YOU DA MAN!

I could put my 6’2″ son — AND his two kids — in there and still have enough capacity left over for the picnic fixings (basket, case of beer, case of soda, table and chairs, etc.)!

I’d have to also make sure I put the EMT’s in my speed dial … for when I hit that first hill.

It sounds like you do have a solid and secure setup with the Aluminum Box you have mounted to your Surly Ted. There is no reason that a similar box could not be mounted to the Frame only version of the Wandertec TUBA.

The other argument that Wandertec offers options for the trailer as apposed to Surly offering none for theirs is true, but with a little thought and research this can be overcome with the Surly Ted.
I currently own a Surly Ted trailer and use it for my photography business to haul equipment to locations, I mounted an Alu-box pro 240 litre aluminium box on to the frame, this gives me 240 litres of storage in a secure, waterproof and lockable box which I have my business advertised on the side panels of the box. I believe that my setup is much better than what is offered by Wandertec, not just for my situation but for your average “soccer mum” would be better too as the could go around to multiple locations and leave the cargo unattended and safe as apposed to the open cargo area of the Wandertec.

You also have the issue of warranty. Surly is already a well and established manufacturer, so if anything was to happen I have a dealer in my area. With the Wandertec you do not have that luxury.

The choice is ultimately up to the end consumer, but they have the option of going with a trailer such as the Surly Ted that is already tried and tested by many customers and are completely satisfied with the product or take a risk on a trailer such as the Wandertec Tuba that has no real world testing for longevity.

The Wandertec TUBA was designed for people that don’t necessarily need a trailer capable of carrying 300lbs. but would like to be able to handle typical decent sized “car-sized” loads.

While the difference between paying $319 and $799 may not seem that significant for you, most utility cyclists are fairly price conscious, especially when it comes to getting value for their dollar.

You mentioned concerns about the aluminum frame. I think that this trailer will rarely be used on long remote tours. Even if it were, the design and construction is very unlikely to fail. While this is a new trailer design that does need to prove itself over time, our Wandertec BONGO uses similar materials and design and has proven itself to be tough as nails.

We consider the lower-than-axle position of the frame to be a feature and asset in the design. Our testing showed that the lower position of the load significantly improved the balance and pull of the trailer. While this may not be as strong of a design as the Surly Trailer, we are not attempting to make a 300 lb. capacity trailer.

The same thing goes for the wheels as they have proven very capable within a 200lb capacity.

The Wandertec TUBA also offers upgrades for greater usability: loadbed, rail system, liner and water-proof cover. Surly has not designed any of these accessories for their trailers.

The TUBA is all about usability in everyday situations not hauling pianos across the Gobi desert.

[SURLY TED & BILL] VS [WANDERTEC TUBA]

• 813mm or 1608mm x 610mm vs 733mm or 1083mm x 540mm
• load rating: 136kg (300 pound) vs 81kg (180 pounds)
• axle mounts are through frame vs raised axle mounts
• oversized axles and bearings vs standard axles and bearings
• 16″ wheels vs 20″ wheels
• $799 with hitch (base price) vs $319 (base price)
• chromoly frame vs aluminium frame
• wheel gaurds & fenders vs none

the raised axle position on the wandertec tuba will be a weak point and will most likely fail over time with heavy loads, also the axle and bearing are standard size as apposed to oversized axle and bearings with the surly ted and bill trailers.
the surly ted and bill are made of chromoly which is easier to weld than aluminium if the need ever arose (such as touring in some god for saken corner of the globe where they just will not have the equipment to weld aluminium!)
the surly ted and bill can carry a much heavier payload, you may not need to carry 300 pounds but its nice to always have the ability if it ever arises.
also the surly ted and bill trailers look more aesthetically pleasing as apposed to the wandertec tuba.

the only advantages the wandertec tuba has over the surly ted & bill as i can see is the price point and the 20″ wheels as apposed to the 16″ wheels that the surly ted & bill use.

The Tuba uses the same hitch system as the Wandertec Bongo trailer. At least one person has found an easy way of mounting the hitch receiver to a mobility scooter:

More photos and information here: Thom’s New Uses for the Wandertec BONGO Trailer

Do you think you can design an item that will allow for this alteration?