Comp trailer build: Will mounting a 400lb offset on one side of a 6x12 cause terrible sway?

[Longsword]

Hey everyone,

After doing a few local backyard events, I'm finally looking to put together a dedicated competition trailer. I'm completely done trying to wrestle my heavy offset smoker up a set of sketchy ramps into the bed of my pickup truck at 4 AM.

I'm currently looking at buying a standard single-axle 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer to use as a mobile prep kitchen and smoker hauler.

My plan is to bolt the smoker (which weighs a little over 400 lbs) flush against the driver's side wall so I have room to walk around, set up a prep table, and store coolers on the other side.

For the guys who have built out smaller trailers:

1. Will putting 400+ lbs permanently on one side of a single-axle trailer make it tow terribly or cause dangerous sway on the highway?
2. Do I need to perfectly counterbalance it with my heavy coolers on the passenger side, or is the trailer suspension stiff enough that I won't even notice the lopsided weight?

Appreciate any advice from the veteran pitmasters here before I start drilling holes in a brand new floor!

 

[luvcatchingbass]

I can tell you that how you center weight left/right and forward/back will make a huge difference. I have learned this the hard way a few times. If it was me the smoker would be centered between the wheels the best I can and then I would move the axle forward and back while hooked up to the vehicle to see what kind of load it puts on the rig.
Im sure there are better builders that will be along soon

 

[Elf@shore]

I can tell you that how you center weight left/right and forward/back will make a huge difference. I have learned this the hard way a few times. If it was me the smoker would be centered between the wheels the best I can and then I would move the axle forward and back while hooked up to the vehicle to see what kind of load it puts on the rig.
Im sure there are better builders that will be along soon

Trailer Weight:
Need to balance weight over the axle
And move it back and forth to lighter the Hitch tongue weight.
Had to do it
FYI: I would be very concerned about the smoker being enclosed!?
Both for Intake and Exhaust ventilation.
There was a fatal accident on a boat,
Had an open canopy on all sides.
But unfortunately they all died.
I MO: I would get a ramp to bring the smoker out!?

Hey everyone,

After doing a few local backyard events, I'm finally looking to put together a dedicated competition trailer. I'm completely done trying to wrestle my heavy offset smoker up a set of sketchy ramps into the bed of my pickup truck at 4 AM.

I'm currently looking at buying a standard single-axle 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer to use as a mobile prep kitchen and smoker hauler.

My plan is to bolt the smoker (which weighs a little over 400 lbs) flush against the driver's side wall so I have room to walk around, set up a prep table, and store coolers on the other side.

For the guys who have built out smaller trailers:

1. Will putting 400+ lbs permanently on one side of a single-axle trailer make it tow terribly or cause dangerous sway on the highway?
2. Do I need to perfectly counterbalance it with my heavy coolers on the passenger side, or is the trailer suspension stiff enough that I won't even notice the lopsided weight?

Appreciate any advice from the veteran pitmasters here before I start drilling holes in a brand new floor!