When shopping for a livestock trailer, there are plenty of questions to ask. You want to make sure you choose a trailer that fits your needs, your vehicle’s needs and your livestock’s needs. Stock trailers are good for multipurpose uses, safe for different species of animals and for any farm supplies you might need to tow. Stock trailers usually have slatted sides for the comfort and safety of your animals and can be equipped for both long and short trips. They’re built to load horses, cattle, pigs and any other farm animals or farm supplies. This blog will guide you through all the most important considerations, other than budget, when choosing a livestock trailer.
Size
Size might be your most important quality when choosing a livestock trailer. The size of your trailer will decide what animals you can tow and how many. For your animal’s comfort, you should choose a trailer with adjustable dividers. This way you can change the size of the animal’s space to keep them safe and comfortable when on the move. Be sure to choose a trailer that’s larger than the biggest animal you ever plan to haul, but make sure the weight fits your vehicle’s towing restrictions too.
Hitch
Bumper-pull and gooseneck are the most popular hitch options you’ll find. Bumper-pull trailers usually work better with less weight, but you don’t need as big of a vehicle to tow them. Gooseneck trailers tend to be easier to tow with a tighter turning radius. Gooseneck trailers also have larger stock space and most have storage or even living areas in the neck of the trailer.
Roof and Floor
Be wary of trailers with framed tops instead of solid, and avoid trailers with no roof entirely. A solid roof works best, even though they’re heavier. They’re safer for the animals, preventing them from jumping out. Trailer flooring is also essential to the safety of your livestock. A floor that’s too smooth or weak can spell disaster. Look for a trailer with rubber mats that are easy to stand on when wet, or trailers with rubber planks in place of wood. Aluminum floors with a treaded non-slip surface also work, but aluminum doesn’t absorb heat or vibrations from the road which can be stressful to animals and hard on hooves.
Entry and Doors
Easy-access for your livestock is essential. Ramps are often better for livestock than step-up trailers, and ramps often make it harder for small animals to escape and hide underneath the trailer. Doors are also important, as you never want to put yourself between your livestock and the door, or between the door and the fence. Slam latches on trailer doors are often the safest option, because they remove you from the situation. Additional pins and latches are also helpful in keeping the doors closed when you’re on the road.
Choosing a livestock trailer is a complicated process, but with proper research it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you decide on a price and read through our list of things to consider, you can look online at what trailer dealers near you have in stock. When you’re choosing a livestock trailer, have a professional inspect the rig, then look over things yourself. Consider test driving your trailer with your windows rolled down so you can listen for unusual noises, and make sure you’re comfortable towing the trailer with your vehicle.
When you’re ready to choose a livestock trailer, or any other type of trailer you might need, our helpful staff at Country Blacksmith will be more than happy to help. Our sales staff can give you advice and help you find the exact trailer you need. Browse our online inventory today or give us a call at our Mount Vernon and Carterville locations to see what we can do for you.