I never posted anything about that camping adventure but it was a really hot day and we were cruising along rather fast but under the speed limit, when the tire exploded. The previous owner of the a-frame had put on over sized truck tires and 15" rims on it so there was very little clearance in the wheel well. When the tire exploded a large piece of rubber got caught in the wheel well and pretty much destroyed it, part of the really nice custom wood flooring, and a cabinet in the interior. The trailer was still tow-able but was totaled out and rubber and wood fragments were strewn all along the highway.
Bigger wheels are much better on the axle bearings because they turn slower and they provide more clearance on rough roads. Having inboard tires is nice because the trailer wheels don't stick out beyond the tow vehicles tires but you really need proper clearance if you have this design.
The new a-frame trailer has 13" rims and just barely clears the bump on my driveway if I take the safety chains off. (I'm kind of tempted to put 15" rims on - just kidding, LOL)
Anyhow, the biggest issue was the age of the tires - you probably shouldn't run trailer tires longer than five years unless they are really stored well.
Yup, the RPod was a much fancier, more expensive trailer but the new one fits what we use it for much better. The window in the new trailer is really nice and the feel and lighting inside is much better. Somehow there is more usable space too, which is interesting considering it is a foot shorter and without a slide-out.
I'm really looking forward to some nice camping trips with the new trailer.
I get it, thanks. I must say that this is a well-written description that will make a nice post on its own.