Dog Ramps For Cars/SUVs/Trucks Buyer's Guide
So, you've had a look through our top 8 list and you're wondering what the next step is? Purchasing a dog ramp might seem like the easiest decision in the world but there's a lot more to it than just picking the first one you see.
In this section - our buyer's guide - we're going to go over a few of the main points you should consider before buying a dog ramp.
Easy Storage and Portability
As a ramp is something you're going to be lugging around in your vehicle every time you take it out to drive, you're going to want something that can easily be folded down to a compact size. Portability is a must-have when it comes to purchases like this.
Different ramps come in different shapes and sizes and choosing which option to go for all depends on how much room you're able to sacrifice in the back of your car (or wherever you're planning on storing it).
If you have a larger dog, you might not want to opt for the small, compact models as they may not be able to support the weight of your dog. Likewise, if you only have a tiny dog, you don't necessarily need a huge ramp taking up room in the back of your car when a small one will do.
Always remember to measure how much space you have available and what the height of your car is. Along with the weight of your dog, these figures should give you a good indication as to what model is going to be best suited to your needs.
Another aspect which affects storage is the build design of your chosen ramp, which we'll touch on in this next subsection.
Material and Build Design
Many of the ramps we've listed come with certain materials fitted to ensure that your dog can safely ascend and descend them. It's best to know what kind of surface your dog is most comfortable with before making a purchase.
Perhaps perform a few tests at home to see if your dog is okay walking on carpeted areas, soft rubber treading, and mats, or prefers something a little more solid with more grip.
Several ramps come with optional extras, so if you're not sure exactly what your dog is going to be comfortable with, it's possible to test once you've already purchased the ramp. It's always best to have a good idea first, though, to prevent any disappointment or returns.
In terms of the build design of your chosen product, you'll find the choice between steps and ramps, and freestanding or models which simply attach to the back of the vehicle. Which option you go for all depends on the size of the dog who'll be using it and how much stability you need.
Ramps are easy-to-use, simple to set-up, and seem like the obvious choice for anyone who is worried about fiddly parts and getting their fingers jammed in folding accordion-style stairs. Freestanding ramps do have more moving parts than the vehicle-supported versions, but they also come with more benefits. Stability and safety are both greatly improved when you opt for a freestanding model.
Safety Tips
Most ramps are sturdy and built to be especially stable while your dog is ascending and descending. It should go without saying, however, that buying a ramp which will fully support the weight of your dog is absolutely essential to ensure no accidents occur.
Specifications will be listed on the product pages for all dog ramps, so it should be relatively easy to see how suitable any given model is for your dog - no matter how big or how small they are.
Something else to consider when making this purchase is whether you think your dog will be best suited to a free-standing ramp or one which simply attaches to the back of your vehicle via hinges or loops. If you have a particularly large dog, we would definitely recommend opting for a free-standing ramp, for that extra added safety and stability.
Some models will even come with added guard rails, which can be a perfect addition for elderly dogs who need a little more safety and stability when they're ascending the ramp. If this is something you think you need to worry about then you should definitely see what ramps come with this option. It shouldn't be much of a need for younger dogs who are surer on their feet, though.
Before taking your new ramp for a spin we would always recommend that you thoroughly read any and all instructional manuals which come with it. These will teach you the correct way to operate the product safely and ensure you don't make any mistakes while setting it up.
Product Care
Any good dog ramp (much like any good product) will come from a company who cares about the safety and needs of their customers. If you're worried about anything or have any problems, then you should double-check that your ramp comes from a company with a dedicated customer service center.
If a car ramp is something that your dog is going to be using every single day, then you can expect to see a little wear and tear over time - just like with any product. Let's take a look at a few ways that you can extend the lifespan of your ramp and ensure no accidents occur.
If you opt for a model that is built using metal (either entirely or just certain parts) you run the risk of experiencing rust and corrosion after extended periods of use in wet weather. Always try and pack away your ramp right after use and don't leave it out in the rain if it can be helped.
Some models are made of other materials like fiberglass, plastic, and rubber. These are much more durable when it comes to adverse weather conditions. Still, try not to leave them out too long if you can avoid it anyway.
Most ramps are fairly easy to clean after they've been in use a certain length of time. Muddy paws can cause lots of stray dirt and other messy substances to stain surfaces. Look for a model that can easily be washed down with wet wipes or a simple spray of the hose.
More complicated stair models will have more parts that need cleaning, obviously. So, if this is something you want to avoid as often as possible then perhaps opt for a ramp which is simply just a foldable flat surface and will be easier for you to wipe down after particularly muddy walks.
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