Well, we did it. We finally made the leap from tt to 5er. We purchased a 2014 Palomino Sabre 34REQS. Dealer installed a Reese 16K hitch for us. Now to look into options to level the ride out as we had a decent amount of squat empty. Considering adding timbrens for this. We will weigh the rig next weekend after we finish loading it. I should have no issues being within specs as I crunched all the numbers from a worst case scenario for the 5er (gvwr w/ 25% pin weight) and used actual loaded scaled weights on the TV. Pics are from our pdi.

NICE looking rig.......Why all the squat when empty........really gonna squat when 5vr loaded :HTimbrens are install and forget......only come into play (progressively) when loaded. Unloaded they aren't even there. BUT they aren't adjustable.Air bags.....more versatile but you do have to air up/air down. Possible air leaks. Need compressor etc.

Nice looking rig and combo. Hoping you have many miles of smiles.

Looks very nice. I had the same weight problems, and put on Firestone air bags with on board compressor, and gauge on the dash. Really worked great. Took a few seconds to pump up pressure needed in bags. When made destination just release pressure to about 10 to 20 psi, and ready to go. However; hoping to purchase a 36 to 38 ft. Lifestyle in a couple of years and purchased a dRW F350. Really make towing nice.

Congratulations, nice looking rig! I'd get the air bags, they're adjustable, they will smooth out the ride when the trailer is on and not much maintenance. Just my 2 cents thoHappy camping, you're gonna love the fifth wheel!Dan

New 5er owner! | Good Sam Community

SuperDutyMan
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
Looks like she sets just fine loaded up,take that baby out and enjoy!
gtsum
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
looks like you have a very good match there with the truck and 5er. Be safe out there and have fun!
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 22, 2014
anaro wrote:
Cool. Glad I'm ok without having to do anything. I bought this truck specifically for towing one of 3 trailers we were looking at (all were 3500 SRW territory). I was not gonna be happy if I miscalculated because I became a member of the weight police after having too much tt for a tv when we were newbies. I swore never again and as such, carefully and somewhat conservatively mated this setup. Thanks again guys.

You did well my Son ;)
anaro
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
Cool. Glad I'm ok without having to do anything. I bought this truck specifically for towing one of 3 trailers we were looking at (all were 3500 SRW territory). I was not gonna be happy if I miscalculated because I became a member of the weight police after having too much tt for a tv when we were newbies. I swore never again and as such, carefully and somewhat conservatively mated this setup. Thanks again guys.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jul 21, 2014
SO your so called squat when empty was just your perception......

Cause with those weight numbers and wheel measurement you don't have any squat and have a nice set up.

I only questioned 'Why all the squat when empty........really gonna squat when 5vr loaded' and pestered about it cause you stated you had squat when hooked up empty.

Like I said in first post. NICE LOOKING RIG! :B
bfast54
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
Best way to tell at this point, pull at night, see if any FLASH their lights at him, then, may need to go further. A picture is hard to tell......so many angle variables.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 21, 2014
Like I said before try it out!

I would not lower the hitch, based on the picture it appears you have perfect bed rail clearance.

Also like I said before if he were to do as some suggest and get bags and raise the rear to unloaded height then the front of the RV would be very nose high.

IMHO OP's combo sits perfect for the load and he is well within his specs!

Enjoy your combo!
anaro
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
Ok thanks guys. We have a trip an hour away on Friday so we will see how it handles.
P_Kennedy
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014
I would try it as it is because the more clearance you have above the pickup box rail the better. You will soon discover going in and out different accesses and driveways the trailer will come close to the box rails.
glazier
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2014
I would pull that like it is, i see no problem. If you bring the rear of your truck up, your trailer will get higher in the nose. With these deep beds today, it's tough to keep the nose down, and maintain bed clearance. I would guess you are squatting 2-1/2" under pin weight, your truck looks very close to level.

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