Choosing the right livestock trailer is one of the most important decisions a Texas rancher can make. Your animals’ safety, your efficiency at auction, and your long-term costs all depend on getting the right trailer. Here are our top picks for 2026, ranked by a Texas dealer who works with ranchers every single day.
1. Calico Stock Trailers — Best Overall for Cattle
Calico has been building livestock trailers for decades, and their stock trailers remain the go-to choice for Texas cattle operations. Key features include:
- Full-metal construction — no rot, no termites, no maintenance
- Ventilation slats designed for Texas heat
- Center gate for separating livestock
- Available in bumper pull and gooseneck from 12′ to 24′
- Slam-latch gates for one-person operation
Price range: $6,500 – $16,000 | Best for: Cattle ranchers, auction-goers, general livestock hauling
2. W-W Bright Line — Best Premium Livestock Trailer
W-W (Weldon Works) has been building trailers in Texas since the 1940s. The Bright Line series represents the top of their lineup with:
- All-aluminum construction for zero rust and maximum longevity
- Superior ventilation systems with multiple slat patterns
- Rubber-lined interiors available for horse configurations
- Industry-leading build quality and finish
Price range: $12,000 – $30,000 | Best for: Horse owners, premium cattle operations, ranchers who want the best
3. STAR Galvanized Stock Trailers — Best for Texas Weather
Built locally by Star Manufacturing (our sister company!), STAR galvanized trailers are specifically designed for the harsh Texas Gulf Coast climate. Galvanized steel means:
- No rust, even in coastal humidity
- No painting required — ever
- 25+ year lifespan in the toughest conditions
- Lower maintenance costs over time
Price range: $5,500 – $12,000 | Best for: Coastal ranchers, anyone tired of repainting rusted trailers
4. Calico Horse Trailers — Best for Horses
If your primary cargo is horses, Calico’s dedicated horse trailer lineup offers the comfort and safety features equestrians demand:
- Padded dividers and walls
- Drop-down feed windows
- Escape doors on each stall
- Rubber mats standard
- Available in 2-horse, 3-horse, and 4-horse configurations
Price range: $8,000 – $18,000 | Best for: Horse owners, barrel racers, rodeo competitors, equestrian events
5. W-W All-Around — Best Value Livestock Trailer
W-W’s All-Around series delivers the W-W build quality at a more accessible price point. Steel construction with excellent ventilation and proven W-W engineering.
Price range: $7,000 – $14,000 | Best for: Budget-conscious ranchers who want W-W quality
How to Choose the Right Size
| Livestock | Recommended Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5-10 calves | 14′ – 16′ | Bumper pull works fine |
| 5-8 adult cattle | 16′ – 20′ | Gooseneck recommended |
| 10-15 adult cattle | 20′ – 24′ | Gooseneck required |
| 2-3 horses | 14′ – 16′ horse trailer | Straight or slant load |
| Sheep / goats | 12′ – 16′ with floor mats | Consider double-deck for goats |
See These Trailers at Trailer Place
We stock Calico, W-W, and STAR livestock trailers year-round. Visit us at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX or call (979) 532-1486. Browse our livestock trailer inventory.