2010 Itasca Navion 24J Review

On the road again… it always seems like you’re on the road again. To ensure that your next RVing adventure doesn’t sound like a sad country song, make your trip as comfortable as possible in the 2010 Itasca Navion Class C Motorhome.

Available in three floor plans, we’re going to focus our attention on the 24J, the base model of this series. Measuring in at 24’6″, the 24J comes with all the conveniences of home as well as the hallmarks of a sturdy and dependable vehicle.

Built on the Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Navion is powered by a 154-hp Mercedes-Benz 3.0L CDI 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Equipped with adaptive ESP technology, it’s designed to sense vehicle load and performance parameters, which maximizes handling, control and driving stability. A smooth ride is always in order, thanks to its independent front suspension system with a transverse mono-leaf spring and stabilizer. And, its five-speed transmission comes with tip-shift technology that allows for manual shifting.

To stand up to the trials of the road, the Navion is built with SuperStructure construction. By combining Thermo-Panel sidewalls, interlocking joints and a solid foundation, this Navion class C motorhome boasts strength and durability. Its patented Thermo-Panel sidewalls are lightweight, while the specially engineered interlocking joints that connect the floor, sidewalls and roof are super strong. Overhead you’ll find a crowned, one-piece fiberglass roof that’s backed with a 10-year limited parts and labor roof skin warranty. There’s also an automotive-style dip tank – this handy feature applies an advanced electrode position coating that protects critical steel components.

You don’t want your motorhome matching all the others in the park, so the Navion comes in a variety of color themes and graphics packages. You can even choose to get the full-body paint. And there are no shortages of exterior features you can take advantage of. Bring along an extra car using the rugged 5,000-lb. hitch with seven-pin wiring. Enjoy a sunrise under the patio awning, and bring along some extra toys by packing them in the exterior storage bay.

There’s also a 3,200-watt Cummins Onan diesel or 3,600-watt MicroQuiet LP generator available to offer power, as well as a service center with color-coded labels to make hookups quick and easy. For the LP tank, liquid levels are read by the TrueLevel holding-tank monitoring system, which uses sonar technology to accurately read levels from outside the tank. The TrueLevel system doesn’t have probes, which means you never have to worry about them corroding or clogging.

Inside, the Navion goes for a setting of comfort, style and versatility. Just like the exterior, there are a variety of interior decors to choose from. There are three fabric collections (Raw Silk, Moonrock and Summerville), and two cabinet woods (Honey Cherry and Belmont Maple). Fabrics are also available in UltraLeather (an upgrade), which gives you the soft feel of leather while remaining easy-to-clean and durable.

Built for all-season travel, controlling your climate in the Navion is a breeze. It comes equipped with a 13,500 BTU roof-mounted air conditioner, as well as a 25,000 BTU furnace.

The design of the Navion is thoughtful, giving you plenty of light and room to move, while making the most of the space and furniture available. A slideout comes standard in the 24J, giving you plenty of extra living space. Creating an open and airy feel is a centrally located skylight, which also comes in handy for climate control, thanks to an easy-to-use vent. If you want to keep some of the light out, a sliding screen and pleated shade give you some privacy.

Up front, a tilt steering wheel that telescopes is a perfect fit for most any driver, and to make it simple to see your surroundings, the power side mirrors come with defrost. Once you’re parked, the cab seats swivel to face the living area, and the hinged bunk with gas struts gives you easy access to this area. To keep the sun out, there’s built-in privacy shades that tuck neatly away into the window frame.

Also in the cab is a new 6.5″ touch screen. This handy gadget controls the rear view monitor and the RV Radio, which comes complete with a CD player, weather band, an iPod/MP3 input jack and remote. You can choose to upgrade to the Sirius Plug-N-Play satellite radio system, which comes with a second docking station for your tow vehicle and a six-month complimentary subscription.

Once you leave the cab, make your way into the living area. Here, you can choose to go with a hinged bunk and gas struts. If you don’t need the extra sleeping space, go with the overhead entertainment center with a 32″ LCD TV. In the living area you’ll find the Comfort Sofa Sleeper, a handy two-in-one feature that turns from seating to sleeping in no time flat.

For your dining pleasure, the Navion is outfitted with the versatile Benchmark, a full-comfort dinette that comes with innerspring cushions that flip up to provide access to storage areas and also turns into a comfortable bed. The Benchmark even comes with a child safety seat tether for a car seat.

In the kitchen, you have everything you need to cook, prep and much more. Designed with a contemporary backsplash and large sink, the kitchen also comes with a refrigerator/freezer, three-burner range, a microwave/convection oven, a vented range hood, a wood sink cover and laminate countertops.

A comfortable and relaxing bedroom is a key element to choosing a motorhome, and this fact hasn’t been overlooked by the folks at Itasca. The master bedroom comes complete with an angle-split mattress with interior and exterior access to the storage area below and is finished off with a mattress cover, pillows and pillow shams. To give you a little separation from the rest of the campers, the bedroom also comes with a privacy curtain.

Located next to the bedroom is the bathroom. It’s spacious enough to house a shower with wall surround, sink and toilet. Other features of note include a retractable self-cleaning shower door, a flexible showerhead and a skylight.

The Navion 24J starts in price from $95,162. For more information visit http://www.winnebagoind.com/.