How tough is it to climb into the bed area

With our Host, it's no problem for either of us. My wife has the bath side while I have the kitchen side for entering and sometimes more important leaving for early morning walks with the dog or making coffee.
You're wife would jump center on the women's team while my wife at 5' would be a shooting guard.

You'll have to look at the different makes. They range from sort of having to "jump" from the lower seat to the bed to some that sort of have steps. As a very general statement, usually the larger (meaning also heavier) TCs have more features such as easier access to the bed.

Another point about making the bed easier to access or use, is to pay attention to it's orientation. TCs with broadside beds going from one side of the TC to the other, are more of a PITA because they require one person so always be crawling over the other. Whereas, beds that run lengthwise, or are orientated from front to rear, don't have that inconvenience.

While going to a dealer to see the different types is always a great idea so that you can see how you'll fit it the TC and it's features, I'd also be looking on line at different brochures to see what other makes have that your dealer may not be carrying.

Bill

The Host Mammoth is on our list to consider along with the Lance 1172 and Eagle Cap 1165 or 1200. We will also be upgrading our truck to a DRW long bed.

The height climbing up into the bed area differs from TC to TC mfg. I have owned 4 TC's and the height ranged from about 26" to over 36". Some have a folding step or stepping platform to cut the distance in half and you can always use a 3 step stool to help you up. Regardless, it will be more difficult than your 5th wheel. My current Cirrus is only 26" and has a large landing to help getting in and out. Opt for a N/S bed orientation so you don't half to crawl over each other, and get one with a lot of head clearance from bed to ceiling.

Getting a camper like a Host Mammoth where you are standing on the pickup bed rails make it a lot easier as opposed to one where you are standing at wheel well level or bed level (with no basement for the latter).

Thanks we haven't seen anything about a strap, that's sounds like a good thing.

We have a 815 Lance. We use a stool on the floor to reach the first step. We have a factory installed strap to help us pull on to the bed.