Dog entry into back of DC?

Here is a ramp if your dog does not like steps.

$75 PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp, Portable Lightweight Dog Ramp for Cars, Trucks & SUVs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016HNU12

 

If they’re still in good health I don’t think there’s a ton to worry about. As they get on in years and those back legs give out, you’ll be doing all the lifting. I don’t think Duke (14) has had to jump in the truck in well over a year and despite it hurting his pride a bit, we’re both comfortable with me doing all the heavy lifting!! Dogs are the best!!!

 

Appreciate all the feedback! Thanks.

 

Everyone calls them something different. King Cab, Crew Cab, Mega Cab. I wish manufacturers would all stick with one nomenclature.

 

I also use the https://www.petloader.com/ for my 10-year-old pup. Makes the entry into the bed super easy on him and I don't have to blow out my back picking up a 100lb dog every time I am taking him somewhere.

 

I do this as well for my Golden...and have for her entire life through this Taco and two Wranglers. Primarily because she's both lazy and afraid of every ramp or stairs I ever tried, but also because I don't want her jumping down out of the vehicle.

 

Fuuuuuudge, I wish I found this years ago!

 

Thanks all. After owning an F150 and Ram I really prefer a mid-size truck this go 'round. I'm getting older and dealing with a full size can be a chore now. I've been lifting my lab in/out of vehicles forever but that's also becoming tougher to do which is why I'm looking for a truck with a lower rear floor - some of these mid-size seat configurations have the platform up too high. I also need to be able to have one section of the back as a seat to accommodate my granddaughter's car seat.

As much as I may not really want one, a Ridgeline might be in my future. It's all I "need" really - or another full size I guess.

 

Where are you located? I have an extra dog-truck ramp that I could sell you for cheap if you’re close enough for pick up/drop off.

We had to buy a second one because we forgot to take it on a trip with us a while back.

 

Thanks for the offer but we have a ramp sitting in the shed because my dog "resists" it - sometimes it's not worth trying to teach an old(er) dog (or owner lol) new tricks. I might give that Bee Neat step that someone recommended a try though once I decide on a truck.

 

I gotcha!

 

Two out of the three current dogs now will stop and wait for the stairs to be deployed. They actually get irritated if the stairs aren't there.


I used to own the ramp. Every single dog I've ever had hated the ramp. They always tried to jump around it which made loading even harsher than if there was nothing. Somehow stairs are more intuitive or they feel more stable.

 

that's essentially what i do with my 70 pound 'staffordshire terrier'(pitbull mix). on day's he's super excited for truck rides, he'll jump up faster than he thinks about it. but if he takes a moment to think about the distance he decides he can't do it and needs help.

requisite doggy picture

 

Those stairs look the friendliest, but not easy to store in the back seat area. I don't want to have to open the bakflip every time. Was thinking of this one:

$145 PetSafe Happy Ride Compact Telescoping Dog Ramp, Portable Pet Ramp for Cars, Trucks & SUVs with Adjustable Sizing

https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Happy-Ride-Compact-Telescoping/dp/B00YYL14FG?smid=A2LDZGFAGG1QXE&th=1

Anyone have experience with it?

 

If you're a ramp guy, I do like the telescope version better than the folders.

However, just so you're aware, the stairs fold up even smaller than the ramps do. They are also light and easy enough that I can grab and deploy with one hand; the other hand being naturally busy holding leashes. To get an idea of size I normally stow mine on the floor between the front and rear seats. They fit perfectly in that little footwell.

Just browsing through my phone photos, here is a bad example of those same stairs. It's the thing that's sitting on the tailgate.

 

Weight capacity on the pet loader is impressive. And pro

Absolutely phenomenal, 25 years?! They sure are pricey but the weight capacity and the fact that they last this long is peaking my interest. I am a fan BIFL things

Any pics of how the steps look after all those years of use?

 

@that180guy
I think we bought the steps in 2000. It was one size fits all back then.
There was one dog who wouldn't use them, absolutely refused, so we also had a 2 piece telescoping ramp. It only lasted a few years, though. The plastic cupped from being stored inside hot vehicle. Eventually couldn't slide it out to length.

The petloader is never going to break. It's just too robust.
Our Dane has been doing weekly PT for 3+ years. So it gets deployed 2x every trip. Our other 5 dogs either jump in or out or get picked up. They're all young or small. Lol.
Here's a few pics. Carpet has stayed glued down. Quite a bit of wear on the underside and corners of the bottom step. Otherwise, it functions like new. I don't use it on dirt or gravel very often.

 

Pretty soon I'll have to get one of those pet loaders for myself.

 

@ace_10 - thanks for the detail and pics sir!

I've researched all sorts of steps versus ramps and explored diy type solutions and haven't been satisfied. The fact that your ladder has lasted 2 thirds of my life, I'm sold. Also the pupper is now banned from truck rides until I buy the steps, she weighed in overweight at 86lbs(she spends a lot of unsupervised time with the in laws) and she's already a strangely large sheppard. She turned 4 this year and yerknow.....she needs to live forever.


pfa cuz we're dog folks in this thread:

 

A little step-stool works wonders: makes it a 1-2 jump up and my pal just steps 1-2 out the door.

The 60 side folded down gives him plenty of room to sleep. The 40 side gives him less area to slide around in rough stuff. The darn dog (Lab) is so smart I let him pick the side and he always figures it out. (O/R or pleasure tour) Good dog-dog!