5 Best Truck Bed Cattle Racks For Hauling for Safe Transport

Moving livestock from one pasture to another, or to the vet, is one of those jobs that can be smooth or a complete disaster. A flimsy setup is a recipe for a stressed-out animal and an even more stressed-out owner. The right truck bed cattle rack isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s an investment in safety, efficiency, and your own peace of mind.

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Choosing the Right Rack for Your Truck and Herd

The best rack on the market is the wrong rack if it doesn’t fit your truck or your animals. Before you even look at brands, look at your own setup. Do you have a half-ton with a short bed or a one-ton dually? The payload capacity of your truck is your absolute upper limit, and a heavy steel rack can eat up a surprising amount of it before you even load an animal.

Think about who you’re hauling. A rack that’s perfect for a couple of 400-pound calves might be dangerously inadequate for a feisty 1,500-pound bull. Consider the height of the sides—you need them high enough to discourage any jumpers. Also, think about the temperament of your herd. Calm, docile animals are one thing; flighty, nervous ones will test every weld and latch on your rack.

Don’t just measure the length and width of your bed. Pay attention to the wheel wells. Some racks are designed to sit on top of the bed rails, while others fit down inside the bed, and you need to ensure there’s clearance. A poor fit can lead to rattling, shifting, and ultimately, a structural failure at the worst possible moment.

GoBob Pipe & Steel: Heavy-Duty Hauling Solution

When you need to be absolutely certain your livestock are staying put, GoBob is the name that comes to mind. These racks are built from heavy-gauge steel pipe, not tubing, and are fully welded. There are no bolts to rattle loose or weak points to worry about. This is the kind of rack you buy once and expect it to outlast your truck.

The design is straightforward and brutally effective. Most models feature a full-swing or butterfly-style rear gate that allows for easy loading and unloading. The sheer mass of a GoBob rack provides a psychological barrier for livestock; they feel contained and are less likely to challenge the enclosure. It’s built for frequent use and for animals that might test the limits of lighter-duty equipment.

The major tradeoff here is weight. A GoBob rack is not something you’ll be casually tossing in and out of your truck by yourself. Installation is a two-person job, at minimum, and may even require a tractor with a front-end loader to lift it into place. This isn’t a flaw, but a characteristic of its heavy-duty nature. It’s the right choice for someone who moves larger animals regularly and values ultimate durability over convenience.

Tarter Cattle-Lac: Versatility for Small Herds

Tarter strikes a great balance between strength and usability, making it a fantastic option for the typical hobby farm. Their Cattle-Lac series is generally constructed from high-quality square or rounded steel tubing. This provides plenty of structural integrity for hauling calves, sheep, goats, or even a couple of smaller cows without the extreme weight of a schedule 40 pipe rack.

One of the biggest advantages of the Tarter system is its versatility. Many models are designed with adjustable widths, allowing them to fit a wide range of truck beds securely. This is a huge plus if you might upgrade your truck in the future or need to lend the rack to a neighbor. The gates are typically well-designed, with simple, secure latches that are easy to operate with one hand.

This rack is ideal for the farmer who needs a reliable solution for occasional hauling. It’s sturdy enough to give you confidence on the road but not so overbuilt that it becomes a major project to install or remove. While you wouldn’t want to haul a mature, agitated bull in it, it’s more than capable of handling the day-to-day transport needs of a small, diversified farm.

Priefert Rancher: A Lightweight, Durable Option

Priefert is a name everyone in agriculture recognizes, and for good reason. Their approach to truck racks focuses on smart design to deliver strength without excessive weight. They often use powder-coated steel tubing, which offers excellent durability and resistance to rust, a constant battle for any piece of farm equipment.

The key feature of a Priefert rack is its user-friendliness. These are often among the lightest racks in their class, making it possible for one person to manage installation and removal without too much strain. This is a game-changer for a hobby farmer who frequently works alone. The slide gates are smooth and feature simple, effective locking mechanisms that you can trust.

This isn’t the heaviest-duty option available, and that’s the point. It’s designed for convenience and safety for light- to medium-duty tasks. If you’re moving a few yearlings to a new pasture or taking a couple of goats to the sale, the Priefert Rancher provides all the security you need in a package that won’t break your back. It’s the perfect fit for the farmer who values efficiency and ease of use.

Behlen Country Stock Rack: A Customizable Choice

Behlen Country often takes a more modular approach, which can be a huge advantage for someone with specific needs or a non-standard truck bed. Instead of a single, fully welded unit, their racks are sometimes sold as a series of panels—front, sides, and a gate—that you bolt together. This allows for a much more customized fit.

This modularity means you can dial in the exact dimensions you need. If you have a toolbox at the front of your bed, you might be able to configure the panels to accommodate it. The bolt-together design also means it can be disassembled for more compact storage, a real benefit if barn space is at a premium.

The tradeoff for this flexibility is assembly. You are responsible for making sure every bolt is tight and secure before every trip. It introduces more potential failure points if not maintained properly. However, for the farmer who likes to tinker and wants a rack tailored perfectly to their truck, the Behlen system offers a level of customization that one-piece units can’t match.

Real Tuff Livestock Topper for All-Weather Use

Moving beyond open-air racks, the Real Tuff Livestock Topper functions more like a stock trailer cap for your truck bed. This is a fully enclosed unit, typically made of steel or aluminum, that offers complete protection from the elements. If you’re hauling animals in driving rain, blistering sun, or cold wind, this is the safest and most humane option.

These toppers are especially well-suited for smaller livestock like calves, sheep, goats, or pigs. The enclosed space provides a greater sense of security for the animals, reducing travel stress. They feature adjustable vents to ensure proper airflow, which is critical for preventing overheating. The solid construction also completely eliminates any risk of an animal trying to jump out.

The primary considerations are cost and visibility. A full topper is a significant investment, often costing more than a standard rack. It also completely blocks your view through the rearview mirror, requiring you to rely solely on your side mirrors. But for farmers who haul smaller stock over longer distances or in unpredictable weather, the protection and peace of mind a topper provides are well worth the investment.

Safe Loading and Installation Best Practices

The world’s best cattle rack is only as safe as its installation. Never assume the weight of the rack alone will hold it in place. It must be securely fastened to the truck bed, either by bolting it directly to the frame or using heavy-duty ratchet straps attached to the truck’s anchor points. Before every single use, give it a firm shake. There should be zero wobble or play.

Loading should be a low-stress event. Use a solid, non-slip ramp and, if possible, a small corral or chute system to guide the animals in. Rushing the process only agitates the livestock, making them more likely to balk or get injured. Never overcrowd the space; animals need enough room to stand comfortably and maintain their balance.

Once loaded, your driving style has to change. You’re now hauling a live, top-heavy load that can shift without warning. Accelerate slowly, brake early, and take turns much wider and slower than you normally would. Every bump and turn is felt by the animals in the back, and smooth driving is key to a safe arrival.

Key Features Comparison for Your Farm’s Needs

Choosing the right rack boils down to honestly assessing your most common tasks. It’s easy to overbuy for a "what if" scenario, but that can leave you with a rack that’s too heavy and cumbersome for 99% of your jobs. The key is to match the tool to the reality of your farm.

To simplify your decision, think in terms of your primary need:

• For Maximum Durability & Large Animals: GoBob. The all-pipe, fully welded construction is unmatched for strength.
• For All-Around Versatility: Tarter. A great balance of strength, weight, and features for a typical small farm.
• For Solo Operation & Convenience: Priefert. Lightweight design makes it easy for one person to handle.
• For a Custom Fit: Behlen. The modular panel system allows you to adapt it to your specific truck bed.
• For Weather Protection & Small Stock: Real Tuff. An enclosed topper offers the best protection from the elements.

Don’t get bogged down by brand names alone. Focus on the material (pipe vs. tubing), the gate design (swing vs. slide), the weight, and how it attaches to your truck. The best rack for your neighbor might not be the best one for you. Choose the one that makes a tough job safer and simpler for your specific operation.

Ultimately, a good cattle rack is a tool that removes variables and reduces risk. By matching the rack’s design and durability to your truck, your animals, and your most frequent tasks, you’re not just buying steel—you’re buying confidence. Make the choice that ensures every trip ends with your livestock safe and sound where they belong.