In our testing we found that if the tailgate is slammed shut, it can have a tendency to lift the plate in the hinge, standing the bridge more upright inside the hinge rather than angled as needed. It should just take a tap to drop it and align itself. If not, drop the tailgate. When the bridge is flat, simply pull it towards you. That will realign the bridge into the hinge slot. Try to prevent the tailgate from slamming shut if at all possible.
Yes. If there is a discrepancy in your weld between bed post to bed post, you can trim the bridge to fit. Place the hinges against the appropriate bed post, (blow-back tabs facing inward) where both hinges are flat on the truck bed surface. Measure from the inner most area of the right side hinge tab cut-out to the inner-most area of the left side hinge tab cut-out.
Cut the plate 1/8" shorter than your post-to-post measurement. This should account for the hinge tab bend amount. Always wear protective glasses and use gloves when cutting and handling.
Once the plate is trimmed, file edges to remove excess fragments. Check fit before installation in case more needs to be trimmed.
FINISHED INSTALL
CLIENT: "Works flawlessly!"