An ATV trailer is a must-have for any property owner, sawyer, or hunter. It’s not just handy as a utility cart; it is great for hauling lumber and logs as well.
The question becomes – finding a durable, rugged ATV trailer that can take whatever you throw at it without breaking down mid-use. That’s not easy to come by.
We tested several top-rated cargo trailers to bring you our top picks for the best ATV trailer for hauling wood.
| Gorilla Carts GOR1001-COM | Agri-Fab 45-0101 | MotoAlliance Impact Utility Trailer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Value | Best High Capacity | |
Dimensions | 56.14 x 24.9 x 44.1 in. | 32.5 x 49 x 12 in. | 85 x 48 x 30 in. |
Load capacity | 1,000 lbs. | 750 lbs. | 1,500 lbs. |
Material | Alloy steel | Alloy steel | Heavy-duty steel |
Number of wheels | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
How We Tested and Compared These Products
When testing the various ATV trailers, there are three main things we were looking for. We were interested in durability, ease of use, and load capacity.
As far as durability goes, the cargo carts needed to have a solid steel trailer tub set on pneumatic tires. These could be mounted on a single or tandem axle, provided it had reasonable ground clearance. We didn’t exclude aluminum trailer varieties with bigger tires either.
We also wanted carts that came with removable sides for convenient loading and unloading. Finally, the ATV trailer needed to have a high payload capacity to reduce the number of trips we needed to take back and forth to haul our lumber. Gorilla Carts, Agri-Fab, MotoAlliance Impact, and Polar trailer brands were some of the popular options we tested.
Our Pick: Gorilla Carts GOR1001-COM – Best Overall
Features:
- Dimensions:14 x 24.9 x 44.1 inches
- Weight capacity: 1,000 lbs.
- Material: Alloy steel
- Number of wheels: 4
Top on our list is the GOR1001-COM from Gorilla Carts, and with good reason. We were looking for something functional and reliable that would get the job done. Sure, there are better-looking ATV trailers out there with a bunch of bells and whistles (that are completely unnecessary, in our opinion). That’s not what we were after, though. We wanted a one-time purchase we were going to keep for years to come.
Since its inception 20+ years ago, Gorilla Carts has grown and evolved to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of utility carts. The company focuses on designing and engineering innovative products that are versatile, functional, and above all, affordable. This level of ingenuity is evident in the GOR1001-COM.
One of our favorite things about it is the removable steel mesh sides it comes with – a feature your lower back will appreciate. It made loading and unloading so much easier and smoother. The trailer was a nice size – not too big and not too small – perfect for hauling up to 1,000 pounds worth of wood.
The padded 2-in-1 convertible handle on the trailer tongue was a nice touch as well. You can hitch this tandem trailer to your ATV for towing or simply pull it by hand, and around here, we’re all about versatility.
The new frame design was quite nice as well. It was an improvement on the older Gorilla Cart frames. Assembly was quick and easy; it offered higher ground clearance; it fit perfectly on the 13-inch pneumatic floatation tires.
All in all, we liked what Gorilla Carts did with the GOR1001-COM, so no complaints there.
- Detachable mesh sides
- Large weight capacity
- High ground clearance
- Quick and easy assembly
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- The design could have been better
- VERSATILE HAULING – Side panels are removable to accommodate larger...
- TOUGH AND DURABLE - 49-inch x 24.5-inch oversized steel mesh bed and...
- COMFORTABLE PULLING- Padded 2-in-1 heavy-duty handle can be pulled by...
Best Alternatives
Agri-Fab 45-0101 – Best Value
Features:
- Dimensions:5 x 49 x 12 inches
- Weight capacity: 750 lbs.
- Material: Alloy steel
- Number of wheels: 2
If you’re not a fan of the Gorilla Cart trailer’s mesh sides, you will like what the 45-0101 from Agri-Fab brings to the table. First impressions: This dump-style cart feels pretty solid and sturdy. It’s also easy on the eye if style matters to you. We like the subtle shimmer from the black glossy powder coat finish.
It is a little heavier than the Gorilla Cart trailer at a hundred pounds, but not anything your ATV can’t handle when loaded to full capacity. The scratch-resistant steel bed is by far our favorite feature of this model.
We’ve been using ours for a while now, and the bottom still looks new – after giving it a good wash, at least. Not that it matters since it is, after all, a utility trailer, but the fact that it still looks good after heavy use is a bonus.
It has a 750-pound weight capacity which translates to – a lot of wood. We also liked the large 16-inch pneumatic tires it came with. They not only gave the timber trailer higher ground clearance, but they also ate up the rough terrain like it was nothing.
We usually add a bit of oil to the grease zerks on the wheel bearings and the ball mount units on the axle every few months or so to keep the wheels in good working condition, but other than that, the Agri-Fab trailer is pretty low maintenance.
All in all, if you’re looking for a solid, reliable, and affordable option, we recommend getting this unit.
- Scratch-resistant bed
- Nice, black, powder coat finish
- Straight forward assembly
- Large 16-inch pneumatic tires for higher ground clearance
- This dump trailer is backed by a three-year warranty
- Separating the nuts and bolts, most of which come in different sizes, can be a little tedious
- 3 Year Limited Consumer Warrant
- Made in USA with some imported components
- Bed size: 32.5"W x 49"L x 12" H
MotoAlliance Impact Utility Trailer – Best High Capacity Option
Features:
- Dimensions: 85 x 48 x 30 inches
- Weight capacity: 1,500 lbs.
- Material: Heavy-duty steel
- Number of wheels: 2
MotoAlliance is one of the top ATV/UTV brands in the Powersports market. The company has been around since 2002 and has carved out a niche for itself in the production of high-quality Powersports accessories. Its line of Impact heavy-duty utility cart cargo trailers is a testament to MotoAlliance’s commitment to excellence.
The first thing that stood out to us was the massive, 18-inch, 4-ply pneumatic tires on this beauty. They were attached to a solid, 1-inch steel axle, giving the trailer a whopping 11-inch ground clearance. That’s pretty impressive if you think about it. With that kind of height, you can drive on rugged off-road terrain without the ATV trailer getting stuck.
Our favorite feature, by far, has to be the foot-release pedal. It made loading and dumping significantly easier compared to all the other ATV trailers we tested. We would have liked to see a convertible handle on the removable tailgate like what we had on the Gorilla Carts trailer, but the lack of it wasn’t a deal-breaker, especially if all you plan to do is use it with a tow vehicle.
The Impact cargo cart has a solid steel construction that feels exceptionally sturdy with a 1,500-pound weight capacity. This is the highest we’ve come across. The detachable mesh side rails were a nice touch as well. They made loading and unloading quite easy. It doesn’t come with a spare tire, though, which was a little disappointing.
All in all, we were quite happy with the design and performance of this unit. We will give it a solid 9 out of 10 for high-capacity hauling if you’re in the market for a bigger trailer.
- High ground clearance
- The Foot-release feature makes for convenient loading and dumping
- Durable, solid, steel construction
- Removable mesh side rails
- Impact-resistant polyethylene tub
- Its 10 mph maximum speed means it is not road compatible
- LOAD CAPACITY: 1,500lb; 15 cu. ft. of hauling capacity; Max Speed 10...
- DURABILITY: Solid steel floor and frame with removable steel side...
- EASE OF USE: Foot dump, quick release latch & tilt trailer bed for...
Peg Perego Adventure Trailer – Bonus Option for Kids
Features:
- Dimensions: 43 x 31.5 x 21.25 inches
- Weight capacity: 66 lbs.
- Material: Plastic with steel components
- Number of wheels: 2
If you’re not a fan of high-capacity ATV trailers and want something a little more compact, the Adventure Trailer from Peg Perego is a great option to consider. Don’t let this small trailer fool you, though. It is as rugged as they come.
The Adventure has a 66-pound hauling capacity with a tub set on durable, pneumatic tires. We hitched ours to the back of our kid’s ATV, and they had a great time picking up and dropping off small loads of wood. It’s a great way to get them to help out around the farm.
The trailer comes with a locking hitch pin which makes it easy to attach and detach this mini-trailer. Unlike the other trailers we’ve reviewed so far, the Adventure is designed for towing at the back of a child’s battery-powered trailer. It’s not roadworthy, so keep in mind if you’re thinking of getting this unit.
- It’s great for getting your child to help out with yard work
- It is a lightweight, compact trailer
- Easy to load and unload
- It comes with durable wheels, suitable for rugged terrain
- The low trailer weight makes assembly easy
- Although it is a smaller trailer, it’s not compatible with a gator and doesn’t come with an extra tire
- Durable, rugged wheels
- Extra large hauling capacity
- Locking hitch pin
How to Choose the Best ATV Trailer for Hauling Wood – Buying Guide
Below are a few factors to keep in mind when picking the right trailer.
Type
There are different types of ATV trailers you’ll come across. The choice of one over the other ultimately comes down to what you intend to use it for. Here’s a brief overview of each.
Utility Trailer
These are the two-wheeler varieties that come mounted on a single axle. They are quite versatile and designed for transporting bulky items. If you have lumber or large planks of wood to carry, this would be the perfect trailer for the job.
Dump Trailer
If you’re looking for something versatile to transport lots of tiny sticks or loose gravel, a dump-style cargo trailer is what you need. These usually come with a quick-release latch that opens up the tub from the bottom, allowing the contents to spill out. The Agri-Fab 45-0101 is a popular choice for this type of ATV/UTV trailer, although some enclosed trailers work just as well.
Flatbed Trailer
As the name suggests, this type of open trailer comes with a flat base with expanded metal – a little like a mini version of a flatbed pickup. The side walls around the tub are quite low, making it ideal for transporting large bulky items. You might need to secure them with a strap or rope to keep them from falling out.
Bucket Trailer
This type usually has a large tub you can control with a lever to raise it and dump its contents. If convenience is a must-have for you and you would rather not throw out your back while unloading blocks of wood, this would be the best one to get. Some enclosed trailer options fall into this category as well.
Load and Towing Capacity
ATV and UTV trailers come in all sizes and capacities. The one you get depends on what you intend to use it for.
If you have a lot of wood to transport, something in the 1,000 to the 1,500-pound range will suffice. The Gorilla Carts GOR1001-COM and the MotoAlliance Impact Utility Cart are both great options for trailers in this range. They save you from having to make several trips back and forth.
If you need something for moderate use, a 750-pound capacity trailer is good enough. If you’re looking for something fun to hitch to the back of your child’s battery-powered jeep so they can help out with the yard work, the 66-pound capacity Peg Perego Adventure Trailer is ideal.
Ground Clearance
The ground clearance of your trailer has a lot to do with the size of tires it comes with. Pick a cargo cart with 16-inch to 18-inch pneumatic tires for higher clearance. These are designed for all kinds of rugged terrain.
Roadworthiness
Most ATV trailers are not designed for road use. Keep this in mind if you’re looking for something that you can also hitch to the back of your SUV or sedan.
FAQ
What size trailer do I need to haul wood?
It depends on how many trips back and forth you’re willing to take. A larger trailer with a 1,000 to 1,500-pound capacity would be ideal for utility trailers. The Gorilla Carts GOR1001-COM and the MotoAlliance Impact Utility Cart come highly recommended.
What is the best trailer for ATV?
For medium to heavier loads, the Gorilla Carts GOR1001-COM is by far the best performing ATV trailer on the market. It is durable, reliable, and built for rugged performance. The detachable steel side mesh is a nice touch as well for convenient loading and unloading. If you prefer a dump-style cargo trailer, the MotoAlliance Impact Utility Cart is a solid option for heavy loads.
Can you hitch an ATV trailer to the back of a car?
Most utility trailers aren’t designed for road use. You’ll need to check the manufacturer’s website to confirm if the specific trailer you’re interested in is roadworthy.
Conclusion
Each of the ATV trailers we’ve reviewed in this guide is the best in their respective category. They’re functional, versatile, and, more importantly, built to last. Any of them would be a great addition to your outdoor arsenal.
