I have a 2008 NorthStar 850SC on a Dodge Ram 2500 and would not trade it for any other camper. I too, travel as a single with two 50# black labs and there is plenty of room for us. This combination has taken me through all the continental US and many Canadian provinces putting over 80,000 miles on the combination. I prefer to camp away from the maddening crowds and can get back into the National Forests, National Grasslands and BLM Lands quite easily with the lower profile unit. The truck (and driver) do not even know the camper is aboard.
As for setup and take down it takes very little time and effort to raise and lower the top.
Good luck in making your decision and good camping!
Grant