How to Choose the Right Cattle Trailer Size for Your Operation
Buying a cattle trailer that's too small means extra trips. Buying one that's too big means wasted fuel and harder maneuvering. Here's how to pick the right size for your operation.
Cattle Trailer Sizes at a Glance
| Length | Cut Gates | Axles | Approx. Head Count (Cow/Calf) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14' | 1 | 2 × 7K | 4-6 head | Small ranch, hobby farm, horse hauling |
| 16' | 1 | 2 × 7K | 6-8 head | Small-medium ranch |
| 20' | 1 | 2 × MD 8K | 8-12 head | Medium ranch, regular hauling |
| 24' | 2 | 2 × MD 8K | 12-16 head | Medium-large ranch |
| 28' | 3 | 3 × MD 8K | 16-22 head | Large ranch, commercial |
| 32' | 3 | 3 × MD 8K | 22-28 head | Commercial hauling |
| 36' | 3 | 3 × HD 8K | 28-34 head | Large commercial |
| 40' | 4 | 3 × HD 8K | 34-40+ head | Full commercial operation |
Head counts are approximate and vary by animal size. Consult DOT weight limits for your route.
Rule of Thumb: 20 Square Feet Per Cow
A mature cow (1,000-1,400 lbs) needs approximately 20 square feet of floor space for safe transport. Here's how that translates:
- 6'8" wide × 20' long = 133 sq ft → ~6-7 cows comfortably
- 7' wide × 24' long = 168 sq ft → ~8-9 cows comfortably
- 7'6" wide × 32' long = 240 sq ft → ~12 cows comfortably
Calves need less space (~12-15 sq ft), while bulls need more (~25-30 sq ft).
Width Matters Too
Star Manufacturing offers three width options:
- 6'8" — Standard. Good for most operations, easier to maneuver
- 7' — Extra room. Popular for larger cattle and commercial use (+$1,000)
- 7'6" — Maximum capacity. For large commercial operations (+$1,500)
Common Mistakes
- Buying too small — "I only have 10 head now" doesn't account for growth. Buy for where you'll be in 5 years.
- Ignoring weight ratings — A 24' trailer can fit 16 head, but can your truck and the trailer's GVWR handle 20,000+ lbs? Check axle ratings.
- Forgetting cut gates — More gates = more versatility for sorting and managing cattle during loading/unloading.
- Skipping width upgrades — An extra 4-8 inches of width makes a big difference in animal comfort and reduces injury risk.
Configure Yours
Use the Star Manufacturing online quote builder to spec out your exact configuration — size, width, finish (painted or hot dip galvanized), cut gates, flooring, and options. You'll see the price update in real time.
Or call us at (979) 532-1486 — we've helped hundreds of ranchers pick the right trailer for their operation.