I'm sorry about your loss.  But.. like Nike says... Just do it.  All of us were new haulers at one point.  I hate getting lost or missing a turn too.  But there is always a way out.  It may just take a bit more of effort and time.... 

So, allow plenty of time to get there when you're hauling.  A trial run without the trailer is always good for confidence when going to new places.

Beleave it or not, it is actually easier to back a larger trailer than a smaller one.

If you miss a turn there is always another one down the road.  I have been hauling for years and still miss turns, still get lost from time to time.  My thinking is if you don't get lost or miss turns you must not be driving.  My better half hauls as much as I haul for her and I can't tell you how many times she has called and said "I think I'm lost" or I miss the (*)&) turn"....  Just all part of it.

Since you can haul it down the road and know enough to make wide turns you will be just fine.  Haul and have a blast....

When I first started towing, I used to go to empty parking lots and practice. It was nice to use the marked parking spaces to practice backing and turning around. Sunday mornings early (before 7 am) seemed to be the best time to find open parking lots.

One thing to remember, even if you get into a sticky situation, is go slow! If there are people waiting behind you- let them wait or go around. Take a deep breath, access the situation, and move slowly! Think about what you need to do before you do it!

You're on the way to doing it already, just by posting here. You'll get more help here than anywhere else in the equine community! 

I agree with what others have said, you will get better with time.  The one suggestion I would have is to make sure you always have plenty of fuel, if you are getting low and see a good opportunity to get fuel stop and fill up.  I have a 20' trailer that I can get most anywhere, I also have a 27' trailer that is not nearly as easy to get around.  The biggest jams that I have gotten into with my big trailer is waiting until the next exit to get fuel when I am low and figuring out the next exit is in an area where it is extremly difficult or maybe even impossible to get my trailer around.

Mike

If you like your trailer and it's serving you well, keep it. If you feel you don't now need a large LQ, or won't haul as many horses, pulling a shorter, lighter trailer has many advantages.

When we bought our first LQ, we wanted room and conveniences. The trailer provided that, but was most inconvenient for quick trips to anywhere, and in some show grounds, inaccessable. Fortunately we kept our 18" 3H BP stock combo, and that was our "running around" trailer.

Later we wanted a bathroom, sleeping area and some utilities. Trying to build this into our present trailer wasn't feasable. We purchased an 18' box, 3H GN trailer with a weekend LQ package. Within the same footprint as our stock trailer, we now had many comforts, versatility and easier towing. This trailer weighs ~ half that of our other GN. My wife has few issues parking or pulling it. It is our run around trailer, and weekender show/trail hauler. We now use the large trailer very infrequently.

Keeping your present trailer, will now depend on what your present considerations entail. You can probably sell your large trailer and purchase a used smaller one, for a modest price. If you like and don't mind pulling your present trailer, keep what you have. If you like your trailer, but would still like something more maneuverable, consider purchasing a second used shorter one. Your present trailer won't depreciate any more than what it has now. If you find you like the shorter unit best, you can sell your SD later with few additional losses.

I found the best way to learn to drive and teach someone to to so, was to use our local school's parking lots on weekends. I set up cones, and my wife and daughter practised backing, turning and parking with no outside distractions and traffic with which to contend. There is no pressure or time constraints, and the driver can often get out of the vehicle to view his progress.

With our deepest consolations for your loss, we wish you the best.

Thank you all so much for the inspiration.  You have made me feel so much better.  So many people will frown up and say, oh its too big, you can't pull it.  That puts doubt in my mind and makes me question myself.  Luckily I do have a bumper pull trailer that  I use for short hauls.  The big trailer is so nice to stay in.  You have helped me to make up my mind.  I am going to the school on sat and practice!!!

I don't remember which one of the above said it but they nailed it,  We were all new haulers at one time.  Remember, there is no shame in taking your time.  Noone ever got hurt from going slow and cautiously.  Don't be afraid to throw 'er in park and get out to assess the situation from a different angle if you can't see.  I know I took a small amount of pleasure checking things out when there are impatient folks behind me.  You can just look them in the eye and say "you can go around, sit right there, or help,  which is it going to be?  Only one will get you going any faster" 

One trick, if you are backing up remember, turn the wheel the way you want your trailer to go, don't think about the truck  and don't try to do it all at once  little turns work better.  You can't eat an elephant in one bite, and you can't learn to back up in one turn.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss... (((HUGS)))

as for the pulling delima..practice- practice- practice-   I know it feels intimidating..but it will get easier the more you do..I PROMISE.  IF ya miss a turn, another will show up soon, backing ain't as bad as you think...GN are easier and the longer the better. YOU can do this...just take your time...ask someone who knows how for a few lessons...BEST OF LUCK TO YOU

Like others have said..just takes practice. This was my first year pulling a 28ft gooseneck. Took some getting use to, but it gets easier with time. Backing it was a little harder to get used to. If possible, have a spotter..they help a lot!

Just go easy and take your time. Swing wide. Don't be afraid to take up a couple lanes of traffic.

Good luck!!

Congratulations!!

I remember how nervous I was when I started towing a trailer - it gets easier every time.

I have just a little rig, but haul all over the place by myself, and sometimes it's scary. When I start getting freaked out by 'What-if's', I just realize that I'm not the first person in the world to be in whatever predicament and everybody else apparently came out OK. And if they could handle it, so can I.

It also helps to plan ahead, like not getting too low on fuel so I'm stuck trying to get into some teeny-weeny gas station. I make notes in my atlas when I find a good spot to fuel up, stop for food, or take a break. Truck stop type places rock! Sometimes when I get to where I'm going, backing causes me grief (tight spots); almost always someone will offer to do it for me, but I prefer to ask them to help me out with directions and spotting - that way I learn by doing and it's surprising how many helpful hints you pick up from other people's way of doing or saying something.

Go and have fun, happy trails!

So sorry for your loss. 

I know how you feel, I haul a 28' 1993 class B motorhome pulling a 2 horse w/dressing room Merhow.  Just started at age 46, going to the shows with my dog & horse.  Often I've wished to have a rookie stripe on my bumper (like NASCAR) or at least a bumper sticker saying "Lighten up, I'm doing the best I can" but I just keep going and am really proud of myself when I get there.  Go slow, be confident and if you have to have a panic attack wait until you get where you're going!