10 Things You Shouldn’t Leave in a Livestock Trailer
Livestock trailers see a lot of action, but when they’re not in use, they’re often treated like a storage shed. That’s a mistake. Leaving the wrong things inside can attract pests, cause damage, or leave you scrambling next time you need it.
If you want your trailer to stay ready, safe, and easy to use, here’s what you need to clear out.
Extra Feed or Grain Bags
Even sealed feed bags attract mice fast. Once rodents find your trailer, they’ll chew through padding, wires, and insulation. Always store feed in sealed bins away from the trailer, and sweep out any leftover crumbs after a haul.
Soiled Bedding or Manure
It’s easy to think, “I’ll clean that later,” but moisture and waste left behind break down fast in an enclosed space. That leads to rust, flies, and long-term stink that’s hard to scrub out. Clean it out right away—even if you’re tired.
Buckets With Leftover Water
Water buckets left in the trailer can tip, grow algae, or become mosquito magnets. That moisture also seeps into the floor and creates rust or rot over time. Empty and rinse them out, then store them somewhere they can dry.
Halters and Lead Ropes
If you leave your good halters or ropes in the trailer, you’re giving sun, mold, and rodents a chance to destroy them. Store them in a bin or tack box where they stay clean and dry. If you want a backup set in the trailer, use older gear you don’t mind losing.
Medicines or Supplies That Can Freeze
A lot of livestock meds and sprays aren’t shelf-stable once they freeze or overheat. Leaving them in the trailer through summer or winter kills their effectiveness. Bring those supplies inside or store them in a temperature-stable barn cabinet.
Tools That Can Rust
If you leave a hoof pick, wire cutters, or fencing pliers in the trailer, they’re going to rust unless it’s fully climate controlled. Toss them in a dry bucket or toolbox in the barn instead. You’ll save money and avoid surprises later.
Hay That’s Starting to Turn
That “almost fine” flake of hay in the trailer might seem harmless, but it turns to mold quick in humid air. Mold spores can linger and cause respiratory issues next time animals ride in it. If it’s not clean and dry, toss it.
Full Trash Bags
If you’ve ever cleaned out a trailer and tossed the garbage in there to “deal with later,” you’re not alone—but that’s a problem. Leftover trash brings flies, maggots, and raccoons. Take it out as soon as you’re done with the haul.
Loose Hardware or Fasteners
Nails, screws, broken gate clips—don’t leave them loose in the trailer. They get kicked around, jab hooves, or rattle under floor mats. Toss them in a container or tool bag and get them out of the way before your next load.
Anything Sitting on the Floor Long-Term
Even if it’s dry, storing things on the trailer floor wears out the mats faster. It also traps moisture and makes cleaning harder. Keep gear elevated, hung up, or stored somewhere else so the floor stays intact and easier to sweep.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
