I'll 2nd the double axle preference. When we had a wheel bearing go, and the wheel almost fell off, I could remove the wheel and drive to a place to fix it at my leisure instead of trying to fix it on a hill by the side of the road and having no place to sleep or eat.
Hi Melissa,
I hope you get your financing. What a fiasco.
We bought our 23ft CCD last spring. I drooled over the first CCD concept trailer I saw in a magazine years ago. I drooled over the first actual CCD I saw at a dealership. Wow! -an RV without oak! We couldn't believe how gorgeous and sleek it was. But alas, we were too young and poor, but we fit the demographics AS was going for with the CCD line. When the 23D layout came out, we couldn't believe our luck. THis seemed to fit us perfectly (and our 2 dogs-big and little).
We don't find it too small at all, and my husband is 6 feet tall. Yes, it can feel cold against the wall by the bed, but I put "bumpers" around there, and it's not a problem anymore. There is more than enough living area, even with 2 adults and 2 dogs. Because the 23 is 6 inches narrower than the 25, it's easier to see around. (We do use tow mirrors). Plus, we can pull it fairly comfortably with our Jeep Grand Cherokee.
My little comparison on the 23 and 25:
-windows:
I would love having the double-wraparound windows that you can get on a 25 footer. BEcause the bedroom and living areas are reversed on the 23 and 25, you have another consideration. We usually back into sites and try to back onto a river or "view" and this means that our little bedroom window looks at "the view" which isn't ideal. BAcking in with a 25 footer means the living room overlooks "the view". However, sometimes sites are big enough, so we can pull straight in, unhitch, and move the TV. That's because the trailer is smaller. Then we have a good view.
-bed
THe bigger bed that lifts on hydraulics would also be really nice. You get more storage under it, and when we have a 2-dog-nite, it wouldn't be as cramped. The bed on the 23 is comfy enough, and cozy because you have walls on both sides; however, there is no night-stand to put my glasses and book.
-bathroom
Lots of people complain about the bathroom on the 23 foot. I like it. I prefer the sink on the outside. However, you get less storage than on the 25. You don't have anywhere inside the toilet area to store spare tissue rolls.
-kitchen
The 23 has a microwave. We don't use it much, but it's a nice feature. However, you get a smaller fridge. It's fine for us. THe 23 has a really wide pull-out pantry. I love it! You can store pots, pans, tin foil, etc. That's how big it is.
Hope this helps you and others deciding between a 23 and 25 footer. What a challenge. They both are great!
buy the one with the best layout. If you need to take our a loan think of a nice used model, people's lives change and they need to sell. We love our Vintage trailer and if you get one that has been taken care of you should be good, even new ones have problems. We have 18 feet and that is a bit small. they always say your lst trailer is too small. Do not worry 18 feet is harder to back up than 21. Good luck and we welcome you to fun.
Hi Melissa,, woman to woman,,,go where your heart leads,,, i live in Montana,, and just a hint,, you do need power to get out and about ,, a used trailer is an option you should certainly check out,,, i did ,, am glad,, good luck,, happy trails,, donna
Melissa,
I have a 2007 Yukon Denali and have full-timed in my 25ft for over a year now. My Yukon tows the 25 with ease and the trailer is easy to maneuver with the perfect amount of indoor space. The queen bed works well with for one person and a dog or two people.