Owner of a ROO 23SS Hybrid for 7+ years and loved every minute of it. Only reason we've recently made the move to a TT is because, unfortunately, we're getting old and creaky and the hybrid is a bit more involved set up wise....not a major deal, but closing in on our 70's, it was just one more thing.
To be considered a "hybrid", it must have a combination of the hardside trailer with canvas bunkends. The rear slide is just considered an "expandable". Folks will call them whichever pops to mind, but that's the designation.
As far as getting cold, if you were in Canada you'd have to deal with cold. Surprisingly a huge number of northern US and Canadian folks have hybrids and pop-ups and wouldn't consider otherwise. Can't address this with other manufacturers, but the Forest River Hybrids - ROO, Shamrock or Surveyor have heated mattresses for winter use and they're awesome. IMHO, you'd love a hybrid in your area. Your only temp control issues might be heat, but that's also very workable. There are some insulated covers you can get for the bunkends - Pop Up Gizmos, that pretty much moderate both cold and heat. The only time in our 7+ years that we had a problem cooling our hybrid was in Vicksburg, MS when temps were over 100 and humidity only slightly below that number AND not a shade tree to be had. We're in West TN, so trees are part of the southern charm. A few trees nearby and the issues of keeping a hybrid cool are pretty much gone. Not to mention, you'll have probably a 13.5 A/C which is plenty sufficient.
Noise? Never had a problem.
Tall person? DH is also 6'3" and just about 275. The bunkends in virtually all hybrids are approx. 60 x 80, pretty much standard queen size. If your feet touch the canvas not a problem since it's not rigid. The bunkends have a weight capacity of at least 1000#, with some more, so I wouldn't worry about that. The downside of a rear-slide expandable is that if you're feet are to the end of the mattress, they're up against a solid wall.
2 bunkends or 3??? First choice would be 3 since your boys are the age when they'll likely want to bring a friend along. Each would have their own space and no making up the sofa or dinette every night....a real PITA. OTOH, your boys may want to have their own tent to set up and that eliminates the 3 bed need. If the weather should turn nasty, you could do a quick bed make up and be done with it.
I can promise you that the first time you unzip the bunkends and can look out forever to a great view and feel the breezes coming through, you'll really love the hybrid. Strongly suggest you get one with a slide for considerably more inside room, especially movie times or nasty weather. In our case, we towed approx. 23', but when opened up had approx. 30'. Nice. And lighter weight.
New vs pre-owned....if you haven't already done so, suggest you check online at RVWholesalers in Lakeview, OH. That is where we bought our Hybrid and also our new TT. Excellent folks to deal with...very straightforward and no games. They don't post prices online, but request a quote and they'll email it to you right away. You can pretty much figure 30% or maybe a smidge more off MSRP. You're going to need a WDH and also a brake controller, they can supply whatever you need and at a very competitive price. Installation is done right then at no additional cost. Very often you'll find that you can afford new over used with a really good price. if you're interested in financing, they get the best possible interest at that time. Ours is 5%. They sell the Rockwood ROO and a couple of other hybrids. RVDirect is a similar dealer and they sell Jayco, among others. ROO and Shamrock are the same trailer with different interior fabrics and exterior decals. The ROO/Shamrock and various models of Jayco are among the most popular. Re RVW, we saved over $4000 after trip expenses to OH to pick it up vs our local dealer. Even more with our TT. They can arrange delivery and will give you a quote, but strongly suggest pickup at the facility where you get a thorough PDI. The driver delivers....that's it.
If you decide that pre-owned is best, you'll need to check VERY thoroughly for any leaks. Some bunkends have been known to leak from time to time. Most all manufacturers have made changes to their seals and latches and made big improvements over the older models. We had only 1 time with a slight leak - driving on the interstate in a monsoon - bad enough that DH pulled off twice to let the storms blow on through. Leakage was minimal and a dish towel was all we needed to remedy it.
We always said that our hybrid was our first and last/only trailer....just didn't count on all the stuff that comes with aging. We love our new TT and find it perfect for us at this time in our lives, but also consider ourselves hybriders at heart. Suggest you also hop over to the hybrid travel trailer forum here at RVNet and also Hybrid Explorers. Hybrid Explorers is on the slow side right now....gets that way around the holidays on most forums, but come January, everyone starts thinking and talking about spring, where to go, what to do, any issues. You can get lots of good info on either/both forums.
Obviously, my first suggestion would be to take a look at the 23SS....personal opinion is that it can't be beat. Has the best kitchen area workspace other than the new 23IKSS with a great island workspace. Good luck. You're wise to start this homework now rather than after the purchase. One question....what is your tow vehicle and weight limits?? That is actually the place to start.
