Dog entry into back of DC?

Looking at getting into a smaller truck. I have an 8 yo Labrador that is getting older and his ability to jump is obviously reduced. I have, hopefully easy, questions...

Based on videos I saw, It looks like I can remove both the bottom and back of only the rear "40" side of the 60/40 split seats, leaving the 60 side in. Correct? If so, with the 40 seat fully out, is there enough room for a dog to safely jump in? Is there sufficient flat floor area in between the front seat and the rear floor storage for dog to safely land? Then be able to jump onto 60 seat bottom (or folded down seat back)? I know this is relative but owner's experiences would help me a lot. Thanks.

 

Are you talking about the crew cab or access cab?
4 full doors or the smaller door?

 

Crew. Full doors. Isn't that the "double cab" officially? Thanks

 

With the seat removed, entry will be about 6-8 inches lower. It really depends upon your dogs ability. Removing both seat pieces should only take five or ten minutes.

Also take a look online, there are quite a few dog steps that could also assist with entry

 

I lift and lower my Golden Retriever out of the back of my rig to save her knees

 

This is the way. Lifting or a ramp is so much better for their joints.

 

Same Old Dogs issues here.
I left the seats in.
Look on Amazon for a folding Dog Ramp, folds to 4 feet and you can stick it in the bed of the truck.
Training is required. They learn to trust the Ramp by starting on flat ground and getting treats eventually progressively raise the Ramp by blocking it up.
Took about a week and they went into the truck first try.
Yes, an Old Dog Can learn new tricks!!

 

For my 12yo Aussie I just grab his waist and lift his rear for him since his front legs are fine. You could try a lifting harness, it straps to their hind quarters with a handle on top so you can pick up their ass end. Easier than hauling a folding ramp around everywhere.

 

I took the the bottom of the seat out behind the driver seat for a month. Super easy, only 2 bolts. The instructions i found to take out the back rest part seemed a little more involved so i left it in since it was temporary for me anyway. i dont think taking either part out would make much of a difference. you could pretty much do the same thing by flipping the bottom forward and leaving the back up. you dont gain too much height either, maybe 6-8 inches like others said. i have to pick my dog up into the truck since he wont jump (idk why. he's done it before but won't anymore). a ramp would be good, but take up a lot of space.

 

We went with the Ramp, simply because either Dog cooperates with being lifted and my wife can't lift them. With the Ramp she is independent to take the dogs by herself no problem.
I think she paid about 75 dollars for the Ramp.
We also have a Back Seat Dog Cover that covers the seat and forms a barrier to keep them from jumping in the front.

 

I spent a lot of time changing and configuring the backseat of my 2nd gen in order to accommodate my senior dog. Including using the ramp technique. Never really found anything that made sense.

My recommendation would be to buy a harness, I use the one below and it’s been fantastic, and lift them in or just lift them up normally if they’re accepting to that - she wouldn’t let us just pick her up anymore but had no issues with the harness.

Our dog ended up having to get dual ACL surgery a couple years ago. Not solely because of trying to get in and out of the truck, but it was absolutely part of the problem.

I don’t let our younger dog jump into the truck anymore either.

https://k9carts.com/help-em-up-harness/

 

Yea I have a black lab that is about 70 pounds and I lift her up into the backseat. I have a cover that we had for a couch that wasn’t getting used and pet her sit on that when she rides with. She will jump in sometimes, but more often than not she wants me to lift her up. She will be 7 this year so she is getting up there in age but she still agile enough. She won’t jump into my wife’s 4 runner though and it’s lower than my truck. But lifting is the easiest option as I don’t have to store a ramp or anything else

 

The back won't be flat, even withe seat removed unless you make a platform. The floor raises several inches under the seat bottom due to the storage there.

 

Got one of these for mine, she's getting older. Makes it easier to put her up in the rtt too, more stable than the tent ladder.

$88 Bee Neat Folding 2 Step Stool for Adults - Collapsible & Foldable Step Ladder for Office, Garage, Closet, Bathroom - Non-Slip & Wide Stepping Stool Supports 300lbs - Industrial - Gray

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TPVRNPZ

 

I used these steps for my dog Jack. It’s light weight and I’d just throw it into the bed.

 

I do the same to my guy. No way I will let him jump down from the rear seats.

 

These steps:
https://www.petloader.com/

Pick the width. Pick the height. Watch your fingers when you collapse them.
Been using them for 25 years.
Indestructible.

My Dane will be using them tomorrow for his trip to physical therapy. In and out the back of a 100 Series LC

 

@Junkhead here is my Girl Coco. With the rear seat delete makes getting her in and out easy

 

Layla still wants to jump in and out, but she'll be 11 this year I've been making her take it easy with the steps...

@71tattooguy the adventures of Layla and coco, but here's that step

 

Fuck yeah. Brother!!! They are the best