I learned the hard way that not all livestock trailers hold up when you start stacking miles and weight. One season in, I was already dealing with floor rot and cracked welds.
That experience led me to aluminum, and better manufacturers.
I’ve had a front-row seat working with businesses that haul livestock full-time, and I’ve gathered insights from service crews, buyers, and owners.
What I’m sharing here comes from experience, not guesswork.
This review highlights seven aluminum livestock trailer manufacturers that are known for build quality, support, and long-term value. If you’re comparing brands for your next purchase, this is the guide you’ve been looking for.
Let’s dive in!
Quick Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick-glance comparison table to help you evaluate the top aluminum livestock trailer manufacturers side by side. This includes key details such as year established, location, product range, and dealer reach, all in one place for easy business decision-making.
| Manufacturer | Year Established | Headquarters | Primary Products | Dealer Network | Pros | Con |
| Featherlite Trailers | 1973 | Cresco, Iowa, USA | Livestock, horse, car, utility, and specialty trailers | 100+ dealers across US & Canada | Long-standing reputation and high resale value. Excellent build quality. | Higher price point than some competitors. |
| Exiss Trailers | 1994 | El Reno, Oklahoma, USA | Livestock, horse, combo, and living quarters trailers | 60+ dealers in US, Canada & international | Affordable and durable trailers. Good warranty and service coverage. | Fewer customization options than high-end competitors. |
| Rhinotrail | ~2013 | Liangshan, Shandong, China | Flatbed, container, low bed, dump, utility, tanker semi-trailers | Global distribution in 60+ countries | Diverse trailer range, strong export capabilities, and business-focused customization. | — |
| Sooner Trailers | 1970 | El Reno, Oklahoma, USA | Livestock, horse, and combo trailers | 120+ dealers across US, Canada, Australia, NZ | Durable and dependable for heavy use. Trusted brand with decades of experience. | Designs can feel a bit outdated compared to modern competitors. |
| Elite Trailers | 1995 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA | Custom aluminum livestock, horse, and specialty trailers | Dealers across US & Canada | High-end custom builds and exceptional durability. Strong engineering support. | Longer lead times due to custom production process. |
| Alum-Line Trailers | 1986 | Cresco, Iowa, USA | Livestock, horse, utility trailers, truck bodies | Smaller dealer network; direct sales available | Excellent craftsmanship and flexible configurations. Long-lasting builds. | Fewer dealers means more direct coordination may be needed. |
| Wilson Trailer Co. | 1890 | Sioux City, Iowa, USA | Livestock, gooseneck, grain, and flatbed trailers | Large US network + service centers | Proven for large-scale hauling. Trusted by commercial operators and feedlots. | Often overbuilt for smaller-scale operations, which can drive up costs unnecessarily. |
1. Featherlite Trailers
Year Established: 1973
Location: Cresco, Iowa, USA
I’ve always found Featherlite’s story pretty impressive. They introduced the first all-aluminum gooseneck trailer in 1973, and that kind of forward thinking really set them apart. With deep roots in Iowa, they’ve built a reputation I’ve come to trust, especially when it comes to livestock and specialty trailers that need to hold up in tough conditions.
Product Range
- Livestock Trailers: Gooseneck and bumper pull aluminum stock trailers built for cattle, hogs, and mixed loads.
- Horse Trailers: Slant-load and straight-load aluminum trailers with or without living quarters.
- Car Trailers: Open and enclosed models for race or show vehicles.
- Utility & Recreational Trailers: Custom-built haulers for ATVs, motorcycles, and general cargo.
- Specialty Trailers: Includes command centers, vending trailers, and race team setups.
Dealer Network
Featherlite has over 100 dealers across the U.S. and Canada. Their Dealer Locator tool helps businesses find nearby locations for sales, service, and parts support. The network is supported by detailed product training and resources to ensure consistency in service quality.
Final Verdict
Featherlite stands out for its long-standing reputation and consistent build quality, especially in the aluminum livestock trailer space. Their trailers offer a great balance of weight savings, durability, and smart design. The only drawback is that their pricing can be on the higher side compared to similar competitors.
2. Exiss Trailers
Year Established: 1994
Location: El Reno, Oklahoma, USA
Exiss set out to make high-quality aluminum trailers more accessible from the start. Over the years, they’ve grown into a big name in livestock and equestrian hauling, and for good reason. Their trailers offer solid durability without the sky-high price tag, which makes them a smart choice for ranchers and ag professionals who need something that works hard without breaking the bank.
Product Range
- Livestock Trailers: Available in gooseneck and bumper pull models; designed for rugged use and easy cleaning.
- Horse Trailers: Slant and straight load, with options for living quarters.
- Combo Trailers: Flexibility for those needing both horse and stock capacity in one trailer.
- Living Quarters Trailers: Comfortable and well-equipped for long hauls.
Dealer Network
Exiss has a solid dealer base of over 60 authorized sellers throughout the U.S., Canada, and several international markets. Their Find a Dealer tool is regularly updated, making it easy for customers to connect with local dealers for service or custom orders.
Final Verdict
Exiss trailers deliver impressive value for the price, offering dependable aluminum builds that are both functional and affordable. Their broad dealer network and solid warranty add peace of mind for business buyers. However, customization options may be more limited compared to higher-end brands.
3. Rhinotrail
Year Established: 2014
Location: Quanpu Town Industrial Park, Liangshan County, Jining City, Shandong Province, China
Website:www.rhinotrail.com
I’ve gotten pretty familiar with Rhinotrail over time, and they’ve made a strong impression on me. They’re one of China’s leading semi-trailer manufacturers, offering a wide range of options for everything from construction and mining to agriculture and recycling. With more than ten years of experience, they focus on precision, durability, and custom builds that actually meet the demands of real-world work.
Product Range
Rhinotrail offers an extensive selection of semi-trailers designed for specific applications:
- Flatbed Semi-Trailers: Ideal for transporting containers, steel coils, machinery, and construction materials. Available in multiple sizes, including 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, and 53ft, with 2-axle, 3-axle, and extendable options.
- Container Semi-Trailers: Designed for efficient container transport, ensuring secure and stable hauling.
- Low Bed Semi-Trailers: Suited for heavy equipment transport, offering low loading heights for oversized machinery.
- Dump Semi-Trailers: Robust trailers for bulk transport of materials like sand, gravel, and mining products.
- Tanker Semi-Trailers: Customizable tankers for transporting liquids such as fuel and chemicals.
- Utility Trailers: Versatile trailers for general cargo and specialized transport needs.
Dealer Network
Rhinotrail serves a global clientele, with their semi-trailers operating in over 60 countries. While specific dealer locations are not detailed on their website, Rhinotrail collaborates directly with clients to provide tailored solutions. Prospective customers can reach out through the contact page on their website to inquire about purchasing options, dealer information, and after-sales support.
Final Verdict
Rhinotrail provides a wide variety of semi-trailers, including flatbed, low bed, container, dump, tanker, and utility models are all designed with heavy-duty materials and export readiness in mind. Their trailers are known for durability, versatility, and affordable global shipping options.
4. Sooner Trailers
Year Established: 1970
Location: El Reno, Oklahoma, USA
I’ve always respected what Sooner Trailers brings to the table. For more than 50 years, they’ve been turning out tough, reliable trailers that ranchers and show stock haulers really count on. What stands out to me is how they were one of the first to go all-in on aluminum designs for livestock, and that move helped set the standard for durability in the field.
Product Range
- Livestock Trailers: The Ranch Series is known for strength, with heavy-duty aluminum floors and gates.
- Horse Trailers: Available with slant or straight load, living quarters optional.
- Combo Trailers: Split configurations for mixed loads of animals and gear.
Dealer Network
Sooner has over 120 dealers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The company supports its dealers through a robust training and support system. Use the Find a Dealer feature to locate service providers and purchase locations.
Final Verdict
Sooner trailers are built for toughness, making them a reliable choice for livestock haulers who need equipment that can stand up to constant use. They offer a great mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern features. That said, some users feel the designs haven’t evolved as quickly as market trends.
5. Elite Trailers
Year Established: 1995
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
I’ve always liked how Elite Trailers keeps things straightforward and dependable. They focus on heavy-duty custom builds that are made to work hard in places like ranches, livestock shows, and commercial transport. What really stands out to me is their no-nonsense approach, everything is built for function, with the features you actually need and none of the extras you don’t.
Product Range
- Livestock Trailers: Custom gooseneck and bumper pull designs with high-grade aluminum throughout.
- Horse Trailers: Designed for safety, airflow, and smooth towing.
- Specialty & Combo Units: Configurable pen systems, side ramps, and gate placements.
Dealer Network
Elite has a focused dealer network across the U.S. and Canada. The Dealer Locator tool allows customers to connect with authorized dealers offering full sales, parts, and service. Dealers are given direct support from Elite’s in-house engineering and service teams.
Final Verdict
Elite Trailers earns high marks for its customizability and heavy-duty construction—perfect for businesses that know exactly what specs they want. Their build quality is among the best in the segment, and their reputation for performance is well established. The downside is a longer lead time for builds due to the custom nature of production.
6. Alum-Line Trailers
Year Established: 1986
Location: Cresco, Iowa, USA
Alum-Line is a family-owned manufacturer that puts a lot of attention into detail and customization. Their trailers are built by experienced welders and finishers who know what livestock haulers actually need. Businesses appreciate their flexibility, durability, and no-nonsense approach.
Product Range
- Livestock Trailers: Built to order, with options for widths, lengths, and ramp styles.
- Horse Trailers: Focused on safety and ventilation.
- Truck Bodies & Utility Trailers: Aluminum flatbeds, toolboxes, and contractor-grade haulers.
Dealer Network
Alum-Line works with a select number of authorized dealers across the U.S. The company also sells directly and provides design consultations. Dealer listings can be found through Equipment Radar or by calling their main line for local referrals.
Final Verdict
Alum-Line shines in the area of craftsmanship and flexibility, with trailer configurations that suit a wide range of hauling needs. They’re known for long-lasting builds that perform well in demanding environments. One potential downside is that their dealer network isn’t as expansive, so direct coordination may be necessary.
7. Wilson Trailer Company
Year Established: 1890
Location: Sioux City, Iowa, USA
Wilson has been building trailers since the 19th century, yes, really. They’ve evolved from wood and steel to some of the best-known aluminum livestock trailers on the market today. Their brand is especially strong with high-volume cattle haulers and feedlot operators.
Product Range
- Livestock Trailers: Available in straight floor and punch-panel sides; designed for ventilation and strength.
- Grain Trailers & Flatbeds: Known for weight savings and corrosion resistance.
- Gooseneck Livestock Models: Ideal for smaller herds and flexible use.
Dealer Network
Wilson supports its broad U.S. dealer network through detailed product documentation, fast parts access, and regional service centers. Their Find a Dealer tool lets you connect with local and regional distributors who know the product line inside out.
Final Verdict
Wilson trailers have a century-plus legacy of quality and are well-known for high-volume hauling with excellent airflow and rugged construction. Their livestock trailers are particularly favored by commercial cattle operators and feedlots. The main drawback is that their trailers are often overbuilt for smaller operations, which may lead to higher costs than needed.
Conclusion
I never thought a trailer could make or break a workday, until it did.
Now, you know exactly who makes the best aluminum livestock trailers, and why they’re worth the investment.
The research is done. The answers are here.
What you do next is up to you.
Which trailer builder would you trust with your next shipment?
Contact Rhinotrail today and get help from a global leader in trailer manufacturing.
