Dogs getting into 4Runner

[JustSomeGuy]

We have two older collies (Seneca and Sugar, soon to be 9 and 11). They've both had some shoulder issues. We currently have an Audi wagon and a Crown Signia (crossover). The Audi load-in (total jump in) height is 26 inches. The Crown Signia is 28 inches. The 4Runner is 34 inches (non hybrid). The 4Runner will replace the Audi. It's enough of a difference that we are concerned, especially on road trips where there will be lots of in and outs. We bought a fold up ramp (which by the way fits nicely behind the driver's seat if you leave the driver's side rear seat only partially folded). Our dogs are naturally skiddish about stairs to begin with. We are in the process of trying to train them to use the ramp (laying it flat on the ground, slowly raising height), but it is not going well and our male (Seneca) may never be willing to use the ramp. We are considering buying a trailer hitch step. Any thoughts? How do you help your dogs get in and out of your 4Runners?

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[Steveg203]

This is my main problem with my 4 Runner. I have a golden and a lab 5 and 7, there isn’t enough space behind the front seat and my lab can jump up to the seat. He wont be able to do that when he gets older. When the dogs get out it’s a big jump down. I have been helping them. I tried a ramp and that’s not good, I like to have them in the back seat and restrained with a belt attached to their harness.

I think for me this has been a deal breaker. It might be time to part ways with my 4 Runner. I should have stayed with my Passport.

 

[get.outside.75]

I have the Otto Step hitch step. Works great. I have one dog I have to help onto the step but then hops in fine. No way I can lift his 70lb self into the hybrid cargo space with my bad back without it. Other dogs will hop right on it.

they make others that are 2 step versions but I wanted to keep it simple.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Another vote for Ottostep. We originally bought it for getting us into a popup camper, but it’s also great for the dogs.

 

[JustSomeGuy]

Do those of you with the Ottostep see it as a good enough solution to overcome the higher entry point of the 4Runner? Anything else you can tell me about how you were able to get them to use the step? I really like the 4Runner, but also need a vehicle that my dogs can get into and out of without injury. They are "family" and we take lots of road trips together.

We are currently re-thinking our training on the ramp. After doing some research, we realized we shouldn't have simply attached it to the 4Runner and tried to coax/force them to use it with treats. We now have it lying on the floor in the living room, and have raised it just a little to one step. Sugar, our female, has become more comfortable using it, so that's promising.

Edit: update, both dogs went down the ramp raised to one step three times, and sugar went up twice (with lots of little treats sprinkled on the ramp). It isn't much, but what it does tell me is that they are physically able to do it if they want (we had wondered if the 18" width wasn't wide enough for their rear legs, well it is wide enough).

 

[JustSomeGuy]

I think for me this has been a deal breaker. It might be time to part ways with my 4 Runner. I should have stayed with my Passport.

We'd considered a Passport, but honestly, the load in height of the Passport is only a hair shorter than the 4Runner. According to my measurements, verified by Perplexity AI, the load-in height for a 6th Gen 4Runner is 33-35 inches (depending on trim and tire size) (mine is 34). The load in height of the previous generation Passport is 31-33 inches, and the current version is 32-34 inches (so an inch or two lower than the stock 4Runner).

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