40-Foot Cattle Trailer: Our Largest Gooseneck Build
The 40-foot cattle trailer is the top of the line for operations that need maximum capacity without moving up to a full semi rig. Star Manufacturing builds this size as the largest gooseneck configuration we offer, on the same 5/16" thick, 3x5 heavy angle steel frame and full hot dip galvanized finish as every trailer in our lineup — just stretched out to carry more cattle in a single trip. It's manufactured in Wharton, TX, laser cut and tabbed-and-slotted for a precision fit that holds up under the heaviest commercial loads.
This length is built for commercial cow-calf operations, feedlot-adjacent stocker operations, order buyers moving large groups between sale barns, and ranch operations that would otherwise need two trips with a shorter trailer. It's the practical ceiling for gooseneck hauling — go bigger and you're into semi (pot trailer) territory, which requires a CDL and tractor.
40-Foot Cattle Trailer Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 40 feet |
| Frame | 5/16" thick, 3x5 heavy angle steel — seam welded |
| Finish | Full hot dip galvanized (entire trailer dipped in molten zinc) |
| Widths Available | 6'8", 7', or 7'6" |
| Approximate Capacity | 24–28 head of mature cattle (varies by weight and width) |
| Construction Method | Laser cut, tabbed and slotted components for precision fit |
| Configuration Options | Bar top or solid side, nose cuts, slam latch gates, multiple slider/sorting gates, rubber flooring |
| Axles | Multiple heavy-duty axles engineered for maximum-length commercial loads |
Who Buys a 40-Foot Cattle Trailer?
This is a specialized purchase, not the trailer a hobby operation or small cow-calf outfit typically needs. The buyers who spec a 40-foot cattle trailer are running enough volume that trip count matters directly to their bottom line — commercial ranches with several hundred head, order buyers and cattle dealers moving large groups on a schedule, and backgrounding/stocker operations shuttling cattle between grass and the feedyard. If you're hauling a handful of cows to the vet or to a local sale a few times a year, a 24-foot or 28-foot gooseneck is more trailer than you'll ever fill and easier to maneuver. But if you're consistently loading out large groups, the 40-foot pays for itself in fewer trips, less fuel, and less labor per head hauled.
Towing Requirements for a 40-Foot Gooseneck
At 40 feet with a full load of mature cattle, you are towing at or near the practical limit of what a one-ton dually can handle. This is not a trailer to pull with an underpowered truck. Expect to need:
- A one-ton dually pickup with a diesel engine and gooseneck hitch rated for the full loaded weight
- Electric-over-hydraulic or electric trailer brakes on every axle
- Careful attention to your truck's GVWR, GCWR, and payload rating — loaded weight with 24+ head of mature cattle adds up fast
- Experience backing and maneuvering a long gooseneck in tight pens and loading chutes
We'll work with you during the quote process to confirm your tow vehicle is properly matched before you order.
Configuration Options
Because a 40-foot trailer is often used to move mixed groups, most buyers add at least one interior slider or sorting gate to divide the load — useful for separating pairs, isolating an injured animal, or splitting a group between two destinations. Popular add-ons at this size:
- Bar top ventilation for airflow over a long haul, or solid sides for weather protection
- Multiple slider/sorting gates to create separate compartments
- Nose cut modifications for added front floor space
- Slam latch gate hardware for one-handed operation under pressure
- Rubber flooring for footing and easier wash-out between loads
Frequently Asked Questions
How many head fit in a 40-foot cattle trailer?
Roughly 24 to 28 head of mature cattle, depending on average weight, trailer width, and whether the load includes calves at side.
Is a 40-foot cattle trailer the same as a semi trailer?
No. A 40-foot gooseneck still pulls behind a one-ton pickup. A semi cattle trailer (pot trailer) requires a tractor and a CDL and generally carries more head over longer commercial routes.
What truck do I need to pull a 40-foot cattle trailer?
A one-ton diesel dually with a properly rated gooseneck hitch and trailer brakes on all axles. Confirm your GCWR against the fully loaded trailer weight before towing.
Can a 40-foot cattle trailer be hot dip galvanized?
Yes — every Star Manufacturing trailer, including our 40-foot build, is fully hot dip galvanized as standard, not an upgrade option.
How much does a 40-foot cattle trailer cost?
Cost depends on width, gate configuration, and options. Get exact, instant pricing with our online quote builder.
Build Your 40-Foot Cattle Trailer
Star Manufacturing's 40-foot cattle trailer is our maximum-capacity gooseneck build — 5/16" frame, full hot dip galvanized finish, laser cut precision, built in Wharton, TX. Configure yours and get instant pricing at /build, or explore the full gooseneck cattle trailer lineup. Questions? Contact us or call (979) 532-1486.