6 Best Trailer Dividers for Goats

Nothing tests your nerves like glancing in the rearview mirror to see a pile of goats scrambling over each other in the trailer. A sudden stop or a sharp turn can turn a calm haul into a stressful, and potentially dangerous, situation for your animals. The solution isn’t to drive slower; it’s to create smaller, safer compartments. A good adjustable trailer divider is one of the best investments you can make for reducing animal stress and ensuring everyone arrives in one piece.

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Priefert Universal Divider for Stock Trailers

Priefert is a name you trust for heavy-duty equipment, and their universal divider is no exception. This is the go-to option for a standard steel or aluminum stock trailer. It’s built from tough, powder-coated steel and designed with a telescoping mechanism that lets you adjust the width for a snug fit against the trailer walls.

The real strength of the Priefert system is its simplicity and durability. You extend the gate, line up the holes, and drop heavy-duty pins in to lock it. There are no complex clamps or ratchets to fail. This divider is heavy, so it’s not something you’ll want to move daily, but for semi-permanent separation—like keeping bucks and does apart on the way to a show—it’s practically bombproof. It’s an investment that will likely outlast your trailer.

Sydell Adjustable Panels for Maximum Versatility

Sydell takes a completely different approach, focusing on lightweight and modular systems. Instead of one heavy gate, they offer aluminum panels that can be pinned together to create custom-sized pens and dividers. This is where you go when you need maximum flexibility. You can split a trailer down the middle, create three separate pens, or even build a small alleyway.

The biggest advantage here is weight. One person can easily lift and configure Sydell panels, making them ideal for someone who frequently changes their trailer setup. Hauling does and kids? Create a large pen for the mothers and a smaller, secure creep area for the little ones. The tradeoff is that aluminum, while strong, can be dented by a particularly determined Boer buck. For smaller breeds like Nigerian Dwarfs or for separating less aggressive animals, the versatility is unmatched.

Tarter Gate Dividers for Small Bumper Pulls

If you’re hauling with a typical 12- or 16-foot bumper pull, a massive, universal divider is often overkill. Tarter specializes in gates and panels that are perfectly scaled for these smaller, more common trailers. Their dividers often function like a simple swing gate that pins to one side of the trailer and latches to the other.

This design is straightforward and incredibly effective for its purpose. It’s not about creating complex penning systems; it’s about cleanly splitting the trailer in half. This is perfect for separating a few wethers from your breeding does or keeping a new, unacquainted goat separate during its first ride. The simplicity means fewer failure points and a lower price tag, making it a practical choice for most hobby farm hauling needs.

C&M Custom-Fit Gates for Gooseneck Trailers

Sometimes, a "universal" fit just isn’t good enough, especially in a larger gooseneck trailer with tapered walls or an unusual width. C&M Custom-Fit Gates solves this problem by building a divider specifically for your trailer’s measurements. You provide the dimensions, and they fabricate a gate that fits perfectly, eliminating dangerous gaps where a leg or head could get caught.

This is a premium option for the serious hauler. The fit and finish are exceptional, often featuring slam latches and heavy-gauge steel or aluminum construction. The downside is cost and lead time; you’re paying for a custom-built product. But if you have your "forever trailer" and want the absolute safest and most secure divider possible, a custom gate from a company like C&M is the definitive solution.

Behlen Country Gates for Heavy-Duty Hauling

When your top priority is raw strength, Behlen Country is the answer. Their gates and panels are engineered for containing cattle, which means they can handle anything a goat can throw at them. These dividers are made from thick-gauge steel with sturdy, welded cross-members. They are designed for pure containment, not fancy features.

A Behlen gate is the right choice if you’re hauling large, aggressive bucks or packing the trailer to capacity. It’s also a great multi-species option if your trailer sometimes carries calves or other larger stock. The significant weight is the main drawback. Installing and moving a Behlen divider is a two-person job, but you will never worry about it failing during transit.

Tractor Supply’s Mesh Panels for Small Goats

For those with smaller breeds or young kids, a standard gate with wide bar spacing can be a hazard. A clever and budget-friendly solution is to adapt a wire-filled utility panel, often found at places like Tractor Supply. These panels, typically with a 2"x4" wire mesh, are excellent for preventing small heads and legs from poking through.

This is a DIY-adjacent approach that requires careful installation. You can’t just pressure-fit these panels; they must be securely bolted or strapped to the trailer’s frame or walls. They lack the rigidity of a steel gate and are not suitable for large, strong goats that could bend the mesh. However, for safely transporting Nigerian Dwarfs, Pygmies, or weaned kids, a properly secured mesh panel is an effective and highly accessible option.

Installing Priefert Dividers for Safe Travel

The Priefert universal divider is popular for a reason, but its safety depends entirely on correct installation. The design relies on a telescoping bar that you extend to press firmly against both sides of the trailer. Once extended, you slide locking pins through pre-drilled holes to fix it in place.

The key is getting the tension right. Before loading animals, extend the gate until it is snug. It should be tight enough that you can’t easily wiggle it up and down or side to side. Insert the pins, then give the gate a few solid shoves from both directions. If it moves at all, it’s too loose. A divider that comes loose during a sudden stop is more dangerous than no divider at all, so take the extra minute to ensure it’s rock solid.

Comparing Sydell and Tarter Divider Systems

Choosing between Sydell and Tarter often comes down to one question: do you need flexibility or simplicity? Both are excellent systems, but they serve different needs. Think of Sydell as a set of building blocks and Tarter as a solid, reliable wall.

Here’s the breakdown to help you decide:

• Material & Weight: Sydell primarily uses lightweight aluminum, making it easy for one person to manage. Tarter uses heavier steel, offering more rigidity at the cost of portability.
• Function: Sydell’s panel system allows for multiple pens and custom configurations. Tarter’s gate system is designed to create a single, strong division.
• Best For: Sydell excels at separating multiple small groups, like does, kids, and yearlings. Tarter is ideal for simply splitting a trailer in half to keep two groups of adults separate and secure.
• Installation: Sydell’s pins and panels can be reconfigured in minutes. Tarter’s swing gate is a more permanent installation but is faster to open and close for daily use.

Ultimately, if you haul varied groups and need to change your setup often, Sydell is the clear winner. If you need a simple, robust "set it and forget it" divider for a small bumper pull, Tarter is the more practical and cost-effective choice.

Choosing the right divider is about matching the equipment to your specific herd and trailer. Whether you need the custom fit of a C&M gate or the budget-friendly utility of a mesh panel, the goal is the same: to reduce stress and increase safety. Before you buy anything, take a tape measure to your trailer, assess the size and temperament of your goats, and invest in the system that gives you the most secure fit for the long haul.