Older and undersized dogs love RVing to new locations as much as younger and giant pups, even if they have a more challenging time getting up and down those stairs. A quality RV ramp means you’ll never have to worry about how your dog will fare at the campsite. They’ll stay safe whenever they get in and out of the vehicle, and you’ll avoid the backbreaking chore of lifting them at every stop.
A ramp is a simple enough concept that any solution may seem suitable. But as with all products, there’s enough differentiation to make some ramps easier to use and more effective than others. A quality build and appropriate size make an enormous difference when you must use it several times daily. Make life on the road as comfortable as possible for you and your canine travel companion by checking out these reviews of the best RV dog ramps.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall |
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PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Car Ramp |
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Best Value |
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Pet Gear Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp with SupertraX |
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Premium Choice |
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PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp |
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Best for Puppies |
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Gen7Pets Feather Lite Foldable Dog Car Ramp |
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WeatherTech PetRamp |
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The 6 Best RV Dog Ramps
1. PetSafe Happy Ride Extra-Large Telescoping Dog Car Ramp — Best Overall
Extended Length: | 87” |
Collapsed Size: | 47” x 20” |
Weight: | 18 pounds |
Weight Capacity: | 300 pounds |
PetSafe has provided pet parents with high-quality animal-centric household and travel accessories since 1991. Over the decades, the brand has expanded its catalog while raising its profile, becoming one of the most trusted names in the business. With the PetSafe Happy Ride Extra-Large Telescoping Dog Car Ramp, you get a sturdy, dependable ramp well deserving of the company label and our pick as the best overall RV dog ramp.
The Happy Ride XL ramp extends 87 inches, giving your pup a gentle incline to save their joints. The 20-inch-wide walled track gives even large dogs enough space to maneuver confidently, and its weight rating of up to 300 pounds should handle even the paunchiest pup.
The ramp telescopes in to ease the breakdown and setup, and a locking latch prevents those awkward slide-outs while carrying. It’s lightweight for its size, but at almost 4 feet when collapsed, it takes up a decent amount of space, so check to ensure that you have adequate storage. The traction pad has a sandpapery grip for traction but can irritate sensitive paws.
- 87-inch extension
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Smooth gliding telescoping motion
- Traction pad can feel abrasive
- Sharp claws can rip traction pad
- Space-consuming when collapsed
2. Pet Gear Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp With SupertraX — Best Value
Extended Length: | 66” |
Collapsed Size: | 33” x 16” |
Weight: | 13 pounds |
Weight Capacity: | 150 pounds |
Sensitive paws will appreciate the soft yet grippy natural texture of the Pet Gear Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp With SupertraX, while you’ll enjoy the relatively low cost and hit to your wallet. For its performance, it’s the best RV dog ramp for the money. The inexpensive rubberized ramp is lightweight and offers a hassle-free setup with its single fold.
The tradeoff with a small collapsed size is the relatively short extended length. The 3-foot collapsed unit is easy to store, but your dog will deal with a steeper incline than with some other ramps. A few inches aren’t insignificant when dealing with an RV, so you may need to upgrade if you have a high entrance to your camper.
- SupertraX mat protects paws
- Pressure-activated non-slip texture
- Removable mat for easy cleaning
- Small footprint when collapsed
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- May be too short for an RV
- Low weight capacity
- Narrower than others
3. PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp — Premium Choice
Extended Length: | 72” |
Collapsed Size: | 36” x 19” |
Weight: | 5 pounds |
Weight Capacity: | 500 pounds |
Although it isn’t the lengthiest dog ramp for an RV, finding many other meaningful complaints about the PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp is challenging. It folds into a small enough package for easy transport, supports up to 500 pounds, and provides your dog with a comfortable 19-inch-wide walkway. The raised rubber tread has a generous non-slip grip that works wet or dry without hurting your dog’s paws.
Handling the ramp can be awkward, though. The fold-up hinges create a finger-pinching hazard, and many people find the ramp heavy. The silver lining is the feeling of heft that implies a sturdier build and more sure footing for your dog, as they will feel confident moving up and down the ramp.
- Durable plastic and fiberglass construction
- Rubber all-weather non-slip surface
- High weight capacity
- Wide and sturdy
- Easy to clean
- May be too short for tall RVs
- Awkward to carry
- Can pinch fingers
4. Gen7Pets Feather Lite Foldable Dog Car Ramp
Extended Length: | 72” |
Collapsed Size: | 36” x 16” |
Weight: | 5 pounds |
Weight Capacity: | 250 pounds |
The lightweight Gen7Pets Feather Lite Foldable Dog Car Ramp is as accommodating for people as it is for pets. The 15-pound, 72-inch ramp folds to 3 feet for portability, and the convenient soft rubber grip makes moving it a breeze. While the 16-inch walk is narrower than some others, it also makes for simpler storage. With 250 pounds of carrying capacity, it’s stout enough for most dogs, especially small and medium-sized varieties.
Many customers find the grip to be subpar. Some feel that the ramp is too slippery, others find that the textured overlay starts to peel off the surface, and dogs can be wary of trying it out. Depending on the size of your pet and the incline angle, you may need to add grip with faux grass or another kind of tread.
- High-quality weatherproof build
- Lightweight and simple to set up
- Stores easily
- May be too short for an RV
- Traction pad may be slippery
5. WeatherTech PetRamp
Extended Length: | 67” |
Collapsed Size: | 5” x 15” |
Weight: | 16 pounds |
Weight Capacity: | 300 pounds |
The WeatherTech PetRamp’s all-around construction would likely earn it the best RV dog ramp title if it were longer. At 67 inches, it’s a perfect length for cars and SUVs, but you may have to boost up the ramp or make your dog manage the last step of the RV for it to have a manageable angle. Otherwise, you and your dog will love the setup and use.
The PetRamp’s durable rubber and plastic construction can support up to 300 pounds. Its soft ribbed tread gives your dog’s paws plenty of grip in rain or shine, and the walled walkway and sturdy construction should give any pup confidence. When not in use, it folds to a tidy 33.5-inch size for out-of-the-way storage.
- Durable plastic and rubber construction
- All-weather rubber grip
- Easy to clean
- Limited lifetime warranty
- May be too short for some RVs
- Relatively narrow
6. TRIXIE Two-Fold Dog Car Ramp
Extended Length: | 62” |
Collapsed Size: | 31.5” x 15.75” |
Weight: | 10 pounds |
Weight Capacity: | 200 pounds |
The TRIXIE Two-Fold Dog Car Ramp is fairly lightweight and has a decent weight limit of 200 pounds. But it’s quite short at just over 5 feet, so it may only be suitable for pups that can handle a bit of a steep incline if your RV has a high entrance.
The 15-inch-wide durable plastic walkway has a non-slip texture, providing a decent foothold while still being easy to clean off dirt and other debris. This ramp also folds up, so it’s convenient to store when not in use, though some people have experienced the closure latch being broken upon arrival.
- Durable plastic construction
- Lightweight for its size
- Folds up for easy storage
- Only 5 feet long
- Possibility of broken latch
Buyer’s Guide — Choosing the Best RV Dog Ramps
An RV dog ramp is a thoughtful addition to your mobile arsenal for your dog’s long-term muscle and bone health. Even those capable of jumping in and out of the door can develop leg and joint problems like osteoarthritis, as the force of impact from getting down from an SUV is already four times greater than the average dog step. In truth, almost any canine would benefit from a ramp.
What to Look For in an RV Dog Ramp
Simply getting a ramp isn’t always enough. A poor build or fit could make it dangerous or stress your dog’s body.
- Incline: A gentler slope will put less strain on your dog’s joints and make them less hesitant to use it.
- Traction: Grippy yet non-abrasive textures will protect your pet’s paws and make the ramp easier to use.
- Weatherproofing: All-weather ramps will last longer outside and provide consistent performance (metal components may rust from heavy rain, rubber can dry and crack in the sun, etc.).
- Portability: Check the measurements and weight of the collapsed ramp to ensure that it fits in your RV and is easy to set up.
- Weight Rating: Consider the weight of your pets, and check the ratings of each ramp to ensure that it will manage the stress.
Preparing your dog to use the ramp attached to the RV may take training and extra accommodations. Train your dog to cross on the flat surface, and gradually acclimate them to a raised position.
Can People Use the Pet Ramps?
One of the primary complaints about dog ramps is that they bend under pressure or break below the weight rating when humans test them. But these ramps are only for canines. The weight distribution on four legs just isn’t the same as on two, and you may regret demonstrating how to use the ramp while introducing your dog to it. Leave the ramp for your pets, and ensure that you have enough room to move around it.
Conclusion
With a generous 300-pound capacity and long 87-inch extension, the PetSafe Happy Ride Ramp is the most well-rounded dog ramp for an RV life with your canine companion. The PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp is the go-to choice for a high-quality and pet-friendly design, and those wanting a paw-protecting and cost-saving option will enjoy the SupertraX system on the Pet Gear Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp.
You and your dog deserve safety, satisfaction, and comfort during your adventures. Follow these reviews and tips on using an RV pet ramp, and you’ll guarantee the best possible experience for your faithful travel partner.
Featured Image Credit: Dagmar Breu, Shutterstock
Contents
- A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
- The 6 Best RV Dog Ramps
- 1. PetSafe Happy Ride Extra-Large Telescoping Dog Car Ramp — Best Overall
- 2. Pet Gear Bi-Fold Dog Car Ramp With SupertraX — Best Value
- 3. PetSTEP Folding Pet Ramp — Premium Choice
- 4. Gen7Pets Feather Lite Foldable Dog Car Ramp
- 5. WeatherTech PetRamp
- 6. TRIXIE Two-Fold Dog Car Ramp
- Buyer’s Guide — Choosing the Best RV Dog Ramps
- Conclusion