Airstream unveiled a new off-road Mercedes-Benz Sprinter camper van for nearly $200,000 as RV shipments continue to slump

Brittany ChangJan 12, 2024, 16:53 IST

Airstream's newest almost $200,000 camper van is rugged and ready for off-roading.Airstream

Airstream unveiled its newest camper van: the Interstate 19X starting at $199,940.
Camper van shipments have not dipped as dramatically as travel trailers.

Airstream's newest camper van wasn't designed to be a cute little Instagram-perfect RV. Instead, it's rugged, well-equipped, and a whopping $200,000 at a time when RV interest has dwindled fast.

Anybody in the RV industry will tell you sales have looked better. From 2020 up until recently, RV makers were seeing interest at record levels, leading to multi-billion-dollar backlogs, packed RV parks, and younger buyers.

But these days, this frenzy is harder to find. RV sales dropped dramatically over the last year, leading to a wholesale shipment decline by 47.7% from 2023 compared to the same time in 2022, according to July data from the RV Industry Association.

However, the dip in camper van shipments wasn't as dramatic as the drop for travel trailers in July.

Airstream

These Class B RVs have become a trendy must-have for younger road trip fanatics.

A Cabana camper van.Cabana

It's great news for legacy RV maker Airstream, which just unveiled its newest Interstate 19X camper.

Airstream

With how sales have been looking for Airstream's parent company Thor Industries, the RV maker could use a boost in sales with the help of this new model.

Airstream

Besides Airstream, Thor also oversees brands like Jayco, Keystone, and Dutchmen.

Airstream

Luckily, it seems the "Interstate" line has become a hit for Airstream.

Airstream

With a price of $199,940, the newest Interstate 19X falls on the less expensive end of this range.

Airstream

This van was not built to be frilly and cute.

Airstream

The new 19-foot-long Interstate 19X has several exterior features to protect it from the rugged terrain.

Airstream

Inside, storage like drawers and cabinets line the van.

Airstream

A galley and a bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet provide travelers with the comforts of a traditional home.

Airstream

And like most space-efficient camper vans, the rear living area can convert into a queen or twin beds.

Airstream

Energy systems like two 100-amp-hour lithium batteries, shore power connection, and 250-watts of solar help power amenities like the air conditioning unit.

Airstream

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Airstream unveiled a new off-road Mercedes-Benz Sprinter camper van for nearly $200,000 as RV shipments continue to slump

However, the dip in camper van shipments wasn't as dramatic as the drop for travel trailers in July.

These Class B RVs have become a trendy must-have for younger road trip fanatics.

It's great news for legacy RV maker Airstream, which just unveiled its newest Interstate 19X camper.

With how sales have been looking for Airstream's parent company Thor Industries, the RV maker could use a boost in sales with the help of this new model.

Besides Airstream, Thor also oversees brands like Jayco, Keystone, and Dutchmen.

Luckily, it seems the "Interstate" line has become a hit for Airstream.

With a price of $199,940, the newest Interstate 19X falls on the less expensive end of this range.

This van was not built to be frilly and cute.

The new 19-foot-long Interstate 19X has several exterior features to protect it from the rugged terrain.

Inside, storage like drawers and cabinets line the van.

A galley and a bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet provide travelers with the comforts of a traditional home.

And like most space-efficient camper vans, the rear living area can convert into a queen or twin beds.

Energy systems like two 100-amp-hour lithium batteries, shore power connection, and 250-watts of solar help power amenities like the air conditioning unit.