Hornet has the Filon front cap (same as Springdale). We had a Springdale fifth wheel which is constructed much the same. I towed with a F150 "standard bed" (6.5'). We did not have a sliding hitch and I never had any issues with the trailer coming close to the cab. I did have some places I had to jockey the trailer several times to get into a spot. A sliding hitch would have made it easier, but I don't think it would (in my opinion) have been mandatory. In my experiences, I didn't "need" a sliding hitch, but could have made things simpler if I did have it.
If I were you and was buying the entire rig, I would talk to the dealer. There may be some "negotiation room" with the dealer. You might be able to get him to install a sliding hitch for the price of a gooseneck or standard fifth wheel hitch. Or maybe get him to sell you one at cost plus installation. My preference would be the fifth wheel setup (standard or sliding) over a gooseneck. That way you don't have safety chains to contend with.
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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