We're considering getting a ramp for our large dogs to be able to get into the truck and the 5er. One dog is unable to jump due to a spinal injury, one doesn't seem to know he has back legs to jump with, and one is just a big scaredy-cat when it comes to steps. The 4th is no problem I've seen some ramps that look like they'll work fine for them, but I'm wondering about us humans. All the products say 'not for human use'. Once we've set up camp, latching the ramp for the dogs and then unlatching it for us every time we want to get in and out seems like an enormous hassle. Has anyone used these ramps? I'd like to just set it in place once and walk up and down it myself. The one I'm looking at is rated for 300lbs. Neither the DH or myself is anywhere near that so it seems we should be able to use the ramp weight-wise. How do you all deal with this? Do we really need to get the ramp out of the way every time we humans are entering/exiting the rig?
That's what I thought too. But it is true that weight distribution for a person is different from that of a dog so I'm wondering if the ramp might be more likely to bow under the weight of a person? I don't wanna be inconvenienced by having to move the ramp each time, but I also don't want to fall and break my neck. Thoughts from users of these ramps??
I checked out the Pet Loader. After watching the info video my concern is that the steps don't really look that much more maneuverable than the steps on the rig. They're still pretty steep. I'm not sure my handicapped dog can do those steps. Are the steps as steep as they appear in the video? If so, that takes me back to the ramp idea and still leaves me with the question of whether hubby and I can use the ramp or if it would be dangerous.
We used a PetStep for many years for ageing or invalid dogs. Wife is handicapped and she used it also (as did we all, me, her, and dogs).
Sure it handles weight fine BUT BUT BUT when a tall person is on it, it tends to twist! Not a good idea, especially if handicapped. I found that putting a milk crate under the center of the ramp, with a board cut at the right angle, made it steady as a rock. When driving, the crate made a great place for chocks.
We now use an elevator, since ramp became too hard.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
Dave1131 wrote: I use this product, pet loader For Cooper to get in my Truck and in the Camper.
When I have it set up for the camper i have used it to go in and out
all 220 lbs of me.
The only problem is I can't shut the screen door unless I remove it.
actually it only takes 20 seconds to fold it and move it to the side.
good product
Have fun
Dave
I have used the Pet Loader for years with great success. The angle of the steps depends on how many steps are in the unit. I have used the four step model and never had a problem. The wife and I walk on it as well as the dogs. The company stands behind the steps regardless and will repace or repair the steps at no coost to you. Great product and well worth the price.
2012 Ford King Ranch F-350 Crew Cab Diesel
2011 Montana 3580RL
Wife Sue
Pets: Rainbow Bridge: Old Fella, Levi, Charlie. Others Suzie, Peaches, Hobo, Mama, Izzie
Part of the issue may be liability. Even beyond a possible weight distribution issue you have a height/balance issue. Someone 6 feet tall on two legs is a lot more unstable than a dog that's 2 feet tall on four legs.
Subscribe to the 3 "L" rule-don't stop livin', lovin' and learnin'
RV-less for now but our spirits are still on the open road.
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I've seen some ramps that look like they'll work fine for them, but I'm wondering about us humans. All the products say 'not for human use'. Once we've set up camp, latching the ramp for the dogs and then unlatching it for us every time we want to get in and out seems like an enormous hassle. Has anyone used these ramps? I'd like to just set it in place once and walk up and down it myself. The one I'm looking at is rated for 300lbs. Neither the DH or myself is anywhere near that so it seems we should be able to use the ramp weight-wise. How do you all deal with this? Do we really need to get the ramp out of the way every time we humans are entering/exiting the rig?
