Bison & Buffalo Trailers: Built for Animals That Don't Respect a Standard Cattle Box
Bison and buffalo aren't cattle, and a trailer that's fine for a load of Angus steers isn't automatically fine for bison. They're taller at the hump, heavier per head, stronger against panels, and far less predictable when stressed. Star Manufacturing builds bison and buffalo trailers as a reinforced product line on top of our standard cattle trailer platform — same 5/16" thick, 3x5 heavy angle frame, seam welded and laser cut, but specced up for the animal. Every bison trailer we build in Wharton, TX gets the full hot dip galvanized treatment as standard, because these trailers work hard and stay in service a long time.
Bison Trailer Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Interior height | Raised clearance over standard cattle spec — see our tall trailer option, extended further for bison hump height |
| Side construction | Solid side panels standard — see solid side — for maximum containment against a powerful, unpredictable animal |
| Available lengths | 16' to 40', gooseneck recommended for anything hauling more than 2-3 head |
| Frame | 5/16" thick, 3x5 heavy angle iron, seam welded, reinforced at stress points |
| Finish | Full hot dip galvanized standard |
| Gate hardware | Heavy-duty slam latch gates standard — see slam latch gates |
| Dividers | Optional slider gate compartments for mixed-load or single-animal isolation |
Why a Standard Cattle Trailer Falls Short for Bison
- Height: A mature bison bull can stand well over 6 feet at the hump — taller than most standard cattle trailer interiors are built for. Cramped headroom stresses the animal and increases injury risk.
- Weight and force: A bull bison can weigh 1,800-2,200 lbs and hit a panel with force a standard cattle trailer wall isn't designed to absorb repeatedly. Reinforced solid side construction matters here in a way it doesn't for docile stock.
- Unpredictability: Bison are not domesticated cattle. They react to confinement differently, and hardware that's "good enough" for cattle — latches, hinges, dividers — needs to be overbuilt for bison to hold up over years of use.
- Load balance: Fewer, heavier animals per trailer changes axle loading versus a full load of steers. We help you spec the right length and axle configuration for your typical head count.
Who Orders These
Exotic game ranches, bison ranching operations, wildlife parks, and outfitters running exotic livestock operations across Texas are the most common buyers. We also build these for operations transporting bison for breeding programs, sale, or relocation between properties — situations where a standard heavy-duty cattle trailer isn't reinforced enough for the animal but a full custom build from scratch isn't necessary either.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bison can I haul in one trailer?
It depends on length, animal size, and whether you need dividers. A 24'-32' gooseneck typically handles 3-5 adult bison; talk to our team about your specific herd and typical hauling group size.
Is a bison trailer required to be galvanized?
Not required, but strongly recommended given the demanding service these trailers see — painted is available if preferred, though most bison operations choose galvanized for the corrosion protection and low maintenance.
Can this same reinforced build be used for other exotic species?
Yes — elk, large red deer, and other big-frame exotic species benefit from the same raised height and reinforced containment. Tell us what you're hauling and we'll spec accordingly.
Do bison trailers cost more than a standard cattle trailer?
Yes, due to the added height, reinforcement, and heavier-duty hardware. Get an exact quote for your configuration at /build.
Get a custom quote for your bison or buffalo hauling needs at /build, browse related configurations at /cattle-trailers, or call (979) 532-1486.