Thinking About A Cattle Trailer?
When most think of a cattle trailer, they think of the long silver trailers they may have seen travelling down the interstate. While this may have been the case in times gone by, the cattle trailer has come a long way over the years. You can now get them in a host of configurations, colors and sizes. While most are make with an all aluminum frame and skin, there are others out there that are made from wood, or even steel.
Cattle Trailer Industry Standard - The Aluminum Trailer
However, aluminum trailers make the most sense in most operations because they allow for a much higher payload capacity as well as increased fuel economy over steel or wooden units. Not to mention the lower maintenance costs involved as they have a much higher resistance to rust and corrosion.
When looking for a cattle trailer, you need to know that there is a size and configuration that's just right for your situation. There are units that will mount on the back of your truck should you only be hauling one or two cattle. In the past, you'd have to pull the full trailer, even if you only had one or two head of cattle in it.
If you are looking for a larger unit and one that you can tow, you can opt for a bumper pull model that will hold up to two full size cattle. Then of course there is the goose neck style of trailer that has become the industry standard. If that's not big enough, you can step up to the semi truck model that is available in 53' models.
Features To Look For In A Cattle Trailer
When shopping for an aluminum trailer to haul your cattle, you are going to want to be sure the unit you buy has a number of features to ensure it is a work horse for you for years to come.
Uni Body Design
This makes the trailer much stronger and more durable over the long term.
Aluminum Floor
Having a skid resistant extruded aluminum floor will make life a whole lot easier as well a safer.
Options
Make sure you can get your trailer configured the way you want it and not just the way the manufacturer wants it. Door options, window options, configuration options need to be up to you.
Appearance
Check to see if you have a choice in how your trailer will look. Having the right side panels on your trailer can really make it stand out - if that's important to you.
L.E.D. Wraparound Lights
This is critical for safety purposes while on the road. An added benefit is that the wrap around light scheme will really make your trailer stand out.
Tapered Gooseneck
If you opt for this style of trailer, be sure to get one that is tapered as it'll create better aerodynamics when you are on the road.
Heavy-Duty Crossmembers
Be sure that the crossmembers aren't run every 18+". Ideally, you are looking for 4-inch crossmembers that run every 12" to support your heavy cattle loads.
Wiring Harness
Be sure that all the trailer wiring is packaged up in a protective sleeve of some sort. You need a waterproof seal, in addition to protection against normal wear and tear. With all the wiring tied up in a protective sleeve, connecting them should be a snap. Without the protective sleeve, or harness, the wiring will simply hang loose and be unprotected.
While you could certainly buy a cattle trailer made of other materials than aluminum, it's clear for a number of reasons that aluminum is the most cost effective and the safest way to go.