need 1st time advice on a TT

I would suggest that you decide on a basic floor plan that you think will work for, then make a list of make/models you see that seem to fit. Then look on the used market for late model one of those. Tons of people buy new, then figure out it wasn't what they wanted - make their loss your gain, and get a clean, depreciated unit with some after market stuff already installed, and most the bugs worked out. Some dealers will even give you a short warranty.

Use that for a year or two to find out if it is what you really like, then upgrade when you decide what you really needed .....

We are outdoor people, with 2 labs and an atv. i will go around the Adirondack mountains, a few races for long weekends, atving and such. sometimes it will have to cross a field at a car show or race other times it may go a few miles down a dirt road. dogs in and out often kids 5 to 10 yrs old and our selves sometimes muddy from atving. mostly in ny and pa. unfortunately cross country isnt in the budget or agenda yet.

So much depends on what you want to do. Drive to Yogi Bear for a week is different than camping at a different park every few days across the country.

As mentioned, guess what you want then rent it for a week or more.

You seem to be in good company. Lot of people looking for there first camper. Some will recommend to rent first. I agree. If you have tent camped that experience will help you. Also sharing your intentions will help. Staying in RV parks or state parks? Holding tank size is only important if you in campgrounds without full hook ups. Some national parks do not allow non hard side campers. To answer you question I can only speak for Coachman / Coleman. We have probably 15,000 miles and easily 300 nights. We love it our Coleman. And have not had any real issues. Keep going to shows and different dealers. Good luck.

My tow vehicle is a 2006 GMC Sierra 3500 reg cab single wheel 6.0 gas 5 speed stick 2wd.

and ill read the post. sorry to post a newb question but at this point my head is spinning.....

Welcome to the forum. What tow vehicle?

Read my post on Toy Haulers.. The same thing applies to travel trailers:
http://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28784901.cfm