Size was a big issue for me... I wanted something easy to pull and functional... I found a Crossforce Cruizer that had a side entrance garage. It is 32' in length - nose to tail.... a "30 ft." model. 8 ft. of garage, 22 ft. of living space, with super slide. I have found it is perfect for contests, and not so long as to be a pain to get in and out of events.
Smokin' Guns, Rabbit Gulch, Quau, and several other have 37-42' rigs, and seem to get into and out of contests ok.... so can you do it with one that size... yes, do you have to have one that size... no.
For me, having the ramp drop into my spot, instead of out behind it... was a huge buying factor. I no longer have to rely on permission from my neighbor to pack up, or wait for them to move things, if they are against the back of my trailer.... The side garage door solves all of that...
I started with 29P KZ Sportsmen 5th wheel toy hauler... and it just wasnt quite big enough to be comfortable in... (mid profile, and 10 ft. garage) A full profile w/ 8 ft garage, has been ideal. Let me know if you want to see any info on the Cruisers. They are great trailers. Are you looking at a New Vision, or Raptor or>? Play-mor makes one that is very nicely laid out for a comp rig as well...