We own a Phoenix Cruiser 2350 which measures end-to-end 23'-8".
All our trips were towing a vehicle except for this past 4 week 5500 mile trip last August. My wife and I were pleasently surprised that we missed the tow vehicle only during our stay in Glacier National Park where there was a length restriction of 21 feet for the main drag through the park. Fortunately they offered shuttle service so we really didn't miss out, just inefficient getting around. Otherwise going solo everywhere was quite fine.
From our experience, a 4x4 tow vehicle is very handy in the southwest where many roads are too primitive for a typical motor home. Mountain regions have been much less an issue. We have little experience touring cities because that is where we escape from. As far as general travel, our rig without the tow vehicle was no trouble getting around in.
In summary, if we didn't like to "Explore", I don't think we'd need a tow vehicle at all.
BTW: We averaged 10.6mpg over the 5500 mile vacation last August, not towing.
Add the tow, subtract 1.3 mpg based on previous averages with the tow.
