Large Dog Ramp vs Stairs — The Real Comparison
If you've been searching for a wide dog ramp that actually works on your SUV or 4WD — stop. Here's why stairs are the answer your large dog has been waiting for.
Get Your Custom Quote86cm stairs from $4,500 — shipping included Australia-wide
86cm
Step Width
70kg+
Load Rated
15cm
Folds Flat
5 sec
Deploy Time
Side by side
Ramps aren't bad products. They're the wrong product for tall vehicles and large dogs. Here's the breakdown.
Large Dog Ramp
86cm DogStairs
Stability under load
Flexes at the midpoint — especially felt by large, heavy dogs
Rigid carbon fibre — no flex, no movement, confident every step
Required length for SUVs/4WDs
1.2–1.5m to achieve a manageable angle
Folds flat to 15cm when stored
Boot space used
Significant — even folded, a long ramp takes real space
Minimal — 15cm folded footprint
Dog confidence
Many large dogs hesitate, especially on steep or flexing surfaces
Step-by-step movement is natural — quicker adoption
Joint impact
Incline still loads the joints — especially on the way down
Low step height distributes the descent across multiple steps
Deployment clearance needed
1.2m+ of clear space behind the vehicle
Less than 60cm — works in tight carparks
Price point
Lower upfront cost for basic models
Premium investment — built to last the life of your vehicle
Why 86cm
The 86cm configuration is designed for vehicles with high boot floors — LandCruisers, Defenders, Prados, X5s, Everests. The step count and height are calibrated so your large dog steps in confidently, not scrambles.
Width is matched to your vehicle's boot opening. No more sideways shuffling or hesitation at the top step. Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes — they all fit.
The biggest problem with large dog ramps is mid-span flex under a 35–50kg dog. Carbon fibre doesn't flex. Every step is the same solid, predictable surface — which is exactly what anxious dogs need.
Step height is deliberately low. This isn't an afterthought — it directly reduces joint load on the way in and out of the car, which matters most for large breeds prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis.
The step surface is textured and non-slip in wet conditions. Large dogs at full speed or with wet paws won't slide. This is a standard feature, not an upgrade.
These are not off-the-shelf. Every pair is tested to 15,000 use cycles under load. Buy once, use for the life of your vehicle.
Built for big dogs
Large breeds are the ones let down most by ramps. These are the dogs the 86cm stairs were built for.
Common questions from large dog owners switching from ramps to stairs.
Tell us your vehicle and your dog's breed. Our team will confirm the right configuration and send you a quote — usually within a few hours.
86cm stairs from $4,500 — shipping included Australia-wide