Community Forums

Lelah · 10-20-2021, 03:20 PM

How does everyone get their smaller dogs into and out of their class A? The steps in the stairwell are much too high for both my mini dachshund and my corgi. I've searched a LOT on the internet and can't seem to find a magic device for this. My back is not going to withstand a week of lifting these 2 chubby guys in and out.

rffowler55 · 10-20-2021, 03:36 PM

We carry a portable step that spans the same width as the coach's steps and is about 8 inches in height. Our two small dogs have no issues as long as the additional step is used.

Lelah · 10-20-2021, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rffowler55

We carry a portable step that spans the same width as the coach's steps and is about 8 inches in height. Our two small dogs have no issues as long as the additional step is used.

rffowler55 Does that go on the inside or outside of the motorhome?

Old-Biscuit · 10-20-2021, 04:19 PM

Diet so you can pick them up

Mini and corgi
How much can they weigh?

I had to build a ramp for our Border Collie/Lab (78#) when she started having issues with her hips
4' long/just wide enough to set inside door way of 5th wheel/indoor-outdoor carpet for gripping
She went in/out on her own for couple yrs.
Used it for rear door of truck for her to get up into rear seat also

Commercial ramps were too wide.
Easy to just build one that fits.

ArtJoyce · 10-20-2021, 04:26 PM

When the leg was giving the lad an issue we bought an aluminum ramp. But she would not use it. I had to life her up 4 plus steps. That was getting old.

Lelah · 10-20-2021, 04:34 PM

Old-Biscuit You must be younger than me or have a better back!
The Corgi is 30# and the dachsy is 18# but bending over to lift 30# 4-5 times a day and flinging her up and into the MH just isn't something my back will handle day after day.

Lelah · 10-20-2021, 04:37 PM

I did buy a ramp and both the dogs are getting used to it at home before we leave on our long trip but it's the steps inside the MH that are causing us problems. The ramp goes from the ground to bottom of the stairwell of the MH but both dogs have squatty little legs and can't get up the two 9 inch steps in the stairwell.

Old-Biscuit · 10-20-2021, 04:51 PM

Domo · 10-20-2021, 05:27 PM

I'm thinking of a sling and ceiling mounted pulley?

If the dog wears a harness - the kind with a handle centered on the back - a hook and pulley might do the trick - assuming they're okay with being picked up by the handle - otherwise, they may need a blindfold.

Nope - never saw one other than for pulling engines and heavier - but I bet there's someone that's clever enough to put in a miniature rail and pulley...

Hpozzuoli · 10-20-2021, 05:30 PM

Get a real dog instead of a barking cat.

RiverBurt · 10-20-2021, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hpozzuoli

Get a real dog instead of a barking cat.

They get hip dysplasia. Back to square one.

Lelah · 10-20-2021, 05:39 PM

Well EXCUUUSE me Hpozzuoli!! (Said with a very poor Steve Martin accent)

Lelah · 10-20-2021, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domo

I'm thinking of a sling and ceiling mounted pulley?

If the dog wears a harness - the kind with a handle centered on the back - a hook and pulley might do the trick - assuming they're okay with being picked up by the handle - otherwise, they may need a blindfold.

Nope - never saw one other than for pulling engines and heavier - but I bet there's someone that's clever enough to put in a miniature rail and pulley...

Domo......Hmmmm......going to have to give that some thought.
Am I the only one with this problem??

RiverBurt · 10-20-2021, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lelah

Domo......Hmmmm......going to have to give that some thought.
Am I the only one with this problem??

No, as my wife’s in a wheelchair. We use, in fact, a hoist rig. A smaller, manual version mounted above the entry door is a brilliant and practical idea, based on my experience in the motorhome and elsewhere.