A backing system for a vehicle-trailer unit includes an input device for providing a input used to determine a first and second requested hitch angle. The first hitch angle is disposed within a standard range of motion of the input device while the second hitch angle is disposed within a maximum range of motion, different from the standard range of motion. Movement of the input device in the standard range of motion limits the requested hitch angle to a first maximum value to prevent jack-knifing of the vehicle-trailer unit. However, movement of the input device in the maximum range of motion does not limit the actual hitch angle.