Thinking out loud

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. ;)

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!