geo11RT, sounds like you're on the right track, setup wise.
Not to be-labor the argument, you started off with a list of "requirements", which is different than "preferences."
All your requirements added up to unobtanium...which you're beginning to see. Doesn't mean there isn't a camper that will work for your family, in fact quite the opposite.
Just don't get offended when someone refutes your pre-determined "requirements."
"Northern" doesn't build one with a slide if you mean Northern Lite, the clamshell camper. Very nice high end unit, but no slide.
If you're confusing it with Northland who dies build slide outs, no harm, no foul, but it doesn't meet your other requirement for the construction method.
Both Jims here are very knowledgeable and neither were wrong, only wrong in your eyes.
Either way, your upcoming trip will be EPIC. It's what prompted us to get a TC several years ago and was the perfect fit for us to see AK for a summer.