16-Foot Cattle Trailer
The 16-foot bumper pull cattle trailer is one of the most versatile sizes a working rancher can own. It's small enough to maneuver easily — you can tow it with a 3/4-ton pickup — but large enough to move 8 to 10 head of mature beef cattle in a single load. Star Manufacturing builds 16-foot trailers with the same 5/16" heavy angle frame, seam-welded construction, and hot dip galvanized finish that goes into our largest 40-foot gooseneck models.
There are no "economy" or "light-duty" frames in our lineup. Every trailer we build starts with the same structural backbone.
16-Foot Cattle Trailer Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 16 feet (192 inches of cattle space) |
| Available Widths | 6'8" standard / 7'0" / 7'6" wide |
| Frame | 5/16" thick, 3×5 heavy angle steel — seam welded |
| Construction | Laser-cut, tabbed and slotted, precision fit |
| Finish | Hot dip galvanized or painted |
| Hitch Type | Bumper pull |
| Cattle Capacity (1,200 lb avg) | 8–10 head |
| Cattle Capacity (600 lb calves) | 14–18 head |
| Recommended Tow Vehicle | 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup (minimum) |
| Floor | Treated wood or rubber mat over wood |
| Gate | Slam latch rear gate standard; custom options available |
| Built | Wharton, TX |
What Can You Haul in a 16-Foot Cattle Trailer?
In a 16-foot trailer with a 7-foot interior width, you're working with approximately 112 square feet of floor space. Here's what that translates to in real haul situations:
- Mature beef cattle (900–1,400 lbs): 8–10 head. Allow roughly 10–12 square feet per animal for comfortable transit that minimizes bruising and stress.
- Stocker/backgrounder cattle (600–800 lbs): 12–15 head depending on body condition and trip distance.
- Calves (200–400 lbs): 18–24 head for short-haul moves. Lighter animals need more floor-to-body contact for stability, so don't overcrowd calves even if total weight allows it.
- Cows and calves together: 4–5 pairs is typical with divider gates separating pairs.
- Hogs: 12–18 market hogs (230–270 lbs) load well in a 16-footer.
- Goats and sheep: 25–35 head of mature animals.
Tow Vehicle Requirements for a 16-Foot Cattle Trailer
A fully loaded 16-foot cattle trailer with 10 head of 1,200-lb cattle puts approximately 12,000–14,000 lbs on your hitch ball. Here's what you need:
- Minimum: Ford F-250, Chevy/GMC 2500, Ram 2500 with proper receiver hitch and weight-distributing setup
- Preferred: F-350, 3500 series, or diesel-equipped trucks for the most confidence and braking capacity
- Hitch: 2-5/16" ball, class IV receiver, weight distribution recommended for heavier loads
- Brakes: Electric trailer brakes are standard on this trailer and required for loads over 4,500 lbs in Texas
- Tongue weight: Typically 10–15% of total loaded trailer weight — ensure your truck's tongue weight rating covers it
Why Choose Star Manufacturing for Your 16-Foot Trailer
There are dozens of cattle trailer manufacturers producing 16-foot bumper pulls. What separates Star Manufacturing isn't the size — it's what's behind the size:
- 5/16" frame thickness: Most production trailers in this class use lighter gauge steel. Our frame is heavier — it won't flex, twist, or crack under decades of real ranch work.
- Seam welding: Continuous welds, not tack welds at connection points. The entire frame is seam welded for structural integrity that doesn't depend on a few small weld spots.
- Hot dip galvanizing: The most durable finish available. If you're in the Gulf Coast or anywhere with significant humidity, the galvanized option is the difference between a 10-year trailer and a 40-year trailer.
- Laser-cut, tabbed and slotted components: Every component is cut by laser to exact tolerances, then tabs fit into slots for precise alignment before welding. The result is straighter, stronger assemblies than hand-cut fabrication.
Configuration Options for 16-Foot Trailers
We build every trailer to order. Common configurations for the 16-foot bumper pull include:
- Bar top (open top) — Best for Texas summer hauling; maximizes airflow and prevents heat stress in cattle
- Full solid side — Better for northern climates or winter hauling; keeps animals out of wind and rain
- Combination (solid lower, bars upper) — Most popular in Texas; solid panels protect animals at the impact zone, bars provide airflow above
- Interior divider gate — Split the trailer to haul two groups simultaneously; essential for separating bulls from cows or calves from adults
- Slam latch rear gate — Standard; quick single-hand operation even with gloves on
- Rubber floor matting — Adds traction and cushioning; highly recommended for show cattle or any animals where bruising is a concern
- LED lighting — DOT-compliant, longer-lasting, runs cooler than incandescent
Get Your 16-Foot Trailer Quote
Use our online quote builder to configure and price your 16-foot cattle trailer in minutes. Select your width, finish, gate configuration, and add-ons — you'll see your price instantly without waiting for a callback.
Questions or custom requirements? Call us at (979) 532-1486. We're at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 and we build every trailer to order.
Browse more: All Cattle Trailer Models | Trailer Guides & Resources | Contact Star Manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GVWR of a 16-foot cattle trailer?
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) on a 16-foot bumper pull cattle trailer from Star Manufacturing is typically in the 14,000–16,000 lb range depending on width and configuration. Contact us for the exact GVWR on your configured trailer, as it affects licensing and tow vehicle selection.
How many cows fit in a 16-foot cattle trailer?
A 16-foot, 7-foot-wide cattle trailer comfortably hauls 8–10 mature beef cows (900–1,200 lbs). If you need to haul more cattle in a single trip, consider our gooseneck cattle trailers in 20-foot or larger configurations.
Do I need a CDL to pull a 16-foot cattle trailer?
No. A bumper pull trailer towed by a pickup truck combination that stays under 26,001 lbs combined weight and under 10,001 lbs on the trailer typically does not require a commercial driver's license in Texas. However, if you haul cattle commercially, check your state's agricultural exemption rules and the Federal Motor Carrier regulations for your situation.
Can I get a 16-foot hot dip galvanized cattle trailer?
Yes. Hot dip galvanizing is available on all Star Manufacturing cattle trailers, including the 16-foot bumper pull. Select galvanized in the quote builder or mention it when you call us at (979) 532-1486.