Prism 2200 vs Isata 3 24FW

[Keeperjeff]

We are in the market for our first motorhome. The process itself already has us changing our minds about some items, revising our budget, etc but at this time we are focused on a couple Sprinter based models: Coachmen Prism 2200 versus the Isata 3 24FW. They are, on the surface at least, quite similar in size and both have the full wall slide and the dinette. We like this floorplan. I understand that the Prism is more of an entry level unit while the Isata is more top of the line. Does anyone have knowledge of both these models and an opinion on whether the Isata is worth the higher price?

[LucasCali]

Originally Posted by Keeperjeff

We are in the market for our first motorhome. The process itself already has us changing our minds about some items, revising our budget, etc but at this time we are focused on a couple Sprinter based models: Coachmen Prism 2200 versus the Isata 3 24FW. They are, on the surface at least, quite similar in size and both have the full wall slide and the dinette. We like this floorplan. I understand that the Prism is more of an entry level unit while the Isata is more top of the line. Does anyone have knowledge of both these models and an opinion on whether the Isata is worth the higher price?

I picked my used 2018 Prism 2200 up with less than 9,000 miles on it in Florida and drove it home to California.

I broke more things on it during the 3,000 mile trip than I would have expected:

Duct taped the upper cabinet door to keep it closed.

Replaced the Water Heater Control Board in New Orleans.

Replace the Toilet leaking Seal (didn’t have tools as I few to pick it up). In Palm Springs

Wardrobe Drawer Latch broke.

When I got home found the 180-degree rotatable TV had 1 out of 8 screws barely still installed (the hardest and last that the Factory would have installed).

Mobile Repair man in Palm Springs (moonlighting from MH Dealer) when questioned on what he thought of Prism offered, “he thought the design group did a great job, but quality and craftsmanship was poor, and he made a very good living doing warranty work”.

My observation after repairing those that I could is: the folks in the factory are given hardware that should work, but the things they are attaching it to, should have “stiffeners or backers to keep from splitting the base material (ie. slotted plastic hardware should not be screwed down with Countersunk Screws which split the plastic, AND 3/4” thick cabinet stiles (sides) should not have screw intstalled 1/8” from the edge, as the wood splits).

Therefore I would say if you can by the better of the two.

When working again on it at a recent RV Park, a neighbor said it best, “ a Motorhome is the only thing you will buy that comes PRE-Broken”.

[tomkatb]

When shopping for our fifth the engineer in me and the DW was surprised at the complexity of this decision. This is what engineers do for folks. Make decisions.

There are units that are pretty and weak. And strong and plain. It takes time to figure out what is best for you.

We started out at $39,000 and ended up closer to $60,000.

We wanted a unit closer to full time tough.

Do not be in a hurry.

Pricing of these things takes time to understand. The market has is, well, crazy.

They put tires on that last weeks and damage the units $2-5,000.

Walls with no studs.

Viny coated crap plywood cabinets. Plastic toilets. Axles too weak. The list goes on forever.

Shop hard! We took almost two years.

[M16A1VOL]

We picked up a Dynamax Isata 3 at Motorhome Specialists RV in 2017. Long list of woes. These things look GREAT in pictures, but WOW. Once you use it and get to know it up. close. Cheap workmanship. Put together with staples and screws. Roller shade fell on dinette back at Thanksgiving held by two 1/2 inch self tapping screws. They pulled loose when we (gently) pulled the blind down. Boom!
Leaks - Interior condensation shower from roof air every time we use it. I mean BUCKETS, turn the air off Nd open windows. City water connection has leaked inside body ever since we bought the unit. Clothes bar in closet fell off day one. Steering wheel audio / phone controls do not function. Last week left rear bumper cover separated and found that it had been attached with a DRYWALL screw. Black caulking around entry door and fenders has peeled away. Hell, even the RVIA sticker is curled up. Dometic fridge failed on vacation last year. Less than 7K miles on unit. Dealer is 10 hours away and other Forest River dealers won’t touch it even though I have a so called Diamond Warranty. Buy from a local dealer; if you want a Sprinter look at Tiffin; anybody but Dynamax. Their reps are nice, but they can’t really do anything to cure issues. Run from Forest, Run. An Isata 3 is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get (next). Tell you what, though, I’ll sell you mine after I finish making my own repairs! ��

[Ron750]

Ouch. Are these kind of problems typical? Makes me wonder why anyone RVs.

[Riverbend]

We looked at numerous class C's before purchasing our used 2019 Isata 3 24FW, including the Coachmen Prism. I'd be amazed if someone were to buy a motorhome...any motorhome...and not have issues to varying degrees. And you'll often hear the legitimate complaints first and probably the loudest. But there are many of us who really like our RV's, are willing and able to make most repairs and modifications, and we'll vouch for the value of a thorough PDI. For us, the Isata 3 was the winner of the race, a race in which all manufacturers are currently stumbling a bit to the finish line. What's held up for us as a critical issue at this point is that Dynamax seems to sincerely care about it's customers and it's products. They're here, on this forum, almost daily.