Johnathan Walker:The Dynamax Isata 5 extreme off-road RV is ready to go. Why wait for a boutique RV build?

Nowadays,Johnathan Walker if you want an luxury overland RV with the finest in luxury trimmings that can also hold up to the rigors of rugged traveling, you’re likely wading through brochures from boutique builders and ponying up a hefty down payment just to stand in line and wait for your one-off adventure machine. Storied brand Dynamax takes a different approach with the well-packaged Isata 5 Extreme off-road camper truck, and here's what you can expect.

What is a Super C RV?

So-called "Class A" RVs are your tour high-zoot motorcoaches similar to a fancy tour bus. Your friend’s Mercedes Sprinter-based Winnebago Revel is a shining example of a "Class B" RV. The over-cab bunk quarters and pass-through to the van or truck cab is the cue that you’re ogling a "Class C" RV. Here, so-called the "Super C" concept takes that further with an even brawnier platform: often a Ram 5500, Ford F-550, or even a Freightliner semi truck chassis; that's often paired with a diesel powerplant, and a subsequent bump in payload and towing capacity. Super C RVs are the lovechild of a big rig semi-truck and a luxury motorcoach, to keep it simple.

Badder than your grandfather’s Super C

Dynamax knows its customers love exploring way off the beaten path just as much as they love pulling into full-service spots at the more-organized and branded Kampgrounds of America camping sites — and the Isata 5 Extreme has the class and capability to do both. From the outside, the Isata 5 Extreme is a Super C RV mounted high on a Ram 5500 4x4 chassis and powered by the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel. There’s no missing the rolling stock, either: 41-inch Continental MPT-81 military tires fit seamlessly into custom fenders.

Up front, there’s a full-coverage bumper with off-road lights, a receiver hitch and space for a winch. LiquidSpring suspension is also on deck to continuously adapt to the terrain, minimize sway from crosswinds and dampen vibrations.

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Adventure graphics outside  

Dark mountain-themed mountain graphics and 4x4 insignia on the outside set this Isata 5 apart from its pavement-tethered brethren. You can see all of the various exterior graphic and color choices in the photo gallery.

Beauty that’s more than skin deep

The Isata 5 is as luxe inside as it is capable. There’s a dinette, sofa and well-appointed kitchen along with a bathroom and 36-by-36-inch shower. King- and queen-sized mattresses make room for the whole family (and a few friends) to rest. Luxury treatments include a soft-touch ceiling treatment, LED ceiling lighting, storage under the dining seats, blackout shades, hardwood cabinets with soft-closing drawers and hidden hinges, a 39-inch Smart TV with a sound bar and plenty of charging ports.

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Overland capable straight from the dealership

There's also some inherent luxury in the reputation and availability that Dynamax has accomplished. Sure, you can get all these features from an overland vehicle outfitter — so long as you're willing to hold a spot in what are often very long wait lines for new builds. The Isata 5 Extreme can access those remote camp spots that your pavement-bound RV could never dream of, do it comfortably, and you can drive it right off the dealership lot.

How much does the Dynamax Isata 5 Extreme Overland RV cost?

We walked through an Isata 5 Extreme with enough options to put the sticker at just about $370,000, but prices at your local dealership might vary.

Photos by Manufacturer