Folding vs telescoping dog car ramp
Folding car ramps come in the widest range of lengths, up to 96 inches, and some weigh as little as 10 lb. Telescoping ramps slide out to the length you need and pack into a narrow shape, 28 to 47 inches long. For an SUV, length matters most: a longer ramp makes a gentler slope.
Both kinds of car ramp get your dog into an SUV or truck without a jump. They differ in how they pack down, how long they get and how much they weigh. Here is how the car ramps we compare stack up.
The short version
| Folding ramp | Telescoping ramp | |
|---|---|---|
| How it packs down | Folds in half or in thirds | Slides into itself, like a drawer |
| Lengths we list | 62 to 96 inches | 70 to 87 inches at full length |
| Ramp weight we list | 10 to 26 lb | 14 to 18 lb, where stated |
| Packed size | About 36 inches folded for a 6 ft ramp, where stated | 28 to 47 inches retracted |
| Good fit for | Getting the longest ramp for the money, or the lightest one | Choosing the length to suit the car, or a narrow storage spot |
Length matters most
For a car ramp, length sets the angle. At a 30-inch cargo floor, a 62-inch ramp sits at about 29°. A 72-inch ramp sits at about 25°, and a 96-inch ramp at about 18°. Our own guide calls 18° or less gentle, up to 22° moderate and up to 26° steeper. These bands are our own guide, not veterinary advice.
The longest ramps we list are folding ones. The PVI and Lucky Dog 8 ft ramps and the EZ-ACCESS FOUR RUNNER are all 96 inches. The longest telescoping ramp we list is the PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long at 87 inches. Use the ramp angle calculator with your own car's height.
When a folding ramp makes more sense
Folding ramps come in the widest range of lengths, from short and light to 8 ft. The lightest car ramp we list is the PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp at 10 lb, though at 62 inches it is steep for most SUVs. A bifold ramp folds to about half its length, so a 6 ft ramp is about 36 inches folded where the maker says. Trifold ramps fold in thirds.
When a telescoping ramp makes more sense
A telescoping ramp slides out only as far as you need it. That can help if you load your dog at different heights, such as a car and a bed. They also pack into a long, narrow shape. The PetSafe Happy Ride Compact goes from 70 inches down to 28 inches. The Happy Ride Extra Long goes from 87 inches down to 47 inches.
Either way
Check the weight rating against your dog, and check the ramp's own weight against what you can lift into the car. The Dog Aging Project points out that a ramp needs a good gripping surface, so your dog doesn't slide down it. Not every dog uses a new ramp right away. If your dog has joint or back trouble, ask your vet whether a ramp is right for them.
Sources
- Dog Aging Project: mobility tips and tricks for senior dogs (Kellyn McNulty, DVM; ramps with a gripping surface)
- Lengths, weights and packed sizes come from each maker's product page, listed in our ramp list.
Questions people ask
Is a folding or telescoping dog ramp better?
Neither is better for every dog. Folding ramps come longer, up to 96 inches in our list, and a longer ramp is gentler. Telescoping ramps adjust their length and store in a narrow shape. Ask your vet what slope suits your dog.
How long should a car ramp be for an SUV?
At a 30-inch cargo floor, a 72-inch ramp sits at about 25° and a 96-inch ramp at about 18°. Our gentle band is 18° or less. That band is our own guide, not veterinary advice.
What is the lightest dog car ramp?
Of the car ramps we list, the PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp is lightest at 10 lb. It is 62 inches long, which is steep for most SUVs.