Dog ramps for pickup trucks

By the Gray Muzzle Gear team · Updated October 16, 2026

A tailgate at 34 inches needs about 9.2 ft of ramp for a gentle 18° slope, and 7.6 ft for 22°. An 8 ft ramp gives about 20.7° at 34 inches and 23.3° at 38 inches. These bands are our own guide, not veterinary advice.

A pickup tailgate is often 34 inches off the ground or higher, so measure yours. That height asks a lot of a ramp: it needs to be long, and even an 8 ft ramp will be on the steep side.

How long a ramp needs to be

Here is the ramp length for each of our own angle bands (our own guide, not veterinary advice):

What the longest ramps on our list give you

We worked out each angle from the maker's stated length and your tailgate height. None of the car ramps on our list reach our gentle band at 34 inches.

On our list, the 8 ft ramps are the PVI PET815, Lucky Dog DR-08 and DR-08XW, and EZ-ACCESS PPR08BLU. The PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping ramp is 87 inches. Compare ramps at your height or try the ramp angle calculator.

Check the weight, both ways

Pick a weight rating above your dog's weight. Then check the ramp's own weight: the 8 ft ramps on our list weigh about 21 to 26 lb, and you'll lift it onto the tailgate each time.

If a ramp is too steep

A lift harness with handles lets you take some of your dog's weight. Ask your vet which type suits your dog, then compare harnesses by size. For more options, see how to help an older dog into the car.

Practice first

Set the ramp up at home, flat or low at first, and reward your dog for walking on it before you try it at the truck.

Sources

• Dog Aging Project: mobility tips and tricks for senior dogs (Kellyn McNulty, DVM; ramps for cars, grip, training, support harnesses)
• Ramp lengths, weights and weight ratings are from each maker's product listing, as shown on our ramp list.