Calculating livestock trailer payload: how many animals fit?

How many cattle or horses fit in a livestock trailer? The answer isn't about floor space – it's about payload, and that's often underestimated when loading. Overloading doesn't just risk a fine; it compromises the safety of the entire tow combination.

Gross weight, empty weight, payload

Payload follows a simple formula: gross vehicle weight minus the trailer's empty weight. A VT 2700, for example, has a gross weight of 2,700 kg; subtract the empty trailer's weight and what's left is the payload available for animals and equipment. These figures are on the type plate and in the vehicle documents – never estimate them.

Estimating animal weight realistically

A fully grown cow weighs 500 to 900 kg depending on breed, a warmblood horse 500 to 700 kg, a cold-blood considerably more. With several animals these weights add up fast – two large cattle can already use up the payload of a 2,700 kg trailer. When in doubt, weigh individual animals or ask your vet for realistic reference figures for your breed.

Tandem axles for more payload

If a single-axle trailer's payload isn't enough, a tandem-axle model like the VT 3500 or the VT 4500 Maxi is the answer. The second axle noticeably raises the gross weight and distributes the load more evenly – important for stability, especially with restless animals in transit.

Conclusion

Never rely on guesswork when transporting livestock. Check your trailer's gross and empty weight, weigh the animals as accurately as possible, and when in doubt go up a payload class. Our range includes livestock trailers from 2,700 kg to 4,500 kg gross weight for different herd sizes.