Cattle Trailers with Rubber Flooring: Better Footing, Easier Cleanout
The floor of a cattle trailer takes more abuse than any other part of it — manure, urine, mud, wet hooves sliding on steel, and the constant shifting weight of animals trying to keep their balance on a moving trailer. Rubber flooring is one of the simplest upgrades that makes a real difference in both animal welfare and how much time you spend cleaning out after every haul. Star Manufacturing offers rubber flooring as an option on every trailer we build, from a 14-foot bumper pull up through our largest 40-foot gooseneck, all on the same 5/16" thick, 3x5 heavy angle steel frame and full hot dip galvanized finish, manufactured in Wharton, TX.
Why Rubber Flooring Beats Bare Steel
A bare steel deck, even a diamond-plate or textured one, gets slick fast once it's wet with manure and urine. Cattle instinctively brace and shift their weight to compensate for poor footing, which increases stress, raises the risk of slips and falls during loading and transit, and can lead to bruising that shows up as a discount at the sale barn or packing plant. Rubber flooring gives cattle a grippier, more forgiving surface to stand on, which means calmer animals and fewer injuries — especially on longer hauls or rough roads.
| Factor | Bare Steel Deck | Rubber Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Footing when wet | Slick, especially with manure/urine | Grippy in wet and dry conditions |
| Noise during transit | Loud — hooves and shifting on bare metal | Quieter, reduces animal stress |
| Cleanout time | Manure and debris cling to seams and texture | Smooth surface hoses out faster |
| Impact on trailer frame | Direct wear on steel deck | Rubber layer absorbs impact, protects deck below |
| Insulation | Cold steel in winter, hot in summer | Better thermal buffer for animal comfort |
Rubber Flooring Specs
- Material: Heavy-duty rubber matting rated for livestock trailer use
- Installation: Fitted over the trailer's steel deck, secured to prevent shifting
- Available on: All Star Manufacturing trailer sizes, 14' through 40', bumper pull and gooseneck
- Compatible with: Bar top, solid side, slider gate, and nose cut configurations
- Maintenance: Hose out after each haul; periodically lift and check the steel deck underneath for wear
Who Benefits Most from Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring pays off fastest for anyone hauling cattle regularly rather than occasionally. If you're running loads to the sale barn weekly, backgrounding stockers that get moved between pastures and pens often, or hauling show cattle where an injury or bruise can cost you at the ring, the reduced slip risk and easier cleanout add up quickly. It's also a smart addition for anyone hauling calves or older cattle that are less steady on their feet, since a secure footing surface reduces the odds of a fall during a rough patch of road.
Combining Rubber Flooring with Other Configurations
Rubber flooring works with any Star Manufacturing configuration. It's especially common paired with:
- Slider/sorting gates — cattle standing in smaller compartments during sorting benefit even more from stable footing
- Bar top or solid side builds — flooring choice is independent of side configuration
- Slam latch gates — quick loading combined with secure footing keeps loading fast and calm
- Larger goosenecks like the 32-foot or 40-foot — more animals standing for longer periods means footing matters even more
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rubber flooring add much weight to a cattle trailer?
The added weight is modest and won't meaningfully affect towing on a properly matched tow vehicle. The tradeoff in animal safety and easier cleanout is well worth it for most operations that haul regularly.
Can rubber flooring be added to any trailer size?
Yes, it's available across our full lineup — from a 14-foot bumper pull cattle trailer to our largest 40-foot gooseneck.
How do I clean a rubber-floored cattle trailer?
Hose it out after each haul like you would a steel deck — the smooth rubber surface actually sheds manure and debris faster than textured steel.
Does rubber flooring hide rust or damage to the steel deck underneath?
Since our decks are hot dip galvanized before the rubber is installed, the steel underneath isn't at risk of hidden rust the way an unprotected painted deck would be. We still recommend periodic checks under the matting.
Is rubber flooring worth it for occasional haulers?
If you're only hauling a few times a year, bare galvanized steel is perfectly serviceable. Rubber flooring shows its value most for frequent haulers, show cattle transport, and anyone prioritizing animal comfort and safety.
Add Rubber Flooring to Your Cattle Trailer
Rubber flooring is available as an option on any Star Manufacturing cattle trailer. Configure yours and see instant pricing at /build, or explore our full cattle trailer lineup. Questions? Contact us or call (979) 532-1486.