How to Choose the Right Livestock Trailer for Your Operation
Choosing the right livestock trailer is not just about price or looks. It is about finding a trailer that fits your cattle, your hauling style, and the kind of work you do every week or every season. The right trailer makes hauling safer, easier, and less stressful on both you and your cattle.
At Meridian Livestock Commission, we visit with ranchers and cattlemen every week who are looking for a trailer that actually fits their operation. Here are some things to think about before you buy.
Start With What You Haul
The first question is simple. What are you hauling most of the time?
Are you hauling:
Pairs
Calves
Yearlings
Bulls
A mix of everything
If you mostly haul lightweight calves, your needs are different than someone hauling big cows or bulls. If you haul a mix, you may want something more flexible with center gates or cut gates to help you sort and balance loads.
Also think about whether you ever haul:
Horses
Sheep or goats
Hay or equipment
A trailer that can handle more than one job can be a good investment.
Gooseneck or Bumper Pull
One of the biggest decisions is whether to go with a gooseneck or a bumper pull trailer.
Gooseneck trailers:
Pull easier and feel more stable
Handle heavier loads better
Usually last longer in hard use situations
Are easier to back and maneuver
Bumper pull trailers:
Cost less in most cases
Work well for lighter or occasional hauling
Are fine if you are not hauling big loads often
If you haul cattle regularly or haul heavy loads, a gooseneck is usually the better long-term choice.
Picking the Right Size
Trailer length matters more than a lot of people think.
Common sizes include:
16 ft
20 ft
24 ft
32 ft
Too small and you are making extra trips. Too big and you may be underloading or dealing with a trailer that is harder to maneuver.
Think about:
How many head you usually haul
The size of your cattle
Whether you haul in groups or smaller loads
A good rule of thumb is to buy for what you haul most often, not for the biggest load you haul once a year.
Floors, Sides, and Roofs Matter
These are the parts of the trailer that take the most abuse.
Floors:
Wood floors need maintenance and replacement
Metal floors last longer but still need to be checked
Rubber cleated durability, strength, function
Sides:
Solid sides are better for smaller cattle and bad weather
Slatted sides give more airflow in hot weather
Roofs:
A full roof protects cattle from heat and weather
It also helps keep cattle calmer during hauling
Gates and Layout
The inside layout of the trailer makes a big difference in how easy it is to load and unload.
Look for:
Center gates
Cut gates
Easy-to-use latches
Gates that swing and latch smoothly
Good gates make it easier to:
Balance weight
Sort cattle
Load different groups in one trip
New or Used
Both can be good options.
New trailers:
Cost more
Come with warranties
Usually need less work upfront
Used trailers:
Cost less
Can be a great value
Should be checked carefully for floor condition, axles, tires, and gate function
Purchasing a new trailer allows you to be pickier with what you are getting and comes with more guaranties. A good used trailer that has been taken care of is often a smarter buy than a cheap new one.
Think About Your Truck and Your Roads
Make sure your truck can safely pull the trailer you are buying. Also think about:
Narrow gates
Tight pens
Rough roads
Long hauls versus short trips
The best trailer in the world is no good if it does not fit your setup.
Buy From Someone Who Knows Cattle
One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying a trailer from someone who does not understand livestock.
A trailer should be:
Built for cattle
Set up for how cattle move
Designed to make loading and hauling safer and easier
At Meridian Livestock, we see what works and what does not every week. We are happy to help match you to the trailer that is right for your needs.
Final Thoughts
The right livestock trailer is an investment in:
Your time
Your safety
Your cattle
If you are not sure what size or style fits your operation, it is worth visiting with someone who works with cattle every day.
If you are in Central Texas, stop by Meridian Livestock Commission and look at what we have available. We are always glad to talk through what you haul and help you find something that actually fits your needs.
Sarah Domel:
254-978-0371
Mike Domel:
254-749-2240 • mikedomel@yahoo.com
mlslivestock@gmail.com