The Best Types of Cattle Trailers

Several factors should be considered when purchasing cattle trailers because there is no one type that is best-suited to all situations. You have to take into account what towing vehicles are on-hand and the hitching mechanisms they possibly support. Then there's the size, material and design construction of the cattle trailer. Investing in the best type of cattle trailer is a matter of matching the equipment with your needs and available resources.

  1. Size and Hitching Mechanism

    • Generally there are three types of cattle trailersand each uses a specific type of hitching mechanism. The smallest is the bumper pull. Such trailers can be attached to the ball hitches in pick-up trucks and other similar sized commercial utility vehicles. Because they are small they can only carry a very light payload and are not recommended for long distances. The next size up is gooseneck. The name is derived from the shape of the end that attaches to the towing vehicle. A ball and coupling configuration is used to hitch the gooseneck to the bed of a truck. Semi-trailers are the largest and are capable of transporting herds across long distances. This type requires a tractor unit and is attached through a fifth wheel---a horseshoe-shaped coupling device at the end of the tractor.

    Material

    • Most modern trailers are made from aluminum. Aluminum cattle trailers have several advantages over those made from older steel and hybrid steel and wood frames. The reduced weight makes for easier handling and better gas mileage, and because the trailer itself is lighter, it can accommodate a heavier payload. Aluminum trailers are as sturdy as steel and more resilient to corrosion. This gives the additional benefit of lower maintenance costs.

    Design and Safety

    • Two the things to look out for when judging the sturdiness of a cattle trailer: the body construction and the supporting crossmembers. Unibody construction---where the body and chassis are integrated -- makes vehicle bodies stronger, but lighter. Crossmembers should be spaced closer to each other for better payload support.

      The next consideration is safety. The exterior lights of the trailer should give sufficient light, and the internal wiring should be well-insulated, hidden, and waterproofed. In terms of convenience, it's best for the trailer's floor to be skid-resistant. Some gooseneck models have adjustable internal partitions that come in handy for cargo space.

    Other Considerations

    • Since trade fairs are important events for livestock growers, and the prize cattle must come to the show in the best condition possible, a show trailer is another type of cattle trailer to consider. Show trailers generally come with options such as rubber floor mats, air conditioning, and hay racks. Gooseneck and bumper pulls are the basic body types for show trailers.