When it comes to moving livestock safely and comfortably, the trailer you choose is just as important as the truck you’re pulling it with. For Pennsylvania farmers, ranchers, and hobbyists, investing in the right livestock trailer means protecting your animals, staying compliant with regulations, and avoiding costly downtime. But with so many options on the market, how do you know what to look for before making a purchase?

At Brechbill Trailers, we’ve been helping Central PA customers find reliable livestock trailers for years, and one brand we often recommend is Valley, built tough right here in the USA, and designed with livestock safety in mind. Before you shop, let’s break down the key factors that matter most.

Durability and Construction

Livestock trailers face more wear and tear than most other trailer types. Between heavy use, shifting loads, and Pennsylvania’s rough winters, you’ll want a trailer built to last. Pay close attention to the frame and sidewall construction. Steel trailers, like Valley stock trailers, offer rugged durability and long service life when properly maintained. You can expect solid welds, reinforced corners, and a design that can handle the weight and movement of animals without flexing or warping.

A good livestock trailer should feel solid when you walk around it. No rattling doors, no flimsy panels. Durability isn’t just about lifespan; it’s about safety. Animals moving inside create shifting pressure points, and you don’t want a trailer that gives under stress.

Ventilation and Comfort

Healthy animals need airflow, especially during long hauls. Pennsylvania summers can get humid, while winters can be bitter cold, which makes trailer ventilation especially important. Look for slatted sides or adjustable air vents that allow for cross-breeze without leaving animals exposed.

Valley livestock trailers are designed with airflow in mind, balancing ventilation with protection. This helps reduce stress on your animals, which ultimately means better health and performance for your herd.

Comfort doesn’t stop at airflow. Pay attention to flooring as well, as rubber mats or treated wood can give livestock traction and reduce fatigue during transport.

Size and Capacity

Buying too small of a trailer can lead to overcrowding, while buying too large of a trailer can be inefficient and harder to tow. The right size depends on the number and type of animals you’re transporting. For example, hauling cattle requires different space considerations than moving sheep or goats.

Before buying, take a realistic look at your operation’s needs. Do you need space for just a few animals at a time, or do you regularly haul larger groups? Valley trailers come in multiple sizes to fit small farms all the way up to larger operations. The key is matching capacity with your workload so you’re not under- or over-invested.

Safety Features

When it comes to hauling livestock, safety is non-negotiable. Trailer doors and latches should be heavy-duty, easy to operate, and designed to keep animals secure. Interior dividers are another key consideration, especially if you’re hauling different types or sizes of animals at once.

Good lighting, both inside and outside the trailer, also makes a big difference. Night loading is common in farming, and proper lighting helps both you and your animals stay safe. Valley stock trailers are known for their practical, farmer-friendly safety features that make day-to-day use easier.

Ease of Maintenance

Every trailer requires upkeep, but some are designed with simpler maintenance in mind. Features like treated flooring, galvanized or powder-coated finishes, and accessible grease points all help extend the life of your investment. In Pennsylvania, where road salt is a factor, rust protection should be a top priority.

Valley’s stock trailers are built to handle our climate. Regular cleaning and inspections will keep them going strong, but their solid build means you’ll spend less time fixing and more time working.

Why Valley Stock Trailers Are a Smart Choice

We’ve seen just about every brand of livestock trailer pass through our lot, and Valley stands out for Pennsylvania farmers. They combine rugged steel construction with practical features that make daily hauling simpler and safer. Whether you’re moving cattle, horses, or smaller animals, Valley trailers provide a dependable solution without unnecessary bells and whistles.

Most importantly, they offer peace of mind. When you load your animals into a Valley stock trailer, you know you’ve invested in something built to protect them.