28-Foot Gooseneck Cattle Trailer
The 28-foot gooseneck is the go-to choice for serious cow-calf operations, stockers, and commercial haulers who need to move bigger loads without stepping up to a semi-trailer rig. It hits a practical sweet spot: long enough to haul 14 to 18 head of mature cattle, yet still manageable behind a one-ton dually on a Class 5 hitch. Star Manufacturing builds every 28-foot gooseneck in Wharton, TX with a 5/16-inch thick, 3×5 heavy angle frame, seam welded at every joint and finished with a full hot dip galvanized coating — the most durable finish available on any cattle trailer.
28-Foot Gooseneck Specifications
| Specification | Standard | Available Options |
|---|---|---|
| Floor Length | 28 ft | — |
| Overall Length | ~38 ft (with gooseneck) | — |
| Interior Width | 6'8" (standard) | 7'0", 7'6" |
| Interior Height | 6'6" | — |
| Frame | 5/16" thick, 3×5 heavy angle | — |
| Welding | Full seam weld | — |
| Finish | Hot dip galvanized | Painted |
| Axles | Dual tandem (2 axles) | Triple axle |
| Hitch | 5th wheel gooseneck | — |
| Flooring | Treated wood | Rubber mat overlay |
| Cattle Capacity | 14–18 head (1,100 lb avg) | Varies by pen layout |
| Estimated GVW | ~24,000–26,000 lb loaded | — |
Capacity estimates are for average mature beef cattle. Load density varies by breed, body condition, and temperature. Always stay within your trailer's posted GVWR and your truck's tow rating.
Why the 28-Foot Is the Right Size for Most Operations
If you're regularly hauling 12 or more head and finding that a 24-foot trailer is consistently crowded, the 28-foot gooseneck is the logical next step. The extra four feet of floor space allows you to add a second full pen — a critical difference when you're sorting loads by weight class, separating bulls from cows, or splitting a load of calves.
The 28-foot also works well for:
- Stocker operations — lighter yearlings at 600–800 lb can pack 20–24 head comfortably
- Cow-calf pairs — pen layout allows separating cows from calves during transport
- Commercial custom feeding — enough capacity for multiple small-lot consignments
- Show cattle and rodeo stock — room for 4–6 show animals with tack and equipment storage
Hot Dip Galvanized — The Only Finish Worth Putting on a 28-Footer
A 28-foot trailer sees hard miles. If you're pulling it to auction two or three times a month, to pasture, across lease roads, and through wet conditions, a painted trailer will start rusting at the welds within a few years. Star Manufacturing's hot dip galvanizing process dips the entire assembled frame in molten zinc at 840°F. The zinc bonds metallurgically to the steel — it doesn't just coat the outside, it penetrates cut edges, welds, and tight joints that a spray gun never reaches.
The result is a trailer that still looks solid and structurally sound 20 years down the road. Ranch families who've had Star Manufacturing trailers for a decade-plus consistently report that the galvanized frames outlast two or three repaints on painted trailers from other manufacturers.
Frame and Construction — Built Heavier Than You Need It
The structural foundation of every Star Manufacturing trailer is a 5/16-inch thick, 3×5 heavy angle iron frame — seam welded at every joint. This isn't a marketing spec. It matters most when:
- You're loading a 2,000 lb bull who doesn't want to be loaded
- You're crossing rough pasture roads or creek crossings
- You're running the trailer hard for 10–15 years before resale
Thinner frame trailers (5/16" vs 1/4" or 3/16") flex under load, especially in the gooseneck coupling area and at the rear door hinges. Star Manufacturing's over-built approach means the trailer stays square and true throughout its service life.
Components are laser cut, then tabbed and slotted for precision fit before welding. You won't find gaps or misaligned uprights — the fit-up is exact before a single bead is laid.
Gate and Pen Configurations for a 28-Foot Floor
The 28-foot floor is typically divided into two or three compartments depending on what you haul:
- Two-pen layout: A full-width center gate divides the floor roughly 14'/14'. Ideal for separating bulls/cows or two weight classes.
- Three-pen layout: Front pen (~8 ft), mid pen (~10 ft), rear pen (~10 ft). Best for sorting multiple groups or mixing cattle and calves.
- Nose cut option: A triangular cut-out at the front allows cattle to fill the tapered gooseneck area, recovering 2–4 additional head of capacity.
- Slam latch gates: Available on all interior dividers — spring-loaded, one-handed operation, essential when you're managing cattle solo.
- Slider gates: Optional on side access doors for sorting and drafting cattle without opening the full rear door.
Discuss your specific operation with our team — we'll help you configure the pen layout that actually matches how you work cattle. Reach out at (979) 532-1486 or use the quote builder to spec out exactly what you need.
Towing a 28-Foot Gooseneck — What You Need
A 28-foot gooseneck loaded to 26,000 lb requires serious towing capacity:
- Minimum truck: 3/4-ton (F-250/2500) for lighter loads; 1-ton dually (F-350/3500 or Ram 3500) strongly preferred
- Hitch: Class 5 gooseneck ball in truck bed, 2-5/16" ball — rated to 30,000+ lb GVW minimum
- Brakes: Trailer electric brakes required; brake controller in tow vehicle mandatory
- CDL considerations: If truck + trailer combined GVWR exceeds 26,001 lb, a CDL may be required depending on your state. Texas ranchers hauling for their own operation often qualify for a farm exemption — check with TxDMV for current rules
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cows fit in a 28-foot gooseneck cattle trailer?
A 28-foot gooseneck trailer with a standard 6'8" interior width holds 14 to 18 head of mature beef cattle averaging 1,100 lb. Lighter yearlings (600–800 lb) can load at 20–24 head. Always stay within the trailer's GVWR and your truck's tow rating.
What's the difference between a 24-foot and 28-foot gooseneck cattle trailer?
The 28-footer gives you 4 additional feet of usable floor, typically allowing one more pen and 2–4 more head of capacity. It's also easier to split into three compartments for sorting. The tradeoff is about 2–3 feet more total length behind the truck and a slightly higher price.
Is a 28-foot gooseneck trailer legal on Texas highways?
Yes. A 28-foot livestock trailer with a gooseneck hitch is well within Texas legal limits for length (up to 65 feet total combination). No oversize permits needed for standard operation.
Do I need a CDL to pull a 28-foot cattle trailer?
Possibly. If your combined truck + trailer GVWR exceeds 26,001 lb and you're operating commercially, a CDL Class A is required. Texas ranchers hauling their own livestock under the agricultural exemption may not need a CDL — but verify with TxDMV and your county extension office, as rules vary.
Can I get this trailer custom configured?
Yes. Every Star Manufacturing trailer is built to order. Use the online quote builder or call (979) 532-1486 to configure your gate layout, width, finish (galvanized or painted), axle count, and optional features like nose cuts, rubber flooring, or LED lighting.
Ready to Order a 28-Foot Gooseneck?
Star Manufacturing builds 28-foot gooseneck cattle trailers at our facility in Wharton, TX — 2507 County Rd 231. Every trailer is built to order, configured for your operation. Start with the online quote builder for instant pricing, or call us at (979) 532-1486 to talk through your build.
Also available: 24-foot gooseneck | Full gooseneck lineup | All cattle trailers