I built a Surly Long Haul Trucker thinking I wanted to do overnight touring and for commuting. Well I had kids and without a multi-day babysitter option, no touring for me anytime in the next several years. I used it for winter commuting a couple winters, but am going to try using a MTB this winter instead (riding in the snow is still a bit treacherous even with studded tires). For commuting and just around-town riding, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my mystery C&V Trek bike that I acquired after the Surly (early 80s 7xx? no serial number). Frankly it would probably do the job for light touring too.
The Surly does make a great bike for hauling trailers. This summer I pulled 2 trailers at the same time! The tag-a-long with my 7-year old which was pulling the Burley with the 5-year old.
But honestly I wouldn't build it again. It is just not fun to ride and there must be livelier loaded touring bikes out there.