Isata 5 - 2018 vs. Early Production?

[loftygoals]

I'm currently trying to decide between a low mileage 2017 unit and a new 2018. (I believe the used unit is a 2017. The chassis cab is a 2015. I know the Isata 5 was sold in 2016, but all of them were 2017 model years, correct?)


Things I know are different include:

• Dinette (early had rounded cushions, late are separate wedges)
• New paint mask
• 22 Gallon tank was eliminated
• Glass bowl bathroom sink was replaced with a stainless sink
• 2018 has a larger bathroom mirror
• Full time rear view camera system added
• Dual reclining function added to couch
• Alcoa wheels replaced with stock Ram wheels
• Armrests added to front seats
• Entry door keypad lock system changed from battery powered to house powered unit
• Shade over entry door window added

What have I missed? I know there have been some improvements in CCC as well.

I love the idea of saving a few bucks on a very low mile used unit, but I also know that Dynamax is really good about iterative production improvements. Thus, I'm trying to determine the added value of the changes from early to late production.

Thanks,
-bj

[bclemens]

The wheels have never changed. We've always used RAM aluminum wheels.

My engineer read your list and added the following items...
Larger door and better access to bedroom when bed slide in retracted (36DS) The door moved into the hall more allowing the door to open and close regardless of slide position.
Updated hall window (36DS)
Updated/upgraded in-floor duct heating, better performance for use in below freezing weather
Optional LP gas/Electric refrigerator
Better CCC

We'll continue to test various fiberglass materials, substrates, etc to continue to improve the overall CCC.

[loftygoals]

Brian,

Thank you for your quick response!

Are you sure about the Alcoa wheels? Last year I was at Motorhome Specialist in TX looking at the Thor Super C's when I came across the first Isata 5 I'd seen. I distinctly remember seeing that it has Alcoa wheels.

I went back and found the unit on MHSRV's website: New 2017 Dynamax Corp Isata 5 Series - OFR101237314

If you look at the pictures of the wheels they clearly have Alcoa labels on them:





This was a 5/2016 delivery to MHSRV, so it was probably a 2015 chassis from Dodge. Maybe Dodge used to use Alcoa branded wheels as a standard feature?

Edit: After a little digging, it does seem that the 5500's used to have Alcoa stickers on the wheels. They were still the 10 hole style that the current 5500 uses (unlike most Alcoa wheels that have 8 holes.)

Additionally, my wife loves the dual recliner in the couch of the 2018. Is this available for retrofit in previously purchased models?

This is difficult: I like my money so I want the slightly used unit. I intend to keep this rig for a number of years, so having all the improvements in the 2018 would be welcomed. Why did Dynamax get so much right from the start? If the early units were a disaster, this would be an easier decision.

-bj

[bclemens]

1. the dual recliners that we sue are too wide for the 5 series. You might be able to squeeze individual ones in there.
2. as for the wheels, who knows. All I know is that we have not done anything different. We've ordered the stock, Ram aluminum wheels since day one, as is evident by their Ram logo'd hub cover.

[Rrzasa]

Originally Posted by bclemens

1. the dual recliners that we sue are too wide for the 5 series. You might be able to squeeze individual ones in there.
2. as for the wheels, who knows. All I know is that we have not done anything different. We've ordered the stock, Ram aluminum wheels since day one, as is evident by their Ram logo'd hub cover.

1. Maybe too wide but these fit my 2017 fine:

Heated, Massage and Blue LED on the floor strip and in the cup holders.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Remember, there may be no factory warranty on a used unit.

[loftygoals]

Originally Posted by bclemens

1. the dual recliners that we sue are too wide for the 5 series. You might be able to squeeze individual ones in there.
2. as for the wheels, who knows. All I know is that we have not done anything different. We've ordered the stock, Ram aluminum wheels since day one, as is evident by their Ram logo'd hub cover.

I may have described the feature I was referring to as dual recliners incorrectly. The new standard couch with the fold out bed has integrated extending foot rests. This is what I was referring to. I know both the 2018's I've looked at have this feature where the early 2017's I've seen don't.

On the wheels, I fully believe that that the OEM wheels are manufactured by Alcoa for Dodge. The 2015 MY trucks had Alcoa stickers on the wheels, but later MYs didn't include the stickers. The wheels haven't changed, though.

-bj

[loftygoals]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

Remember, there may be no factory warranty on a used unit.

Good point, I need to research if the Dynamax 2 year warranty is transferable. I would assume that the Dodge warranty transfers.

-bj

[bclemens]

Correct, Dodge warranty is transferable. And Yes, you are correct, the sofa with the leg rests is the same size as the ones in the early models.

[loftygoals]

In case anyone else is interested and Brian's message wasn't clear, the Dynamax warranty is not transferable:

WARRANTY COVERAGE SUMMARY OF WARRANTY: Forest River Inc., 55470 CR 1, P.O. Box 3030, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-3030 (Warrantor) warrants to the ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER ONLY, when purchased from an authorized Forest River Inc. dealer, for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase or (24,000) twenty four thousand miles, whichever occurs first (Warranty Period), that the body structure of this recreational vehicle shall be free of substantial defects in materials and workmanship attributable to Warrantor.

This further complicates the buying a new vs. almost new decision...

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Either way I go, I plan to be in a Isata 5 in the next couple of weeks and I can't wait!

-bj

[DavidMort]

Hi. We are looking to do the same thing with the dual recliners in our 2017 Isata 5. What brand did you purchase? Thanks in advance!