I have to agree with you on the sticky idea but I am a bit prejudiced on this as I am the OP. :B
On to your question about rattling, Mocoondo stated it very well, they are going to rattle in the places that he mentioned but if well maintained and packed well that can be made quieter. They are not a quiet beast going down the road. Not so bad that you can't have a conversation or listen to music.
My passenger watched a movie in the rear of mine while under way with no problem.
As I stated in the opening I had driven a dozen or more of the same kind while looking for mine. All were from private parties, some were still loaded with all their camping gear and dishes and such and some were empty.
I was surprised at how quiet mine was after driving the others. I have a theory on this.
The ones that are built for Cruise America are built by the MFG specifically for the rental market thus made a lot sturdier.
My Tioga's build sheet says it is a Tioga Commercial made for El Monte RV. I think because of this sturdier build that they prone to be quieter inside, that and the maintenance that they receive.
At El Monte I test drove 3 different RVs all the same 26Q, 2 Fords and 1 Chevy and all seemed quieter than all the others that I had driven from Private parties. I picked the one on the Chevy Chassis because it seemed quieter in the cab area and it had a lot more leg room.
As for the use in colder climates there are a lot of threads on it here, I can be of no help there. Where I live I don't have to winterize or go so far into the cold country. It can be done though.
In the post above, gotsmart seems to do it a lot, if you look at their pictures in their signature you will see them camped in the snow. Maybe they can be of some help.
