Travel Trailer Buying Advice

Any companies low end product line is generally something to avoid. As was mentioned earlier some of the west coast units have decent reputations and followings. Since your in the central region I'll add a couple to consider, Jayco and K-Z are among the rare ones that offer two year warranties and do it without breaking the bank. Grand Design has a reputation for backing their units as well. On the weight, going light does make it somewhat easier to tow if your truck is on the light side, but dont go to the extreme. Too light usually means less insulation, lighter frames, decking, and smaller tanks, all of which lessens weight but also reduces durabiity and flexibility of use.
Visit a couple of dealers, look at several product lines, but as a starting point, pay more attention to floorplans, and overall sizes. try to determine what features you want. You mentioned a slide, how about outside kitchen, seating options, bunks, or climate options such as enclosed heated underbelly.
Try to imagine how you will primarily be using the unit, resort CG usage, tank sizes arent critical, boondocking they become your most limiting factor.
After you have decided on use, and basic floorplan preference, then shopping becomes a little easier, set a price range and you can search RVT or RV Trader to see what comes up as being in or slightly above your range, and then visit in ernest.
Good luck.