I think, especially for your first purchase, you really take your time and do a lot of comparative shopping. You have a specific model in mind, but you have questions now. Nothing says you have to jump the gun, run out, and get it today!
First, do more searches and look-ups on the internet for similar brands and similar floor plans and of course.... the price. Look at both new and used of the same model so you will get an idea of depreciation value, because in 3 years or less, you'll probably be trading for a different one. (yes???? you will!)
Next, look for the manufacturers or brand forums. You'll pick up a lot of likes and dislikes there, that are pretty honest.
Third, physically go and look at the campers that you are attracted to. Look at the campers you are NOT attracted to also. You'll begin to learn what you REALLY don't like in a camper. You may find some of those same things, just hidden a little, or not quite so noticeable in the camper you do like, which may end up being a real irritation after you buy it.
Last, spend time in the camper you finally pin-point down. FYI, I just pulled up the floor plan for the Coleman. And one look at the floor plan and I knew it would never work for me! Whey? Because the bed is not a walk-around bed.
Go to the camper, you and your spouse lay down in the bed. Then imagine it's the middle of the night, and the person against the wall has to go to the bathroom. Get out of bed! What do you have to do. Yes, actually, physically, really do this exercise. You may change your mind about the floor plan, very quick.
Most travel trailers are manufactured pretty equal these days. As far as "quality" goes, they're all about the same. One is really as good as any other. The all have problems, they all come with the same appliances, they all come form Northern Indiana (well, not all, but a bunch do!). The fine points are aluminum construction vs wood, and both are good in their own way. They all come from the manufacturer with cheap tires that need to be replaced in a couple years if they don't blow out first, everyone.... eventually ... has to get a refill on their propane tanks. The difference between trailers is the floor plan and the color of the interior.
So, spend time inside that camper. If you are serious about purchasing it, the RV dealership sales man will have no problems with you hanging out in it a couple hours. Yes, a couple hours. Take a deck and cards and play a game at table. Turn the table into a bed and lay down on it and try to REALLY take a nap? Comfortable? Take a DVD with you and pop it in and sit on the couch, sit at the table, lay the table down into a bed, lay on the master bed. How comfortable is the position of the television.
And most important! Sit on the toilet, shut the bathroom door! Do you have room for ... "you know?" And for the men? Is there "knee room, to spread?" when sitting? Guys know what I'm talking about? Looking at the floor plan, I don't think you'll like that with the door shut. But try it anyway. If it's just the 2 of you, you may not have any problems leaving the door open when sitting on the royal throne.
It's these little things that make a camper, or that break a camper. Don't get so caught up in the emotion of the heart, that you forget to use your head, and realistically look at things. Otherwise, in 3 years or less, you WILL be trading for another camper.
OK, I've rambled enough. In the end, this may be the perfect camper for you. If so, that's WONDERFUL! But in the end, if you really study it out like this, you'll never have any doubts that you "could have done better ... maybe", and then get the itch to sell.
Good luck!
