For an easy start, suggest you spend time online with RVWholesalers and RVDirect. Both sell a huge variety of brands and will have floorplans and usually pictures and sometimes videos. All in the comfort of your home. Slides are extremely popular and I would normally suggest not getting one without a slide simply for resale value. They do add a lot of nice living space and are a huge benefit when the weather turns nasty. But, you are right about adding weight. If you find a few floorplans you might like, then just google those plans and see a variety of dealers and maybe some prices. RVW and RVD don't post their prices, but do post the MSRP. You can guesimate about 30% off their prices and both are experienced in selling units that will be going across the border, so all paperwork is ready.
Re the tow vehicle....suggest you absolutely, positively comfirm that the particular vehicle you're looking at has the specs you need. Not all packages are the same within the same line. Having an F-150 CC with factory tow, 5.4 and 8000#, guess that would be my choice. If you find that you often haul firewood, chairs, outdoor rug, it's certainly easier with the truck bed. Our '03 gets about 18 in town. Regardless of what you choose, if you get 10mpg, it's a good day.
Excellent that you're doing your homework before rather than after the fact. What you're looking for is out there, but finding one without a slide is a bit trickier, however still doable. Good luck. Keep us posted. Happy shopping!
