I rip copy-protected DVDs using free DVD Decrypter. Unfortunately DVD Decrypter project has been shut down and you can't download it from official web-site or its mirrors.

When you rip a one-layer DVD you need less than 5 Gb of free hard disk space. And dual-layer DVDs require up to 9 Gb of free hard disk space. 300 Gb hard disk costs about $100 so I don't really understand how can 9 Gb frighten you.

When converting DVD-9 (dual-layer) to DVD-5 (single layer) you may use AnyDVD. I recompile DVD-9 to DVD-5 with Nero 7 directly from my DVD drive (AnyDVD can remove almost any known DVD protection. And with AnyDVD you may even copy your copy-protected DVD to hard disk using Windows Explorer).