Thinking out loud

The best thing you can probably do is go visit different RV dealerships in your area and see what's currently trending in RV's.

Unfortunately, the differences between "entry level" and "mid level" and even "upper level" RV's is not that much different any more. Some brands still stand out, like AirStream. Some are a bit more qualified for 4 season, like Artic Fox.

Everyone will have their favorites, and we do too. We love our Outback. Why? Well, it's made aluminum framed, the walls are styrofoam filled, it has a walkable arched roof, has real wood cabinets. Although manufactured by Keystone and actually falls into their "middle" category, the appliances are the same in all of them, same windows, same furnaces, air conditioners, and even the water heater.

We've had 2 Keystone TT's now, and one Dutchmen. We've taken care of all 3 of them, and all 3 served well for the time we owned them. Our current Outback is by far the nicest of the 3.

To narrow down your search, you need to start with your floor plan, list your wants, and more important ... list your "do not want's". Then search the internet and visit dealerships so you can see the actual models and get a real feel.

Having owned a TT previously, you are not a green-horn. You are experienced. Use that experience to search out your next camper! And most important ... have fun doing it. Don't be overwhelmed! Just enjoy the journey!

I would pick a floorplan that works for my needs. Really doesn't matter which brand as long as you maintain it.

If you plan to use it in the south, then a 4 season RV is not really needed. An Arctic Fox/Nash is a 4 season if that's the way you really want to go. But any TT with a winter pack will have a heated basement with heated tanks to help you thru a frosty night or two. I use my Jayco (Jayflight w/ elite package) down to the low 20's with water in it for days at a time. No problems.

If you choose to buy from a large dealership , they might lure you with a low price but be careful regarding those add-on prices they try to sneak in when you sign the dotted line.
They tend to lack in service or warranty work when that important customer gets lost in the warranty shuffle.

I prefer to use a small family owned dealership . If and when problems arise, things tend to get taken care of in a timely manner and often things get taken care of by the dealer when the mfg. fails to step up to the plate. I find them to price the units to be competitive.

Just be careful in ordering fancy upgrades that appeal to the eye or seem like .. 'ahh, this is like home.'
Today's RV trends tend to mimic what people find in real homes, like fireplaces and large fridges as an example. They call them residential. Smaller dealerships will try to shy away ordering this type of stuff because they only have to deal with repairing all this problematic stuff, which often doesn't stand up.
Well, they are residential in size and that's about it. Try repairing or replacing a malfunctioning fridge of residential size.
If they need to remove it to replace it, do you think it will fit through an RV door ?
Yes, they have access panels to make some repairs from the outside, but to replace the fridge,which is more common than people think, the Rv has to be taken partially apart by removing a slideout or bay window. A salesman is not going to admit that to you. Talk to the guys that repair them. ;)

Floor plan floor plan floor plan. If you intend to spend more time in it then the livability of a unit is vital. Go to a dealer or 10 and look at them, all of them, and spend some time in those you like. Brands and quality between them are not all that different any more. Its your money and you know what you want to invest. Just start looking and you will find one that speaks to you.

I certainly agree with FLOOR PLAN.

If you are going to do a lot of traveling, make sure slides don't interfere with access to bath and fridge.

When we head to Florida for the winter, it is nice to be able to go in our camper to sit down and eat lunch and use the john.

Also, we can "over-night" in our camper without having to open it all up.

Since we spend about 4 months living in our camper, it was VERY important that it have a FULL SIZED FRIDGE and an OVEN. Many of the newer campers have tiny little fridges and no oven.

You sound a lot like us as far as you life style situation:
We went with a 30' Arctic Fox with the rear lounge floor plan. (2 recliners).
Way better quality than our previous trailers, very comfortable, loaded with upgrades, perfect for empty nesters.

As for where to start, use the internet. All the brands are on there where you can look @ floor plans and when you find something that you think will work then go to the dealers and do a walk thru. This will save a lot of time and energy just going from rig to rig. We have a 4 seasons trailer and we enjoy the fact it helps keep the rig cooler and have to run the AC less when the temp rises. Just be aware the sales people are there to get a rig out the door and not interested in what you want or like. JMHO

We looked at hundreds before we settled on this floorplan. We liked it for several reasons but being able to use bathroom, table and fridge with the slides in was one of the best features in our book, and it was within our weight range. We went with the free standing table and chairs. It is a 2017 Flagstaff 26FKWS. We are supposed to pick it next Tuesday.

Grand Design is considered mid - upper level. Their Imagine Series Travel Trailers may be of interest to you.

Yes, FLOORPLAN!! How you plan to use your TT now may be different than when the family was along. Once you've determined which floorpan will work best look at all the manufacturers that offer what you want. I made a spreadsheet to do an apples-to-apples comparison of the 4 or 5 trailers that made our short list. In the end we went with the shortest & lightest TT that had all the elements we were looking for.

Take your time, happy shopping and good luck!

Oh, and a lot of RV salespeople have no idea how to handle an educated shopper..... :E

Great advise above, floor plan is definitely the start point.
Following that comes lots of research on each manufacturer, their construction methods, thought into space management, quality of build, and their emphasis on customer relations. Some manufacturers just stand out from the crowd.. Don't be blinded by the "ohhh it's new and fancy" and forget to really get into the bones of the unit, as it's extremely easy to do (we may have made that mistake). New does not mean better or in some cases even acceptable.