Ron,
We went from a slide equipped Fleetwood DP to a non-slide Prevost in 2002. We didn't mind the switch at all primarily because the front salon in the Prevost had big windows and felt much more open than our manufactured motorhome. That said we now have a two slide bus. I didn't want slides when I went looking for a next bus, but found a bus with bunks that happened to have slides and the priced was right at the time (at least it seemed like it was). I really like the slides and the extra room that they provide. My wife is a huge fan of the slides. I was concerned that the slides would make the bus seem small when traveling (we do a lot of driving and generally don't stay in one place for more than a couple of days), but they don't in my bus because of how the converter fit them out. I would want slides in my next bus (if I was to ever need a next bus, but I don't see than happening unless I lose my mind). The jump from a manufactured motorhome to a Prevost will be more than enought to offset the loss of slides. If you plan to park a lot then get the slides, if you plan to drive more then don't worry about it.
As for all the concerns about slides, I think it is overblown in some circumstances and deserved in others. Our bus is just as solid and quiet (actually quieter) than our non-slide bus was. If you do decide to go the slide route, I would do a couple of things. 1) I would want Prevost factory slides (just my preference). There are some buses that use non-factory slides (Featherlite in there H3's, Marathon in just about everything now). 2) Make sure that you have the tops of the slides inspected. Prevost had an issue with early generation slides where the sheet metail would bow on top of the slide and create water infiltration issues. Prevost fixed most of the these under warranty, but if you have a bus today that is an older version and needs the fix it is very expensive ($25K plus).
If you are interested in more details / thoughts, I would be happy to talk with you. Just send me a PM and we can go from there.
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