Rick and Patrice,
Forest River totally freaking sucks. I had one full time for 5 years. It came with almost no instructions. Granted, I learned over time, the hard way. I've met other Forest River folks who were not happy. Stay away. Winnebago was good, but there are many newer brands out there. I wish I knew more about them in order to help you.
I've lived in a Class C and a fifth wheel. Both have wonderful qualities, but the same answers that I give below:
Slides are a MUST, no matter the length of the unit. If you are full-timing, you'll kill each other without slides.
Many parks won't let you use your washer/dryer due to their septic systems, so I didn't get that amenity and do not know anyone who has. Most parks will have a laundry room, however. TV sat, I got auto on top, since I travel alone and cannot have someone yelling out the window to me in manually adjusting the sat.
I have pulled a 33 foot fifth wheel with no problems except the initial parking space adjustments. The first time I parked, I hit someone with my back end (lol) so if you have an adventurous spirit and can take laughs in stride, you'll be fine. Driving the Class C, which was 27 ft, and pulling a car, I was able to park well, but keep in mind that you cannot actually see the car *toad*, behind you, so must keep that in mind. Again, the adventurous spirit would take care of that.
If either of you are fond of long, hot showers, make sure to spring for a larger capacity hot water tank for showers, so you don't have to turn on the water, get wet, turn it off, soap up, turn it on again, etc, especially since there are two of you. It is a good investment for that extra capacity.
I advise two air conditioners, or at least a powerful one, if you will be traveling through hot weather and hot climates. My Class C had a puny a/c and summer in the Southwest was not pleasant.
The kitchen islands are nice if one cooks alot or wants to watch tv while cooking. I would not get one again because when dry camping with slides in, or stopping for a roadside snack with slides in, it cramps the space and you might have to climb over the dining room table to get to the fridge.
I met people with a dishwasher, but I never had one, so cannot say anything about it.
You are doing the right thing by asking asking asking.
Carrying capacity would vary with the person. I was full-timing and have a whole lot of stuff, so I needed something larger and that would handle all my weight. If you do not travel with much, you'd be ok with a lighter capacity, although I still feel "iffy" about the "lite" models. In high winds in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma, I was happy to have a heavier unit.
The floorplans with the living room and picture window in the back are the best, to me, to where you can sit with coffee and look outside. It is up to what ya'll like, as to the floorplans.
You are on the right track to a wonderful adventure!