I support otrfun again. We just made the opposite decision. Our 5er is a rear kitchen, and by 80# (yep 80 pounds) is half ton towable. The experience stank. We traded for a F250 diesel, club cab, short bed. Just a different decision.
Tows like a dream. The nose is cut on the 5er for a short bed, it handles well. Drop the camper and I can use my ezpass, the hammer lanes and the parkways where the in-laws call home (NJ). I can even by golly park on the street. It will fit most fast food joints drive up windows, and in most parking garages.
This is also the size truck I drove in the oilfields, I know where I can put it in the mud, rocks and snow, and possibly make it back without walking.
This works for us. We will buy the camper to fit the truck (once again it would legally by the sticker fit a half ton). Since I take it on country drives when we reach our destinations, it will be a 25 short bed. Not as good as my 48 CJ2A, but not too bad either.
So bigger is not always better. What do you need for your living space? How important is playing in the mud? Need to use the truck in town? How many people in the truck? What makes you feel good? Take it all into account, and then be prepared to make a mistake. If you exit the mistake quickly on the truck, you may not pay too much money.
Any chance you can borrow someone's rig and give it a try? With them along? Some would enjoy a short trip with friends sharing the driving.
