The Airstream Interstate 19X is a more agile off-grid camper for digital nomads

Two years ago, Airstream welcomed the summer season with the Highway 24X, a large, adaptable pickup truck aimed squarely at outdoor adventurers and dispersed camping explorers. Now the summer is wrapping up with a shorter, more capable version called the Interstate 19X, a fun camper van that joins the all-new Trade Wind off-grid trailer in defining the future of travel, outdoor adventures and Airstream living. Like its older, larger sibling, the 19X features a very versatile design, complete with a dinette/bed/gear garage, multi-function work bench, off-grid power system, and plenty of tie-down tracks for securing toys and gear.

Based on the shorter 19.5 ft/233 in (592 cm) Mercedes Sprinter 144, the Airstream 19X is better positioned to compete with other Sprinter 144 camper vans out there, like the Winnebago Revel and Storyteller Mode 4×4. The standard model comes with a 188-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 and selectable all-wheel drive, but buyers can opt for a 211-hp 2.0-liter diesel V6 and a newer all-wheel drive system with a 50:50 torque split. . Either way, the truck gets tough with a protective coating on the hood and lower body, a brush guard that emphasizes the additional lights above the front bumper, and all-terrain tires on black wheels.

The 19X is filled with a single floor plan that uses a two-seat dinette aft to keep the long center aisle clear during transport. While the smaller truck size will certainly be useful on tight trails, it reduces the length of the center lane to about 11 feet (3.4 m), compared to 16 feet (4.9 m) on the 24X. Airstream says the 19X will fit shorter kayaks comfortably, but longer, wider vessels will ultimately increase the available space. Whatever’s being transported, the 19X Highway secures it with an L-track that runs the length of the shiny aluminum floor, walls and ceiling.

At camp, the dinette relies on an adjustable swivel table for dining, laptop work, card games, etc. The table can be removed at night, allowing the double seating to connect to the cushion in a transom double bed. One design flaw that is obvious from the photos is the edges of the left and right worktops extending slightly above the bed. This seems likely to cause the front sleeper to regularly bang his legs and elbows, while putting his head close enough to hit the edge. At the very least, they should round off the corners and bottom edges to take some of the sting out of any of these effects.

As far as these countertops go, Airstream keeps the longer passenger-side counter completely free for versatility, allowing owners to use it for everything from basic food preparation to ski adjustment. The shorter countertop on the driver’s side houses the sink, which includes a flush, fold-out cover to provide additional counter space. There is also a microwave and 88 liter indoor/outdoor refrigerator.

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Between the cabin and the galley, the wet bathroom has a separate sink, shower and toilet. The truck also includes a standard hot/cold outdoor shower.

Dual 100-amp Battle Born lithium batteries, a 2,000-watt inverter, 250-watt roof-mounted solar, and a 13,500 BTU air conditioner come standard. The E1 package added to select Airstream trucks last year is optional on the 19X, enhancing the electrical system and fueling hot water/interior heating via the same chassis diesel tank that powers the engine.

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The all-new Airstream Interstate 19X launched last week with a base price of $199,940.

Source: Airstream