2017 Isata Background Info
The 2017 Isata Vibe
Back in 2017, the Isata Motorhome was the king of the high-end "glamping" highway. It was an era of sophisticated neutrals-think less "loud vacation" and more "modern desert estate." While other manufacturers were still stuck in the 90s with swooping decals, Isata was leaning hard into full-body paint that actually looked like it belonged on a luxury vehicle. In our database, we've focused on the survivors of this era, specifically the Lt. Neutral Metallic and Med. Neutral Metallic. These weren't just colors; they were a statement of understated class for the traveler who wanted to blend into the scenery of Sedona or the Tetons without looking like a rolling billboard.
Paint Health Check
Welcome to The Thin Paint Era. By 2017, the robots in the paint booth had become masters of efficiency. They were programmed to apply just enough paint to look perfect on the showroom floor, but not an ounce more than necessary. While that "Robot Efficiency" makes for a beautiful, uniform finish, it leaves you with a dangerously thin margin for error. If your Isata has spent its life chasing the sun, you're likely seeing the clear coat start to get "tired" along the rooflines and front caps. Because these layers are so thin, the moment you see a rock chip or a bit of peeling, the clock is ticking. You haven't got the thick, meaty clear coats of the 90s here; once the clear goes, the base coat will follow in a matter of weeks.
Restoration Tip
When you're touching up these 2017 metallics, remember: build layers slowly and don't blob it. Since the factory finish is so lean, a giant glob of touch-up paint will stand out like a sore thumb against the flat, robot-perfect surface. Use a fine-tipped brush or a toothpick to drop in your metallic base, let it flash off, and repeat until the depth is just right. When it comes to the clear, less is more. If you try to sand these down like an old lacquer job, you'll burn through to the primer before you can say "RV park." Precision is your best friend here.