Top 14 Best Dog Ramps and Stairs for Car, SUVs, and Trucks

Whether it’s in the house or on the go, dog ramps can be beneficial. Long-bodied dogs like dachshunds have an increased risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), so jumping on and off furniture can add extra stress to their aging joints. If you have a dachshund, choosing the perfect dog ramp for a bed or couch can minimize the risk of IVDD. In fact, any dogs can injure themselves while jumping, especially senior dogs and small breeds. So, dog ramps can benefit dogs of all ages and sizes.

Getting in a car, SUV, or any other vehicle can be tricky for aging large breeds and dogs prone to joint problems. So, a dog ramp for a car can make that process easier and safer for everyone. Of course, you’ll also need a dog car seat or seat belt for your dog inside the vehicle for added safety.

So, this article will take a look at the best ramps for dogs to get into cars. Then, you can decide which one will work best for you, your vehicle, and your furry friend.

Products	Descriptions
Alpha Paw Car Ramp	This ramp is a simple, sturdy design that’s easy to travel with.
Pet Gear Free-Standing Extra Wide Pet Ramp	This product stands on its own while providing stability for dogs of all sizes.
Upgraded Pet Dog Metal Car Step Stairs	These foldable metal stairs fold down to an extra compact size.
WeatherTech PetRamp	This simple folding ramp stays in place no matter the weather.
Maxpama Folding Dog Car Steps	These dog steps provide a gradual, adjustable incline for dogs.
COZIWOW Heavy Duty Portable Folding Dog Ramps	This bi-fold ramp not only works for cars, but it’s also great for boats and pools.
Niubya Dog Steps for Large Dog	These foldable steps are easy to wipe down, making them great for indoors or outdoors.
Pet Trex Telescoping Aluminum Pet Ramp	This efficient ramp retracts into itself, making setup quick and easy.
LUFFWELL Portable Dog Stairs for Large Dogs	These stairs have wider steps and a more gradual incline to help senior dogs.
Gen7Pets Natural-Step Ramp for Vehicles	This simple ramp uses artificial grass as a unique no-slip surface.
PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Ramp	This ramp is perfect for cars and other outdoor use. Plus, it folds up for easy transport.
Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp	This reflective ramp provides a gradual incline to your vehicle, especially at night.
Kurgo Wander Collapsible Dog Ramp	Adventurous dachshunds will love this ramp because it’s sturdy, foldable, and great for vehicle use.

Top 10 Best Dog Ramps and Stairs for Car, SUVs, and Trucks

There’s no shortage of dog ramp products for vehicles. So, here are ten of the best car ramps, which are analyzed based on features, pros, and cons.

1. Alpha Paw Car Ramp

The Alpha Paw Car Ramp is a bi-fold ramp that can provide access for cars, trucks, and SUVs. It has a non-slip surface with raised edges to keep your canine safe. It might be lightweight, but it can still support dogs up to 200 pounds! It leans against an open car door or trunk, allowing your dog to gradually climb in. When not in use, it can easily fit in the back of your car. As an added bonus, this product sponsors meals to shelter dogs with every purchase.

Pros:

• It folds for easy transport.
• It holds up to 200 pounds.
• It has a non-slip surface.
• It’s easy to use.
• It has raised edges.
• It sponsors meals for shelter dogs.

Cons:

• It’s too narrow for bigger dogs.
• It’s expensive.

Product Specification:

Perfect for	Road trips
Dog Weight Limit	200 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	60 inches x 14 inches x 5 inches
Product Weight	9.9 pounds
Portable Features	Bi-fold molded handles
Other Key Features	No-slip surface
Gen7Pets Natural-Step Ramp for Vehicles	This simple ramp uses artificial grass as a unique no-slip surface.
Gen7Pets Natural-Step Ramp for Vehicles	This simple ramp uses artificial grass as a unique no-slip surface.
Gen7Pets Natural-Step Ramp for Vehicles	This simple ramp uses artificial grass as a unique no-slip surface.

2. Pet Gear Free-Standing Extra Wide Pet Ramp for Car

Rather than leaning against your vehicle, this ramp can support itself. All you have to do is set it beside your car to help your dog up. It has a soft, high-traction surface, along with raised edges to keep your dog safe. When it’s not in use, you can fold the ramp down for easy transport. It can hold any pet up to 200 pounds. Plus, it comes in two colors: gray or chocolate.

Pros:

• It’s free-standing.
• It folds down.
• It has a soft high-traction surface.
• It can hold up to 200 pounds.
• It comes in two colors.

Cons:

• The high-traction surface material could vary.
• It could be too steep for some dogs.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	Stability
Dog Weight Limit	200 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	56 inches x 16 inches x 23 inches
Product Weight	18 pounds
Portable Features	Tri-fold
Other Key Features	Freestanding, soft high-traction surface

3. Upgraded Pet Dog Metal Car Stairs

This product is a set of dog stairs rather than a ramp. They’re made of a metal frame that folds and unfolds. When it’s unfolded, it can rest on the open door or trunk of a vehicle. A safety clip allows the stairs to stay more securely in place. The stairs have rubber feet to prevent it from sliding when your dog climbs up. The fabric surface is also coated in a rubber pattern. You can buy it with either four steps or five steps, depending on how tall your car is. It only weighs 12 pounds, but it can support dogs up to 150 pounds.

Pros:

• It’s foldable.
• It holds up to 150 pounds.
• It has no skid feet.
• It has a rubber no-slip pattern.
• It has a safety clip.
• It comes with four or five steps.

Cons:

• The quality can vary.
• The fabric might not last long.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	Easy storage
Dog Weight Limit	150 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	4 steps: 30 inches high x 40 inches long 5 steps: 40 inches high x 51 inches long
Product Weight	12 pounds
Portable Features	Folds down
Other Key Features	No-skid feet, safety clip, rubber fabric surface

4. WeatherTech PetRamp – Folding Dog Ramp for Car, SUV, Truck

The WeatherTech ramp is a simple car ramp designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. It weighs 16 pounds, but it can still support up to 300 pounds! The ramp has a grooved surface and raised edges to prevent your pup from slipping off. Also, it has rubber feet on both ends to hold it in place. It folds in half and has to carry handles to make it easy to bring on trips. It simply leans against the car, and you won’t have to worry about it ever rusting or corroding.

Pros:

• It can hold up to 300 pounds.
• It folds up.
• It has carrying handles.
• It has a grooved surface and raised edges.
• It has rubber feet on both ends.

Cons:

• It’s expensive.
• It could arrive damaged.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	Withstanding weather
Dog Weight Limit	300 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	67 inches long x 15 inches wide
Product Weight	16 pounds
Portable Features	Bi-fold, carrying handles
Other Key Features	Raised edges, grooved surface

5. Maxpama Folding Dog Car Steps for Car

These foldable aluminum stairs can come with five or six steps. It weighs 12 pounds but can support any dog up to 200 pounds. The height and angle of the stairs can be adjusted to fit your dog’s needs. Each step is made with anti-slip fabric and rubber pads to keep the bottom in place. It even has a safety clip to attach it to the car. When it’s not in use, you can fold it down and carry it using a convenient handle.

Pros:

• It folds down.
• It has a large handle.
• It holds 200 pounds.
• The height and angle can be adjusted.
• It has anti-slip fabric and rubber feet.
• It has a safety clip.
• It can come with five or six steps.

Cons:

• It could be slippery when wet.
• It might not be as sturdy as advertised.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	Joint problems
Dog Weight Limit	200 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	5 steps: 26 inches high x 36 inches long or 29 inches high x 47 inches long 6 steps: 41.7 inches high x 31.5 inches long or 29 inches high x 54.7 inches long
Product Weight	12 pounds
Portable Features	Folds down, large handle
Other Key Features	Adjustable height, anti-slip fabric, safety clip, rubber base

7. COZIWOW Heavy Duty Dog Ramps for Car

This ramp is great for helping your dog in and out of the car, but it also works for boats and pools. It’s a bi-fold ramp that has a high-traction surface and raised edges. It has four rubber feet to keep it in place, along with a safety lock. It’s lightweight and scratch-resistant while also holding up to 200 pounds. When it’s folded, it even has a convenient handle to make transport easy.

Pros:

• It can be used for cars, boats, or pools.
• It folds in half.
• It can hold up to 200 pounds.
• It has a carrying handle.
• It has a safety lock.
• It has rubber feet.

Cons:

• The surface could be slippery for some dogs.
• It’s narrow.
• It could be too steep for some dogs.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	Water use (boat and pools)
Dog Weight Limit	200 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	32.2 inches x 16.6 inches x 8.2 inches
Product Weight	10.5 pounds
Portable Features	Bi-fold, carrying handle
Other Key Features	Waterproof, safety lock, rubber feet

8. Niubya Car Dog Steps for Large Dogs

The foldable pet steps are made with a thick, rustproof metal frame. They can fold down to a small box with a handle to make transporting simple. It can support dogs up to 150-200 pounds. Cleaning it is simple since all you have to do is wipe it down with a wet, soapy rag. The stairs have a tether clip and a bottom foot to keep the stairs in place as your dog goes up. You can purchase the stairs with five or six steps, depending on the height of your car.

Pros:

• It’s rustproof.
• It’s easy to clean.
• It folds down.
• It has a carrying handle.
• It has safety features to hold it in place.
• It can come with five or six steps.

Cons:

• The surface could be slippery.
• It might not be as sturdy as it claims.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	Keeping clean
Dog Weight Limit	150 to 200 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	5 steps: 26 inches high x 36.6 inches long 6 steps: 33 inches high x 42 inches long
Product Weight	11 pounds
Portable Features	Folds down, carrying handle
Other Key Features	Safety clip, bottom foot

9. Pet Trex Telescoping Aluminum Pet Ramp for Car

This telescoping dog ramp is easy to use, and even easier to travel with. The three sections of the ramp retract into each other. A chain handle makes it easy to carry. The unfolded length is adjustable but can be as short as 28 inches or as long as 62 inches. It’s made with light aluminum material, but it can support up to 220 pounds. Plus, it has a grooved surface to keep your dog steady. It’s ready to use within seconds, making it the perfect dog ramp to travel with. It leans against your vehicle but has rubber feet on both ends to hold it in place.

Pros:

• It retracts into a compact design.
• The length is adjustable.
• It has rubber feet.
• It’s easy to use.
• It has a handle.
• It can support up to 220 pounds.

Cons:

• The surface is too slippery.
• Fingers could get pinched when it retracts.
• The sections don’t lock.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	Fast, efficient use
Dog Weight Limit	220 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	62 inches x 15.7 inches x 4 inches
Product Weight	12 pounds
Portable Features	Retractable, chain handle
Other Key Features	Rubber feet

10. LUFFWELL Portable Dog Stairs for Large Dogs

These portable pet stairs look similar to the other options, but they provide a more gradual incline. It has four steps with a deeper width to make it easier for old dogs to getting up. It only weighs eight pounds, but it’s built to hold up to 150 pounds. It has a non-slip surface to keep dogs safe. Plus, it folds down and has a carrying handle for transport. It even has a safety clip on the top to hold it in place. It’s suitable for any height between 22 and 28 inches.

Pros:

• It has a gradual incline.
• It has wide steps.
• It folds down.
• It has a carrying handle.
• It has a non-slip surface.
• It has a safety clip.
• It holds up to 150 pounds.

Cons:

• It might be too wide for some cars.
• It might be heavier than it claims.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	Gradual inclines
Dog Weight Limit	150 pounds
Assembled Dimensions	22 inches high x 45 inches long or 28 inches high x 38 inches long
Product Weight	8 pounds
Portable Features	Folds down, carrying handle
Other Key Features	Non-slip surface, safety clip

11. Gen7Pets Natural-Step Ramp for Vehicles

Unlike the other foldable dog ramps, this bi-fold product uses artificial grass as the no-slip surface. It leans against the car’s open door or trunk to give your pup an incline to walk on. Then, when it’s not in use, it simply folds up and has a handle for carrying. It’s easy to use, but the company doesn’t specify the amount of weight it can support.

Pros:

• It’s easy to use.
• It has a non-slip surface.
• It folds up.
• It has a carrying handle.

Cons:

• The amount of weight it can support isn’t specified.
• It’s expensive.
• It could scratch your car.

Product Specification:

Perfect for…	A natural appearance
Dog Weight Limit	Not specified
Assembled Dimensions	72 inches x 16 inches x 1.5 inches
Product Weight	17 pounds
Portable Features	Bi-fold, carrying handle
Other Key Features	No-slip surface

12. PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Ramp

While this pet ramp can still be used for furniture, it works best for outdoor use, such as cars, travel, and outdoor furniture. It’s a lightweight, foldable ramp that can easily be stored when not in use. It’s easy to set up and has a high traction tread to prevent dogs from slipping.

Pros:

• It’s good for outdoor use.
• It’s foldable.
• It’s lightweight.
• It’s easy to use.
• It has a high traction surface.

Cons:

• It might not work well indoors.
• It could be too steep for dachshunds.

13. Pet Gear Tri-Fold Dog Ramp for SUV

This is another great car ramp, but it works especially well for night use since it’s reflective. It’s extra-long to provide a gradual incline for dachshunds, and it folds up for storage. Plus, it has an anti-slip surface and rubber feet for safety.

Pros:

• It’s reflective.
• It has a gradual incline.
• It’s great for cars.
• It has an anti-slip surface.
• It has rubber feet.

Cons:

• It might not work well for indoor use.
• It gets scratched up easily.

14. Kurgo Wander Collapsible Dog Ramp for SUV

If your dachshund loves to go on adventures with you, this dog ramp is the perfect addition to your car. It’s long, durable, and lightweight, making car rides easier on your doxie’s joints. Plus, it folds up for easy storage inside your vehicle.

Pros:

• It’s great for vehicles.
• It’s lightweight.
• It’s foldable.
• It has raised edges.
• It has a non-slip surface.
• It holds up to 200 pounds.

Cons:

• It might not be good for indoor use.
• It could be too steep.

How to Choose The Best Dog Ramps for Car SUV

There’s no shortage of dog car ramps to choose from. Some work better for trucks and vans while others are ideal for small vehicles. Here are some tips for selecting the best dog ramp for a car.

Find the Perfect Type

When it comes to an outdoor dog ramp, there are usually three kinds: a fixed ramp, foldable ramp, and telescopic ramp. Any of these ramps can be beneficial for dogs, but every dog parent has different preferences.

Fixed Ramps

Fixed ramps are a style of the ramp that stays in ramp form. It comes in one piece and usually doesn’t fold down or adjust. These options are ideal for beds and couches, but not quite as beneficial for vehicles. However, they’re usually more durable and better for long-term use.

Foldable Ramps

Foldable ramps are the most common for cars and trucks because they fold down for easy storage and transport. They usually unfold, and then prop up against an open car side door or a trunk. They take up much less space than a fixed ramp, making them easy to bring on outdoor adventures. They usually fold in half, but some even fold down two or three times.

Telescopic Ramps

Telescopic ramps are similar to foldable ramps, but they retract rather than fold. They usually have a safety lock to keep them open, and then they can retract for easy storage when they’re not in use.

Stairs

Some dogs feel more comfortable with stairs than with a ramp. Luckily, there are plenty of dog steps for cars as well. Like ramps, they can come in fixed, foldable, or retractable styles. However, stairs usually take up more space than ramps, even when folded down.

Consider the Weight Limit

All car ramps should have no problem holding a smaller breed, but if your dog is on the heavier side, then you need to consider the ramp’s weight limit. Make sure it has been tested to hold more weight than your dog to ensure that your furry friend stays safe. Luckily, most ramps can hold at least 100 pounds, sometimes even 200!

Measure the Ramp

The size and shape of the ramp can also have a big impact on its effectiveness. Look at the ramp’s dimensions to make sure it will fit on your car without having too steep of an incline. Also, the ramp should be wide enough to fully support your dog. The larger your dog is, the wider the ramp should be.

Make Sure it’s Portable

If you travel with your dog a lot, you’re likely going to want a ramp that’s easy to travel with. It should be able to collapse into a more compact design for storage. Handles are also beneficial for moving the ramp from one spot to another. If your ramp folds or retracts, just make sure it has a safety feature so it doesn’t fold over while your dog is using it.

Find a Durable Product

Even a lightweight dog ramp for an SUV should be durable. Plastic ramps are usually the most portable, but they’re also more likely to break under too much weight. Other materials like metal or wood are stronger, but might not be as suitable for outdoor use. Check out a product’s reviews to ensure that it seems safe for your dog to use.

Final Thoughts

A folding, lightweight dog ramp for an SUV is perfect for protecting your dog’s joints. If you have a small dog, senior dog, or special needs dogs, you might want to consider one of these products. All types of dog ramps and stairs can keep your canine’s joints safe, but it’s up to you to choose which one is best for your vehicle and your furry friend. Any of these dog ramps and stairs can help your pup feel more comfortable.