Over the yrs, I have had a camper van, 25ft C, truck camper, and now a 5er/truck.
For me, from a cost-benefit view I would go with a used 5er/truck. I have more confidence that I can find a good for 5yrs 5er/truck combo than that I can find a good for 5yrs Class A.
I have a 5er and know I can inspect it for problems before purchase, with a Class A I THINK I know what to look for but....I'm not as confident.
Maintenance on a 5er/truck is DIY and requires no special facility.
I do like the travel comfort of a Class A though and if I was going to Alaska I would take a Class A over a 5er (I used a camper van when I went in '80s). That said I have never had any problem just stopping in rest stops, WalMart, etc. with the 5er and going to bed, eating, etc.
The chief travel comfort advantage to a Class A over a 5er, for us, is the ability to nap while the spouse drives. I am not sure I would try the toilet while moving in a Class A so stopping for the potty is equal in my opinion, although in an emergency, the A has a proximity advantage.
Another consideration is will your wife be comfortable driving either a pickup or the A? My wife, also a RN, drives the truck/5er combo with no problems and enjoys it. She also likes driving the truck around our somewhat rural town but neither one of us finds it easier to maneuver than a car.
The final and most important factor is "what will make your wife the happiest".
Ask her and then buy what she wants.
5er/2500Duramax/18ftBoat