With regard to a new (or newer) trailer, I would recommend a fifth wheel trailer.  When you do get to travel with it, a fifth wheel is more stable than a travel trailer.  It also sits higher, so will be less likely to drag at the rear on uneven driveways and campgrounds.  (I learned that the hard way with a 26-foot travel trailer, only I got the rear steps.)  Since I don't know what the temperatures are normally in your part of Tennessee, if it gets pretty cold, you also want to look at the insulation "R" values.

We've lived in a Mobile Suites now for 4 1/2 years and have been comfortable in temperatures between 115 degrees down to -6 degrees.  We do supplement our furnaces with electric heaters and the electric fireplace and oscillating fans in the summer.  Our Mobile Suites has 3 1/4" walls and extra insulation.

Whatever you do, choose the RV first before buying a truck.  Your truck choice is best made last because once you know what RV you want and its GVWR (Gross Vehicular Weight Rating) so that you choose a truck that is heavy enough to handle the size of trailer you have.  I say "handle" because a trailer can be towed by a smaller truck, but =one needs a truck that is also heavy enough to handle the trailer safely in crosswinds and emergency braking.

Also, look at the frame, suspension, axles, wheels and tires of the trailers you are interested in.  Those components are the very foundation of the RV.  For full-time living, I'd not get anything less than a 12" frame.

Good luck in your research and planning.  You can also use the "Search" function of the forums to find the answers to some of your questions.

Terry

There's a lot of moving parts to making the decision or not, that is for sure. Coming out of a Chapter 13 and all other debts free and clear is, if nothing else, giving you a steady stepping off point. It is highly recommended being debt free for this lifestyle, so says conventional wisdom by many on here and elsewhere. We are working toward being debt free also by our projected starting date in 2019. 

One of the biggest things beyond the emotional battle you are waging on the YAY or NAY is determining the kind of lifestyle you envision and how you will pay for it. I recommend working out a thorough budget. There are several "sample" RVing budgets out there for a variety of income levels that you can easily adapt to your particular situation. You also need to extrapolate future earnings estimates, pensions, annuities etc so you can accurately determine how well funded you are and how long those funds will last. Don't forget to factor your budget expenditures to increase by 3% a year as a rough guide. 

Being as you are 40 and hubby 64, he will be on Medicare by 2017 (if he isn't already -you mentioned physical limitations ...already on Medicare disability?) but you will need some form of ACA coverage (or similar) for yourself after you stop working in a couple of years if that is your plan. That will be a major budget expense. 

One should also consider having a well funded emergency fund for those major "uh ohs" that inevitably come along. Adding to that fund regularly should be a top budget priority. With a steady income you could get away with as little as 3 months worth of expenses in such a fund, a more variable income situation means you should have more, say up to 6 months expenses saved up. This fund is not to be touched, except for the aforementioned "emergencies". Along the same line of thinking, establishing a separate fund for major repairs to your "home on wheels" (including the tow vehicle) is a good idea, though you could simple include it you emergency fund. 

I've only scratched the surface, but knowing your cash flow situation and understanding the all the financial "what ifs" will clear up at least the economic concerns about the viability of the YAY or NAY decision.

FWIW, Brian