I've not ran a swinging one, but from what I've seen of them, I went with a fixed arch. Swinging requires you to inch worm the log forward constantly rerigging it. My setup allows me to grab a log out as far as the cable can reach, once the nose is set on the trailer, I move the tongs down the log and scoot it all the way onto the trailer. 4000 lb winch has no trouble doing this, so no need for that added leverage of the swinging arch. Since your trailer is taller, be sure to have the arch flush with the back of the trailer, or even set back 6" to a foot, that helps get the nose onto the deck instead of ramming the nose into the back of the trailer. My setup also allows me to pull from the side when needed. I don't have to back up perfectly to the logs.
I have a dovetail trailer and can’t seem to find a build on here with one. I’m wondering how tall the arch needs to be and can I go shorter because of the dovetail? Maybe save some time and money and just fab a ramp or guide with smooth surface and winch right on or off of a log jack?
So there are no line or other type of fasteners to hold the base from moving around? If not that is amazingly and such an easy way to remove! Thanks for the reply.
