On the TransAm, especially in the west, I had plenty of intolerant drivers, who expected me to be as far right as possible and they’d pass way too close without slowing. We flirted with death every day. Though two wheel trailers are more stable, I definitely would not use one on this route.
Actually, I wouldn’t even ride that route again, and advise others against it too.
No, taking the lane is not feasible out west. It works in the east, but not in Missouri through Idaho.
There were other riders on the TA with us who used two wheeled trailers and managed okay, but yeah the rumble strips were very poorly placed in some places out west. Enough so that I wouldn't choose a two wheeled trailer myself.
Thanks for the replies, definitely gives me something to think about. We are planning to start near Laramie Wyoming and then connect with the TransAm heading west...
I have been living in China the past ten years and got into cycling during that time. Drivers here are so used to bikes carrying all kinds of things down the road that I actually feel quite safe despite the perceived lack of road rules (there are rules, it's just, different). I think it's going to be a bit of culture shock cycling on American highways.
One last note, I like that pool noodle idea