• Transwest Logo
  • RVs RVs
  • Trucks Trucks
  • Hydrovacs Hydrovacs
  • Horse & Livestock Trailers Horse & Livestock Trailers
  • Commercial Trailers Commercial Trailers
  • Cars, Trucks, SUVs, & Vans Cars, Trucks, SUVs, & Vans
Transwest Horse & Livestock Trailers Logo
  • Transwest Horse & Livestock Trailers Logo
    • Find Trailers
    • Horse Trailers
    • Livestock Trailers
    Horse Trailers
    • Horse Bumper Pull Trailer Icon Bumper Pull
    • Horse Gooseneck Trailer Icon Gooseneck
    • Living Quarters Trailer Icon Living Quarters
    • 2 Horse Trailer Icon 1-2 Horse
    • 4 Horse Trailer Icon 3-4 Horse
    • Large Horse Trailer Icon 5-8 Horse
    • Trainer Trailer Icon Trainer
    • Cimarron Trailers Logo
    • Logan Coach Logo
    View All Horse Trailers All Used Horse Trailers
    Livestock Trailers
    • Livestock Bumper Pull Trailer Icon Bumper Pull
    • Livestock Gooseneck Trailer Icon Gooseneck
    • Pen System Trailer Icon Pen System
    • Cattle Trailer Icon Cattle
    • Hogs Trailer Icon Hog
    • Sheep Trailer Icon Sheep
    • Stock Box Trailer Icon Stock Box
    • Cimarron Trailers Logo
    • Logan Coach Logo
    View All Livestock Trailers All Used Livestock Trailers
  • Find Haulers
  • Financing
    • All Service
    • Mobile Service
    Service
    • All Service
    • Mobile Service
  • Parts
  • Locations
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Videos
0

Hi there, have a question? Send us a text!

Blog / Livestock Trailer Basics: A Guide to Livestock Trailer Types

Livestock Trailer Basics: A Guide to Livestock Trailer Types

Trailer Types
The Transwest Team
The Transwest Team
Published Oct 12, 2021
Unhitched gooseneck livestock trailer

Livestock trailers allow you to transport livestock across short or long distances. Due to the variety of livestock and the differences in weight and specific needs of each type of livestock, there are numerous styles of trailers available on the market to ensure the safe and comfortable transport of these animals.

Check out the most common types of livestock trailers to find the right one for your needs.

Livestock Gooseneck Trailer

One of the most popular styles of livestock trailers is a livestock gooseneck trailer. These trailers are an ideal choice for those who plan to transport large herds of livestock.

Gooseneck livestock trailers are designed with a long arm or neck that fastens to a ball hitch located in the bed of the towing truck. What makes this system superior for towing large amounts of weight is the added stability that the connection brings. The gooseneck trailer’s weight is also balanced over the rear axles instead of the frame, which creates a safer and more stable ride for your livestock.

Livestock gooseneck trailer
Livestock Gooseneck Trailer

The gooseneck style will also help cut down on sway on the road and make the trailer easier to maneuver. This trailer type offers improved stability in high winds and unfavorable weather conditions.

Gooseneck livestock trailers can be designed to haul almost any type of livestock. Additionally, they are designed in numerous sizes and with or without living quarters.

Gooseneck livestock trailers are often used to transport large herds of sheep, cattle, goats, llamas, and any large livestock.

Livestock Bumper Pull Trailer

Another popular style of livestock trailers is the livestock bumper pull. A livestock bumper pull can be quickly and easily attached to a standard ball hitch. This makes it a great choice for those who own a pickup truck or SUV that features this standard hitch style. No extra equipment is needed and hitching and unhitching are extremely simple and efficient.

Additionally, livestock bumper pull trailers are a lightweight option, which can be towed by many personal trucks or vehicles.

Bumper pull livestock trailer
Livestock Bumper Pull Trailer

Bumper pull livestock trailers come in a variety of styles, makes, and models, making these a versatile pick. In most cases, a bumper pull livestock trailer is ideal for shorter distance drives and lighter livestock loads.

Often, these trailers are good for transporting show animals to an event, such as sheep, goats, or other small animals.

Livestock Trailers with Living Quarters

One popular choice for those who spend a lot of time on the road transporting livestock is the option of a livestock trailer with living quarters.

These trailers are designed with an area for your livestock and an area for your living space. The living quarters in a livestock trailer can vary based on the size of the trailer. Most livestock trailers with living quarters include the following amenities:

  • A dedicated bedroom, often featuring a queen size bed
  • Wardrobes, closets, cabinets, and overhead storage
  • A living space with a couch, often doubling as a convertible sofa bed
  • A dinette
  • A kitchenette, usually equipped with a stovetop, sink, and fridge
  • A bathroom with a toilet, shower, and sink
Living quarters livestock trailer being pulled by a pickup truck
Living Quarters Livestock Trailer

Opting for a livestock trailer with living quarters can make traveling to stock shows and other events a more comfortable and affordable experience. Rather than booking hotels during peak seasons, you can enjoy the luxury of a home away from home and camp on-site at events.

Stock Box

In some cases, towing an entire trailer is more than you need. In this case, a convenient solution can be a high-quality stock box.

A stock box is designed to haul smaller animals, such as a flock of chickens, a few hogs, lambs, or goats. These boxes simply rest in the bed of your truck, which makes them a convenient choice that is easy to set up and extremely efficient for transportation.

Stock box in the bed of a pickup truck
Stock Box

In addition to the ease of use, stock boxes can help you save money on fuel because you don’t need to tow an entire trailer for smaller livestock. They also make it easy to make short trips without any hassle.

Stock boxes are usually made from aluminum or steel and many models are equipped with insulated roofs, side slats, roof vents, and loading lights. These boxes are designed to be extremely durable and hold up against the elements.

In addition to their simplicity in use and ability to quickly adapt a truck bed into a livestock storage space, these boxes are also easy to maintain. They make a great choice for cutting down on maintenance costs and allow you to utilize your livestock trailer only as needed.

Pen System

Another common type of livestock trailer is a pen system. Pen systems are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of your livestock during transport.

Pen system trailers are often used to transport sheep, pigs, goats, and other animals that need to be penned in place during transportation. Most of these livestock trailers come equipped with side and rear ramps for easy loading and unloading. Additionally, many pen systems feature roof vents and insulation to ensure the trailer’s temperature remains safe and comfortable during transport.

Pen system inside a trailer
Pen System

Additionally, pen system trailers can be designed with or without living quarters, and they can be designed as either a bumper pull or gooseneck towing system. These trailers are manufactured by trusted brands, such as Cimarron, Featherlite, Logan Coach, Sundowner, and more.

Find Your Next Livestock Trailer at Transwest

If you are looking for a new or used livestock trailer, come visit our team at Transwest. We carry a quality selection of livestock trailers with something to meet any need. Whether you need a large gooseneck trailer capable of hauling cattle across the country or a small bumper pull designed to transport a couple of sheep, we can assist you in choosing the right trailer for your needs.

In addition to our premium inventory of livestock trailers, we also offer financing, maintenance services, and parts. We are your one-stop-shop for all your livestock trailer needs. Swing by one of our locations today to learn more.

Livestock Trailers For Sale

Shop All Livestock Trailers
  • 21

    2022 Hughes Stock Combo

    at Transwest of Frederick, CO

    Used Livestock Trailer

    • An icon of a gooseneck trailer

      Gooseneck

    $32,993
    • See Details
  • 26

    2025 Logan Coach Select 814 Stock Combo

    at Transwest of Frederick, CO

    New Livestock Trailer

    • An icon of a gooseneck trailer

      Gooseneck

    • An icon of a top-down view of a straight load trailer

      Straight Load

    $114,586 $134,067 msrp
    • See Details
  • 7

    2025 Cimarron Stock Box

    at Transwest of Frederick, CO

    New Livestock Trailer

    $4,545 $5,679 msrp
    • See Details
  • Coming Soon

    1

    2026 Cimarron Stierwalt Pro Series

    at Transwest of Frederick, CO

    New Livestock Trailer

    • An icon of a gooseneck trailer

      Gooseneck

    • An icon of a top-down view of a straight load trailer

      Straight Load

    • An icon of a saddle

      Front Tack

    $64,998 $79,763 msrp
    • See Details
Shop All Livestock Trailers
Transwest Horse & Livestock Trailers Logo

Looking for a horse and livestock trailer? We carry the best makes in the industry, including aluminum, Steel, and Combo trailers. We also offer parts and service, so we can keep you riding smooth for years to come. Find the perfect horse or livestock trailer

Share

Email

Email

Facebook

Facebook

SMS

SMS

Twitter

Twitter

Journey into Other Topics

Our industry experts are here to help.

News Tips Events Finance Shopping For A Vehicle Parts & Accessories Trailer Types Travel Service Featured vehicle model Industry

Keep Reading

  • 5 horseback riding actors that helped shape entertainment
    5 horseback riding actors that helped shape entertainment

    Horses and their riders have always played a significant role in the history of human civilization. They have also been a big part of our TV shows and movies. Over the years, several iconic actors hav...

  • Symptoms, prevention, and treatment for shipping fever in horses
    Symptoms, prevention, and treatment for shipping fever in horses

    Shipping fever is a lower respiratory ailment that can sometimes affect horses during transportation. It's characterized by the presence of bacteria and other irritants, such as hay particles, dust, o...

  • Transwest Truck Trailer RV sponsor of National Western Stock Show
    A Proud Sponsor of Tradition and Celebration at the National Western Stock Show in Denver

    The National Western Stock Show, an annual gathering of nearly 700,000 visitors in Denver, offers a vibrant celebration of Western tradition and the vital role of agriculture and ranching. Since 1906,...

  • Longhorn in front of a mountain
    Choosing a show cattle trailer: Things to consider

    During the Civil War, Texas was marked by an overstock of cattle due to lack of market access to the rest of the US, which was eventually solved by blazing the Chisholm Trail . In the years...

  • Beautiful woman riding a horse at sunset
    5 health benefits of owning a horse

    Ask just about anyone who has ridden a horse or spent a significant time with one, and they all say the same thing, more or less: there’s nothing else in the world like it . Slinging your l...

  • Cimarron Lonestar Stock Combo with Living Quarters
    Guide To Trailer Hitches

    If you’re thinking of towing a load, whether a horse trailer, RV, boat, or something else, you need to familiarize yourself with trailer hitches before your load becomes unhitched and you be...

  • Cowboys at a stock show
    5 stock shows in the western US you don’t want to miss

    The western United States boasts a proud and rich tradition of livestock shows, where breeders, ranchers, and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the heights of agricultural excellence. Livestock s...

  • Black Cimarron bumper pull trailer being towed by a pickup truck
    How to Hitch Your Horse or Livestock Trailer

    A horse or livestock trailer allows you the opportunity to safely transport animals from one location to another. However, for the trip to be successful, you’ll need to learn a few key operation...

View All Horse & Livestock Trailer Articles

Horse Trailers for sale by city

  • Denver, CO

    125 Horse Trailers for Sale

  • Frederick, CO

    125 Horse Trailers for Sale

Horse Trailers for sale by state

  • Colorado

    125 Horse Trailers for Sale

Livestock Trailers for sale by city

  • Denver, CO

    39 Livestock Trailers for Sale

  • Frederick, CO

    39 Livestock Trailers for Sale

Livestock Trailers for sale by state

  • Colorado

    39 Livestock Trailers for Sale

Mountains

Horse & Livestock Trailers

  • Shop Horse Trailers
  • Shop Livestock Trailers
  • Shop Haulers
  • Financing
  • Service
  • Parts
  • Locations
  • About
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Transwest Trailers

Transwest.com

  • RVs
  • Trucks
  • Hydrovacs
  • Horse & Livestock Trailers
  • Commercial Trailers
  • Cars, Trucks, SUVs, & Vans

Inventory Search

Transwest Logo
©2025 Transwest Privacy Policy Privacy Requests Terms of Use Anti-fraud Disclosure Web Development By the Pixel
Facebook Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon
Mountains

Contact Us

👋

Please answer a few questions so we can direct you to the right team.

What kind of assistance do you need?

Interested in this vehicle?

Contact Transwest

Financing Preference
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Live
Live

Shop this vehicle