Covered Cattle Trailers: Full Weather Protection From Roof to Floor
Texas sun beating down on a load of cattle for three hours on the highway is as hard on animals as a cold rain in February. Star Manufacturing's covered cattle trailers use a full solid roof from nose to tail — not the open bar-top design some ranchers prefer for maximum ventilation — to keep cattle shaded, dry, and out of direct weather on every trip. Every covered trailer is built on our standard 5/16" seam-welded frame and fully hot dip galvanized, available in 14' to 40' lengths, bumper pull or gooseneck.
A full roof matters most on long hauls, in direct summer sun, or when hauling through rain and hail country. Cattle that stay cooler and drier arrive calmer, with less shrink and less risk of heat stress — a real consideration on any run over an hour or two in Texas or Gulf Coast summer conditions.
Covered Cattle Trailer Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Roof | Full solid roof, nose to tail — no open gaps |
| Available Lengths | 14' to 40' |
| Configuration | Bumper pull (14'-20') or gooseneck (20'-40') |
| Frame | 5/16" thick, 3x5 heavy angle iron, seam welded |
| Finish | Full hot dip galvanized |
| Side Options | Pair with solid side or slatted side panels for full enclosure, or bar-top style sides with a covered roof for airflow plus overhead protection |
| Best For | Long hauls, high-heat climates, rain-prone regions, high-value or stressed cattle |
Covered vs. Bar-Top: Which Should You Choose
- Covered (full roof): Best for long highway hauls, direct sun exposure, and rain protection. Keeps cattle drier and shaded on every trip.
- Bar-top / open top: Best for maximum ventilation in mild climates or short hauls — see our bar top cattle trailers page for that configuration.
- Combination approach: Solid roof with slatted or vented sides gives shade and rain protection while still allowing airflow — talk to our team about a custom side configuration.
Built to Handle Texas and Gulf Coast Weather
A solid roof only does its job if the frame underneath doesn't rust or weaken from years of sun and moisture exposure. That's why every covered trailer gets the same full hot dip galvanized treatment as our open-top builds — the entire trailer submerged in molten zinc, not just painted, so the roof supports and frame hold up as long as the roof panel itself. Combine a covered roof with solid side panels for maximum weather protection on coastal or high-rainfall routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a full roof reduce ventilation too much?
Not when paired with properly vented or slatted sides. A solid roof blocks sun and rain while side venting still allows airflow — we can spec the side configuration to match your climate and typical haul length.
Is a covered trailer heavier than an open bar-top trailer?
Yes, slightly, due to the additional roof material. The weight difference is modest and doesn't change your basic tow vehicle requirements at a given length.
Can I get a covered roof on any length or configuration?
Yes — full roof coverage is available across our entire 14' to 40' lineup, bumper pull or gooseneck.
How do I order a covered cattle trailer?
Use our online quote builder for instant pricing, or call (979) 532-1486 to talk through roof and side configuration with our team in Wharton, TX.
See the full lineup on our cattle trailers page, or contact us directly.