If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the most popular dog run for a truck is , then we recommend the PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp as the best one. It’s a durable dog ramp that’s easy to use and transport. Plus, this pet ramp can hold any large dogs without breaking. Yet, all pets have different needs, so I’ve analyzed more of the best dog ramps below to help you make a final decision.
Most dogs don’t like being left behind when you go out on adventures. However, every adventure starts with a car ride, and some vehicles are just too high for dogs to jump into. Therefore, it’s much safer to choose a dog run for truck to keep your dog safe. They’ll be able to easily climb in and out of your vehicle with no problems.
In this article, we’re going to review the following dog runs for trucks
- PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp
- PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp
- PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp
- Pet Gear Free Standing Ramp for Cats and Dogs
- Pet Loader Light 16″ Platform, Plastic
- Heininger 3052 PortablePET Twistep Dog Hitch Step
- Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp for Vehicles
Best Dog Ramps for Cars
Choosing a dog ramp isn’t as easy as meets the eye. So, I’ve selected seven of the best dog ramp products, which work great for trucks and SUVs. I’ve focused on the features, pros, and cons for each. Hopefully, this will help make your pet ramp search easier.
PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp
The PetSafe Happy Ride Ramp is a portable black folding dog ramp that can help your dog get in and out of any vehicle. It can support dogs that weigh up to 150 pounds. However, the ramp itself only weighs 10 pounds, so you can easily fold it up and transported. When the ramp is open, it locks with a safety latch to keep it in place. The walking surface of the ramp is high-traction grip tape with small rails on each side to ensure that your dog doesn’t slip and fall. If the surface wears down over time, you can buy a replacement tread for your ramp. Luckily, this surface is also easy to clean.
Pros:
- It’s portable and easy to fold.
- It’s lightweight.
- It can support up to 150 pounds.
- The ramp locks in place so it doesn’t unfold.
- dog ramp for car that it is easy to set up.
Cons:
- The high traction surface isn’t very effective and should be replaced with carpet.
- The ramp doesn’t have anything to hold it in place.
- It could break in half after lots of use.
- The slope is a bit too steep for some dogs.
PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp
This is another PetSafe ramp, but it has an extra long design. A longer ramp helps give your dog a more gradual descent, which can be easier on their joints. The sizing is adjustable for different vehicle heights. It’s made with a strong, aluminum material that can support dogs up to 300 pounds. It has a high-traction surface and rails on the side to prevent your dog from slipping on the way down. The ramp only weighs 18 pounds, and it slides inward for convenient storing in your vehicle.
Pros:
- It slides inward for ideal storage.
- It’s a long ramp.
- It’s easily adjustable.
- It’s a dog ramp for trucks and SUVs that can hold up to 300 pounds.
- It has a high-traction surface and rails for safety.
Cons:
- It’s expensive.
- Even the shortest setting is too long for short cars.
- Your dog’s nail scratches will be visible on the high-traction surface.
- A different walking surface might provide better traction.
PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp
This portable folding dog ramp comes in two colors: gray and beige. It’s made with a soft, rubbery material that provides necessary traction for your dog. It also prevents the ramp from getting rusty over time. Folding it open and closed is seamless to provide ideal storage. The walking surface is easy to clean with soap and water. Additionally, it’s strong enough to hold animals up to 500 pounds.
Pros:
- It has a non-slip surface.
- It comes in more than one color.
- It’s easy to store.
- It can hold animals up to 500 pounds.
- The material won’t rust.
- It’s long enough for most vehicles.
Cons:
- It’s expensive.
- It’s a bit heavy.
- It might arrive with plastic peeling.
Pet Gear Free Standing Ramp
Instead of leaning on your vehicle, this folding dog ramp is able to stand on its own right outside your truck bed. It has a soft surface that has good traction while still being easy on your dog’s paws. The high-traction tread can be removed, making it easy to clean too. The ramp can fold down for storage when it’s not in use. This pet gear product has a few different models, including lighter versions, different colors, and even a design with steps. All of these options are strong, supporting anywhere from 200 to 350 pounds.
Pros:
- It has lots of different options.
- It can hold up to 200 pounds or more.
- It folds down for easy storage.
- It supports itself.
- this dog ramp for SUV, car, or truck has a removable high-traction surface.
Cons:
- It’s expensive.
- Sometimes the surface doesn’t come as described.
- The ramp is steeper than it looks.
- It’s bulky and difficult to carry.
Pet Loader Light Platform
This dog ramp is like dog steps or dog stairs as opposed to an incline. It can be purchased with 3, 4, or 5 steps depending on the height of your truck. It can be used for the back or side of your vehicle. When you’re done using it, the stairs fold up into a compact square for easy storage. It even has a handle for convenient transports, but it weighs 18 to 30 pounds depending on which size you get. To ensure that the stairs stay open or closed, it has a locking knob to secure them in place. The stairs can hold any dog’s weight, up to 250 pounds.
Pros:
- It comes in different sizes.
- Folding and unfolding is easy.
- It can hold dogs up to 250 pounds.
- It has a knob to lock it in place.
- The steps can be removed if needed.
- The steps are stable.
Cons:
- It’s much more expensive than ramps.
- Some dogs might not like the step design.
- It’s heavy.
Heininger PortablePET Twistep Dog Hitch Step
This model is a single step that attaches to the hitch of your vehicle. It gives your dog an extra step when getting out of the vehicle without the extra hassle of having to set up a dog ramp or dog stairs. It’s easy to install, and you don’t need to remove it after each use because it can twist under your SUV for easy storage. The height can even be adjusted as needed. The surface of the step has a no-slip texture for your dog’s safety. It doesn’t require any assembly after being taken out of the box.
Pros:
- You don’t need to remove it and reattach it between uses.
- It requires no assembly.
- It’s adjustable.
- It has a slip-free surface.
- It’s long-lasting.
Cons:
- It’s much more expensive than ramps.
- It won’t work for shorter dogs.
- It only works if your vehicle has a hitch.
Gen7Pets Natural Step Dog Ramp
This foldable pet ramp has an artificial grass surface to provide grip for your dog. This fake grass is soft to the touch and it won’t get scratched by your dog’s nails. The dog ramp comes in a mini size, which is 42 inches long, and a large size, which is 72 inches long. It’s also lightweight and easy to travel with. It simply folds in half and closes with a latch to secure the ramp. It even has a handle to make it more convenient. It can support dogs up to 250 pounds.
Pros:
- The surface provides grip for your dog.
- It’s compact and easy to store.
- It has a handle for travel.
- It can support dogs up to 250 pounds.
- It comes in different sizes.
Cons:
- It could scratch your vehicle.
- Some parts could arrive broken.
- It could be too short for larger vehicles.
Dog Ramps for Truck Buying Guide
A dog run for a truck is just a dog ramp or step to help give your dog a boost. It makes travel much easier for you and your pup, and it might even make car rides less intimidating for them. So, what do you need to know about the best dog ramps for cars before making a purchase?
Why Do You Need a Dog Ramp?
As dogs get older, they don’t have as much mobility as they used to. So, even dogs that once jumped into your car with ease might have trouble getting in after a few years. Also, small breeds will likely never be able to jump in, no matter how hard they try. You can sometimes pick them up and put them in, but it’s not always easy, especially if they’re a heavier dog.
So, a dog run for your truck can help dogs easily climb into the vehicle. You don’t have to waste time carrying them in or trying to coax them into jumping up. These ramps are much safer for everyone involved, especially if your truck is high off the ground.
Benefits of Dog Ramps for Trucks
Dog ramps can provide lots of benefits for adventurous families. If you’re on the go often, you can bring your dog along for the ride with no issues. All you have to do is set up the dog ramp on the side or back of your vehicle, and your dog can climb in. A truck bed is also an easy place to set up a dog ramp, especially for large dogs.
The most important part of a ramp or step for your dog is that it benefits their health. Older dogs are prone to arthritis and other joint problems. So, a ramp prevents those issues from worsening. Letting your dog enter the vehicle on their own prevents any unnecessary stress on their joints.
Using a dog ramp can even help with your dog’s obedience. At first, dogs might be unsure of how to use the ramp, but with a little training and positive motivations, you can teach them to walk up it. Teaching a dog to use the stairs benefits their mental stimulation, helping you bond with them. For more training tips check out our article on how to train your dog to walk om loose leash.
Features of a Dog Ramp for Truck
Most dog runs for trucks are just a simple surface that slopes down, allowing your dog to easily walk out of the vehicle. Most of these ramps have a texture on the top so your dog can’t slip as they walk down. The material and texture of the ramp is not always the same, but it should be sturdy enough to hold your dog’s weight.
Also, most dog ramps are portable. They can usually fold up easily so you can store them in the back for your car. Different ramps have different heights, so some might be more steep while others are more gradual. Most ramps have rubber feet too so it doesn’t slide around while your dog is climbing up.
What Types of Dog Car Ramps are There?
Most of the ramps are just a basic slope with a non-slip material on top. These are the easiest to store and use because they’re such a simple design. Some of them have different materials for the top of the ramp, such as carpet or artificial grass. While those two options might be better for grip, they’re not always ideal for different weather conditions.
Some dog runs for trucks are dog steps instead of ramps though. These are more complex options, but for some dogs, it’s easier to get up with steps. It’s usually less likely that they will slip too. Some models are even just a single step that attaches to the hitch of the car. However, some dogs have a harder time figuring out how a step works as opposed to a ramp.
What to Look for in a Dog Car Ramp
The dog ramp you choose should be durable. If you have a large dog, make sure you check to see how much weight the ramp can handle before you purchase it. The last thing you want is for the ramp to break while your dog is using it. It should also have rubber feet to keep it in place.
Also, check the length of the ramp. If you have a tall truck, you’ll want a much longer ramp for your dog. If the ramp is too short, the slope might be too steep for your dog to walk up. Luckily, some ramps have an adjustable size, but it’s better to check the maximum length ahead of time. The width is also important because if the ramp is too skinny, your dog could accidentally fall off.
Storage might also be an important aspect, depending on the size of your vehicle. Some ramps are more portable and lightweight than others, so when your ramp folds down, it should be able to easily fit in your truck. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not you have a place to keep your dog ramp. It should also be easy to clean after use.
The materials that the ramp is made of are also important. You should make sure the surface of the ramp is not slippery at all. It should have enough traction to allow your dog to safely walk down. If your dog slips once on the ramp, they might never want to go up it again.
Whether you choose a ramp, stairs, or a step is completely up to you. Different models work better for different dogs. If you buy a step or stairs though, make sure your dog is familiar with using a step to jump up onto something. Otherwise, you might find out that they’re too scared to even try it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you purchase a dog run for your truck, it’s important to make sure it has everything your dog needs. So, here are some frequently asked questions about this pet gear.
Is a Ramp or Stairs Better for Dogs?
Both ramps and stairs can make getting into the truck easier for your dog. However, they each have their own pros and cons. Some dogs are scared of walking up ramps or stairs, so one of them might be easier for your dog to adjust to.
Also, dog stairs usually take up less space than ramps when in use. The ramp needs a gradual incline for your dog to get up while stairs can be a bit steeper. Therefore, stairs don’t usually stretch as far. On the other hand, when you store your dog steps or ramp, ramps usually fold into a more compact model while stairs might take up more space in the back of your vehicle.
However, the main reason most dog owners choose ramps over stairs is because they’re easier on senior dogs’ joints. As your dog gets older, they’ll likely want to avoid walking on stairs as much as possible. So, a ramp will have a more gradual incline that will be better on their legs. So, if you have an older dog, a ramp is the better choice. If you have a young dog who prefers stairs over ramps, then that’s the better choice for you.
How Can I Get My Old Dog to Use My Truck?
Older dogs often feel pain as they age, even if they don’t show it. So, jumping into or being lifted into a truck is just too painful for them. Even a few small steps can be difficult for them to handle, so a ramp is the easiest way to get your senior dog into your truck.
If your dog has never used a ramp before, you will likely need to train them how to use it. Get them familiar with the dog ramps for cars before you ever take them on an adventure with it. Use treats to lure them up the first time, and then praise them when they successfully climb the ramp. Practice this often with them until they feel comfortable with the ramp. Then, you can try it out for real.
Conclusion
When you purchase a dog run for your truck, you’ll want to make sure you choose one that feels comfortable for your dog. While there are a lot of different styles of dog runs, I think that the best choice overall is the PetSTEP Original Folding Ramp. It’s versatile and easy to use for a wide variety of dogs.
This ramp has a special non-slip surface that’s made with a rubbery material to prevent rust. It’s an ideal length for most vehicles, and it folds for storage. Additionally, it can hold dogs of any weight, so you won’t have to worry about your large dog breaking it.
However, the ramp or steps that you choose should be catered to your specific dog. Consider your dog’s weight and age before you purchase a ramp for your truck. Leaving your dog behind on adventures is no fun, so it’s important to make sure your dog can safely enter your truck for every trip you take.
Looking for more pet gear for traveling with your dog? If so, check out our articles on the best dog strollers for running, the best dog backpack carriers and the best collapsible travel dog crates.
