giXXer
ArboristSite Operative
If the budget allows, get a dump trailer. I wish my budget allowed for one years and years ago. One disadvantage to the dump trailer is they typically sit a little high so loading over the side can be difficult with large pieces. Solution: load thru the back or get the larger style that has the tires on the sides instead of underneath. They seem to tow loaded a little better as well. The only other disadvantages of a dump trailer is the price and finding a nice one used. Used dumps are kind of like used Super splitters, when you finally find one used they are usually very used and the owner is selling it because there is a new one in the garage. That tells me they are worth their weight.
I use a short box diesel super duty and a 5 X 8 trailer with a tall steel drop down ramp in the rear. The trailer was built nice and low to the ground for easier loading (also so motorcycle frames don't scrape when loading). Large rounds get rolled up the ramp and everything else gets thrown over the sides. I haul about 3.5 face cords of wood at a time between the truck and trailer. It works for me because that is a good amount for me to cut and load when I have a few hours to be in the woods. The nice thing about a utility trailer is they are all over the place for sale (check craigslist) pretty cheap and their uses are pretty much unlimited. My recommendation is to find one with an "overkill" axle that is built to handle more weight than you can actually fit in the cargo area. Another advantage, off the top of my head, my 5' wide trailer follows my truck nicely through tight two-tracks. Sometimes I use my Jeep hooked to the trailer when it gets really tight or hilly. You can typically find them for around $700-$1500 with the heavier tires, frame, and axle.
I use a short box diesel super duty and a 5 X 8 trailer with a tall steel drop down ramp in the rear. The trailer was built nice and low to the ground for easier loading (also so motorcycle frames don't scrape when loading). Large rounds get rolled up the ramp and everything else gets thrown over the sides. I haul about 3.5 face cords of wood at a time between the truck and trailer. It works for me because that is a good amount for me to cut and load when I have a few hours to be in the woods. The nice thing about a utility trailer is they are all over the place for sale (check craigslist) pretty cheap and their uses are pretty much unlimited. My recommendation is to find one with an "overkill" axle that is built to handle more weight than you can actually fit in the cargo area. Another advantage, off the top of my head, my 5' wide trailer follows my truck nicely through tight two-tracks. Sometimes I use my Jeep hooked to the trailer when it gets really tight or hilly. You can typically find them for around $700-$1500 with the heavier tires, frame, and axle.
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