Hi Jane....
I am going to 2nd what Tundra stated. It appears you are all over the board, and probably more confused now than when you started looking. It's time to sit down and make a list of your priorities.
First... You want to spend 25k max on a 5th wheel.... If that is the entire amount you would like to spend, might I suggest you look at something in the low 20k range?
Reason... Whatever you buy, since it will be a used rig, you need to have money set aside for any repairs and changes you will want to do. Being a used unit, count on extras as a definite.
Second.... You indicated you are remodeling a home, and plan on using the " new" rig to travel the Country for about a year..... If you have a home, which obviously you do, is that not technically a very large " storage "? Iam a little perplexed as to why you are so concerned about carrying capacity, if you are only planning on full timing for a year. Most who travel " full time " have everything they own in their rig, which in your case does not apply. I have " stuff " in our rig that I haven't even really looked at, and we have been on the road for 15 months..
Third.... You said this is your first rv purchase. Do you have any idea of what your life style will be like on the road? In all the rv's you have gone and looked at, have you actually been alone in the unit with your significant other? I know sales people can be overwhelming, and don't give you any time to actually sit, and look. Suggestion.... Go to an rv dealer, and have the sales person leave you two in a unit. Live out what you believe your lifestyle will be... Are you comfortable in the kitchen? Is there enough counter space? Where will your partner be, and can you see him, and carry on a conversation if need be? Do you like to watch tv while cooking? Is there a cramped area where you are going to have to walk around each other? Do you want a washer/ dryer?
The things you do while on the road ( as far as daily living ), should be pretty much the same as at home. That's why full timers pick the individual rig they do... Because it works for them. Some people cannot " live " in anything less than a 40 foot fifth wheel, and some are perfectly happy in a 24' Class C.......Instead of worrying about accessing all areas with the slides closed, first see if the unit will work for your lifestyle with the slides open.
Next.... You indicated you want to stay at State and National Parks a lot. Length really is a large factor with having easy accessibility to State Parks, and even more so on the West Coast. Something to think about, especially since you only plan on " full timing " for about a year.
Since you do not have a truck either yet, have you considered an all in one unit... Say a 27-28 foot Class C motorhome? That size unit is great for State and National Parks. You can get one with an on board generator, so you can boondock if you wish. You can tow a little car too, since most Class C's that size have a 5k hitch.
In a fifth wheel, you either have to have a battery bank, inverter, and generator( s ), and possibly, depending how long you want to be off the grid, solar panels. A fifth wheel does not have standard features listed above, especially a used unit for around $20k, unless you get very fortunate to find such an animal.
My suggestion ( from a seasoned 25 year rv owner ), is to take a step back, make a list of your priorities, and start your search all over again. Possibly check out a Class C, and a smaller Class A gasser. See if one of those will work for you. You can get all the floor plans from everyone on the forum, but none of them will be living your life on the road.
Good luck, and I really hope this all works out for you.
