How big was your first camper?
We now have a 45' MH and I wish they made a 50'. We tow a car and so we are 65'+ long now.
Yes, your 43' is big but is it really that much bigger than before? I used to be 34' and it was all in my head that 45' was huge. It looks huge but I have inadvertently wound up in tight parking lots and had no problem.
Yeah, 24' is easier than most anything. I would love to see your 43' -- wow, so spacious...
35' MH is not going to be any easier for you. You still want the truck stops when you add the car. Maybe it is 2' shorter at the end of the day? LOL.. it means nothing.. 24 inches, come on!
The plus of a MH, though, is for the kids - they can sit on the bed in the back and watch TV and it is a lot of fun for them (or go to sleep for hours on end). But for you personally, I would be happy with what you have and learn to enjoy it. Are you going on 3000 mile long trips all the time or just a few hundred miles?
As long as you are careful (and you are) then nothing wrong will happen. Dont worry, just enjoy.