Choosing between Calico and W-W livestock trailers is a common question for Texas ranchers, cattlemen, and horse owners. Both brands are popular at Trailer Place in Wharton, TX, and both are built for the demanding realities of moving livestock across Texas. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right call.
Brand Overview
Calico Trailers
Calico is a Texas-based livestock trailer manufacturer with a strong reputation for building functional, no-frills cattle and horse trailers at prices working ranchers can afford. Their bumper-pull and gooseneck livestock trailers are built for the Texas climate and terrain.
- Texas-built — local supply chain advantage
- Steel frame with aluminum or steel skin options
- Bumper pull and gooseneck configurations
- Popular for cattle, goats, horses, hogs
- 6′ to 7′ interior heights depending on model
- Slam-latch rear gate and full or half-swing doors
W-W Trailers
W-W (pronounced “Double-W”) is an Oklahoma-based brand that has been manufacturing livestock trailers for over 70 years. They’re known for rugged durability, innovative livestock-friendly designs, and a wide range from lightweight bumper-pulls to heavy-duty semi-trailers.
- 70+ years of livestock trailer manufacturing
- Available in bumper pull, gooseneck, and semi configurations
- Wide selection for cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs
- Patented designs for livestock safety and loading ease
- Heavy-gauge steel construction
- Tack room and horse-specific options
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Calico | W-W |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Texas-built | Oklahoma-built |
| Years in Business | Regional brand, 20+ years | 70+ years |
| Primary Use | Cattle, horses, goats, hogs | Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs |
| Frame Construction | Steel tube frame | Heavy-gauge steel |
| Gooseneck Available | Yes | Yes |
| Horse-Specific Models | Limited | Extensive (slant loads, stock combos) |
| Price Range | Budget to mid-range | Mid-range to premium |
| Customization | Limited | Extensive (dividers, tack rooms, etc.) |
| Best For | Working cattle ranchers, value buyers | Horse owners, mixed-use, long-haul ranchers |
Cattle Haulers: Which Performs Better?
For pure cattle hauling, Calico offers excellent value. Their 20’–24′ bumper-pull and gooseneck stock trailers provide enough space for small to mid-size cattle operations. The Texas-built advantage means faster delivery and local dealer support.
W-W offers more heavy-duty options for commercial ranching operations — especially their 24’+ gooseneck models with full rear slam-latch gates, removable interior dividers, and water-resistant floors. If you’re hauling 12–20 head on a regular basis, W-W’s heavy-gauge construction holds up better over time.
Horse Trailers: Calico vs W-W
If horses are your primary livestock, W-W has a clear edge. Their dedicated horse trailer lines include slant-load designs, padded dividers, tack rooms, and adjustable head ties — details that horse owners specifically look for. W-W’s slant-load 3-horse and 4-horse goosenecks are especially popular.
Calico makes serviceable stock trailers that can haul horses, but they’re not designed specifically for equine use. If horses are your priority, W-W is the better choice.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose Calico If:
- You’re a cattle rancher on a budget who needs a reliable stock trailer
- You want a Texas-built trailer with a shorter lead time
- You haul cattle, goats, hogs, or mixed livestock (not primarily horses)
- You want maximum trailer for your dollar
Choose W-W If:
- You’re hauling horses and want horse-specific features (slant load, tack room)
- You need a heavy-duty commercial cattle trailer for frequent long-haul use
- You want a proven brand with 70+ years of livestock trailer expertise
- You want more customization options and a broader model selection
Also consider our livestock trailers page for current inventory, or read our guides on best trailers for Texas ranchers and how to choose a livestock trailer in Texas.
Don’t Forget: We Also Build Our Own
At Trailer Place, our sister company Star Manufacturing builds the STAR brand — galvanized cattle trailers made right here in Wharton, TX. These in-house trailers offer exceptional rust resistance and are designed specifically for Texas ranching conditions. Ask us about STAR trailers when you call.
Talk to Our Livestock Trailer Experts
Ready to pick the right livestock trailer for your ranch? Our team has helped hundreds of Texas ranchers choose between Calico, W-W, and our own STAR brand. We offer financing available and ship nationwide.
📞 Call us at (979) 532-1486 — we’ll talk through your herd size, haul distances, and budget to find the perfect fit.
Visit us at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 — in the heart of Texas cattle country.