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.
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
4-Step Height Ranges
5-Step Height Ranges
6-Step Height Ranges
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.
Small Dogs
2-20 pounds
Medium – Large Dogs
20-150 pounds
Extra Large Dogs (Great Breeds)
150-250 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 |