The Navigator 310 RL comes from an era when motorhome manufacturers hadn’t yet succumbed to the “bigger is always better” philosophy. With 45,000 miles on the clock, this particular example suggests careful use rather than intensive touring, though you’d want to factor in the age when considering any purchase. The rear lounge configuration with twin bench seats creates a proper social space that converts into sleeping accommodation, while the over-cab bed provides additional berths without compromising the living area below.
What makes this Navigator particularly appealing is its blend of compact practicality with genuine touring capability. The 3,200kg gross weight keeps it within reasonable limits for most drivers, while features like the awning and bike rack suggest it’s been set up for proper adventures rather than just weekend escapes.
Size and Practicality of the Navigator 310 RL
At 5.38 metres, the Navigator 310 RL sits in that goldilocks zone of motorhome dimensions – not too big, not too small, but just right for many UK touring scenarios. You’d find this length particularly manageable when navigating Devon’s narrow lanes or squeezing into those characterful pub car parks that larger motorhomes simply can’t access. The short-wheelbase VW T4 chassis contributes to surprisingly tight turning circles, making three-point turns less of an ordeal than you might expect from a four-berth motorhome.
The compact footprint doesn’t mean you’re cramped inside, though. Compass has made clever use of the available space, with the rear lounge layout maximising social areas while keeping the overall length sensible. You’d appreciate this balance particularly if you’re planning to use the Navigator as a daily driver between trips, something that becomes increasingly impractical as motorhomes grow larger.
Storage considerations are well thought out, with cupboards above the lounge seating and additional storage beneath the seats. This dual-level approach means you can keep frequently used items accessible while stowing bulkier gear out of the way.
Driving the Navigator 310 RL
Behind the wheel, the VW 2.0-litre petrol engine provides adequate motivation for the Navigator’s 3,200kg gross weight, though you’d need to adjust your expectations compared to modern diesel alternatives. Petrol engines of this era typically offer smoother, quieter operation than their diesel counterparts, but you’d likely find fuel consumption higher, particularly when fully loaded or tackling hills.
The VW T4 chassis brings proven reliability and parts availability, crucial considerations for a 1998 motorhome. Power steering comes as standard, which you’d definitely appreciate when manoeuvring on site or parking in tight spots. The relatively modest weight means the Navigator shouldn’t feel too cumbersome on the road, though you’d want to allow extra time for longer journeys given the petrol engine’s characteristics.
With only two belted seats, the Navigator clearly positions itself as a couples’ tourer rather than a family hauler. This limitation means you’d need to consider passenger requirements carefully, though it does reflect the compact nature of the design.
Living in the Navigator 310 RL
The rear lounge layout forms the heart of the Navigator’s living space, with twin bench seats creating a proper social area that you’d genuinely want to spend time in. Unlike some compact motorhomes where the seating feels like an afterthought, these benches provide comfortable relaxation space with storage underneath for your touring essentials.
The kitchen arrangement shows thoughtful planning within the space constraints. A three-burner hob gives you proper cooking flexibility, while the oven and grill expand your culinary options beyond basic camping fare. The Electrolux fridge provides reliable cooling, and you’d find the sink compartment adequate for washing up, though you might need to be strategic about timing if multiple people want to use the kitchen area simultaneously.
That lift-up table for kitchen extension is a particularly clever touch; you’d appreciate the extra workspace when preparing meals, yet it folds away to maintain traffic flow through the motorhome. Two cupboards above the kitchen provide essential storage for crockery and provisions.
Navigator 310 RL Sleeping Arrangements
The four-berth capability comes from the rear lounge conversion plus the over-cab bed, accessed via a ladder. You’d find the rear lounge conversion creates a reasonably sized double bed, though the process of converting from seating to sleeping might become tedious if you’re doing it nightly. The bench seats would likely be more comfortable for occasional use rather than permanent sleeping arrangements.
The over-cab bed provides additional accommodation, though you’d need to consider whether climbing a ladder appeals to all potential users. This arrangement works well for couples with occasional guests or families with children who don’t mind the adventure of sleeping “upstairs.”
Storage cupboards above the lounge area mean you can keep bedding and personal items close at hand without cluttering the living space. The layout suggests this Navigator works best for couples who occasionally need extra berths rather than permanent four-person occupation.
Kitchen Space in the Navigator
The Navigator’s kitchen demonstrates how to pack genuine cooking capability into a compact space. The three-burner hob gives you flexibility for proper meal preparation (you could easily manage a full English breakfast or a decent evening meal without feeling restricted). The oven and grill combination expands your options considerably beyond simple hob cooking.
The Electrolux fridge should provide reliable cooling for a weekend away or longer tours, though you’d want to consider your shopping strategy for extended trips. The sink compartment handles washing up duties, though you might find the space tight if you’re dealing with larger pots and pans.
That electrical socket in the kitchen area is a thoughtful addition. You’d appreciate having power for a kettle, toaster, or other small appliances without trailing leads across the motorhome. The two cupboards above provide essential storage, though you’d need to pack thoughtfully to make the most of the available space.
The Navigator’s Bathroom
The bathroom arrangement shows typical compact motorhome compromises, with a cassette toilet, fold-down sink, and shower sharing the available space. You’d find this layout functional rather than luxurious, but perfectly adequate for touring use. The fold-down sink is a space-saving solution that you’d probably appreciate once you get used to the routine.
The shower provision means you’re not dependent on site amenities, though you’d need to manage water usage carefully given the compact fresh and waste water tanks typical of this size motorhome. The wardrobe provides hanging space for clothes, while additional storage keeps toiletries and towels organised.
This bathroom setup works well for couples who prioritise having their own amenities over spacious washing areas. You’d find it perfectly adequate for weekend breaks or longer tours where you’re spending most of your time outdoors.
Navigator 310 RL Systems and Equipment
The Navigator comes equipped with practical touring additions that suggest previous owners understood the importance of self-sufficiency. The awning extends your living space significantly; you’d find this particularly valuable for longer stays or when the weather’s changeable. The bike rack opens up exploration opportunities once you’ve reached your destination.
The Bluetooth CD player with USB connection brings the entertainment system into the modern era, though you’d probably want to check the sound quality and functionality given the age of the installation. Solar panel provision (if fitted) would help maintain battery charge during longer stays off-grid, reducing reliance on hookups.
The rear camera addition makes reversing and manoeuvring considerably easier. You’d appreciate this feature particularly when backing onto pitches or navigating tight spaces. These thoughtful additions suggest the Navigator has been set up for serious touring rather than occasional use.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the Navigator 310 RL’s compact dimensions and rear lounge layout appeal, you might also consider the Compass Avantgarde 115 Review: Compact Two-Berth Quality, which offers similar Compass build quality in a different configuration.
The Elddis Autoquest 115 Review: Alternative Four-Berth Touring provides an alternative manufacturer’s take on compact four-berth touring, while the Compass Avantgarde 130 Review: Extra Space Solution offers more space if you can accommodate the extra length.
Each alternative brings different strengths – the Autoquest might offer different layout options, while the Avantgarde models provide variations on the Compass theme with potentially more modern features depending on age and specification.
Final Thoughts
The 1998 Compass Navigator 310 RL represents motorhoming from a more sensible era, when manufacturers focused on making the most of available space rather than simply building bigger boxes. You’d find this Navigator particularly appealing if you value manoeuvrability over maximum space, or if you’re looking for a motorhome that won’t dominate your life when not touring.
The rear lounge layout creates genuine social space, while the compact dimensions keep the Navigator manageable for regular use. The VW T4 chassis brings proven reliability, though you’d want to factor in the age and petrol engine characteristics when planning longer tours.
This Navigator would suit couples who prioritise ease of driving and parking over maximum living space, or those who want a proper motorhome experience without the commitment of a larger vehicle. The 45,000-mile reading suggests careful use, though thorough inspection would be essential given the 25-year age. If you’re seeking classic motorhome touring with modern manageability, the Navigator 310 RL deserves serious consideration.
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