We have a mid wheelbase 4WD Mercedes Sprinter which is just under 6mtrs. We've been happy with that size for about 5 years and have done a fair bit of travelling, the last for 3 months. It has double bed with heaps of storage under, inside & outside shower, cassette toilet, 131ltr fridge with good freezer, 40ltr, so you don't have to take an Engel or the like which drags power from the solar panels. Ours has 2 x 125w panels and 2 x 120AH batteries which drives everything and we have never had the need for a generator. We have swivel seats so can eat in if the weather is bad. We always seem to mainly be outside where we can cook on a campfire if it's ok to do so, or use a gas cooker, or the Weber BabyQ. We carry a couple of tables, chairs, have heaps of room for clothes in above lockers and drawers for food or whatever. The size is convenient because we go off road and can also park easily when shopping. Long vehicles get hung up easily.We always use a laundromat and they're in most towns. Packing up is no problem if we decide to move as the awning is rolled in, table and chairs put in and whatever else stowed safely for driving. We have everything set up for TV if we want it, use the computer if the service is ok (a lot of the country has little or none) and have a sat phone for emergency. We carry 120ltr of water and some extra and because we live with tank water at home, we have never had a problem running out.
These are just a few thoughts. We started out with a young family using a tent, and have had a Hi Ace campervan and caravans. When family left home we used a Landcruiser traytop with canvas canopy, very comfortable, have as well a Hi Lux 4x4 with slideon, and have had a LWB Mercedes Sprinter. There are a lot of good vehicles/motorhomes/built-ons etc. for well below your price range depending on your needs.
