VidereStudios
SILVER Star
I recently went through this whole analysis for my 100 series and the type of driving I do and want to do in the next 10 years. My goal is solo trips throughout North, Central, and South America, so that definitely colors my response.
I would think that if you were staying mostly in the U.S. and Canada, a trailer is a fine option, especially with four of you in the rig. My main argument for getting a trailer was to have an additional set of axles to share the load for additional gas cans and gear. However, two things stopped me in my tracks...the sometimes tiny and tight city streets in cities and towns in Mexico and Central America, and the regulation in Brazil that doesn't allow people without a class A license to tow trailers, even on small rigs.
So if international travel is a major possibility, let that be a factor. Otherwise, if not, the trailer is a great way to spend some money, spread the load over another axle, and have a easily setup base camp.
As to a response to your questions, hear goes...
1. Nope, don't like them and don't have one. Primary reasons...additional load on top of truck, always in the rain, and elevated into the wind.
2. Don't have one, but I would if it would be easier to take one internationally.
3. A little bit...not like gas cans on the roof though!
4. Yes...having a tent setup as a base camp is the way to go...either on a trailer or on the ground.
5. If your GVWR is right at the tipping point, try to get rid of a few things and keep it down to the single rig with the RTT. However, if you are dangerously close or over GVWR, get the trailer and re-gear. Spread the load over more axles.
6. See above.
I would think that if you were staying mostly in the U.S. and Canada, a trailer is a fine option, especially with four of you in the rig. My main argument for getting a trailer was to have an additional set of axles to share the load for additional gas cans and gear. However, two things stopped me in my tracks...the sometimes tiny and tight city streets in cities and towns in Mexico and Central America, and the regulation in Brazil that doesn't allow people without a class A license to tow trailers, even on small rigs.
So if international travel is a major possibility, let that be a factor. Otherwise, if not, the trailer is a great way to spend some money, spread the load over another axle, and have a easily setup base camp.
As to a response to your questions, hear goes...
1. Nope, don't like them and don't have one. Primary reasons...additional load on top of truck, always in the rain, and elevated into the wind.
2. Don't have one, but I would if it would be easier to take one internationally.
3. A little bit...not like gas cans on the roof though!
4. Yes...having a tent setup as a base camp is the way to go...either on a trailer or on the ground.
5. If your GVWR is right at the tipping point, try to get rid of a few things and keep it down to the single rig with the RTT. However, if you are dangerously close or over GVWR, get the trailer and re-gear. Spread the load over more axles.
6. See above.
, unless it is the rare one who wants to be with you in the truck all day, having a trailer makes for more family happiness all around. You can go exploring and she can relax at camp. Or v.v. Not to mention carrying all the weird extra things 
