Make a Dog Step for Your SUV

You can make a dog step easily and inexpensively if you have a couple power tools, a wrench and minor to basic construction skills. You will need a circular saw, a drill with a 1/2” wood bit and one large adjustable wrench. The biggest expense would be the trailer hitch insert or “ball mount” found at any auto parts store or Wal-Mart for around $20.00 - $25.00. Instead of the ball, buy a 1/2” x 3” bolt, flat washer, lock washer and nut. Next you will need a 14” D x 16” W piece of ¾” plywood and a piece of carpet or other non-skid surface to cover this portable dog step. Cut a 2.5” x 3” section from the middle rear of the step (hint: the 16” sides are the front and rear) so the dogs step sets back a few inches and allows the securing nut and bolt to be closer to the center. Now adjust the dog step on the hitch insert and mark the place to drill your one inch hole. Staple or glue the carpet or other non-skid surface to the step and cut out the hole. Put the bolt through the flat washer, step, ball mount, lock washer and then tighten the nut so the dog step is secure and does not move. Now load up your dog and travel.

We happen to own a Chevrolet Trailblazer and the lift gate and cargo area is very high so we purchased a hitch insert with a 5.25” drop. The inserts come in variations of two, three, four and five inch drops. The distance from the ground to the cargo floor and the size of your dog should be considered in determining how deep a drop you need.

Never leave the dogs step permanently attached as it could cause bodily injury. Never move your vehicle while the dog step is inserted.