Palomino Sabre 31RETS or Crossroads Cruiser CF30SK

[Durango32]

My wife and I are purchasing our first 5th wheel. We had a TT some years ago but gave it up for other pursuits. We are both in our early 60's now and would like to camp and travel again. We like the layout of the Cruiser CF30SK and the 31 RETS Sabre by Palomino (now owned by Forest River). Other than construction quality, and features we have been trying to get a handle on GVWR, etc. to decide on towing requirements. The Sabre specs: Hitch Weight - 1,665 lbs,
Axle Weight - 8,148 lbs, Dry Ship Weight - 9,863 lbs, GVWR - 11,825 lbs leaving only 1528 lbs for CCC Cargo Capacity. It seems that the cargo capacity should be more. Is it possible that all the extras, TV, microwave, etc are included in the dry weight? The dealer says it is but my experience, albeit limited, tells me that all the extras should be added to the dry weight. If indeed that has been done, is 1528 lbs enough? The Crossroads Cruiser on the other hand list the dry weight as 7990, the carrying capacity as 3053 and the GVWR as 11760. The trailer is lighter but it has a much better carrying capacity. Our overall preference right now would be the Sabre but we're just not sure about the manufacturer's reputation and the cargo carrying capacity. Any information or advice would be appreciated.

[fourwalls]

I had looked at both models and loved them both. But we ended up buying a Durango 305SB. Both of these models have great features. Watch the trim work on these units. The ones we looked at had some trim issues.

[Durango32]

We also looked at a 32' Durango and liked what we saw but we couldn't get together on a price so we kept looking and now we are thinking Cruiser or Sabre. Some folks have talked about the quality of construction and trim and it appears that the Cruiser side wins but my own observations say different. The Cruiser we looked at had very messy caulking both inside and out. The windows were the worst and the screens didn't fit properly. The Sabre on the other hand looked like the manufacturer had really paid attention to that kind of detail. Of course you can't see inside the walls...maybe there are other surprises! Thanks for your comments.

[fourwalls]

I also joined the cruiser forum and asked questions of them. Most of them seemed to love their units. You can find them at Crossroadsrv.com they seemed very willing to help. Good luck with your decision. Happy camping