Re: Floorplans
1) Diesel pushers are great, however now is not the time to buy. New ones have new engines required by the government, and it is possible the first few years worth will have design defects. Old engines will have to tolerate the new Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel fuel and we don't yet know what the effects will be. For instance, there is a rumor that ULSD eats the gasket in the fuel pump of engines like mine. 2) If you have a motorhome, you will also have to have a small car to get around. Two maintenances, two insurances. If you want to travel much and stay in one place not so much, a good choice. To travel little and stay in each place for a while, less good a choice.
3) as for your wishes:
- plenty of counter space for a working kitchen (very, very, rare in any RV - best compromise is a cover for the stove and the sink so you can have either counter or these as appropriate)
- an enclosed head separate from the shower and sink (fairly common in big rigs: mine not only has this, but a second sink in the same enclosure as the head which is wonderful)
- a bedroom with windows (tv not necessary) (almost all big units, and most will have a TV or at least a place for one)
- provisions for a washer/dryer (many of the big rigs)
- a main TV (or couch) location that doesn't require twisting sideways (rare in older motorhome, available in some of the latest motorhomes, more common in trailers old and new)
- a center entry, mainly because we would like to have something other than carpet from the main door to the kitchen and head (less common in diesel pushers, more common in gas motorhomes and trailers).
- fixed furniture with storage rather than loose chairs (many will have this as an option
4) All in all, as DL says, a fifth wheel and appropriate tow vehicle will probably cost you less, give you less trouble, and more flexibility if you decide to change, have more of the stuff you want, and will be 'better' for fulltiming unless you will travel a lot and only stay in any location a day or 2.
5) slides rule. without slides, the best you can say of the unit is that it is usable. With slides, it can be home.