I think there are many variables that have led to our choice, and it was a GREAT choice. We had a 36ft FW with a big Ram 3500 pulling it. It was an awesome set up, but on long trips the 5 of us were cramped into the cab of a truck. The truck and FW were 53ft.
So we went looking for a family coach with bunks. The Discovery 40g, among others, runs in the 40ft range. Ours is 41.75 ft long and goes EVERYWHERE our FW did and we are actually shorter. Set up is a breeze and we have NO issues going anywhere we want to camp. There are always alternatives no matter where we go and with a MH you can camp at Wal-Mart and the scenery inside is the same. We now are IN the camper the whole trip, enjoying our investment.
So, I would NOT go smaller, ever. 40-45 is where we will stay as long as the good Lord blesses us to continue to afford such a nice luxury. Traveling in a 40ft pusher is really a blessed thing. Our family just loves it.
WW