2011 Itasca Impulse Review
If you’re considering becoming a full-timer—and don’t wish to go diesel—you must consider the Itasca Impulse. It has a forward combination sitting and galley area and a rear bedroom.
The Impulse’s brochure says it very nicely: “If you’ve ever had the urge to travel on your own terms, the Itasca Impulse is the perfect place to begin. It’s loaded with great features and user-friendly SmartSpace amenities in a fun-to-drive package at a very welcoming price. Choose from five floorplans, each offering a variety of sleeping options to accommodate kids or overnight guests. You can also add the interior upgrade package for stylish touches such as raised-panel wood grain refrigerator doors, glass cabinet door inserts and a decorative light in the dining area. All this, plus surprisingly abundant interior and exterior storage, makes it easy to go with the Itasca Impulse.”
The five floorplans of the 2011 Itasca Impulse and Impulse Silver—including the new 26Q—roll on the Ford E350 chassis. The 24V is on the 11,500-pound GVWR chassis, while a 14,500-pound GVWR chassis is standard on the 26Q, 31C, 31J and 31N.
A new “Silver” option package is designed for those owners who enjoy enhanced interior and exterior upgrades. While the new standard features for 2011 include premium high-gloss sidewall material, running boards, exterior rear roof ladder, decorative dinette light, raised veneer refrigerator inserts, MCD American Solo blackout roller shades, and a new storage compartment cover.
This traditional Class C—the Itasca Impulse—offers great value in 2011, a well equipped model lineup, five great floorplans, and a new Silver package. In other words, Impulse offers a lineup suited for everyone in 2011.
The Silver package takes the Impulse to a new level with both exterior and interior features that are sure to impress potential owners. On the exterior, you’ll notice the newly designed front cap that encompasses the entire front nose of the vehicle, providing an improved aerodynamic appearance. Additional exterior elements included in the Silver package are a full fiberglass front cap, fiberglass running boards with wheel lips, four full-body paint packages, and taillights with chrome trim rings. Exterior options that are standard in the Silver package include electric exterior mirrors, electric patio awning, stainless wheel liners, electric entrance step, and two deluxe graphics packages.
On the inside, the Silver package includes a vinyl ceiling, thermo-formed countertops and galley backsplash, a BenchMark full comfort dinette, single-control galley and lavatory faucets, large double-door refrigerator with raised veneer inserts, China toilet, and a water purification system. Interior options that are standard when this package is selected include a dash appliqué and the complete interior upgrade package that features the dream dinette table, range cover, bedroom valance upgrade, sink covers, throw pillows and MCD American Duo solar/blackout roller shades throughout the coach. All standard Impulse models, except the 24V, can be upgraded with the Silver package.
The new 26Q model contains features bound to be popular with RVers. First, in the living area, the dinette is nestled in a streetside slideout room and extends to create a spacious living area. A comfort sofa sleeper with a table is optional in exchange for the dinette. The comfort sofa sleeper features an inflatable mattress that quickly and easily inflates for sleeping, and then returns to a comfortable sofa for daytime use. More seating is also available when the cab seats swivel to join the living area when parked. The passenger side galley includes a refrigerator/pantry cabinet, and the enclosed bathroom features curved walls to maximize space and styling. The bedroom includes an offset island queen bed, plus there’s a large exterior storage compartment under the bed that’s ideal for lawn chairs. The optional entertainment center is located in the galley area—just across from the dinette—and includes a 26-inch LCD TV, home theater system, speakers, and video selection system. The TV is even mounted on a swivel bracket that allows it to extend and rotate for ideal viewing from any area in the coach.
The compact 24V offers a rear corner bed, large wardrobe next to the bathroom and a swivel/slide lounge chair that’s perfect for relaxing. This full-featured, non-slideout coach could be considered ideal for folks just entering the RVer lifestyle.
The 31C is incredibly spacious with a front sofa/dinette slideout room, and a roomy bedroom featuring a large shirt closet with a countertop below. In the living area, you can also opt for the comfort sofa sleeper. The rear of the coach features a roomy bedroom with a large wardrobe in the left corner and a nightstand on the right side of the queen bed.
If you are looking for a Class C that’s perfect for families, check out the 31J. Kids will be drawn to the bunk beds in the rear, especially if you add the optional DVD players with 8.5-inch LCD TV monitors! Not to worry, for the adults, the bedroom features a queen bed and an optional 19-inch LCD TV. Additional sleeping can also be found in the front of the coach with the dinette and sofa/bed easily creating more sleeping space.
The double slide 31N features a comfortable living area, with a roomy L-shaped galley close by. But it’s the side aisle, large bathroom area that sets this interesting floorplan apart from the rest. The bathroom provides two entries—one from the hallway, and the other in the rear bedroom via a convenient sliding door. I think you’ll be impressed with the size of the bathroom, too, that features a curved shower with a glass door. In the bedroom, relaxing is easy with the queen bed that’s positioned in the slideout room. Other features of the bedroom include a large, three-door wardrobe, and an optional 19-inch LCD TV.
For more information, visit http://www.winnebagoind.com/.
