Single Axle Cattle Trailer for Small Herds and Light-Duty Hauling
Not every operation needs a tandem-axle trailer sized for a full gooseneck load. Small farms, hobby ranchers, 4-H and FFA families, and anyone who hauls a handful of head at a time often do better with a single axle cattle trailer — lighter to tow, easier to maneuver into tight barn lots, and less trailer than the job actually calls for. Star Manufacturing builds single axle cattle trailers in 14' and 16' bumper pull lengths on the same 5/16" seam-welded frame and full hot dip galvanized finish we put on every trailer that leaves our shop in Wharton, TX.
A single axle isn't a cut-rate build — it's the right spec for the right job. Lighter tongue weight means a smaller truck can tow it safely, fuel economy improves over towing an oversized tandem-axle trailer half empty, and the shorter, lighter package backs into tight spaces a long gooseneck simply can't reach.
Single Axle Cattle Trailer Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Bumper pull, single axle |
| Available Lengths | 14' and 16' |
| Typical Capacity | 3-5 head of mature cattle, more for calves or smaller livestock |
| Frame | 5/16" thick, 3x5 heavy angle iron, seam welded |
| Finish | Full hot dip galvanized |
| Best For | Small farms, hobby ranches, 4-H/FFA families, part-time haulers |
| Compare To | Tandem-axle for heavier loads or longer highway hauls — see our tandem axle cattle trailers page |
Who Should Choose a Single Axle
- Hobby and small-acreage ranchers: Hauling a few head to the vet, to pasture, or to a local sale doesn't require tandem-axle capacity.
- 4-H and FFA families: A lighter trailer that a family truck can tow safely to the fairgrounds. See our 4-H/FFA livestock trailers page.
- Anyone towing with a mid-size truck or SUV: Lower tongue weight and overall trailer weight keep towing within a smaller vehicle's rated capacity.
- Tight-lot maneuverability: Shorter wheelbase turns tighter around barns, chutes, and loading areas.
If you're regularly hauling a full trailer of mature cattle or making long highway runs, a tandem-axle build offers more stability and redundancy — talk to our team about which axle configuration fits your actual hauling pattern before you buy more (or less) trailer than you need.
Built the Same Way, Right-Sized
Axle count is a capacity decision, not a quality tradeoff. Every single axle trailer gets the same laser cut, tabbed and slotted construction and full hot dip galvanized finish as our largest 40' gooseneck builds. Pair it with bar top ventilation or solid side panels depending on your climate and hauling conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many head can a single axle trailer haul?
A 14'-16' single axle trailer typically hauls 3-5 mature cattle depending on weight, or more head of calves or smaller stock. Talk to our team about your specific herd for an accurate capacity estimate.
Is a single axle trailer less durable than tandem axle?
No — it's built with the same frame thickness, welding, and galvanizing standard. Axle count is sized to the load the trailer is designed to carry, not a durability shortcut.
Can I tow a single axle cattle trailer with a half-ton truck?
In most cases yes, depending on your truck's tow rating and the loaded trailer weight. Confirm your specific truck's rating against the trailer's loaded GVWR before towing.
How do I get pricing on a single axle trailer?
Use our online quote builder for instant pricing, or call (979) 532-1486 to talk through your hauling needs with our team in Wharton, TX.
See the full lineup on our cattle trailers page, or contact us directly.