2014 Itasca Meridian 34B Review
If you’re looking for beauty and brains then you might take an interest in the Itasca Meridian. Diesel-pushing lovers praise the Meridian’s Freightliner Maxum Chassis, its amenities and its full-body paint job that steals drivers’ attentions from the road.
There are four unique floorplans to choose from. All have residential layouts and spacious rooms. We decided to explore the 34B, which features a large bedroom, equipped with ample storage space. It has an overall length of 35’7”, exterior height of 12’10”, exterior width of 8’5.5” and exterior storage of 161 cu. ft. The Meridian 34B has an awning length of 16’, interior height of 7’ and interior width of 8’0.5”. For water, the 34B has a freshwater tank capacity of 85 gallons, water heater capacity of 10 gallons, holding tank capacity of 46 gallons and black water capacity of 61 gallons. Its LP capacity is 28 gallons and its fuel capacity is 100 gallons. The Meridian’s gross vehicle weight rating is 29,410 lbs.
Step inside the cockpit of the Meridian and it’s clear Itasca recognizes that driver comfort is a top priority. From the Ultraleather cab seats to the Infotainment Center, the Meridian makes 24-hour journeys as cozy as possible. Cab seats recline, swivel and slide. The infotainment Center features a Rand McNally RV GPS, which operates via touch screen monitor, turn-by-turn voice guidance, compass, outside temperature, and iPhone integration. There’re also color rearview and side-view cameras. The driver’s seat is powered and the passenger’s seat has a manual footrest. Those who plan on driving in the frozen winters will utilize the defroster fans and power mirrors with the defrost function. High maintenance passengers might want to request a lounger, which equates to a cab seat, equipped with a flip-up workstation.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 American Coach Heritage 45A
Itasca outfitted the Meridian 34B with state-of-the-art amenities, sophisticated technology and modern design. The soft vinyl ceiling, which features crown molding and LED ceiling lights, contrasts the wood cabinetry. On roasting summer days, escape the heat by relaxing on the Ultraleather furniture, while cooling off under the TrueAir maximum comfort air conditioning system. You can still experience the outdoors through Contour tinted windows. Unlike its three siblings, the 34B’s dining table comes with a 40” retractable HDTV. Those who like dinner served with nice tunes from their album collection can make use of the Blu-Ray Home Theater Sound System.
Entertaining isn’t only for condo-dwellers and house-owners. With sufficient storage space and elegant cabinetry, the Meridian galley will keep your family well fed and happy. Corian countertops provide you with ample prep-space and are accented by a decorative backsplash. Cabinet finishes come with various options: Coffee-Glazes Honey Cherry, Coffee-Glazed Forest Cherry and Coffee-Glazed Vienna Maple. Serious cooks can request a three-burner range with an oven and a residential stainless steel French door refrigerator. It comes with an ice dispenser and a bottom freezer drawer. If you’re too lazy to scan the fridge and prepare the turkey, then throw a frozen dinner into the microwave and call it a day.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Entegra Coach Aspire 42DEQ
When you do decide to call it a day, escape to your bedroom and lock the door behind you. Turn on your 32” HD TV and crawl under the soft blankets of your Queen bed, equipped with an innerspring mattress. Those who like sprawling out like starfish when they sleep can request a King bed with a Natural Reserve digital comfort control mattress, equipped with a remote control. Humid days can be battled under the ceiling fan, which makes the entire space feel like home. With ample storage throughout the space, your clothes, electronics and accessories will find their own, secret hiding places.
Your morning routine will be executed in the modest-sized bathroom. However, with Corian countertops and a residential backsplash, you’ll barely miss the space of your full-time home’s bathroom. The shower is equipped with a textured glass shower door and a flexible showerhead. A skylight above so you can save on electricity. Lastly, a porcelain toilet sits beside the shower.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2013 Coachmen Encounter 34TA
Families who prefer entertaining, relaxing and bonding outdoors will utilize Meridian’s outdoor features. Most importantly, you can request an outdoor-entertainment center, which comes with a 32” HD TV. You can request a ladder and a slideout storage compartment tray. Late-night barbeques require outdoor lighting so utilize the porch lights and the lighted stepwell.
The 2014 Itasca Meridian 34B Motorhome sells for around $260,000. For more information visit http://www.goitasca.com/.
