Dutchman gave a pretty good rundown of choosing, as to looking at brands I'll add First, most manufacturers build multiple lines, with varying levels of amenities. That said they all use similar internal fixtures and appliances. Appliances, pumps, converter, etc will be of similar quality, the pricing differences will show up in materials and methods.
Like a house, cabinets made of pressboard with a shelfpaper type of visual surface is the cheapest, and will deteriorate the fastest, Plywood is better, and hardwood frames are better still. Screwed and glued are better than stapeled.
Generally metal sided units are cheaper than glass or Azdel, which are also claimed to be better insulated as well as less likely to sustain water damage issues.
Cheaper lines will usually have smaller water and waste tanks, not only to save on the tanks, but also to lower the overall weight so they can then use cheaper axles, frames, and tires. Best suggestion is to find a floorplan that you like, then look at several versions of that floorplan, from different lines and determine at what price point you achieve a quality level you desire.
Truck, look at the sticker in the door pillar, all your weights should be listed there for your truck. When you look at the trailers, go by the GVWR NOT the empty weight. And then expect the tongue weight to be 12-15% of that GVWR.
As to pricing have the dealer give you their real price for a starter. The affiliate store here list decent pricing, but then, on a $20,000 unit added a few things Shipping $1700, Dealer Prep $700, PDI $350, Documentation $399. Several local mom and pop dealers had similar prices to CW, but didn't add all the horse hockey fees at the last minute. Most that offer straight up pricing say so on their websites, check them. Check around, you may find that another dealer is actually a better deal. Or you may find that CW overall is the best for you. Hope this helps, Good luck.
