Alternative Dog Ramp

[Fudge]

I have been searching and searching the web for instructions to build a dog ramp. Hope who is now 14 is starting to have trouble getting in and out of the minivan I wanted something lightweight not one of those heavy expensive metal things.

 

So lookie Dog Step I can do that!!

[Batmom]

Yep, that's what I have. I glued carpet to the top, nonskid shelf liner to the bottom, and added a rope handle.

 

Note that it'll take the adhesive (to hold the layers of foamboard together) several days to dry.

[TheFullHouse]

Very cool! I have to show this to Mike. He's getting tired of lifting up those 90lb. plus boys!

[Guest Pipi5]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing!

[greytdogsks]

I have a question for anyone who uses this (type of) step......

 

Where do you put it in the vehicle is/when you'll need it elsewhere? Like, if you are taking the dog(s) someplace where they will be getting out and thus needing to get back into the car? If you are just taking them out and about where they won't be getting out of the car -- then you can just leave the step at home.

 

I'm asking because, I have 2 11 year old boys who will possibly soon be needing help getting in my SUV. I do have a ramp, but I'm not sure I can get them to use it because it is short enough that it's a rather steep angle. The 'problem' with this item, for me, is that it is large and things are tight in the car now with all of the dogs loaded so I'm not sure how I would transport it to be of help elsewhere.

 

Thanks

[Batmom]

I put mine either in the back with the dogs (up on edge so it takes up less space) or in the front passenger seat. I don't think my steps are as deep front to back as the ones shown, but I can't go back and measure because grammy just drove off with them in her car .

[Guest tricolorhounds]

I made a set a couple of years ago... They worked great but I ran out of room to store them, plus the cats decided to use them as a scratching post.

 

I used liquid nails to glue the sheets of insulation together... very secure

[Fudge]

Yep, that's what I have. I glued carpet to the top, nonskid shelf liner to the bottom, and added a rope handle.

 

Note that it'll take the adhesive (to hold the layers of foamboard together) several days to dry.

 

 

Definitely carpet!! I like the rope handle...may I ask how you attached it?

 

I have a question for anyone who uses this (type of) step......

 

Where do you put it in the vehicle is/when you'll need it elsewhere? Like, if you are taking the dog(s) someplace where they will be getting out and thus needing to get back into the car? If you are just taking them out and about where they won't be getting out of the car -- then you can just leave the step at home.

 

I'm asking because, I have 2 11 year old boys who will possibly soon be needing help getting in my SUV. I do have a ramp, but I'm not sure I can get them to use it because it is short enough that it's a rather steep angle. The 'problem' with this item, for me, is that it is large and things are tight in the car now with all of the dogs loaded so I'm not sure how I would transport it to be of help elsewhere.

 

Thanks

 

I have a minivan so I will put behind the last seat at the back window. Doesn't your SUV have room behind the back seats?

Or, is that where the dogs go?

[Batmom]

Rope handle:

 

 

I used a long drill bit to drill thru the top step from front to back. Behind the steps, the ends of the rope are knotted thru a small block of wood. That little bit of weight pulls the rope taut (reasonably) against the step when step is in use.

 

I see in my gallery that it says the steps are 19" wide and a total of 26" long. So I don't have to go out and measure .

 

These things are so light you can pick them up with one finger, no fooling.

 

ETA: If you don't happen to have a long drill bit, you could cut a couple notches in the bottom of the top step before gluing it on. Then you'd have channels for your rope.

[Fudge]

Rope handle:

 

 

I used a long drill bit to drill thru the top step from front to back. Behind the steps, the ends of the rope are knotted thru a small block of wood. That little bit of weight pulls the rope taut (reasonably) against the step when step is in use.

 

I see in my gallery that it says the steps are 19" wide and a total of 26" long. So I don't have to go out and measure .

 

These things are so light you can pick them up with one finger, no fooling.

 

ETA: If you don't happen to have a long drill bit, you could cut a couple notches in the bottom of the top step before gluing it on. Then you'd have channels for your rope.

 

 

Ingenious! I'm off to Home Depot Monday.

[kjw]

I used Batmom's design, it has worked great here, the steps have lasted 2+ years so far. I made the mistake of using a bungy cord for the handle, and it's worn out now, so I should have used rope as she suggested.

[NevadasMom]

This is great! I wish I had this for when Nevada needed one!

[greytdogsks]

I have a minivan so I will put behind the last seat at the back window. Doesn't your SUV have room behind the back seats?

Or, is that where the dogs go?

 

The back seat is folded down so the 4 dogs have the whole back end - thus, the reason I don't have room to carry the steps! The passenger seat ... and the corners I can find in the back are stuffed with whatever I need when taking a trip - bags, things for the dogs ... etc.

 

I've been thinking of getting a cargo carrier for the hitch - if I get that, then I might just have a place to carry them!

 

Thanks!

[seeh2o]

Hey, that's a great idea and it looks super easy to make. Thanks for posting it!

[Guest MZH]

I had a basic set of steps like that when we had a motor home. The improvements on the basic steps are very clever. Thanks for the info!

 

Marcia