Sliding Hitch or not
There seems to be an assumption that getting a short bed TV automatically means you'll need a slider. I bought that argument on my first TV. I subsequently found that I almost never used the sliding...
Forum Discussion
I traded my 04 Chevy K2500 in for a '13 Ford F350. Using the same FW and hitch (a slider), I never had to use it except one time (see story below). When I installed the hitch in the F350, there was less clearance. On the Chevy, I could put the tailgate down with no problem. On the Ford, the hitch is farther forward and I can't put the tailgate down. When I tried to back the FW into it's parking place at home, I noticed the front of the FW getting way too close to the cab of the truck. So I moved the slider back and everything was perfect. I'm glad I have it now. But it proves the point that there are so many variables, that you really can't make an informed decision without having the basic measurements to see if there is a problem.
Now for the other story: My dad couldn't drive anymore, and asked me to sell his FW for him. It was not designed for a short bed in any way, shape or form. A prospective buyer showed up and had cash in hand. But he said "I'll only buy it if you can drop it off for me tonight". I know it's not real safe, but his house was only three blocks away. So I move the slider to the maneuver position, hooked up, and drove very slowly and carefully to his house. And Dad was thrilled with the 50 $100 bills I handed him.
Now for the other story: My dad couldn't drive anymore, and asked me to sell his FW for him. It was not designed for a short bed in any way, shape or form. A prospective buyer showed up and had cash in hand. But he said "I'll only buy it if you can drop it off for me tonight". I know it's not real safe, but his house was only three blocks away. So I move the slider to the maneuver position, hooked up, and drove very slowly and carefully to his house. And Dad was thrilled with the 50 $100 bills I handed him.
