I feel your dilemma, as I also needed the 81" height and my truck is only rated for 7600lbs. That basically ruled out the slide models as the slide just adds too much weight. I know you looked at the Jayco 27bhs, but that model is 6,330 empty. Nobody tows an empty trailer unless they are towing it home from the dealer so it will only be heavier ready to camp. .
I know you want a slide, but the Jayco 26bh (no slide) is only 4,700 pounds. With my kids I get one per bunk and the third sleeps on the jacknife sofa in a sleeping bag. It only takes a few seconds to put the sofa back upright and toss the sleeping bag in a rear bunk for the day.
