phase and
cannot be added.
The inclusion of optional items does not imply or suggest the availability,
application suitability, or inclusion for any specific unit.
NOTICE: Your Sprinter Van Operator’s and Warranty Manuals contain im-
portant cautions, warnings, operational, and warranty information on the
Sprinter and its components. All information in the Sprinter manual should
be reviewed and followed for your safety. The Airstream Interstate Owner’s
Manual may provide addition information and tips on the use of the Van
as a motorhome, however, no information in the Airstream manual should
be interpreted as advice or directions to disregard or void the warnings,
cautions, or other information contained in the Sprinter’s manuals.
Important Safety Precautions
You’ll find many safety recommendations on this page and throughout this
manual. The recommendations on the next two pages are the ones we

INTRODUCTION
consider to be the most important. Most are covered in depth in later sections
of this manual.
Mold (See page D-18)
There are mold and mold spores throughout the indoor and outdoor environment.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor
environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Towing and Weight Distribution (See section B of this manual)
Weight distribution is an important factor when loading your motorhome. A
recreational vehicle with the cargo distributed properly will result in efficient,
trouble-free towing. Be sure to follow the instructions in this manual.
Generator Safety (See page H-10)
Do not operate the generator in an enclosed building or in a partly enclosed
area such as a garage. Nor should the generator be operated while sleeping.
Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual and the generator
manufacturer’s manual.
Appliances and Equipment (See LP section on G-1 and Appliances on
page I-1)
The appliances (stove, outdoor grills, etc.) and equipment (hot water heater,
furnace generator, etc.) typically operate on propane gas. Propane gas is
flammable and is contained under high pressure. Improper use may result in
a fire and/or explosion. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this
manual (see LP Plumbing section) as well as the specific owners’ manuals of
the appliances and equipment.
Tire Safety (See pages C-3 through C-5 and the Tire Safety Manual
Addendum)
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-
carrying capability of your vehicle. Under inflated tires and overloaded
vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. Be sure to read the Tire Safety Manual
Addendum included with your owner’s packet.

2012 INTERSTATEINTRODUCTION
Chemical Sensitivity
Chemical Sensitivity
After you first purchase your new recreational vehicle and sometimes after it
has been closed up for an extended period of time you may notice a strong
odor and chemical sensitivity. This is not a defect in your recreational vehicle.
Like your home, there are many different products used in the construction of
recreational vehicles such as carpet, linoleum, plywood, insulation, upholstery,
etc. Formaldehyde is also the by-product of combustion and numerous
household products, such as some paints, coatings and cosmetics. However,
recreational vehicles are much smaller than your home and therefore the
exchange of air inside a recreational vehicle is significantly less than a home.
These products, when new or when exposed to elevated temperatures and/
or humidity, may “off-gas” different chemicals, including formaldehyde. This
off-gassing, in combination with the minimal air exchange, may cause you to
experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and sometimes headache,
nausea, and a variety of asthma-like symptoms. Elderly persons and young
children, as well as anyone with a history of asthma, allergies, or lung problems,
may be more susceptible to the effects of off-gassing.
Most of the attention regarding chemical off-gassing surrounds formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance. It is also a key industrial
chemical used in the manufacture of the numerous consumer products which
we referred to above and used in the construction of recreational vehicles.
Trace levels of formaldehyde are also released from smoking, cooking, use of
soaps and detergents such as carpet shampoos, cosmetics, and many other
household products. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde while
others may not have any reaction to the same levels of formaldehyde. Amounts
released decrease over time.
Your Airstream motorhome was manufactured using low formaldehyde
emitting (LFE) wood products, which is the typical usage in the recreation
vehicle industry. Formaldehyde has an important role in the adhesives used
to bind wood products used in recreation vehicles. The wood products in
your motorhome are designed to emit formaldehyde at or lower than industry
guidelines and should not produce symptoms in most individuals.
While LFE wood products typically do not emit formaldehyde at a level that
would cause symptoms in most individuals, it is possible, though not likely, for
that to occur when the trailer is not properly ventilated. Ventilation is an essential
requirement for trailer use, for many reasons. Any effects of formaldehyde
can be greatly reduced by actions such as opening windows, opening roof
vents, running the air conditioner, or some combination thereof. In addition,
the emission of formaldehyde by these products naturally decreases rapidly
over time.

INTRODUCTION
Airstream strongly suggests that you take measures to properly ventilate your
motorhome on a regular basis.
Ventilation
To reduce or lessen exposure to chemicals from off-gassing it is of utmost
importance that you ventilate your recreational vehicle. Ventilation should occur
frequently after purchase and at times when the temperatures and humidity are
elevated. Remember off-gassing is accelerated by heat and humidity. Open
windows, exhaust vents, and doors. Operate ceiling and/or other fans, roof air
conditioners, and furnaces and use a fan to force stale air out and bring fresh air
in. Decreasing the flow of air by sealing the recreational vehicle increases the
formaldehyde level in the indoor air. Please also follow the recommendations
contained in Chapter 2 regarding tips to avoid condensation problems. Many
of the recommendations contained in Chapter 2 will assist in avoiding exposure
to chemicals that off-gas.
If you have any questions with respect to proper ventilation of your motorhome,
please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or Airstream.
Chemical gassing is not a “Defect” in your recreational vehicle and is not
covered by the Limited Warranty. Please follow the recommendations in this
manual to address this concern.
Do Not Smoke
Finally, we recommend that you do not smoke inside your recreational vehicle.
In addition to causing damage to your recreational vehicle, tobacco smoke
releases formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.
Medical Advice
If you have any questions regarding the health effects of formaldehyde, please
consult your doctor or local health department.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
A - 1
A. WARRANTY AND SERVICE
Warranty
Warranty Explanation
Service
Reporting Safety Defects
Maintenance Schedule
B. DRIVING
Loading
Weighing The Motorhome
Seat Belts
Trailer Towing & Driving Tips
Towing The Motorhome
Safety Check List
C. SPRINTER VAN
Component Identification
Tire/Wheels
Changing a Tire
Wheel Simulator
D. CAMPING
Safety
Smoke/CO Alarm
LP Gas Detector
Overnight Stop
Extended Stay
Winter Traveling
E. EXTERIOR
Cleaning Exterior
Roadside Exterior Features
Curbside Exterior Features
Awning
F. INTERIOR FURNISHINGS
AND ACCESSORIES
Seats
Lounge/Bed, Dinette
Vinyl Floor
Cabinets
Wet bath
Galley/Lavatory Sinks
Interior Skin
Fabric
Shades
Countertops
Vents
Interior Bulbs
G. PLUMBING
LP (Liquid Petroleum) Gas
Water System
Water Pump
City Water Hookup
Exterior Shower
Faucets
Drain Valve Locations
Toilet
Storage and Winterizing
Drainage/Waste System
H. ELECTRICAL
120 Volt System
Energy Management System
GFI Breakers
Generator
12-volt Operation
Battery Disconnect
Monitor System
TV Antenna
Entertainment Center
Satellite System
Solar Power
I. APPLIANCES
Air Conditioner
Furnace
Refrigerator
Cooktop
Microwave Oven
Water Heater
Coffee Maker
J. SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
Capacities
INDEX

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WARRANTy AND SERvICE
AIRSTREAM MOTORHOME LIMITED WARRANTY
WARRANTY COVERAGE
Airstream Inc. (“Airstream”) warrants that it will repair or replace defects in
material or workmanship in any components of a new Airstream motorhome
purchased from an authorized Airstream dealer in the United States or Canada
for 36,000 miles (57,937 Kilometers) or a period of thirty-six (36) months from
the date the motorhome is first delivered to the original retail purchaser. In order
to obtain coverage under this Limited Warranty, you must notify an authorized
Airstream dealership or Airstream of the warrantable defect no later than ten
(10) days following expiration of this Limited Warranty. Airstream’s obligation
to repair or replace defective materials or workmanship is the sole obligation of
Airstream under this Limited Warranty. Airstream reserves the right to use new
or remanufactured parts of similar quality to complete any warranty work.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, IF
ANY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE TERM OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED
BY AIRSTREAM. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW
LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY
This Limited Warranty does not provide coverage for any of the following:
1. Tires, batteries, stereo, television, range/stove, furnace, refrigerator, water
heater, microwave, generator, slide-out mechanisms, and other materials, parts
and components warranted by persons or entities other than Airstream. Please
refer to the warranties of component manufacturers for terms and conditions
of coverage;
2. Any part or component of the motorhome that was not manufactured or
installed by Airstream;
3. Normal deterioration due to wear or exposure, including but not limited to
rust, corrosion, oxidation, and cosmetic blemishes;
4. Normal maintenance and service items, including but not limited to light
bulbs, fuses, lubricants, sealants and seals, slide out adjustments, door adjust-
ments, and awning tension;
5. After-market equipment or accessories installed on the motorhome after
completion of manufacture by Airstream, or any defects or damage caused by
such items;
6. Motorhomes not purchased through an authorized dealer of Airstream mo-
torhomes, and motorhomes purchased directly or indirectly through auction,
salvage, repossession, or other non-customary sale means;

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WARRANTy AND SERvICE
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7. Defects or damage caused by, in whole or in part, or in any way related to:
a. Accidents, misuse (including off-road use), or negligence.
b. Failure to comply with the instructions set forth in any owner’s
manual provided with the motorhome.
c. Alteration or modification of the motorhome except such altera
tions or modifications approved in writing by Airstream.
d. Acts of God or other environmental conditions, such as lightning,
hail, salt, or other chemicals in the atmosphere.
e. De-icing agents or other chemicals applied to the motorhome.
f. Failure to properly maintain or service the motorhome, includ
ing but not limited to the maintenance of lubricants, sealants, and
seals.
g. Condensation and the results of condensation including water
damage and the growth of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew are
natural growths given certain environmental conditions and are not
covered by the terms of this Limited Warranty.
h. Use of the motorhome other than for temporary recreation pur
poses, including but not limited to use of the motorhome for residen
tial, commercial, disaster relief, or rental purposes.
i. The addition of weight to the motorhome that causes the motor
home’s total weight to exceed applicable motorhome weight rat
ings, or addition of weight causing improper distribution of the
weight of the motorhome.
j. Failure to seek and obtain repairs in a timely manner.
k. Failure to use reasonable efforts to mitigate damage caused by
defects.
l. Failure to properly ventilate the motorhome.
m. Improper electric power supply or improper vehicle hookup to
other facilities.
n. Acts or omissions of any person or entity other than Airstream.
DISCLAIMER OF INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Airstream hereby disclaims any and all incidental and consequential damages
arising out of or relating to the motorhome, including expenses such as trans-
portation to and from vehicle dealerships and Airstream repair facilities, loss of
time, loss of pay, loss of use, inconvenience, commercial loss (including lost
profits), towing charges, bus fares, vehicle rental, service call charges, gasoline
expenses, incidental charges such as telephone calls and facsimile transmis-
sions, and expenses for lodging. This disclaimer is independent of any failure of
the essential purpose of any warranties provided with the motorhome, and shall
survive any determination that a warranty failed of its essential purpose. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE
In order to obtain warranty service under this Limited Warranty, the owner must

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WARRANTy AND SERvICE
do all of the following:
1. Owner and dealer representative must complete, sign, and return
the Customer Performance Checkout within 10 days from delivery
of the motorhome;
2. Notify Airstream or one of its authorized, independent dealers, of
any claimed defect within the warranty period or 10 days thereafter;
3. Provide notification of a defect within 10 days of discovery of that
defect; and
4. Promptly return the motorhome to an authorized Airstream dealer
or Airstream for repairs.
If you believe a defect covered by this Limited Warranty still exists after an at-
tempted repair by an authorized Airstream dealer, you must contact Airstream
at the following address, specifying:
1. The complete serial number of the motorhome;
2. The date of original purchase and the date of original delivery;
3. The name of the selling dealer; and
4. The nature of the problem and the steps or service which have
been performed.
AIRSTREAM, INC. 419 West Pike Street P.O. Box 629 Jackson Center, Ohio
45334-0629 Attention: Owner Relations Department
Airstream may direct you to an authorized Airstream dealer, or may request that
you bring your motorhome to the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio for
repairs.
Airstream does not control the scheduling of repairs at its authorized Airstream
dealers, and repairs at the Airstream factory may not be immediately available.
Therefore, you may encounter delays in scheduling repairs and/or completion
of repairs. All costs associated with transporting the motorhome for any war-
ranty service shall be the sole responsibility of the owner.
DEALER REPRESENTATIONS EXCLUDED
The entire Limited Warranty provided by Airstream is set forth herein. Airstream
will not be responsible for any additional representations or warranties made by
any person or entity other than Airstream, and Airstream’s obligations are solely
as set forth in the terms and conditions of this Limited Warranty.
WARRANTY TRANSFER
This Limited Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners for the remaining
duration of the warranty period, upon approval from Airstream. Transfer of this
Limited Warranty will only be approved by Airstream upon all of the following:
(1) Airstream’s receipt of a completed transfer application form; (2) the pay-
ment of a $250.00 processing fee to Airstream; and (3) the completion of an
inspection of the condition of the motorhome, at the owner’s expense, by an

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WARRANTy AND SERvICE
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authorized Airstream dealer in accordance with Airstream’s required procedure
and Airstream’s receipt of a written report as to the results of such inspection.
Transfer application forms are available from your dealer or Airstream’s Service
Administration Department.
CHANGES IN DESIGN
Airstream reserves the right to make changes in design and improvements
upon its products from time-to-time, without imposing upon itself any obliga-
tion to install additional features in your motorhome.
CONSUMER ARBITRATION PROGRAM
Airstream Inc. participates in the Consumer Arbitration Program for Recreation
Vehicles (CAP-RV). This third-party dispute resolution program is available, at
no charge to you, to settle unresolved warranty disputes for recreation vehicles.
This dispute resolution program reviews eligible product and service related
complaints involving warranty covered components.
To find out more about this program, or to request an application/brochure,
please call the Arbitration Administration office toll-free 800.279.5343.
For recreation vehicles purchased in the State of California: The CAP-RV
program operates as a certified mechanism under the review of the California
Arbitration Certification Program. You must utilize the arbitration program be-
fore claiming rights conferred by 15 USC section 2310 (Uniform Commercial
Code) or Civil Code section 1793.22(b) (Song-Beverly Warranty Act). You are
not required to use the program if you choose to seek redress by pursuing
rights and remedies not created by those laws.
Members of the armed forces who purchased the vehicle in California, or who
were stationed in or a resident of California at the time of purchase (regardless
of state of purchase) or who are stationed in California at the time of application
to this program may utilize the CAP-RV program.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY
ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
AIRSTREAM, INC.
419 West Pike Street
P.O. Box 629
Jackson Center, OH 45334-0629
Tele: 937-596-6111
Fax: [phone]