leather driver and passenger upholstery for Isata 5

[daveinthekeys]

We own a 2017 Isata 5 36 DS. I would like to reupholster our driver and passenger seats with leather. My upholstery guy says he needs the VIN# of the original truck to get the parts. That seems odd as to me these seats look identical to my RAM 1500 seats (both 2016 trucks). And the RAM 5500 did not have leather seats as an option. Thus the VIN# is useless. (I presume)

True the RAM 5500 does not have airbags but I don't see an issue using leather seating from a RAM 1500, 2500 or 3500.

Am I wrong about this?

[halla]

Have you looked at Katzkin? They make a lot of leather for Dodge products. Not sure if the 5500 are same size as 2500 etc... pretty good reviews

[BLT4SPD]

Originally Posted by daveinthekeys

We own a 2017 Isata 5 36 DS. I would like to reupholster our driver and passenger seats with leather. My upholstery guy says he needs the VIN# of the original truck to get the parts. That seems odd as to me these seats look identical to my RAM 1500 seats (both 2016 trucks). And the RAM 5500 did not have leather seats as an option. Thus the VIN# is useless. (I presume)

True the RAM 5500 does not have airbags but I don't see an issue using leather seating from a RAM 1500, 2500 or 3500.

Am I wrong about this?

I’ve done more than my fair share of investigating into this and here’s what I’ve concluded:

Yes, the seats are the same as the 2500 and 3500, but I am not sure about the 1500 yet.

Yes, the only real difference is a lack of the side airbags, but the actual covers (be it cloth or leather depending on trim level) are dimensionally the same. Dodge/Ram list different part numbers but the parts guy that helped me suggested that was due to the “SRS” or “Airbag” labeling that is stitched in. So, the part number for the black leather seat cover on a Laramie 3500 will be different than the part number for a Laramie 5500, but they will physically interchange.

Our 5500’s have the non-sport seats, so make sure you don’t get covers for the “Sport” seats. The “Sport” seats are the version that have the higher “wings” that come up past the headrest when it’s in the retracted position.

Floor pans are the same between the models. So, it is possible to simply purchase used 2500/3500 seats and bolt them in. I have had a difficult time finding seats that were A) in good/great condition B) available as JUST the front seats (they are usually from a crew cab and the seller won’t split up) and C) don’t cost a fortune.

[BLT4SPD]

Originally Posted by halla

Have you looked at Katzkin? They make a lot of leather for Dodge products. Not sure if the 5500 are same size as 2500 etc... pretty good reviews

Lots of people have pointed me in that direction as well. They certainly have a good reputation.

This is the other one that was suggested:

https://www.leatherseats.com/home/

I have no direct experience with them. They seem like they have more options than Katzkin though.

[caseymyers]

Originally Posted by daveinthekeys

We own a 2017 Isata 5 36 DS. I would like to reupholster our driver and passenger seats with leather. My upholstery guy says he needs the VIN# of the original truck to get the parts. That seems odd as to me these seats look identical to my RAM 1500 seats (both 2016 trucks). And the RAM 5500 did not have leather seats as an option. Thus the VIN# is useless. (I presume)

True the RAM 5500 does not have airbags but I don't see an issue using leather seating from a RAM 1500, 2500 or 3500.

Am I wrong about this?

We put real sheep skins on and we like it, both warm and cool depending on the weather. Costco.

[Delco Bobby]

I thought there are several places on your chassis that have the original VIN# as built by Dodge.

Originally Posted by daveinthekeys

We own a 2017 Isata 5 36 DS. I would like to reupholster our driver and passenger seats with leather. My upholstery guy says he needs the VIN# of the original truck to get the parts. That seems odd as to me these seats look identical to my RAM 1500 seats (both 2016 trucks). And the RAM 5500 did not have leather seats as an option. Thus the VIN# is useless. (I presume)

True the RAM 5500 does not have airbags but I don't see an issue using leather seating from a RAM 1500, 2500 or 3500.

Am I wrong about this?

[daveinthekeys]

I am going with Katzkin in Ft Lauderdale. The install will be in the first few days of January. I may remove the seats and drop them off as I assume my motorhome is not welcome there.

I will post the results. Cost is about $1350 for leather installed.

I sent some photos to Leatherseats.com and they think the seats match what they have (forgot to ask what that meant) Their cost was $650 for the materials.