Hi HeWols,
We had a ladder installed as part of our purchase negotiation. After having a travel trailer without one, we like having one installed. Just so much easier to pop up there after driving under a low hanging branch to see what the scoop is (not that we've ever done that...;)) or just general maintenance and checking. We have a telescoping ladder that we bought and carried with our TT, so that's an option as well, but I think access while you're out and about is something that you'll really want to consider.
We're fine without leveling jacks, like W3ozwizard said, the "Lego" style blocks that we've had since out TT suit us just fine with the C. You'll want to sets of them if you plan to camp anywhere that isn't somewhat level already. We do state parks and the like and sometimes use most of the blocks from our two sets. But then there are other places where we use only a couple of them, or even none at all.
The thing with the fridge not being level is that it will work, but operating it way out of level for prolonged time will cause problems and eventually it will stop working. I believe there is something to do with crystallization in the ammonia (at least that's what I recall from the discussions on the pop-up board that I used to frequent when we had a pop-up) and the crystals cause problems with the flow for chilling. Also from my understanding is that today's refrigerators aren't as finicky as those in the past, so many people say that a few degrees isn't going to make a difference and that you'd be uncomfortable with the level of unlevelness before your fridge would.
Our A/C is a ducted single unit and does a fine job keeping it chilly in our 31 footer. We've had to replace the capacitor, but otherwise it has worked like a charm. Our first long trip was to the midwest in the summer of 2013 in some God-awful hot temps, so we put it to the test right away. I know FL in the summer is even hotter, though, so I'm probably not the best to answer.
Does the unit you're looking at have a rear window? We bought a Fresnel Lens for our rear window to buy us time while we searched for a good backup camera to meet our needs...that was over 2 years ago, we stopped researching cameras when we realized how great the lens worked and met our needs.
I agree with the GPS unit recommendation. If you do go with a backup camera, many of them allow for input from a camera. We're really happy with our Rand McNally 7715 (there are newer models out now), and I love that it interfaces with the Good Sam trip planner, so I can plan trips while sitting at my desk and dreaming of being on the road, then easily upload them to the device.
I can't speak to shocks, but we have a friend who installed Sumo Springs on his class A and just raves, They're like an airless airbag made of foam. So we're considering adding them to our Winnie to make the bumpy roads and potholes less jarring. I personally don't think its that bad, but DH thinks the ride could be smoother...plus it is another toy to add to the big toy ;)
Best of luck in your decision making!
