Do. not. worry.
With a DRW truck, all of the campers you are looking at will not pose handling challenges.
Take this from someone who has had both:
A popup camper makes for a very nimble ride.
In a warm night, nothing beats the airy openness.
You can never stealth-camp in one (same goes with a hardside with mandatory slideout)
Storage is much less than in a hardside.
They are great for all seasons, heat and all, but not the same as a hardside. You will find out if you need to spend some cold and rainy days inside one.
A popup insulates much less against noise. It makes a bigger difference than I expected.
Yes, a hardside is higher, and probably wider.
It has more space, is more comfortable, and more like a "normal" RV.
Spend some time in either, and imagine how you will travel.
If I were to usually travel in a 'moderately warm and dry environment, I would be all for the popup.
But I am in central europe with lots of cloudy, cool, rainy days even during camping season. I went back to a hardside, and I am happy with my choice. But only you can know what is right for you.
