Newbies from the desert southwest

[Las Nubes]

Hello,
I have wanted an AS all my life, and this past Monday, my dream came true! We purchased a 2013 20' Flying Cloud. We did this ahead of schedule, because we weren't planning on buying anything until I get back from my deployment. However, the deal was great and my wife really loved the floor plan. So we took the plunge. I guess this means I'll have time to research the best TV for our needs. I'm thinking an F150, 4x4 crew cab, short bed. 5.4l engine. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Happy trails,
Mando

[idroba]

You will enjoy your 20' FC. I know I like mine. It can be towed by many vehicles. The axle weight is around 4200# loaded for travel, and the hitch weight is around 700#.

I use a 2012 Grand Cherokee for my TV, but once again, lots of choices are out there.

[subfan1]

Congratulations on fulfilling your dream. We have a 2012 20 ft as well and we tow it with a 08 Tahoe. I just had a Fiamma bike rack installed and all Plastic outside parts replaced with Stainless Steel. It looks great and everything works great. This size allows us to camp in a lot of small parks.

[tvketchum]

F150 Ecoboost handles our 30 ft classic with no problems.

[Rocinante]

We're towing our 27FB Intl Sig with a Ram 1500 with towing config and are very happy. Crew cab, short bed with a nice cap on it.

[Firedog1]

We use the F150 ecoboost super crew with 373 rear end and Max tow package to tow our 25' Classic, works great and get 13 to 14 MPG. This week we will be adding Firestone airbag leveling system to the rear for a little extra support as we plan to upgrade to a 31' Classic very soon.

[Zeppelinium]

Four recommendations:
1. Hardly anyone uses manual transmissions these days, but make sure you get an automatic. If the factory towing package has an interconnect to the transmission, that's a big plus (my GM transmission automatically downshifts if I use the brake and then upshifts when I touch the gas).
2. Make sure the transmission is fully capable for towing (in the "old" days Ford recommended not to use overdrive, a total PITA in a diesel).
3. When you get the towing package, check it out carefully. Can you believe GM sold their "towing package (really nice brake controller, by the way)" without towing mirrors? That was an extra $500 dealer add-on!
4. Speaking of towing packages, get the factory brake controller if (emphasis on the 'if') it has the brake line pressure connection. You can't have a more reliable, smooth, integrated braking system than that.

Zep