Dog stair for passenger access to LC

[evillinux]

I searched around and saw some folks provide suggestions on ramps and steps for allowing a dog to get into the back of the land crusier. I'm curious if anyone has any recommendations or luck of small stairs that can allow a ~60lb dog to walk/hop up into the back passenger seats? Unfortunately, I have struck out twice with trying a petsafe ramp it doesn't fit and isn't stable in the door area and I tried a stair system but the width was still too big to make it into the doorway.

What I am primarily noticing and this is a bit of a comparison between the trucks I currently have:
My 2020 Tacoma the passenger door swings open very wide and is easy for my dog to hop in and out of the passenger side which I normally keep the backseats folded down and ultimately the truck is 'her' truck.

My 1997 4Runner which has a 3 inch lift the door is similar in opening distance as the Tacoma however it's a height jump for her to get into that so rarely ever took her in it.

My 2025 land cruiser the passenger door open is much smaller than the Tacoma and this makes it difficult to find a product that will fit in the door well or up on the seat and come out without being wonky.

My other thoughts that I haven't tried mainly because it just came to mind is I could fold the passenger seat down on one side fully which I believe would lower the height in which my dog has to make it into the truck. Further it might offer better angling of a product possibly if there is one with a small top and lager base. Thinking more of this I'll have to give this a whirl.

Ultimately, if nothing works I figure I,'d work with trying my dog to get in through the back and then get her up in the passenger seat or hopefully long term she gets use to the automatic truck closing. Unfortunately, she is scared of everything so weird noises and such items like the automatic hatch she is not a fan of. Worst case ultimately she doesn't ride in the land crusier except for rare needs and I stick with using my truck. Feel free to let me know if anyone got any other suggestions or recommendations I am open to DIY project idea also for fun.

Thanks everyone!

 

[EOD Guy]

If you are a DIY kind of person....... with extruded aluminum you could make just about any sort of step you'd like. The attached pictures are for a tire stabilized step but could be easily modified into a 4 legged platform.

Harbour freight sells a premade platform that may work "as is".

You can manually push the rear hatch closed without any weird noises, except the last inch or so when the automatic locking mechanism engages.

 

[ultane]

You can manually push the rear hatch closed without any weird noises, except the last inch or so when the automatic locking mechanism engages.

The Car Care Nut did a video on replacing the automatic closing struts on a Highlander (I think) and IIRC he said NOT to manually close the rear hatch if it was equipped with the automatic electric door opener/closer.

 

[evillinux]

If you are a DIY kind of person....... with extruded aluminum you could make just about any sort of step you'd like. The attached pictures are for a tire stabilized step but could be easily modified into a 4 legged platform.

View attachment 24242View attachment 24243

Harbour freight sells a premade platform that may work "as is".

View attachment 24240

You can manually push the rear hatch closed without any weird noises, except the last inch or so when the automatic locking mechanism engages.

Oh I like this idea I'll check into these. I was looking at a step system like this on Chewy but it looked flimsy and only for small dogs. The metal platform looks much better, might give the extra step/boost my dog needs to get in. Thanks for the suggestion!

I have tried closing the back manually partially by accident and it started screaming at me and then went wonky having to reopen and then automatically reclose. I think I am with @ultane on this one not to manually close it if I can help. Worst case I can try to get my dog use to the noise at some point lol.

 

[EOD Guy]

The Car Care Nut did a video on replacing the automatic closing struts on a Highlander (I think) and IIRC he said NOT to manually close the rear hatch if it was equipped with the automatic electric door opener/closer.

You have to manually close the rear hatch to re-initialize the hatch opener should you ever disconnect the 12v battery or it goes flat. At least the many times I've had to re-initialize it.

 

[dog]

I am looking for the same thing. Hopefully more people will chime in.

 

[ultane]

My ex GF bought one of these for her German Shepherd dog, as he was aging. It worked very well for her, and him. It telescopes back together when not in use, so it can go into her Pathfinder and travel with her and her dog.

https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Solvit-Deluxe-Telescoping-Standard/dp/B000RUJEUU/?tag=landcruiserforum-20

 

[dog]

My ex GF bought one of these for her German Shepherd dog, as he was aging. It worked very well for her, and him. It telescopes back together when not in use, so it can go into her Pathfinder and travel with her and her dog.

https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Solvit-Deluxe-Telescoping-Standard/dp/B000RUJEUU/?tag=landcruiserforum-20

I think the problem with these is the doors don't open wide enough to actually place this steadily on the seat.

 

[ultane]

I think the problem with these is the doors don't open wide enough to actually place this steadily on the seat.

She used it to allow her old dog into the back of her SUV, not the seats.

Could you rest it on the door sill?

 

[evillinux]

So I bought this foldable step stool system for my dog to use: Amoise Folding 2-Step Stool, Non-Slip Portable Footstool 8" & 17" Dual Heights, Holds 250 lbs, Portable Footstool for Kitchen Home Toilet Bedroom Office Bathroom RV(Yellow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3G5XSL8?tag=landcruiserforum-20

I used it today and I'm honestly mixed opinion on it. It works in concept that it gives my dog the ability to have some stepping ability and ability to jump up to the back seat a bit easier. Still the issue is she doesn't exactly like it, again she is scared of everything and just uneasy with new things in general. Anywho, this works well for flat ground if your dog is willing to do some steps and then hop up to the seat level of the car. If you can park next to a sidewalk and set it up there it works even better and closes the distance between the seat level and the step stools also. My biggest complaint and I'll probably look into another product or maybe make my own step stool is that it would be better if it was wider in the step area overall which I think my dog would much more prefer. Luckily she doesnt mind jumping out, it's just the matter of getting up and into the LC she just freaks out about but once in loves it lol.

Other ideas I had and was trying was folding the seats fully down and in their upright position, that maybe work better for folks that want the stool style of step solution. Unfortunately the door's opening limits the available space to put something into the LC door area unless it is less than like ~8 inches width if you are lucky. This the step solution could be good the dog can go into the cargo back area or onto one side of the seats and the seat that was folded upright can be put back into place. Alternatively you could have to dog enter from the cargo back, then have a seat folded down, move them to the seat area and then secure them into the seat section. Both still require some form of getting in the LC which is just difficult height wise. My dog overall much more prefers her Tacoma backseat, easy to get in and out, flat seats and the door opens a good 90 degree which makes it easy for her to hop in/out. So that might be the finalized solution long term and the LC stays as a temporary dog hauler.

Dog picture for reference. She is a mix, rescue said Dutch/Assie, DNA says GSD, but she a good girl that all I care .

 

[mountaindesert]

I searched around and saw some folks provide suggestions on ramps and steps for allowing a dog to get into the back of the land crusier. I'm curious if anyone has any recommendations or luck of small stairs that can allow a ~60lb dog to walk/hop up into the back passenger seats? Unfortunately, I have struck out twice with trying a petsafe ramp it doesn't fit and isn't stable in the door area and I tried a stair system but the width was still too big to make it into the doorway.

What I am primarily noticing and this is a bit of a comparison between the trucks I currently have:
My 2020 Tacoma the passenger door swings open very wide and is easy for my dog to hop in and out of the passenger side which I normally keep the backseats folded down and ultimately the truck is 'her' truck.

My 1997 4Runner which has a 3 inch lift the door is similar in opening distance as the Tacoma however it's a height jump for her to get into that so rarely ever took her in it.

My 2025 land cruiser the passenger door open is much smaller than the Tacoma and this makes it difficult to find a product that will fit in the door well or up on the seat and come out without being wonky.

My other thoughts that I haven't tried mainly because it just came to mind is I could fold the passenger seat down on one side fully which I believe would lower the height in which my dog has to make it into the truck. Further it might offer better angling of a product possibly if there is one with a small top and lager base. Thinking more of this I'll have to give this a whirl.

Ultimately, if nothing works I figure I,'d work with trying my dog to get in through the back and then get her up in the passenger seat or hopefully long term she gets use to the automatic truck closing. Unfortunately, she is scared of everything so weird noises and such items like the automatic hatch she is not a fan of. Worst case ultimately she doesn't ride in the land crusier except for rare needs and I stick with using my truck. Feel free to let me know if anyone got any other suggestions or recommendations I am open to DIY project idea also for fun.

Thanks everyone!

Because the ramps and steps are so finicky what I do for many dogs especially for high cars /trucks is build a mound of dirt (I have a tractor but you can use shovel) anywhere in your yard that you can drive on or back into.


If you have a natural multi-level property, that's very helpful and if you have a deck that's raised slightly, that's very helpful as well. You could also put together makeshift steps out of cinder blocks leading up to the back of your vehicle.


Basically just back up into any raised area. Either one you created or a deck where the dog can have easier access or much less of a jump to get into the back of the high vehicle.


Of course this doesn't help when you're on the road.... But it helps getting in and out of the car at home.

 

[evillinux]

Because the ramps and steps are so finicky what I do for many dogs especially for high cars /trucks is build a mound of dirt (I have a tractor but you can use shovel) anywhere in your yard that you can drive on or back into.


If you have a natural multi-level property, that's very helpful and if you have a deck that's raised slightly, that's very helpful as well. You could also put together makeshift steps out of cinder blocks leading up to the back of your vehicle.


Basically just back up into any raised area. Either one you created or a deck where the dog can have easier access or much less of a jump to get into the back of the high vehicle.


Of course this doesn't help when you're on the road.... But it helps getting in and out of the car at home.

Great ideas, I really like it unfortunately my driveway is a paved limited space area. Even putting cinder blocks unfortunately wouldn't work since I have 2+ cars that I pull in/out so would be an interesting setup I'd have to do. But I really like that idea it is making me thinking about maybe DIY some type of stair system since the step stool that I could my dog still isn't a huge fan of I think primarily its not wide enough and the depth in which she feels comfort to step on isn't there. So might continue to look for something a bit wider/easier for her to step onto, she doesn't mind jumping into the car too much and she wears a harness that has support straps that I help guide her in luckily.

On the road I have found at least parking near the sidewalk and such that does help at least help with the height from the ground to the seat area of the truck so I do have that going for me if she is coming from other locations with me. Thanks again for the great suggestions, I really wish I had a dirt plot that I could park my car onto and make a dirt ramp that would be absolutely amazing!

 

[dog]

I wonder if something like this would work since it's at a different angle.

https://www.amazon.com/HOMBYS-Window-Foldable-Storage-Elderly/dp/B0D2H94Y9L?tag=landcruiserforum-20

 

[evillinux]

I wonder if something like this would work since it's at a different angle.

https://www.amazon.com/HOMBYS-Window-Foldable-Storage-Elderly/dp/B0D2H94Y9L?tag=landcruiserforum-20

The one review at least this specific product/link had made it out to be pretty low quality. But something with a stair stepping angle approach could work well possibly.

I put an order down for a stair system to see if I can try to get my dog to go into the back cargo area, this is specifically what I ordered should be here early morning so hoping to try to give it a whirl before going to dog park: Amazon.com.

I've been working with her a bit closing/opening the back lift and she has gone from tucker her tail and absolutely horrified that I would remotely show her and/or have her near it to being more opening and semi-curious about it and at least willing to understand that it isn't going to hurt her or do anything to her. My honest goal is to try to load her through the cargo back and then maybe fold down one of the seats to get her into the front seats and then set her up there like I have and then she can exit either from the passenger side and/or the cargo depending on what she wants to do. Love my dog, but sometimes I truly wish I could find the magic button/switch to make her less scared of everything and anything lol.

My last idea if this Amazon product fails was going to possibly fabricate my own step system that could fit into the passenger well area and provide a step solution. Lending towards some type of a wood solution which would be pretty easy to make steps, the biggest thing is just getting the measurement of the door-well area right so that it can be stable and hold in place and then figure out the length of steps needed to walk up. Alternatively, if the door-well doesn't work I could possibly make something higher that sits up on the seat and/or one side of the seats folds down and it sits on top of that and adjust the sizing of steps so they actually fit in the door opening area. If I come up with any ideas/designs/fabrications I'll post them here and be sure to share!

 

[EOD Guy]

It is possible to turn off the buzzer that sounds when the hatch is operating.

I have found rewards will ease my pup's fears when training her to new things. Rice Cheks (breakfast cereal) are cheap and she loves them!

 

[evillinux]

It is possible to turn off the buzzer that sounds when the hatch is operating.

I have found rewards will ease my pup's fears when training her to new things. Rice Cheks (breakfast cereal) are cheap and she loves them!

I am on my way to go turn more beeps off, thank you for this!

Yeah we were practicing trying to go in/out of the car today but the folks across the street had tree trimming service going on so she wasn't feeling it hearing a bunch of tree saws and other things going on. She is very easily motivated by anything I'm willing to feed her luckily so I've had good luck in that. Unfortunately it is the Saturday that everyone wants to trim/fel trees/bushes/you name it in my neighborhood - always my type of luck when I plan to do some work with the dogo .

 

[evillinux]

So final update on all this:

I tried multiple ramps and stairs and unfortunately nothing worked well for my needs to the side passenger access. Your milage may very as I saw another post that had a good idea for the stairs having it half in the door and half on the rear tire but would require some additional setup adjustments.

Ramps were a no go, the door opening angel doesn't work for anything I found even ones that were adjustable and such.

The two best options that ultimately if I need to have Sunny (my dog) ride in the back passenger seat were:
A step stool type of system, something just enough she could get her feet up on and then I could help lift her into the seat.

The alternative was having my passenger seat go all the way forward which allowed some room for her to hope into the base area of the car and then jump up onto the seat afterwards.

I gave up on trying to DIY or make something as anything I could come up with was going to be mass bulk or just the ultimate hack job and questionable stability.

Unfortunately, both methods Sunny hated the process and overall did not tolerate me trying to coax her into the vehicle with tasty brides and such. I did find that in the end if I need her in the vehicle with me if just move the passenger seat full forward and help lift her into the base of the car and then she would go in, she still hates it and is mildly annoyed afterwards but it works if there is ever a specific need for her to be in there with me.

Any who, these are just my rambles and thoughts on things folks milage may very with your own dogs. Sunny is a rescue and with that she is unfortunately just extra scared of everything and makes new things much more difficult for her. But in the end, I'm fortunate I have my truck and she loves to ride in the passenger back area there and that is deemed as "her" truck and no longer mine since I adopted the crazy beast.

Enjoy some pictures of Sunny and her favorite friends also. First picture is Stanley (big brown one), Hank (black one in the dirtk) and Sunny (brindle) doing what they do best rolling around in the dirt and chasing each other. The other picture is Sunny and Apollo her favorite weekly friend that she gets to play with. Dogs are wonderful companions .

 

[JamieZ]

Dogs always give back so much to their companions. So thoughtful of you to care enough to look for something to facilitate entry, especially as the dogs age.

 

[evillinux]

Dogs always give back so much to their companions. So thoughtful of you to care enough to look for something to facilitate entry, especially as the dogs age.

Absolutely! I am beyond thankful for Sunny, she is unconditionally loving and I try to do my best as her owner. She's absolutely family to me and my parents

It is ironic that my mom's RAV4 she'll go into the backseat area with the chair method being all the way forward, but doesn't like to do it in the LC. But I think it partially height differences and that the RAV4 has slightly more room between the door and chair being fully forward. Either way, I have the Tacoma and Sunny loves that and she goes on plenty of adventures either way .

I'm still always on the look out of ideas so maybe something in the future. I would say maybe if I had worked with her when she was younger when I got her she'd be a bit more adept to changes of things but overall she's still a great dog none the less.

 

[evillinux]

TL/DR: I found a semi-reasonable solution for Sunny to load up into the back cargo space of my land cruiser. It is PetSafe's 2 step hitch receiver system:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LCJAU4I?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Chewy (out of stock at time of post unfortunately): https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-happy-ride-dog-car-hitch-step/dp/135504

Pros:

• Easy to setup and install process
• Bottom step can be low to the ground to make walking/hopping up onto more natural, 2nd step is slightly below the stock LC's bumper so the system is almost like a 3 step if you include the bumper as a step-ish point
• It folds up and stores nicely while allow for the back hatch to open and close without any issues (my setup the receiver is set to the lowest possible setting didn't try the higher setup)
• Easy to unfold and fold up with the pull of the pin that hold the platforms in the up or down position
• Overall it is sturdy and the steps do not move/wiggle/make noise which is big since Sunny is scared of everything
• Overall reasonable priced (~$160ish) and seems to be good quality overall PetSafe does make good products typically

Cons:

• The folding steps just lock into place when being stored, if someone wants to be a human turd they can easily steal them
• Not sure how "weather proof" they are with the grip and strong-durable plastic platform (will probably disconnect them when not being used and just leave the receiver in place)
• The receiver hitch bolt comes with a bolt that can accept a locking pin, however it is too short to clear the LC's receiver hitch, but it does screw into the bolt system and lock into place tight.
• The steps when folder upwards in storage mode so step up a bit of distance so keep that in mind if you are backing up and/or in tight spaces
• UPDATED BIG CON: Make sure you turn off your reverse automatic brake sensors and anything type of backup detect sensor or you'll be like me and find out that the car will slam the brakes due to the steps being folded up. This will throw the sensors into thinking you are backing into something and will slam the brakes.

Attached are pictures of the setup in case anyone is curious. Enjoy a picture of Sunny eating her foot and not being amused of me taking a picture of her. Hope this setup helps other looking for a solution, espcially if you are looking to load up your dog/pets into the back cargo space!