Isata 5 4x4 suspension upgrades (aftermarket)

RedSteelManUSA · 05-01-2018, 09:59 AM

My wife and I are convinced that we want one of the Isata 5 36 DSD's with the 4x4 option so we can do some boondocking. With such a long vehicle, we'd like to increase the clearance a little. I looked around and haven't seen anyone really discussing any suspension upgrades on this vehicle. We don't want anything crazy like an offroad expedition vehicle, but we would like a small lift kit 4-6 inches and some tires with more tread to go with the 4x4 option. The three things that we believe will be affected by a lift kit would be the leveling jacks, the steps, and the hitch height for a jeep or similar toad. Id' like to hear ideas on a possible lift kit (advantages/disadvantages) and any other suspension upgrade ideas. I've seen some mild 4x4 RVs that seem really great, but I haven't seen any discussions around this particular vehicle.

Ctoth11 · 05-01-2018, 10:49 AM

Pictures to follow. 2017 3inch lift with 35s

Ctoth11 · 05-01-2018, 10:53 AM

Isata5. We leveled the back with 2 inch blocks. Ride height is way better jacks are a small issue, steps are not

Ctoth11 · 05-01-2018, 10:53 AM

We did a front end leveling kit

chroniekon · 05-01-2018, 10:53 AM

Maybe something in an air ride (bags) setup. Up for stump jumping, down for camping.

RedSteelManUSA · 05-01-2018, 11:30 AM

Can't wait to see the pictures! What kind of suspension comes with the RV? Coils, bags, leafs?

Ctoth11 · 05-01-2018, 11:31 AM

Leafs in back and coils upfront

RedSteelManUSA · 05-01-2018, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ctoth11

Leafs in back and coils upfront

How did the stock RV do before the changes? We're just afraid of getting stuck out in the boonies. What difference did the tires and lift kit do for the RV?

Ctoth11 · 05-01-2018, 02:58 PM

If you air down you are pretty unstoppable.

PenJoe · 05-01-2018, 03:19 PM

No matter what suspension upgrades, at 36 ft, your boon dockin' is going to be limited. The wheel base is going to be your biggest limitation. And, unless that Ram chassis is extremely rigid you could be causing serious structural damage due to twisting. Four-wheel drive can only do so much with a rig of this design.Getting hung up in the boonies can get pretty expensive.

When we did serious boon docking, we had a 10.5 slide-in on a super heavy duty Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 with 12 wide tires. The camper was tied down directly to the chassis with welded bars extending out from under the box. The camper was attached to these bars with chains and turnbuckles. That gave good ground clearance and could really get into the back country. There were times when DW would get out an walk while I traversed some obstacle.

We carried tools, jacks, chains that added weight, but we used all of it at one time or another. On one Canadian adventure, we were on a trail high on a ridge. I decided to drive off the trail to get a better overview. Never did I suspect there was a bog up there. Fortunately, we had a buddy along with another 4X4 that was able to pull me out.

It depends on what your plans for boon docking. There are some other serious builds out there that are shorter and will handle about anything.

RedSteelManUSA · 05-01-2018, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ctoth11

Isata5. We leveled the back with 2 inch blocks. Ride height is way better jacks are a small issue, steps are not

Are you satisfied with the 2" or would like more, if you could do it again? I was thinking a little more like 4-6"

Ctoth11 · 05-01-2018, 04:11 PM

More

RedSteelManUSA · 05-01-2018, 04:15 PM

Thanks for the info, Joe. We're not thinking anything crazy, just a little more than stock. P^) The lift is where I thought we could benefit from the most just because of the clearance and length. The reason for the Jeep toad is to be able to go explore if things look questionable, without risking the RV getting stuck.