I have found that having it stick out like that makes a great step for getting onto the bed. Truck has a 4" lift and 35s so a step is handy.

 

Update ::



FINALLY!! -- I got some use-able time off work and was able to get my hitch welded up!

I have a long-time friend in the fabrication business who was willing to help me get everything laid-out and installed. We were finally able to get our schedules together, and today . . . At last, nonetheless -- the hitch is ready to go!

After some brief negotiation, I picked up a new receiver unit that bolts to the bottom of an old-school step bumper at the flea market for $22. It's been in the shed for about a month until we were able to get together Monday and lay out a plan.

He was able to get a piece of 6" x 6" - 1/2" angle for free from his workplace that was wide enough to go to the outside of each frame rail. After some extensive measuring, he welded the receiver unit flush and center in the angle. He welded all the way around the bracket and also filled the original bolt holes with weld. Then, I balanced it on top of a floor jack while he tacked it in place on the truck.

The top 6" of the angle sticks out a little under 1" from the apron of the flatbed. That gave him enough room to leave me about 5 even beads of weld that really topped off the look of the finished product. Last but not least, he rounded the two end corners at the apron and the two at the bottom of each frame rail.

Best part of all is that all he would let me do for his work is buy him breakfast . . . Lol.

So, $22 for the receiver and $7.07 for his breakfast comes to a total of $29.07 for my custom receiver. Now all I have to do is come up with an 8" or 10" drop mount, and I'll be set.

Once I get the back apron and all of the new steel painted, I'll be uploading pictures.

Thanks again everyone for all of the suggestions! Sorry that it took so long . . .