...I'll assume we are discussing 1:1 trailers now !?
ok... a two word reply won't cut mustard here.
So read this and utilize your comprehension
Trailers were not designed to be towed around unladen.
Most will bounce somewhat when unladen.
Tire construction and their load capacity...
along with utilizing a lower tire pressure
is critical in minimizing bounce when unladen.
Regardless of the bouncing...
the trailer should still track straight behind the hauler.
If it don't... it maybe wasn't built right.
Or possibly the trailer/tongue is not level
with the hitch at the back of the hauler ?
The load capacity of your particular trailer...
is probably rated for a heavier loads then what you employ...
especially when hauling a single bike.
Possibly your trailer's spring rate could be reduced
for those lighter loads.
But that would entail swapping out to softer leaf springs
that offer more progression and less load carrying capacity.
But the trade off may not be worth the expenditure required.
A single axle trailer, when not loaded properly
will most always be somewhat tongue heavy.
Not really an issue with my lightweight 1/4 ton off road trailer.
But, how I load the bed of my trailer, makes a difference.
Especially for my back
Some tongue weight is wanted... but not too much ;-)
My 1/4 ton trailer's tongue weight (loaded)
is prolly around 50 - 60 lbs.
Tandem (dual or even 3 axle) trailers reduce tongue weight/
work better concerning load balance/distribution.
^ tho' generally built/designed in support of heavier loads.
That's how it goes when purchasing a generic trailer.
It was likely built for a specific load weight/capacity.
And anything less... will cause it to bounce a little.
-------------
As far as loading weight into the bed of a truck...
The taller COG and ramp requirements can be a pita.
And that's why trailers sit lower to the ground.
I once saw someone drop their bike off the bed/ramp
as they were trying to load that :shock:
That would be the pita ;-)
A crawler has a much softer suspension system...
and is not designed for carrying heavy loads.
It's designed to flex and articulate by utilizing less resistance.
I suppose one could try to find the middle ground...
But generally a hauler rig will not articulate as well...
As the suspension needs be stiffer to carry those heavy loads.
But that same stiffness is not helpful for crawlers
that need to articulate and flex easily/fully.
Your full size hauler is not a crawler...
( is my guess )
and likely sees minimal off road use !?
Most full size factory rigs lean more towards hauling weight/loads...
rather then having supple flex and articulation wanted for off road use.
Load hauling trucks tend to ride stiff out back
when unladen.
(not much ride difference then an unladen trailer)
Trying to find that middle ground is difficult at best
and choosing which is more valuable to it's user...
is a challenge for the serious.
My 1:1 Toyota hauler is first and foremost an off road rig...
hauling is not it's primary use.
My 1/4 ton trailer's tongue weight is next to nothing...
and so... does not compress my rear leaf springs much at all.
If my 1/4 ton trailer is unladen...
it will bounce more then I like.
But reducing the tire pressure helps for that.
The original bias ply rated military tires...
ride stiffer then would a radial tire.
But if I air down and drive sanely...
I have no issue.
A heavy load hauled in a truck bed is a different story altogether.
But I didn't spend my coin on custom Deaver progressive leaf springs...
for the purpose of hauling loads.
Surprisingly my cust. 9lf Deavers hold weight purdy well.
Tho' instead of the added weight wearing those out prematurely...
I put that weight in a tow behind instead.
Gravity, flex and time... is always hard on springs.
They are a consumable item that will eventually
require replacement or rebuilding.
^ well... if ya own the junk long enough ;-)