Build a Dog Car Ramp

This dog car ramp is meant for side entry onto the floor of a minivan or the super cab of a pickup with a height of up to 24 inches (610 mm).

Before you start, check to see if the place where you will store your homemade dog ramp in your vehicle can accommodate the 5-foot (1525 mm) length. The longer the ramp, the gentler the slope.

Note that for getting into the taller rear of an SUV or pickup truck bed, you will most likely need a folding dog ramp for your dog. A length of at least 70 inches (1780 mm) is necessary to create a reasonable slope.

MATERIALS

English (Imperial) Units:

3/8 inch plywood, 12-18 inches wide and 4-5 feet long


Two pieces 2x2 inch (50x50 mm) lumber the same length as the plywood for rails


Two pieces 1x2 inch (25x50 mm) lumber the same width as the plywood for end supports


30 Drywall screws, 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches (32-38 mm) long


10 Drywall screws, 1 inch (25 mm) long


Sandpaper: 1 sheet coarse, 1 sheet medium, 1 sheet fine grade


Rubber matting, carpet or good quality Astroturf to 3 inches less wide than the plywood

Metric Units:

10 mm plywood, 305-460 mm wide and 1220-1525 mm long


2 pieces 50x50 mm lumber the same length as the plywood for rails


2 pieces 25x50 mm lumber the same width as the plywood for end supports


30 Drywall screws, 32-38 mm long


10 Drywall screws, 25 mm long


Various grits sandpaper per above


Rubber matting, carpet or Astroturf 75 mm less wide than the plywood


5 mm less wide than the plywood

TOOLS

Power drill with bit diameter slightly narrower than screws


A saw to cut the pieces of wood (unless you can get the store guys to do it)


A power and/or hand screwdriver


Glue for wood and carpet

ADDING THE RAILS

For each rail, screw and glue at 4-inch (100 mm) intervals as follows:


Drill a hole through the plywood into the rail 4 inches from one end


Put in a 1 ½ inch (38 mm) screw to hold the wood there


Do the same from the other end and secure with a screw


Drill holes in between the two ends at the specified intervals


Put a dab of glue on each screw before driving it in

ADDING THE END SUPPORTS

Turn the ramp over


Put an end support underneath the plywood along one end


Drill holes and secure with 1-inch (25 mm) screws


Use at least one screw every 4 inches (100 mm)


Do the same with the other end

FINISHING THE RAMP

Use coarse sandpaper to round any sharp edges


Follow up with medium then fine sandpaper


If using carpet or Astroturf, sear the edges with a flame and pinch with a damp sponge to prevent unraveling


Glue or staple carpet to the plywood


Make sure there are no protruding sharp edges

Have your dog try the dog car ramp out, using treats for encouragement as needed. For some dogs it may work better to put the ramp at a low angle, like up on a curb, for an easier introduction.

malibu solar lights airplane weathervanes parabolic microphone