New member here with a bunch of questions.

We're in that older but not dead age group also. We bought an old 1990 Shadow Cruiser hard side camper last year for cheap $2,700 because it was available, family, and what we could afford at the time. We're in Oklahoma and truck campers are like hens teeth. We also had a truck camper many moons ago and had 28' 5hr previously. DH has worn out body syndrome from 50+ years as a brick mason so climbing into the bed room took some thought. We carry a 9" Wally World step stool for that last step down from the cab over bed, much easier. Decided if it gets too hard he can sleep on dinette bed and we can go a little longer. There are any number of step solutions for entry. We modified a cargo tray for the receiver hitch to incorporate one solid and one flip up step, generator, gas and water storage for not a lot of money and is real stable, hated the scissor steps. We also added AC that camper was actually already wired for, new Fantastic fan in bathroom and a host of other things as we could afford them. The Honda 2000 bought on Ebay used only one time for WAY less than retail. It runs everything fine except no AC and microwave at the SAME time. Minor deal. The AC is high effiency and low power usage. Altogether maybe a $5,000 investment in a camper that has no leaks or rot. It's 9.5' and just right for or 8' bed and tow with only an 18" receiver length. We have a dually so hauling it has never been a problem without modifications other than fresh tires. The weight of our camper is not what many of the newer are, especially with slides. Would have loved the space just not the weight or price even well used. Like everyone says just shop around and go over any prospect with a fine tooth comb.... then do it again primed and test everything. There are good deals out there. Happy hunting and camping. Welcome