u/Charming_Tackle5079

Hey guys, looking for some real-world advice here.
I’m towing a ~21ft travel trailer (~4000 lbs) with a Defender 90, and I’m running into a clearance issue:
The trailer jack (or front area) is hitting / very close to the rear-mounted spare tire
Because of the short wheelbase (D90), the distance is really tight
I’ve talked to a few hitch shops and got mixed answers. Some suggested using a longer shank (like 16” or even 19”), but I’m struggling to find those lengths online.
Here are my main questions:
What length are you guys running to clear the spare tire on a Defender?
Is 16”–19” actually safe, or too long (leverage / tongue weight concerns)?
What type of sway control or WDH setup are you using with a Defender 90? Do you think I need it?
Any specific brands that work well with short wheelbase SUVs?
Did you solve it with a longer shank, adjustable hitch, or something else?
Or did you end up relocating/removing the spare tire?
I’m trying to keep everything safe and within spec, but also need enough clearance for turning and uneven terrain.
Any real-world setups, photos, or product recommendations would help a lot 🙏