For us, in the getting older category (57/62), things we could not do without are a sofa, walk-around queen bed, walk-in shower, decent kitchen counter space, separate bedroom with door and a slide. Now have a 29' TT that suits us really well and has all of this. We also have a good amount of storage space overall inside. Never a problem finding or backing into a site.
After initially buying a 20' TT, we got tired of it in just one year from having to watch TV from the dinette sitting at an awkward angle and having to suck our stomachs in when passing each other between kitchen and bathroom. Lack of storage space not good either. Lost thousands of $$ in depreciation and on mods.
Friends or ours have a 26 footer with a U-shaped dinette and no sofa. Bed is open to the living area and tiny 20" TV. DW & I hate their layout. Can't get comfortable watching TV and NO privacy between bedroom and kitchen/living space. Thx but no thx...
First time I ever drove our 20 footer, I was in full panic attack, white knuckle mode.. Didn't take very long tho. before I was flinging it around corners and driving in and out of crowded mall parking lots. With our 29 footer, it definitely is more of a handful to tow but it was just fine once I got used to it. Now have no problem flying down the interstate with a semi truck on either side or on twisty & bumpy mountain roads. The only thing I do find is that it is harder to do right turns on some single lane city street corners, but is partly because we have a long wheelbase truck (8' bed & supercab).
When assessing various models and floor plans, note that some floor plans and features can be significantly more efficient and provide more comfort features for the same overall length. Length in itself shouldn't be a major deciding factor.
BTW, it sure helps for you and your spotter to learn hand signals when backing in. Took DW & myself a couple of years to get it right. Now a super smooth process when backing in and no hurt feelings anymore. :W
