rubrhammer

Dry weight on ours is under 4900# so the wife and I and 2 cats carry about 700# of gear. We travel light compared to many that we camp with. We had a 23' and 24' trailers prior to this before finding the floor plan the really suited us. The 23' was a bunkhouse and fit the bill when I camped with kids. The 24 had a rear corner bed that we thought would be a nice improvement after the kids weren't with us any longer and it was in a way. It was nice not having to set up and tear down a dinette to make a bed everyday but that corner bed was a miserable thing to make. The one we have now is the first we've had with a slideout room and we love it along with the open bedroom on the front the interior seems much biger than it really us.
What I'm saying is go to some of the camping forums and ask questions of the owners of floor plans you're looking at to get their input on what they like and don't like.
http://www.jimscampingforums.com/forums/index.php
http://www.outbackers.com/forums/index.php?app=portal
http://www.myrvtalk.com/
http://www.coastresorts.com/cforum/Index.cfm
These are some good places to start. Several manufacturers have forums dedicated to owners of their products so a search of the brands you like may lead you to more sites. Have fun shopping and I hope to see you on the other forums.
Bob

pocketrocket47

Bob: Thank you for the followup post. Good information and great links. I will look around. Being a first timer I need all the help I can get. Waiting for wife to retire before we commit to buying a trailer but plan to rent soon and start the experience. Appreciate your insight. Stay well.

rubrhammer

Thanks. Renting is a great idea, wish I had thought of that. One other thing to concider is how long time wise your trips will be. We did a 2 week Habitat for Humanity build in the 24' and realized that we need more space for that type of stay. Even now with this layout I miss having my recliner in the evening. Our next rig will have a living room, as they call it in the RV brochures, with at least 1 recliner.
Bob

pocketrocket47

Makes sense. I live in Florida, so plenty of places to get some experience on trailering and camping. Once wife retires want to be ready to see the nation on extended road trips, so your right, comfort needs to be considered. I have a recliner at home and know that I would miss it if more than a few days......would also miss the big screen TV. Boy are we spoiled or what? Actually love the idea of "downsizing" and living simpler. RAY