Will Adding A Hitch Extension Help With Trailer That Jacknifes Too Easily?
Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 02/18/2025
Question:
I have a small jetski trailer that I pull behind a pickup. It is extremely touchy backing up in that the smallest steering wheel input is magnified to the trailer movement and very easily jack-knifed. By adding a 12-14inch hitch extender will that help?
asked by: Ben
Expert Reply:
Hey Ben, thanks for reaching out. Backing up those small trailers can definitely be a pain. I'm not going to sit here and act like I could do it either lol. Yes, adding a hitch extension would help create clearance between the truck and the trailer, so you would have more room to work with if/when you jacknife and it would protect your truck. The extension will not help stabilize things though. If anything, it would probably make things worse, and exaggerate the movement even more.
Honestly, the only real advice I can give you is this. Practice backing up. A lot. Not to underestimate your skills but usually when we hear of people having trouble backing up a trailer, it is not a lack of skill so much as a lack of repetition. In my line of work I end up sitting behind a computer more than I end up actually towing anything. So if I were asked to back something up right now, I would undoubtedly screw it up. But yea just be careful, go slow and practice makes perfect.
We wrote FAQ page about backing up trailers. I have linked it for you below. It shows a few helpful tips, as well as a video.
Reply below and let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Gen-Y Hitch Receiver Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 14" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 14 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs
- Gen-Y Hitch
more information >
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Jesse M.
10/30/2025
Hey Ben, how did things go after you tried backing up your jetski trailer with the hitch extender? Your experience could point others in the right direction when dealing with those short, tricky trailers.