I agree with Hutch and the others. You need to do some serious thinking on what type of traveling you'll be doing? My wife and I chose the 2499 with no slides because we would be moving alot and traveling non-stop.
If you only move the camper up north and leave it for a few months, then the slides might be the better choice. When we were doing our research for our journey, every one we talked to told us to stay away from slide if we were going to be moving non-stop. The seals would wear out quick and we would run into maintanence problems quick.
With fuel prices reaching an all time high this summer, I think moving down to a smaller sized coach will pay for itself in no time if you do a lot of traveling. I spoke with Wade who is the General Manager over at General RV in Michigan, and he said they've had a record spring with 40 RV's sold this past month and they took 66 down payments on other units! Most of them were smaller coaches to keep the weight down. SO I think that is the new trend.
Sitting in campgrounds these days, if you dont have multiple slides, you tend to be the outcast, but in a few years time, when I havent had any maintenance costs to speak of, I'll be happy to be the outcast.
Besides, the smaller space will re-ignite the passion with you and the hubby

Go out and buy a $100 screened in tent, and spend some time outside and think of all the money you've saved in the long run.
Happy Camping
Pat