Joel,
The fifth-wheels tow better, as a rule, but they also usually weigh more, and you can't use your truck bed. You're correct about needing a special (expensive) hitch to tow one with a short-bed. A fiver will not maneuver nor corner as tightly as a travel trailer.
You are expecting too much of us. You will probably not be able to learn enough in the time you have to avoid all potential mistakes. Perhaps we can help you avoid some.
I have had slide-outs, and now I don't. They add weight and complexity. While you are traveling, you will probably not extend the slide-out when you stop at a rest stop for lunch. How easily will you be able to maneuver inside your trailer with that slide-out retracted? The key to slide-outs is how you will use the trailer. If you spend a lot of time set up, get the slide-out. The extra room is really nice. If you spend a lot of time traveling, don't get it. You won't like having it in the way during brief stops, and you won't like the extra weight.
A properly loaded travel trailer will pull very well. Just be sure to keep plenty of weight ahead of the trailer axles. This will give you a high hitch weight and a forward CG for stability. It will probably also require an equalizing hitch.
I also recommend buying used, unless you have money to burn. You will save a huge amount on a late-model, hardly-used trailer. They depreciate much faster than autos or trucks. It isn't too hard to find ones that haven't been smoked in. People are careful about that these days.
We are very happy with the Holiday Rambler we bought used a couple of years ago. Our first Holiday Rambler was new in 1970, and we liked it so much we got another one. (We haven't owned it the whole time. ) The new one is a 1996 model, 32 feet long, that had a lot of miles. We paid about $16,000, and then spent another $2000 having several items fixed. It needed tires and batteries, plus a lot of cosmetic repairs. A new one like ours would have cost about $32,000. We think the extra few feet beyond a 25 footer is well worth it. Check the floorplans and decide for yourself.
The best way to learn about different brands is to talk to the people in the campgrounds who own them. We like Holiday Rambler. Airstream and the Newmar products also have excellent reputations. I will not buy another Fleetwood product. Recognize that anyone can get a lemon, even from a quality manufacturer. Learn how the manufacture/dealer handle the problems.
Happy hunting.
Loren
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