TJ i find it gives an increase in rear wheel traction without giving the wheeliing effect that panniers gives.
I found my self climbing a muddy grass bank that should have been impossible on small block 8s (and i know it is impossible on said tire as ive tried many times before) but with me trailer on i just plugged up it like it wasnt there !
Its easier to do stiles with the trailer as you just unhook and throw it over , unlike the panniers where you have to fanny around to unclip them and perhaps unload the top of your rack .
im still firmly in the trailer camp for off road touring ... on the road panniers every time!

