Ball distance from bumper

[Smoky]

How far should the center of the ball be from the TV bumper?


I am in the process of installing an Andersen WDH on a 2017 Jayco X17Z. My TV is a 2015 Toyota 4Runner. I have a dilemma with the adjustable rack. If I use the first pin hole in the rack, the center of the ball is13.5 inches from the bumper (seems like a long way). However, I can't slide the rack far enough into the hitch receiver to use the second hole because the rack hits my spare tire. If I could slide it in far enough, the center of the ball will be approximately 10 inches from the bumper. If I cut about 1 3/8 inch off the rack, it will slide far enough into the receiver to be able to use the second pin hole. I'll appreciate any thoughts or ideas.

[Grumpy]

The closer the better. You want the shortest distance from the axle to the ball. That is why a fifth-wheel handles better since the pin (ball) is right over the axle.