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A pickup tailgate is one of the highest places a dog is asked to jump. For a young dog it is a quick hop. For a senior dog with sore hips or elbows, the jump up and especially the landing on the way down can hurt, and lifting a 70 lb dog into a truck bed is hard on anyone's back. A ramp solves both problems, but only if it is long enough for the height.
This guide explains how to measure your truck, how ramp length changes the slope, and which long ramps suit tailgates. It is research-based, using maker specifications and simple geometry; we have not tested each ramp on a truck ourselves.
Key takeaways
- Measure first. Measure from the ground to the top of the open tailgate. Trucks vary a lot, and lifted trucks are higher.
- Length controls the slope. On a tall tailgate, a 72 in ramp can be steep. An 87 in ramp is noticeably gentler.
- Check width and weight rating. A big, unsteady dog needs a wide, rated ramp.
- Secure the top. The ramp must not slide off the tailgate. Use the ramp's strap or lip.
- Keep a hand on. Lead or harness the dog on the ramp, especially going down.
Step 1: Measure your tailgate
Park on level ground, lower the tailgate, and measure from the ground straight up to the top surface of the tailgate where the ramp will rest. Write the number down. That height, not the truck model, decides which ramp you need.
Step 2: Check the slope
The slope of a ramp depends only on the height it climbs and its length. The table shows the approximate angle for common ramp lengths at different tailgate heights, calculated with basic trigonometry.
| Tailgate height | 69 in ramp | 72 in ramp | 87 in ramp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 in | 26° | 25° | 20° |
| 34 in | 30° | 28° | 23° |
| 38 in | 33° | 32° | 26° |
| 42 in | 37° | 36° | 29° |
As a practical rule, the gentler the better for a dog with sore joints, and many dogs accept a slope of about 20–25° much more readily than a steep one. On most pickups, that means the longest ramp you can store. For a very high or lifted truck, even 87 in can be steep, so a harness for support and a slow, practised approach matter more.
Step 3: Check the other specs
- Width. AKC notes that a ramp that is too narrow can make a dog lose confidence and risk falling off the side.
- Weight rating. Choose a rating well above your dog's weight; AKC warns against a flimsy ramp under a big dog.
- Surface. A slip-resistant surface helps a dog trust the ramp, and matters more when the ramp is wet.
- Weight and storage. A long ramp has to be carried and stowed. Check whether you can lift it and where it will ride.
Comparison
| Product | Key specs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp | 47–87 in long, 20 in wide, aluminum, 18 lb, rated to 300 lb | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp (72 in) | 72 x 16 in, poly-grass tread, 17 lb, folds to 36 x 16 x 3 in, rated 250 lb | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Telescoping Dog Ramp | 39–72 in long (99–183 cm), aluminum, rated up to 400 lb per PetSafe | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| TRIXIE Heavy Duty 69" Telescoping Pet Ramp | Telescopes from about 31 to 69 in (78–175 cm), about 15.7 in (40 cm) wide, about 15 lb, rated to 198 lb (90 kg) per TRIXIE | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
Our picks
Longest and gentlest: PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long
PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp
47–87 in long, 20 in wide, aluminum, 18 lb, rated to 300 lb
Pros
- Longest common telescoping ramp: 87 in gives a gentler angle into tall SUVs and trucks
- 20 in walking width suits big or unsteady dogs
- Light for its length (18 lb)
Cons
- Long and bulky to stow in smaller cargo areas
- Pricier than folding ramps
- Some dogs need time to trust any ramp surface
The Happy Ride XL telescopes from 47 to 87 in, is 20 in wide, weighs 18 lb and is rated to 300 lb. On a typical tailgate, that extra length gives the gentlest slope of the ramps here, and the 20 in width suits big or wobbly dogs. The trade-off is size: it is long and needs space in the truck bed or cab to store.
Grippy surface: Gen7Pets Natural Step
Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp (72 in)
72 x 16 in, poly-grass tread, 17 lb, folds to 36 x 16 x 3 in, rated 250 lb
Pros
- Grass-like tread many owners find grippier than sandpaper strips
- Folds in half for storage
- Rubber grippers and a safety tether
Cons
- 16 in path is narrower than the PetSafe XL
- 72 in is steep for very tall trucks
The Natural Step is 72 x 16 in with a poly-grass tread, weighs 17 lb and folds to 36 x 16 x 3 in. It is rated to 250 lb. The grass-like surface gives paws something to grip, which many dogs find reassuring. At 72 in it is best for lower tailgates; on taller trucks the slope gets steep.
High weight rating: PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe
PetSafe Happy Ride Deluxe Telescoping Dog Ramp
39–72 in long (99–183 cm), aluminum, rated up to 400 lb per PetSafe
Pros
- Telescopes to suit both sedans and mid-height SUVs
- Very high weight rating
- Side rails
Cons
- At 72 in it is steeper than the XL into tall vehicles
- Heavier than folding plastic ramps
The Deluxe telescopes from 39 to 72 in and PetSafe rates it to 400 lb. It suits very heavy dogs on lower tailgates, or owners who want one ramp for both a truck and a lower vehicle.
Lighter telescoping option: TRIXIE 69 in
TRIXIE Heavy Duty 69" Telescoping Pet Ramp
Telescopes from about 31 to 69 in (78–175 cm), about 15.7 in (40 cm) wide, about 15 lb, rated to 198 lb (90 kg) per TRIXIE
Pros
- Telescoping design for different vehicles
- Rated to 198 lb per TRIXIE
Cons
- Shorter than 87 in ramps, so steeper at tall cargo heights
- Narrower (about 15.7 in) than 20 in wide ramps
TRIXIE's telescoping ramp extends from about 31 to 69 in, is about 15.7 in wide and is rated to 198 lb. It is narrower and shorter than the PetSafe XL, so it suits medium dogs and lower tailgates.
Using a ramp on a truck safely
- Secure the top. Rest the ramp's lip fully on the tailgate and use any safety strap so it cannot slide.
- Set the bottom on firm ground, not loose gravel that can shift.
- Use a lead or harness. Walk beside the ramp with a hand ready. A rear sling or lift harness lets you steady the back end. See the best lift harness for getting into a car.
- Go slowly down. Coming down is harder than going up. Keep the dog at a walk.
- Make the truck bed safe. Lay a non-slip mat where the dog lands and secure the dog properly for the drive.
Training a dog to use a truck ramp
- Lay the ramp flat on the ground first. Lure your dog across it with treats until it walks it happily.
- Raise one end onto a low step or curb, then practise again.
- Move to the tailgate. Reward at the top, and practise coming down slowly.
- Keep sessions short, and end on a success.
Ramp vs lift harness vs pet steps
For a pickup, a ramp is usually the best answer for a senior dog because the height is too great for short steps. A lift harness helps for dogs light enough to boost, and as a backup on the ramp. For lower vehicles, see our guides to SUV ramps and sedan ramps and stairs, and our ramp vs stairs guide.
FAQ
How long should a dog ramp be for a pickup truck?
Long enough to keep the slope gentle for your tailgate height. On a 34 in tailgate, a 72 in ramp is about 28° and an 87 in ramp about 23°. Measure your truck and use the table above.
Can a dog ramp sit on a tailgate safely?
Yes, if the top rests fully on the tailgate and is strapped or otherwise secured so it cannot slide, and the bottom is on firm ground.
What width of ramp does a large dog need?
Wider is better for big or unsteady dogs. The PetSafe Happy Ride XL is 20 in wide; many ramps are about 16 in.
Is it bad for old dogs to jump out of trucks?
Jumping down from a high tailgate puts a lot of force on the front legs and spine. A ramp or supported step-down is gentler, especially for dogs with arthritis.
Prices change often, so we do not list them. Check the current price on Amazon.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, Dog Stairs vs. Ramps.
- PetMD, Does My Dog Need Dog Stairs or a Dog Ramp?
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Behavior Changes and Pain in Aging Dogs.
- PetSafe, Gen7Pets and TRIXIE specifications from maker pages and Amazon listings (checked November 2026).
