Sabre Lites input

[RoadDog66]

Been considering a jump from my current tow behind. I've been debating internally with 2 schools of thought...back to a larger hybrid for ease of towing and access to tighter campgrounds or try a small FW for overall space & convenience. I want to stay under 10K lbs because I'm not looking to swap trucks (again).

Came across a Sabre Lite 28BH which has a reasonable price tag. Just wondering what the quality has been on these "Lite" units. Any owners have any thoughts our advice?

[RoadDog66]

Maybe these Sabre Lites are too new of a model? Nobody has any experience with them (any size/model)?

[SilhouettePenny]

We have looked at 'em but don't have any towing experience with the new Lites. Since they are no longer under Palomino I would not hesitate to buy one if we were in the market. Just make sure you are comfortable with the dealer you choose to purchase from, it makes all the difference in the world when you need service.

[RoadDog66]

There's a 2017 Sabre Lite 28BH at our preffered dealer so on a whim I sent the wife to look at. She loved it, so now we're talking numbers and trade-in. Don't know if we can swing it, but might as well see.

It's about the same overall length as our current pull behind, but much better master bed & bathroom layout. I've never towed a 5'er before, but I'm assuming it'll be an easier tow since 3-4 ft will be in the bed with the pin weight over the axle. And I've heard they are easier to back up. Thinking of a B&W Turnover Ball system & Slider Companion if we do take the plunge. Anyone provide any insight?

[mikeysotp]

Originally Posted by RoadDog66

There's a 2017 Sabre Lite 28BH at our preffered dealer so on a whim I sent the wife to look at. She loved it, so now we're talking numbers and trade-in. Don't know if we can swing it, but might as well see.

It's about the same overall length as our current pull behind, but much better master bed & bathroom layout. I've never towed a 5'er before, but I'm assuming it'll be an easier tow since 3-4 ft will be in the bed with the pin weight over the axle. And I've heard they are easier to back up. Thinking of a B&W Turnover Ball system & Slider Companion if we do take the plunge. Anyone provide any insight?

They don't make that hitch for the short bed 15 Ram and you won't need a slider if you have an 8 foot bed.

Fifth wheel will tow MUCH better and you can really stuff it in some tight spots. Other than losing out on the ability to put big items in the bed it is hands down the way to go.

[RoadDog66]

According to B&W, Etrailer and all the onine reviews this will work...
http://www.turnoverball.com/hitch-fi...72#find-button

Along with...
Companion Slider - 5th Wheel Hitch | Single Point Attachment | THE B&W ADVANTAGE

I don't have a long bed, just the 6.5ft. Tarts why I like the slider version. I also like the idea of the Turnover Ball to keep the load floor flat when not towing.

[mikeysotp]

OK. When I was hitch shopping last year they told me they were not compatible with the 2015 and they wouldn't be coming out with one that was. Something to do with how far back the hitch would mount I think???? Maybe because I have factory underbed ball mount and was just looking at the Companion.

Anyway it seems that isn't the case so I apologize. From what I understand that is a good hitch though. I went with a Pullrite which has its own advantages and disadvantages. I know there are people out there pulling my same camper in a short bed without a slider but I can't figure out how. Even with my slider hitch I have seen the camper come closer to the cab than I like.

[RoadDog66]

No apologies needed bro. Appreciate your input. Yea i bet since you have the factory gooseneck the Turnover Ball setup won't fit under there. The Companion slider should work with it though from what I've read and there's one for the Ram puck system too. I think I'd be safer with the slider as you mentioned due to cab distance.

By the way Mikey, what 5'er did you purchase?

[mikeysotp]

I have a 2015 Sabre 36 QBOK:

[clange]

Can't comment about the Lite version, but have a 2012 Sabre and have been nothing but pleased with it. A few small issues from time to time, but they all have their problems.

[RoadDog66]

Originally Posted by mikeysotp

I have a 2015 Sabre 36 QBOK:

Oh cool that's yours. It's a monster. I think I've seen your posts on the Ram forum. You pull it with your 6.4 Hemi with 4.10s right? I believe you said it very pulled well and was around 12K lbs dry.

We are still working on the numbers to see if we can make this little 28BH 5'er fit the budget, so I have lots of questions.

[mikeysotp]

Originally Posted by RoadDog66

Oh cool that's yours. It's a monster. I think I've seen your posts on the Ram forum. You pull it with your 6.4 Hemi with 4.10s right? I believe you said it very pulled well and was around 12K lbs dry.

We are still working on the numbers to see if we can make this little 28BH 5'er fit the budget, so I have lots of questions.

Yep, my little gasser pulls it just fine. It's probably around 14k loaded although that's just a guess. I had an 06 F350 diesel before this and my Ram would walk that thing towing this kind of weight real easy. She'll suck down the gas while doing it though. That's why I post this picture on the forums, because most of my time is spent at the pump!

[RoadDog66]

LOL, yea i hear that. I got 8 mpg last trip towing the TT up to the lake. Coming back we left the TT up there but loaded the bed and cab with our stuff and I got 17 mpg hand calculated. I'm sure your 4.10 gears help with the towing, but the 3.73s do pretty decent when unloaded on the highway.

I'm hoping when we go to a lightweight 5'er that it reduces wind resistance or something to bring up the mpg's while towing.

[Kenny kustom]

My 16 36 qbok ( palomino ) has been overall a POS.

Only good thing is, my issues have not prevented me from camping..Which some people haven't been so lucky.
Still working on the PDI punch list from 10 months ago.

When its working, i like it. Its a solid, heavy trailer.

[RoadDog66]

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

My 16 36 qbok ( palomino ) has been overall a POS.

Only good thing is, my issues have not prevented me from camping..Which some people haven't been so lucky.
Still working on the PDI punch list from 10 months ago.

When its working, i like it. Its a solid, heavy trailer.

Sorry to hear that. Anything major like leaks or delamination?

Hopefully FR will do better with this line than Palomino did.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by RoadDog66

Sorry to hear that. Anything major like leaks or delamination?



Hopefully FR will do better with this line than Palomino did.

The entire rear wall has to be replaced due to cracks.

The shower flooded the master bedroom. Twice.

The outside kitchen drain flooded the bunkhouse.

You can open all the basement doors when locked. By pulling on one handle.

Lots of minor things too.
But hey! I'm still using it.

I think FR has took some of the quality out of it..
My sabre has a full aluminum cage.
They only do walls now.. If I recall.


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[RoadDog66]

Wow, that sucks. Not to sound rude, but I sure hope your experience is an anomoly. Although that sounds like some of the issues with my current TT. All warranty stuff, but hard to take during only 6 mos of initial ownership.

I know all TT have issues, just can't understand how the types you've described in the 1st year get thru the QC process.

We are going to talk final numbers with the dealer this weekend on the 28BH. Let's hope the 2017's are built a with some attention to detail.

[Mizztazy]

We just purchased a 2016 Sabre Lite 29RE in April. We have only had it out once, due to weather and working schedule conflicts, but so far so good! We love the layout and it has a lot of storage space. We tow with a Chevy 2500HD, Duramax. Good luck in your search!