WD Hitch; 2" vs. 2.5" receiver; Ford 250 issue

Not on the hitch topic but you mention the short vs long bed. My 2¢ is get the long. More storage, more wheel base, maybe a better ride. And while your at it seriously consider stepping up to a F350 SRW for the added payload capacity. Your talking about a lot of tongue weight, plus passengers, cargo in the truck. It adds up way too fast for my personal comfort.