Loading large dogs into Class A Diesel pusher

[Maggiedad]

Hello! I am brand new to the forum and my wife and I are in the last year or so of planning to leave the rat race job and re-enter the RV lifestyle after a long absence. Our plan is to buy an older, high end diesel pusher to travel to various Antiques shows, flea markets etc to buy and sell our goods and see this great country from the road (not full time).

My question is this: we have two Rottweiler mix rescue dogs, and we are concerned about how comfortably larger dogs can enter and exit a diesel pusher. The steps seem rather steep and we want to make sure our dogs will be able to get in and out on their own. Does anyone have experience with this that you could comment on?

Thanks much!

[PennyPA]

Our chihuahua started having trouble getting up the steps in our fiver so we just built him a ramp. Took a 2 x 12 x 8, cut it in half so we could transport it inside the pickup, hinged the two pieces and stapled carpet on it. Works great!!

[FSJPat]

A friend of mine has an 8 yr old Rottie, and she has no problem getting in and out of his FW, which usually have higher and steeper steps than most Class A's.

[Maggiedad]

Thanks for all the good feedback!

[Born_To_Travel]

I have a Rotti that travels with me everywhere, and unless yours has hip problems or is an older dog, He should have no trouble at all getting in and out...

[Dixie_Flyer]

Pet Loader This is what we have used for years with our older pets. The only problem you may have is the steep angle if your MH is high off the ground.

[Murphsmom]

We have a geriatric Golden and a three legged Lab/Chessie who has had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. We always use a ramp for both of them. I don't want to chance more joint problems than are absolutely necessary. Jumping in and out of rigs is terribly hard on their joints even though they might not show it at an earlier age. They use the ramp in and out of all our vehicles, as well as the trailer. We got the ramp at Costco online. It has a textured bed for good footing.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Once they figure out what camping is all about - you won't be able to hold them back!

That being said - as my late camping-crazy Aussie aged, the last year of his life we needed to help him simply by giving him a little boost-in-the-butt, to keep his forward momentum going. But we had to do that going into the car, upstairs, etc.

[lanerd]

I wouldn't worry about it...once they do it a couple of times, it will be a piece of cake for them.

While I love Rotties and think they are great companions, be aware that they are sometimes on the "list" at some rv parks where they are not welcome. Before you make reservations at the next stop, be sure to ask them if your Rotties are welcome.

Good luck

Ron

[More_To_See]

You can buy a sling style support strap with rope handles at each end to help them into your rig. Think of it as a towel folded over a couple times with rope handles attached at each end. They come in different sizes. (This is not a "belly band" which is for something else.)

[Maggiedad]

Had to smile on your response fuzzbutt. I can just see those dogs tearing out to the RV to go on a trip, and I hope our dogs react the same. My primary concern is that one of them is getting older and she has some hip issues from time to time. So far however, it seems that the steepness of the steps isn't a real problem. I guess if we can climb in as we age, so can the dogs.

[gbopp]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't have a DP but, our Chihuahua and late, overweight, Cocker Spaniel had no problem getting in our 37' Southwind.

A dog with longer legs should get in easily. Unless it's shy, then you may have to work with him a little.
I don't think you will have any problems.

[fuzzbutt]

When I open the MH door and open the garage door and let the dogs out, they ROCKET up the steps and into the RV. Don't remember them ever being apprehensive.
If your dogs are older, I could see where that could become an issue.

[midnightsadie]

my daughter has four labs they just jump in, one was shy ,they do sell a ramp, for shy dogs.