Dynamax Isata 5 Series

Dynamax has been designing and building RVs in the very specialized RV niche known as super-size Type C motorhomes for 17 years. Company representatives thoroughly understand the needs of buyers in this market segment, along with what can and what cannot be done. Other super-size Type C units that Dynamax builds include the Force, the Force HD, the DX3, and the Dynaquest XL, all based on Freightliner chassis. The company also plans to reintroduce its Grand Sport motorhome on the Freightliner Cascadia chassis soon.

The Dynamax Isata 5 Series motorhome debuted at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s California RV Show in October 2015. A static display of the 36DS, a 36-foot double-slideout prototype, was more than just well received by attendees. Several RV enthusiasts placed orders on the spot. That followed the 50 or so orders already placed by Dynamax dealers, a growing network across North America currently numbered at 97.

Even though the Isata 5 Series 36DS wasn’t scheduled to be in dealer showrooms until February 1, 2016, the motorhome was a hot commodity at the show. A second floor plan, the 5 Series 35DB, will be introduced in the not-too-distant future.

With this flurry of interest in mind, I inspected the Dynamax Isata 5 Series 36DS prototype following the California show, spending the day with company rep Joe Eash. I also spent some time behind the wheel to garner driving impressions. My research led me to conclude that this super-size Type C motorhome is making waves for some very specific reasons.

Immediately upon taking delivery of the unit, I discovered a significant design difference. This is the first type C motorhome in the industry to be built on the Ram 5500 chassis. In fact, it is the only chassis offered for the Isata 5 Series. (According to company officials, the Isata 4 Series will be available on the Ford E-450 chassis; the Isata 3 Series, already out at this writing, is built on the Mercedes 3500 chassis.)

The Ram 5500 comes with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 19,500 pounds and a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 37,500 pounds (yes, 37,500 pounds). It is equipped with a Class IV hitch receiver, a seven-pin electrical coupler, and a dash-mounted trailer brake controller, which make it road-ready to tow up to 10,000 pounds. In the near future, Ram four-wheel drive will be offered as an option in the Isata 5 line, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5,100.

The Cummins 6.7-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine delivers 325 horsepower and yields 750 pound-feet of torque. The Ram 5500 chassis is factory-equipped with a single-stage exhaust brake and a four-wheel antilock braking system. It comes with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission and a 4.88-to-1 rear axle ratio (ideal for towing). The chassis features two Group 31 AGM deep-cycle batteries and dual 220-amp alternators that will charge both the chassis batteries and the house batteries. An emergency start switch permits engine starting via the house batteries.

Dynamax receives the chassis and cutaway cab from Ram and then lengthens the chassis by adding MORryde rail extenders. Next, the outriggers are added. Fresh-water, gray-water, black-water, and propane tanks, which hold 95, 42, 42, and 20.3 gallons, respectively, are installed.

Two diesel fuel tanks are installed as original equipment. The midships tank holds 22 gallons and is also the fuel source for the standard 6-kw diesel auxiliary generator, which comes with auto-start. An 8-kw auxiliary gen set is available as an option. The second diesel tank is in the rear of the chassis and holds 52 gallons. The engine draws fuel from the midships tank, and as the fuel level is lowered, a transfer pump sends diesel fuel forward from the rear tank to the midships tank. In addition to replenishing the other tank, the rear tank also lets the operator distribute the weight of the fuel. Total diesel fuel carrying capacity is 74 gallons, making the Isata 5 capable of long extended runs between fuel stops. Both tanks are filled from the driver’s side, making refueling during a single stop possible. (The 4×4 Isata 5 mentioned earlier will not contain the 22-gallon tank, because of the increased weight of the four-wheel-drive option.)

The Isata 5 motorhome offers 50-amp shore power service with a 30-foot-long cable.  Standard equipment includes dual deep-cycle RV house batteries; the two optional Group 31 AGM house batteries bring the total to four — a feature that enhances and further extends primitive RV camping for days on end. Another option: a pair of roof-mounted solar panels (200 watts/30 amps each). When the Series 5 becomes available in dealer showrooms, a 2,000-watt pure sine wave inverter, which will provide power for everything on board except the air conditioners, will be standard equipment.

Multiplex electrical systems and a centrally located digital touch-screen control panel permit turning lights on or off and dimming lights in various venues inside the coach from one location. However, coach occupants have control of lights at individual locations as well (rear bedroom, galley, living area, residential bath). Icons for this central control panel will be available to replicate on one’s smartphone — a feature that truly enhances the RV lifestyle.

Coach heating and cooling systems include a propane-fueled 42,000-Btu forced-air furnace that is centrally ducted throughout the unit via residential floor registers.  The twin 15,000-Btu Atwood roof air conditioners (with heat pumps) are also centrally ducted in the ceiling; like the furnace, the air conditioners are operated via the wall-mounted, icon-laced control panel. Other control and display icons on the digital control panel provide access to the propane tank, holding tanks, inverter, and battery readouts.

The floor plan of the Isata 5 Series 36DS is like that of a conventional Type C motorhome, but this model could be described as a Type C on steroids. The exterior and interior widths are 96 inches and 82 inches, respectively, with the front living area slideout area measuring 165 inches wide by 38 inches deep by 74 inches high.  The rear slideout that hosts the head of the king-size bed has a width of 74 inches and a depth of 26 inches. With the front slideout extended, the interior width of the coach measures 128 inches. Both slideouts are controlled by electric Power Gear mechanisms.

In the cockpit area, a 54-inch-by-80-inch sleeping quarter remains out of the way until needed, so passage between the living area and the cockpit flows easily. A 39-inch LCD flat-screen television is mounted on a swing arm against the curbside wall that is just in front of the entry door. The TV articulates out and adjusts for viewing for occupants in the living area. Between each of the captains seats in the cockpit and the living area, half-size cabinet complexes with thermoformed tops house the audiovisual components and provide additional storage.

The street-side sofa in the living area, dressed in a leather-like material, is soothing to the touch and remains comfortable for as long as it is being used. The bench-style dinette aft of the sofa is covered in the same fabric, lending continuity to the colors found throughout the coach.

The Isata 5 is graced with frameless single-pane windows that reject solar rays and provide privacy yet enable coach occupants to enjoy what is going on outside. Day-night shades adorn the windows. Coordinating fabric valances with quick-change panels add a decorative touch.

Across from the sofa and dinette, the L-shaped galley capably accommodates those dedicated to the culinary arts.  Next to the solid-surface countertop, a solid-surface extension flips up to augment counter surface area when needed.

The 16-cubic-foot stainless-steel residential double-door refrigerator-freezer with ice maker is powered by the house batteries and the inverter.  A three-burner cooktop lies underneath a folding glass cover until it is brought into service. A 1.1-cubic-foot convection-microwave oven is poised above the cooktop, ready for action. An under-mount sink with a residential faucet and solid-surface covers, a tile backsplash, and a MaxxAir power vent with rain cover are also in this area. Storage is provided in cabinets and roll-out drawers below the countertop and in the cabinets above. A pull-out-pantry sits just aft of the refrigerator. All drawer guides are residential soft-close, self-latching, full-extension types.

Next in line is the curbside bathroom, which features many residential touches. These include a full-size shower with curved glass panels that glide open and closed.  A porcelain toilet sits to the right of the lavatory and counter. The sink, a vessel-type bowl, rests on top of the solid-surface counter. In addition to its cutting-edge appearance, the sink frees up lavatory counter space.

Beauflor premium faux-wood vinyl flooring extends from the front of the motorhome through the bathroom. The material needs to be studied closely to determine that it is not actually wood.

The side aisle in the 36DS, aft of the bath area, makes it possible to reach the rear bedroom without extending the midcoach slideout. All that’s required is to open the angled bathroom door.

Both electric slideouts can be extended or retracted using the house batteries.  Automatic leveling jacks stabilize and level the coach as needed.

In the bedroom, the iCool Sleep System has been included as standard equipment on the Isata 5’s rear king-size bed (66.5 inches by 75 inches) to provide a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. The iCool Sleep System features a gel-infused memory-foam mattress designed to pull and direct body heat away from the layers of foam comfort. The bed is hinged with pneumatic struts that assist in raising and lowering the bed to provide access to a massive storage compartment below.

Standard bedroom features include a 32-inch LED television. The hardwood doors on the wardrobe match those found throughout the interior of the coach. A wardrobe with mirrored doors sits atop a stack of roll-out drawers. At the foot of the bed on the curbside wall is a vanity. Above it is a wall-mounted 32-inch LCD flat-screen television. Unlike the rest of the coach, the floor in this area is covered with plush carpeting, as are the floors in the slideouts.

Dynamax has “nailed down” the construction process for the Isata 5 Series.  The roof is covered in fiberglass, and the walls are gel coat over an Azdel substrate. Aluminum is used for the framing.  The floor incorporates block-foam R-8 insulation; the walls, R-8 insulation; the roof, R-11 insulation. Full-body paint dresses the exterior and consists of seven layers (four base coats; three clear coats).

Paint schemes and graphics are created by renowned motorsports artist Dean Loucks, who is well recognized for his dynamic visuals in custom automotive and marine paints.  Custom graphics can be as detailed and as unique as the client desires. The inclusion of airbrush details, along with a technique called “shadow dropping,” takes a full day of labor to bring to fruition. Attention to detail makes every paint job unique and a personal work of art. All exterior paint is completed on-site in three state-of-the-art, environmentally controlled paint booths located at the Dynamax facility. Company officials say this is too important to sub out to a vendor, so they keep it in-ho

use.

My driving impressions? Suffice it to say that despite its size, the Series 5 is friendly to drive and offers a solid, stable, and quiet ride.  Keep in mind that this a super-size Type C, which yields the livability of a similarly sized Type A motorhome. It’s a large coach, yet it steps right up when asked to do so — entering a freeway via an on-ramp, or climbing a steep grade, for instance. You can feel the huge Cummins diesel respond as it meets emerging and changing challenges.

The side mirror system does a good job of providing visual information along both sides of the vehicle, and the rear coach monitor yields reliable information. If you can drive a Type C, I predict the Isata 5 Series 36DS will pose no unusual problems.

The Isata 5 Series 36DS comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $175,614. This is a fully appointed motorhome, with only three options offered: a solar panel package ($1,304), the larger diesel auxiliary generator mentioned above ($923), and two additional house batteries ($788), bringing the potential number of house batteries to four. The 36DS, out the door, is ready to “rock and roll.”

Dynamax officials forecast building and selling 150 Isata 5 Series units during the 2016 model year, so it can logically be assumed they’re onto something with this new Super C motorhome.

MANUFACTURER

Dynamax Corporation, 2745 Northland Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514; (888) 295-7859; www.dynamaxcorp.com

MODEL

Isata 5 Series

FLOOR PLAN

36DS

SLIDEOUTS

(2)

CHASSIS

Dodge Ram 5500 SLT

ENGINE

Cummins 6.7-liter, six-cylinder turbo-diesel; 325-horsepower at 2,900 rpm; 750 pound-feet torque @ 1,600 rpm

TRANSMISSION

Aisin HD 6-speed automatic

AXLE RATIO

4.88 to 1

TIRES

225/70R 19.5 G

WHEELS

polished forged aluminum

WHEELBASE

264.5 inches

BRAKES

four-wheel ABS disc

SUSPENSION

front — beam;

rear — live

SHOCK ABSORBERS

heavy-duty with sway bar

STEERING

adjustable/tilt steering wheel

ALTERNATOR

(2) 220 amps

BATTERIES

chassis — (2) 80AH 12-volt

house — (2) 12-volt Group 31 AGM deep-cycle, standard; (2) additional, optional

INVERTER

2,000-watt pure sine wave with charger

ELECTRICAL SERVICE

50 amps

AUXILIARY GENERATOR

Onan 6-kw diesel with automatic transfer switch, standard; 8-kw optional

EXTERIOR LENGTH

35 feet 11 inches (without ladder)

EXTERIOR WIDTH

96 inches (without mirrors)

EXTERIOR HEIGHT

12 feet 4 inches

INTERIOR HEIGHT

82 inches

GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING (GCWR)

37,500 pounds

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)

19,500 pounds

GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)

front — 7,000 pounds;

rear — 13,500 pounds

AS-TESTED WEIGHT

(weighed with full water and full fuel, one adult passenger and one child)

front axle — 6,487 pounds;

rear axle — 11,445 pounds;

total — 17,932 pounds

OCCUPANT & CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY (OCCC)

1,568 pounds

FRAME CONSTRUCTION

powder-coated steel chassis frame with aluminum framing throughout

INSULATION

Low-density solid foam; R-11 roof, R-8 sidewalls, R-8 floor

FRESH WATER CAPACITY

95 gallons

HOLDING TANK CAPACITIES

gray water — 42 gallons;

black water — 42 gallons

FUEL CAPACITY

74 gallons (52-gallon and 22-gallon tanks)

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

diesel

PROPANE CAPACITY

20.3 pounds

WATER HEATER

tankless, on-demand

WATER SYSTEM

demand

HEATING SYSTEM

42,000 Btu with electronic ignition

AIR-CONDITIONING

(2) 15,000 Btu, roof-mounted, ducted, with heat pumps

REFRIGERATOR

16 cubic-foot residential with ice maker; inverter- and battery-powered

TOILET

porcelain

WARRANTY

coach — 24 months/24,000 miles;

chassis — 36 months/36,000 miles

BASE SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE

$175,614

PRICE AS TESTED

$178,629