Taking Break and Starting Over

Sounds to me like SidecarFlip is planning marriage separation?
I would not buy anything shorter than 11' with min 1 slide.
Just in process of switching from one 11-6 to another 11-9 and DW complains that newer camper has no basement storage.
Even the new camper has convenient side door, where she tested back steps on old one with her behind.

If I did it over, I'd get even lighter than I am right now. I'd buy a Toyota Tacoma 4x4, remove the bed (and sell it of course), buy a flatbed for it and set on a Four Wheel Camper Grandby.

It would have a compressor (Danfoss) fridge, Thetford cassette toilet, cold weather package and deluxe European style interior with aluminum outside siding (not Filon).

Basically, a go anywhere package (go anywhere that is sane), excellent fuel mileage, low upkeep and a unit that is built with quality in mind (one at a time using quality components and skilled labor).

Michigan is like California. The bigger the truck the more it costs to plate and the higher the taxes are.

I like Four Wheel Campers for another reason besides resale and longevity, no external tie downs at all. FWC has a proprietary tie down system. Everything is either in the bed (with a conventional bed truck) or with a flat bed, still on the bed, not down the side with external tie downs.

My second choice would be a conventional truck (3/4 ton) with an Alaskan. But I like the FWC Grandby the most.

My dream camper.

Having owned a Lance for years and then going to a pop up with full toilet and shower (for the wife), I was utterly amazed and just how much better the unit 'feels'. I don't even know it's back there and my mileage with the diesel is 19 on the road (in 2wd).

No wind resistance and no side buffeting.

They are so easy to set up, takes all of 30 seconds (after levelling it of course and my Palomino has more head room (raised) than my Lance had. The Alaskan and the Grandby are both PUP's. I'm sold on that type of camper.

Makes storage in the off season a piece of cake too. It fits in the garage. No external shelter needed.

I'll never go back to a hard side unit

Move out of California.

I could consider a cargo conversion but a small TT would be easier. I'd also consider a 3/4 or one ton extended body van but depending on where you travel it has no holding tanks which are required in some blm areas. Tax friendly state is a must.

Advantage of camper is when you drive a lot with it.
For driving couple of hr and staying for few days - trailers are hard to beat.
And with whole bunch of lightweight trailers coming on the market lately - even Fiat 500 can be used as TV

I was in your shoes one year ago. I sold my Lance 830 and truck, tried the tent thing and my wife missed the camper perks. Went out and bought a cheap tent trailer for 1/3 of what I sold the camper for. it has everything the Lance did, and my family of five fit much easier. That said I will have a truck camper again once all my kids stop wanting to go!

Mc

Gman, first off, there has to be a very happy family in your truck/camper combo. Also you have made a difficult decision putting the main household repairs first. Kudos to you.
Starting over for me would involve my wife and her needs as well since we are planning on many trips together. I still would want a larger camper with slides. I've done backpacking, tenting etc and this is our choice. I've tried to minimize costs by shopping out of state. The camper came from Oregon and I looked for a year finding my Ram truck in Indiana. Vehicle taxes are unavoidable but I think I saved some dollars. When you start looking, be prepared to jump. Good luck!

Move to a cheaper place to live? ;)

Assuming that isn't an option, a cargo trailer or utility trailer conversion would give you different options for tow vehicle. Many of us have a truck because we need one. If you don't, there are far more options. Popups are cool, but aren't cheap. Checkout Youtube for conversions. A few are really creative including one that built their trailer with synthetic panels.