I agree this is a great post. I will also be looking to buy a new RV in about a year, and am looking for a toyhauler too.
A couple of things to consider - look at your truck, it is a 3/4 ton, with a limited cargo rating - say 3,300 pounds. Say your plan is to load it up with 800 pounds of stuff, passengers, ect. you now have about 2,500 left for the pin weight. That is a huge limiting factor. Look at the truck again. Trading the "Used" truck for a dually with a 4,000 pound cargo rating (GMC) or 5,700 pound cargo rating (F-350 dually) will give you unlimited options on trailer size, and you can go have fun in safety. So the used truck can be a model year older or newer then your current one, and within a few thousand miles, and still meet your needs without changing the budget drastically.
Then you will have more trailer options.
Another thought is keep looking at toy haulers and consider a couple of modifications to your plan. If you remove the table from a U-shape dinette, does it not become a couch that seats 5? Nobody requires you keep the table in place, everyone can eat with a plate in their lap, just like at home.
One more thingI would install once you have the trailer is a Olympic Catalytic Safety Heater. I have a portble one with leg kit, 18" hose, quick disconnect gas line, and dust cover. I keep mine inthe closet most of the time. Winter camping, and it can keep my 30' motorhome toasty warm at 70F inside with 35F outside, and with minimal furnace use, warm while 18F outside. This prolongs the battery life a lot.
I also have a 400 watt solar system. Most factory installed solar systems are extremely expensive. You can buy a 150 watt panel for about $185, and a 10 amp controller for about $60. Installation brackets should cost about $15 at Home Depot, a tube of rubber roof sealant is about $10. Wire is about $25.
SunElec.comGood luck!
Fred.
