What fighting style(s)? +2 from "duel" can equivalent the trident to 1d10. I, have had alot of luck (if there is another martial) with protection. Those passives on that build are not sexy, but boy, having 2 of them can make quite the difference. Or protect+defense makes a tough nut.
I ended up going Spear+shield build. polearm master (bonus action/attack, reliable)+(reaction), shield master(reaction)+free bash, heavy armor master. Fighting styles: Dueling (+2 helps with bonus attack & less wimpy dmg), Protection (reaction, reliable) -- This has made the paladin into a brick-shithouse. The bonus attack is the closest I could get to crit-fishing on this defensive build to make some use of the +crit-range (short of being duel-wield, which was not the goal). Background feats: tough, alert
So; he has a reliable bonus action, reliable reaction, options for both. Stays defensively stalwart, has a strong support ability to not make him a complete island. If we fight outdoors, the chariot is fun for movement.