Get real!
The difference between a short and long bed is approx 2 feet. That 2 feet allows me to carry air compressor, extra stuff, fishing gear full sheets of plywood all with the tail gate closed and stuff flat on the floor!
With my fold a cover in place and open, I have 2 feet of space under cover. I have approx 150 pounds less weight with no slider hitch. I can take my hitch out in two pieces by my self. Short bed trucks ARE a rarity in 2500 and 3500 configuration. Go look in dealers lots and try to find one! Like I said "YOU MAY NEED OR WANT" I did not say you must have.
The OP is totally free to do what he wants. It is his money afterall. All I was trying to do was give hom things to think about, not get into an argument with you.