I have never had a problem using my Carbotecs with centrepin reels at all, even though the rod rings are quite small.
That said, all the rods that I have had made specially for trotting do have slightly bigger rings than on the standard off-the-shelf rods from the shops.
I have trotting rods at 13, 15, 17 and 20 feet in length preferring, where conditions allow, to trot off the end of the rod thereby facilitating better line and float control, and ultimatley better bait presentation.