Pet Loader, pet steps are available is several different models. To help you choose the Pet Loader that will best suit you, consider the appropriate size for your dog, vehicle and use. The following information will help you with that choice in more detail.

Material

Our pet stair models differ primarily in platform (step) material and width of the platform. Models are available in widths from 12″ to 18″ in one of two materials: lightweight aluminum and rugged ABS plastic.

Extension Height

Besides platform material, choose the number of steps (3, 4, 5, or 6) that is right for for the height of your vehicle. Measure vehicle from the pavement to where your pet will enter the vehicle such as the cargo floor, seat, truck bed, etc. then see our height chart below. Keep in mind the opening width, especially for passenger door openings, as they tend to be more narrow.

Measuring Pet Loader

All Pet Loader models will safely carry all dogs.

The number of “Steps” determine the height your Pet Loader pet stairs will reach. Our 3-Step Pet Loaders have an extension range from 16″ to 20″. The 4-Step Pet Loader has a range from 20″ to a maximum height of 30″. The 5-Step Pet Loader extends from 28″ to a maximum height of 40″. The largest, 6-Step Pet Loaders, extend from 39″ to a maximum height of 50″.

3-Step Height Ranges

Pet Loader 3-Step Angles

4-Step Height Ranges

Pet Loader 4-Step Angles

5-Step Height Ranges

Pet Loader 5-Step Angles

6-Step Height Ranges

Pet Loader 6-Step Angles

Choosing a Loader Based on Dog Breed or Size

Many customers want to know which Pet Loader model is suited best by the dog breed or size. Here are some guidelines to help.

For small dogs, such as the toy breeds, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodles, Pugs, Pomeranians, and Maltese, the Pet Loader Mini works perfectly. The smaller platform of the Pet Loader Mini dog stairs will work for them in almost every situation.

For medium to large dogs, we recommend the Pet Loader Ultra Light or Pet Loader Light. The 16″ platform of the Pet Loader light will accommodate almost every breed, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Pointers, and Huskies. These breeds typically weight less than 150 pounds. For those that are over 150 pounds we recommend the Pet Loader XL.

For extra large dogs, referred to as the Great Breeds, we recommend the Pet Loader XL or Pet Loader MAX. These dogs include Mastiffs, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards. These dogs because of their size and weight should be using the Pet Loader XL or MAX pet stairs, with 18″ platforms. All dogs that weigh over 150 pounds or that are built with a wider girth should use the wider, more rugged Pet Loader XL or MAX.

For other pets, if you have another pet in mind to use our pet stairs, keep our maximum weight allowances in mind. Pet Loader, pet stairs are made for pets only and not for human use.

Chihuahua

Small Dogs
2-20 pounds

  • Pet Loader Mini
  • Pet Loader Ultra Light

  • Pet Loader Light

  • Pet Loader XL

Lab

Medium – Large Dogs
20-150 pounds

  • Pet Loader Mini
  • Pet Loader Ultra Light
  • Pet Loader Light
  • Pet Loader XL

  • Pet Loader MAX

Great Dane

Extra Large Dogs (Great Breeds)
150-250 pounds

  • Pet Loader XL
  • Pet Loader MAX
    (supports up to 300 pounds)

Listed models are suggested. Highlighted models are recommended.

Other Factors

When deciding which Pet Loader you need, keep in mind the dog size, and the use. Pet Loader XL is the largest platform size, and is designed for the largest dogs. Pet Loader Mini and Pet Loader Light are designed for dogs under 150 pounds. See the chart below for dimensions, weights and prices of our pet stairs.

Pet Loader Mini — 12″ Width

Aluminum

Model Platform Width Weight Full Extension Height
3-Step 12″ Wide 15 lb 16″ to 20″ high—great for car backseats, beds, couches
4-Step 12″ Wide 18 lb 20″ to 30″ high—vehicle height
5-Step 12″ Wide 21 lb 30″ to 40″ high—vehicle height
6-Step 12″ Wide 28 lb 40″ to 50″ high—vehicle height

Pet Loader Ultra Light — 14.5″ Width

Aluminum

Model Platform Width Weight Full Extension Height
3-Step 14.5″ Wide 16 lb 16″ to 20″ high—great for car backseats, beds, couches
4-Step 14.5″ Wide 20 lb 20″ to 30″ high—vehicle height
5-Step 14.5″ Wide 24 lb 30″ to 40″ high—vehicle height
6-Step 14.5″ Wide 29 lb 40″ to 50″ high—vehicle height

Pet Loader 16″ Aluminum — 16″ Width

Aluminum

Model Platform Width Weight Full Extension Height
3-Step 16″ Wide 17 lb 16″ to 20″ high—great for car backseats, beds, couches
4-Step 16″ Wide 21 lb 20″ to 30″ high—vehicle height
Our Most Popular Model!
5-Step 16″ Wide 25 lb 30″ to 40″ high—vehicle height
6-Step 16″ Wide 30 lb 40″ to 50″ high—vehicle height

Pet Loader Light — 16″ Width

ABS Plastic

Model Platform Width Weight Full Extension Height
3-Step 16″ Wide 18 lb 16″ to 20″ high—great for car backseats, beds, couches
4-Step 16″ Wide 24 lb 20″ to 30″ high—vehicle height
5-Step 16″ Wide 30 lb 30″ to 40″ high—vehicle height
6-Step 16″ Wide 34 lb 40″ to 50″ high—vehicle height

Pet Loader XL — 18″ Width

ABS Plastic
Our widest platform, recommended for the great breeds such as mastiffs

Model Platform Width Weight Full Extension Height
3-Step 18″ Wide 21 lb 16″ to 20″ high—great for car backseats, beds, couches
4-Step 18″ Wide 29 lb 20″ to 30″ high—vehicle height
5-Step 18″ Wide 38 lb 30″ to 40″ high—vehicle height
6-Step 18″ Wide 45 lb 40″ to 50″ high—vehicle height

Pet Loader MAX — 18″ Width

Aluminum
Our strongest widest platform, recommended for the great breeds such as mastiffs

Model Platform Width Weight Full Extension Height
3-Step 18″ Wide 21 lb 16″ to 20″ high—great for car backseats, beds, couches
4-Step 18″ Wide 28 lb 20″ to 30″ high—vehicle height
5-Step 18″ Wide 36 lb 30″ to 40″ high—vehicle height
6-Step 18″ Wide 42 lb 40″ to 50″ high—vehicle height
Pet Loader Model Dimensions Diagram

If you have any questions, please call our customer service at 877-275-4870 and we will be happy to help you make your decision.