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  • 2025 Forest River Sabre 36ML Review

    2025 Forest River Sabre 36ML Review

    There’s luxury, and then there’s the Sabre 36ML. Fifth wheels are known for bringing decadence to RV living. But this model offers big doses of luxury as well as small thoughtful touches that make life on the road a thing of beauty. Built with your traveling family in mind, everyone can enjoy the great outdoors with the luxuries – and space – of home.

    At a Glance: Sabre 36ML

    I gave the Sabre 36ML 8.5 out of 10 – I loved it. It wows you with its clever use of space. You don’t need a 40-foot fifth wheel to feel like you are in a spacious rig; and it’s all in the head room.

    If you are looking for an RV, but feel somewhat claustrophobic in small spaces, consider this unit. The roomy kitchen has an almost vaulted ceiling effect. Your kids and pets will thank you, with an overhead bunk suite above a decadent porch. Oh yes, you heard right, I said porch.

    [review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Forest River Sabre 36ML” description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.”]

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 6
    • Hitch weight: 1,925 pounds
    • UVW: 12,158 pounds
    • CCC: 2,800 pounds
    • Exterior length: 43 feet 2 inches
    • Exterior height: 13 feet 5 inches
    • Exterior width: 8 feet
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 49/76/38 gallons
    • Propane: 2 x 20-pound tanks
    • Awnings: 11-foot and 15-foot awnings
    • MSRP: Starting at $85,000

    Features We Love

    • Tall ceilings
    • A spacious top-floor room for kids or visitors
    • Ample storage in the kitchen and master bedroom
    • Built-in porch
    • Tasteful, and safe railings on porch and loft
    • Surprise cabinet in bathroom

    Benefits

    • Bring your kids: No need to cram them into a tiny bunk room, they can have their own loft space.
    • Pack your entire home kitchen: A bevy of culinary storage means you don’t need to leave anything behind.
    • Your dogs will be happy and safe. They’ll enjoy the fenced-in porch area and stay safe with tie points.

    Challenges

    • You’ll want to stay a while: Your trips may end up a bit longer than planned with so many comforts and so much space.
    • Unfurnished loft: For real though, you will need to supply your own bed(s) in the loft space.
    • One weird flaw: The blinds in the kitchen are difficult to deploy, and came off their hangers pretty much immediately. These will need to be replaced if you want to avoid some foul language in the kitchen.
    A long window illuminates the spectacular kitchen, but its blinds are anything but brilliant.

    Best For

    • Traveling families. In particular those that want to live full time on the road or have extended vacations in a luxurious, and spacious (but not too big) rig.
    • Pet lovers. The porch is practically made for their fur babies.
    • Culinary experts. The fantastic kitchen has room to store all your ingredients and the tools you need to prepare them.

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    Loft Space

    Just like the rest of this unit, the sleeping space will wow you. Situated above the porch is a large loft area perfect for kids. A removable ladder is attached for safe access, with a durable and sleek railing all around it. There are no storage options here, but plenty of space to make your own, depending on the size of the bed, or beds, you want to include. There are two sets of outlets and charging ports in the loft, with a curtain for privacy.

    If you have any early risers in the family, make sure they are quiet while they make their coffee and breakfast, so as to not disturb whoever is sleeping in the loft space.

    Master Suite

    Situated at the nose of the trailer, an elegant master suite will greet you with a king-size bed. The space is definitely roomy, with plenty of space to walk around the bed and utilize the dresser at the foot of it. There isn’t a convenient place on either side of the bed for books or devices, but there is a large cabinet disguised as a headboard. You can’t access this storage for devices while you are resting comfortably in the bed, however.

    The closet has three sliding doors, each with a full-size mirror attached, accentuating the spacious design. Inside the closet is a 7.5-foot-long shelf that spans the upper portion for general item storage, while a rod runs underneath it for hanging clothes. A large inset double shelf is perfect for shoe storage. There is also a washer and dryer hook up here. I can’t think of anything that makes RV life more convenient than a washer and dryer.

    At the foot of the bed is a large dresser with four drawers beneath a wide window. There is an option for installing a ceiling-mounted television above the dresser. The bed offers a large area for storage beneath the mattress, with easy-to-lift gas assist struts.

    Conversion Bed

    In the living area, there is a sizable L-shaped couch. One side of the couch pulls out with ease into a double-size bed. This would be great for a guest if there isn’t space in the loft, or if they would rather forgo climbing up the ladder to access that space.

    Bathroom

    The only downside to the Sabre 36ML’s bathroom is that there is only one. But if you don’t mind sharing with kids or visitors, then it won’t be an issue. The bathroom boasts luxury throughout, with a porcelain foot flush toilet and lovely glass sliding doors on the shower.

    The shower has a bench with the insert, and three basic shelves. A skylight adds natural light to your showering experience. The sink is basic, with a medicine cabinet above for storage, and a cabinet below. There are two GFCI outlets next to the sink with counter space to rest your appliance or device on. A towel rack or hook would be a nice addition somewhere in this space.

    A surprise feature lives behind the toilet. What I thought was a small storage compartment revealed a hidden pull-out cabinet on a track that slides out almost the full width of the bathroom. Three large shelves are available for a variety of bathroom product storage here.

    Living Area

    The windows in the living space make for an inviting and airy interior. And speaking of windows, one of my favorite details of this fifth wheel are the shades. They are zebra windows shades that seamlessly alternate from black out shades, to a lighter shaded option, or nothing at all. I can imagine myself having fun playing with the natural light in this space. Accent LED strip lighting offers a warm glow, with tasteful pendant lighting over the dinette and flush lighting in the ceilings.

    The dinette is tucked in a slide, with seating for four and surrounded by windows. An L shaped couch with reclining sets will comfortably seat five, across from a whopping 60-inch TV. If you don’t plan to spend all your time outside, worry not, there is plenty to keep you entertained and comfortable inside this rig.

    There isn’t a whole lot of storage in the living space. But other areas more than make up for that. The entertainment center under the TV has some shelving, and the ottoman opens to reveal a large amount of storage as well. There are two open cubbies as part of a built-in end table in the corner of the space, at the far end of the couch.

    The Deck

    If it starts getting a little stuffy inside, you can lounge on the covered deck of the Sabre 36ML. On the far end of the kitchen are large double doors that slide open to the deck space. This is great for small wandering children or dogs. And speaking of dogs, there are latches attached to the rig for your traveling-with-pets convenience. The railing here is sleek and airy, made with black railings and taut steel cables.

    Kitchen

    The kitchen space is a gem. Truly. If the kitchen is your sacred space, then you should have a closer look at this unit. For traveling families especially I think it is important to prioritize the feasibility of meal times. In this kitchen, no stone was left unturned. The high ceilings mean you can really spread your wings. Nothing makes me feel more cramped than when I’m trying to cook in a tiny RV kitchen. All of the appliances are residential, including an enormous 12V refrigerator, with two freezer drawers that pull out beneath it. Just imagine, you could have an entire freezer drawer devoted to ice. Your cocktail skills will thank you.

    A large farmhouse-style sink has various interchangeable cutting boards, dish racks, and sink basins for multiple uses, and a tall pull-down faucet nozzle. There is a vegetable rinser, soap dispenser, and a glass cleaner. Acres of countertop space area available for all your food prep. No sacrifices need be made to cook (or live) in this RV.

    The microwave has a convection feature, but you will probably do most of your baking in the large oven under the three-burner range. Outlets are available throughout the space, along with charging ports. Above the sink is a ledge that would be perfect for plants or other decorations. You know you’ve hit the jackpot when you have space for decorative items, and not just functional things.

    Okay, storage – where to start? There’s a good chance that this kitchen has more cabinet space than your kitchen at home. I could probably fit my entire body in the under-sink cabinet. The overhead cabinets go way up in these tall ceilings, so they offer towers of space. (But you might want to have a kitchen stool handy to reach them.) And across from the oven is a 40-inch wide, four-foot tall, two-door pantry with three divided shelves and two drawers beneath it. All this storage space makes me drool. And for pets, there is a discreet little food and water station underneath the drawers by the oven.

    Four-Season Capabilities

    The Sabre 36ML offers a range of features that can extend your camping season. The PVC roof is sturdy and will help withstand the weight of snow and ice. PVC is gaining popularity among newer RVs, thanks to its enhanced durability.

    Two awnings with LED accent lighting will ensure you and your kids or pets stay cool under a hot sun. The solar-reflective windows will help keep the warmth of the sun outside. And the dual 30,000-BTU AC units are whisper-quiet, so you won’t have to shout over the noise while you’re inside.

    In the cold, you can rest easy knowing that the heated enclosed underbelly will be less susceptible to freezing pipes. Forced air in the underbelly will protect critical components. The on-demand tankless water heater will also conserve water through recirculation, and will ensure that your showers are warm when the weather is not.

    Storage Space

    The storage space is a highlight in the Sabre 36ML. The master bedroom has an abundance of places to put things. And the kitchen! The kitchen has more storage than I would know what to do with. There are a few cabinets without doors, however, in the living space. Outside of the unit there is a pass-through storage area with a fridge inside for a small mini kitchen! The docking station is inside the pass-through storage area, and includes the black tank flush and an outdoor shower.

    Chassis/Suspension

    The Sabre 36ML is constructed with a lightweight, yet robust frame. The manufacturer’s intention is to provide a durable and stable towing experience. The suspension is a traditional leaf spring system. The tires are fitted with aluminum wheels, and EZ lube hubs. There are electric drum brakes on both axles. An electric auto-leveling system will make set up much easier. Tire pressure safety sensors will also cut down on your maintenance time, and enhance your family’s safety on the road.

    Off-Grid/Sustainability

    200 watts of solar on board will entice you to take this rig off the grid. The tankless water heater will help conserve your fresh water in the 50 gallon tank by recirculating the cold water until the warm water heats up. The 12V refrigerator operates efficiently on battery power, minimizing your need for electrical hookup. Two 20-pound tanks are included, but there is space for 30-pound tanks to extend your boondocking trip. But before you go off-roading in your fifth wheel, make sure you have clearance under the rig. The drop frame in the back might make it a little difficult to go over any sizable bumps in the road.

    Build Quality

    Solid-surface countertops, lumbercore cabinets, strong and tasteful railings, and high-quality frame construction are just a few examples of the build quality in this rig. The walls are vacuum-bonded for integrity and durability. The process involves placing layers of materials under vacuum pressure to create a strong, unified bond. This process also helps to insulate and regulate temperature inside the rig in more extreme weather.

    Value

    The Sabre 36ML varies in price, ranging from $85,000 to over $110,000. Many dealers offer hefty discounts, making this model more attainable to some. I think the price is pretty competitive considering the functional floor plan, build quality, and kitchen/living amenities. If it had two bathrooms I would give it a 9 or 10.

    Closing Notes on the Sabre 36ML

    Fifth wheels have so much to offer couples and families that want a sustainable model of adventure. A delicate balance of luxury and functionality weaves a beautiful picture of what life could look like on the road. Nothing was left out of the mix, not your kids, or even your furry companions. This rig was made for everyone’s comfort.

    A Note on the RV Trader Review Process

    RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

    The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.

    Make Your Move

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  • 5 Places to RV and Blow Your Kids’ Minds

    5 Places to RV and Blow Your Kids’ Minds

    Imagine this: You are sitting in silence with your toddler just a few feet from the edge of a canyon that drops so deep it seems to take time and space with it. The tranquility is indescribable, almost otherworldly. Sharing five minutes of quiet under a blanket of stars is a memory that my daughter and I will cherish forever.

    We have traveled both nationally and internationally with our two children, by boat and RV. But we always come back to the magic that thrives in the untamed landscape of the American West. Here are five of our favorite places to take your family RVing and blow your kids’ minds.

     

    Dead Horse Point, Utah

    This off-the-beaten-path RV destination holds a special place in our hearts. The canyon offers a special kind of stillness that is well worth exploring with kids. The history is almost palpable. And the night sky here is second to none. Our kids saw the Milky Way for the first time at our RV site in Dead Horse Point. It shone so bright it was like a blanket of fog surrounded by countless bright lights illuminating the dark sky.

    Dead Horse Canyon is a state park, so it gets a fraction of the visitors that the national parks in the surrounding areas around Moab will bring. The canyon is magic in every way, and I personally found that it left a bigger impression on me than the Grand Canyon.

     

    Salida, Colorado

    RVing with kids can come with challenges. One of the best ways to mitigate those challenges is to pick your destination with them in mind. Salida, Colorado, is packed with an easygoing kind of energy that we could have spent months soaking in. The greenways were endless, passing through breathtaking vistas that will etch themselves into your memory forever.

    Our favorite activities to do as an RVing family were available in surplus: biking on greenways, wildlife watching, historical tours, and trout fishing. We saw more wildlife here than anywhere else. The trout fishing is world class. The walking and biking paths in Salida go on forever. If you wanted to, you could bike or run from one town to the next on a protected paved path shared with the occasional billy goat, bighorn sheep or mule deer.

    Ever heard of “ghost towns”? Many Colorado towns were founded at the peak of the silver mining boom in the 1800s. At the start of the 20th century, their inhabitants left in droves, leaving behind weathered buildings and landmarks to tell their story to visitors. The ghost towns near Salida are living relics out of history books in the forefront of Colorado’s iconic rugged landscape.

     

    Morro Bay, California

    If you are like us, you want to experience the American Landscape without the crowds – no pushing past people just to get a glimpse of a view, or waiting in a hot car in endless lines of traffic to get through the entrance gate of a park. So you can bet that my itinerary suggestions will be off the beaten path, but not without an immersive, unforgettable experience.

    Our favorite place on the California coast is Morro Bay: iconically foggy, then a crisp blue sky as the sun chases away the morning mist. It’s a fishing town, offering a postcard-perfect view of the waves, boats in the water and ashore, and the smell of fish markets. My kids adore the otters just off the waterfront, all lounging on their backs with their hands folded on their bellies.

    It was the perfect place for our family to relax after RVing all the way across the country from the coast of South Carolina. And if the season permits, you can take a boat to go humpback whale watching, an event your children will be sure to remember forever! And don’t forget to check out Morro Bay State Park. They have incredible birding walks, and their Junior Ranger workbook is still our favorite. The town itself is a pure joy to walk through, speckled with the most lovely local gardens with hummingbirds constantly chattering above.

     

    Goose Island Campground, Utah

    Moab is most assuredly not off the beaten path, but there are ways to experience it without the crowds. The place is just so raw and beautiful in every possible sense, we couldn’t let our kids miss it. Goose Island Campground is right around the corner from Arches National Park.

    There are so many things in and around Moab to see that will blow your kids’ socks off. Goose Island Campground is BLM land, so it’s cheap and less frequented. It lies along the Colorado river, shaded by the breathtaking and austere cliffs on the other side of the water. There is a lovely bike path that will take you through the magnificent canyon; and in the other direction, you can take the path all the way to Moab if you want.

    My daughter’s favorite activity in this area was the dinosaur trail just outside the city, nestled in the most stunning and isolated views of Utah’s rugged landscape that we had yet to see. The trail is speckled with fossilized dinosaur bones and tracks. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you could attempt a drive on the Shafer Trail in the Canyonlands. But I can only recommend this if you have previous off-roading experience and a capable vehicle with four-wheel drive. The views and death-defying cliffs here will definitely carve out some family memories.

     

    Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

    I can’t imagine anything more mind-blowing than the epic walk through Carlsbad Caverns. Oh wait, yes I can: the 350,000 bats that fly out of the cave at sunset every night! They come out like a waterfall of black specks snaking through the twilight sky. If you want to go to Carlsbad, try to go between May and October, when the bats settle in the caves. It’s one of the most memorable and beautiful things we have ever witnessed.

  • Teaching Your Kids About Camping

    Teaching Your Kids About Camping

    My most vivid childhood memories are from when my mother took me camping – walking through the wet grass, looking for tree frogs under the starry night sky, and watching, awestruck, as a stick bug rocked back and forth mimicking a branch in the breeze. As an adult, I treasure these happy, carefree adventures, but also the invaluable lessons taught by the great outdoors. Camping with children encourages exploration, inspires curiosity, and teaches independence, laying a foundation of essential skills and starting them on a journey of lifelong learning and growth.

     

    Get Them Excited

    I remember when I was 6 or 7, I went to a friend’s house for a camping trip. I was so excited I could barely stand it. We were sitting on the carpet inside the living room, dreaming about all the things we would do at the campground. I looked out the window and realized it was starting to get dark outside. Why haven’t we left yet? My friend’s mother walked into the room shortly after with “good news and bad news.”

    The bad news came first, “Well, it looks like we won’t be going camping tonight. But the good news is, you can set up your tent right here in the bedroom and have a blast!”

    I will admit, it was surprisingly fun to set up a tent inside, on the carpeted bedroom floor of my friend’s little apartment.

    The best way to get your kids engaged and excited about the idea of going outside for a few nights is to practice at home! Help them set up their tent inside. And if that’s too overwhelming, make up a tent with a sheet and pillows. It’s amazing what kids can make a tent or fort out of. And that’s basically what camping is: a little fort outside, equipped with the bare essentials and a little personal flavor.

     

    Food Planning

    Food prep can be a great way to teach your kids about what goes into taking long trips outdoors. Have them be a part of the meal planning, and of course, preparing s’mores!

    Our favorite activity while camping is making s’mores – and putting our own spin on them. We’ve tried strawberry slices, and it tastes like a strawberry shortcake with a smoky twist. Delicious doesn’t begin to describe it. Here are some berry s’more recipes to get your mouth watering. If your kids show any interest in the culinary arts, there is boundless potential here.

     

    Packing

    It doesn’t matter what kind of trip you are taking – whether it’s a day hike, a weekend trip, or a month abroad – having your kids help pack for it is a great way for them to learn about where they are going and what they will be doing, and what type of clothing and accessories those locations and activities require.

    My kids love to pick out the clothes and toys they bring on our travels. We organize their bags together and familiarize them with weather-appropriate gear, safety equipment, and first aid kits. It can feel overwhelming at first, so if you need a place to start, here’s a great checklist for camping essentials.

     

    Campsite Tasks

    The best way for kids to learn about camping is to contribute. It can be so easy to set our kids in front of a screen to ensure they stay put and quiet until we are finished with a task. In fact, I am also guilty of this. But if we can take a deep breath and slow down a little, we may find the time and space to bring our children into the process and all work together.

    The task can be simple, like setting up the tent poles or the rain tarp. I’ve noticed that if they have some time to get excited about their “job” or responsibility, they will take it more seriously, and put in a careful, concerted effort. We like to use the car ride to get them pumped up about how they’ll pitch in. It’s a great way to foster cooperation and teamwork during your camping adventure.

     

    Safety First

    Whether you are camping or RVing, there are some potential hazards to being outdoors that should be discussed beforehand. I prefer to go over ground rules in the car ride to avoid screaming them to my kids while simultaneously setting up a tent in the rain.

    Water

    If you are camping near a river or water feature, make sure your kids know the dangers of fast-moving water. Any body of water can seem safe to a child if they are used to wearing flotation devices in a controlled environment. Discuss the dangers of rivers, lakes, or marshes that may be present near your campsite. If a soccer ball goes flying into the water, make sure they know not to go after it. This may seem obvious, but pediatric drowning statistics would shock you.

    Make sure you also show them where to get drinking water (and where not to).

    Plants

    Another good rule to ingrain in impressionable minds is staying away from certain plants and berries. Some kids do this naturally, while other children like to put pretty, shiny things in their mouths. I am always reminding mine not to eat anything wild unless we all know that it’s edible. There are so many poisonous plants and berries out there and it’s important to make sure they know what to avoid. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about local plant life. Here is an illustrated list of common poisonous plants in the USA that you can use in your lesson.

    Wildlife

    Generally speaking, wherever you are camping in the United States, the chances that wild animals will be a danger to you, or even come within sight of you, are very slim. But every now and then, you’ll come face-to-face with the local fauna.

    At Gilbert Ray Campground near Saguaro National Park, we encountered an unbridled landscape full of dangerous plants and animals. Not a quarter mile from our RV, we spotted an enormous tarantula sauntering across our path, only to walk right over top of a scorpion as we tried to avoid it. Next, we saw a lovely specimen of a diamondback rattlesnake. As we walked back to our RV, we noticed that a band of coyotes were following us, yelping and howling at our dog as we tried to keep her on a short leash. All of these encounters took place in under 20 minutes.

    Teaching your children how to identify and respect local wildlife will help keep them safe during your camping trip and provide them with the names of all the cool critters in the stories they tell after.

     

    Don’t Forget to Play!

    It’s easy to fill up your camping itinerary with endless activities and adventures. Nowadays, with a universal library at our fingertips at all times, we can get a little overzealous with our agenda. Don’t forget to take the time to simply bask in your surroundings, and let your kids play around the campsite, fueled by their own direction and curiosity. It’s been said that children learn the most from free play. So, take a break, relax, maybe even recline, and let your kids explore the precious gift that is the natural world.