Dog proof RV steps?

[Delco Bobby]

I am looking for ideas so that our dog will not fall down the steps of our Sunseeker. My wife is concerned that the dog will tumble down the steps while we are underway.

What works to keep the dog safe and the wife relaxed?

Thanks,

Bobby

[caper]

Some plywood over the opening?

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by caper

Some plywood over the opening?

Thanks, that was my first thought. I was wondering if there are other options.

Plywood will have good support on two sides. Maybe add a drop down leg on the side without a ledge, by the battery control center.

[Delco Bobby]

Well my recollection and reality didn't match. There is support on three sides for plywood, so this turns out to be an easy project.

But still seeking other suggestions.

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by Delco Bobby

Well my recollection and reality didn't match. There is support on three sides for plywood, so this turns out to be an easy project.

But still seeking other suggestions.

I think you've found the best answer. I would suggest putting a finger hole in the side of it to make it easier to lift out though. Not sure of the size, but maybe you could build a collapsible leg system that could store in the basement and use the plywood for a small side table to sit outside when stopped. Dual function!

[Pipeman]

How about one of those baby gates that fold up like an accordion or one that slides open and closed?

[widogmom]

It's probably a good idea to have your dog or dogs crated in a moving vehicle. Ours always are, whether in the car or the Sunseeker, and the crates are bungee'd down if they don't jam in tight. Prevents escape in case of accident, dog being thrown around in case of emergency braking or collision, dog causing distraction and, subsequently, accident, so many good reasons. Please consider it.

[Kels4g]

Pups should be restrained in the vehicle to keep them from being ejected or running off in case of an accident. There are lots of systems to accomplish this with your vehicles seatbelts.

[360true]

I made a cover for the steps to protect our 1+ grand daughter. Works great!

Cut out places to wrap around grab rails and then added a small strip underneath at the corner so it wouldn't slide.

[Paulie1138]

If you do not crate or restrain your pooch, they are fast learners, and will only do that once or twice.

[tstanger]

If you don't crate your pups while driving leave their leash on. In case of an accident and they end up outside your vehicle someone can grab their leash if they are afraid.

[yworrydog]

[tinkerreknit]

Originally Posted by yworrydog

Was wondering if each of those doggies choose the same seats all the time?

[bareftn]

Ca. and Fa. its the law all pets in a vehicle must be in a crate or a seat belt harness when in motion

[yworrydog]

Originally Posted by tinkerreknit

Was wondering if each of those doggies choose the same seats all the time?

Yep, assigned seating and they know it. They get very upset if the Yorki screws up and takes one of the Cavaliers.

[mtnlvr]

I live in CA and have never heard of that law before. What about us humans falling too? I tripped once accidently falling down them and got a nasty injury.

[Kels4g]

Originally Posted by tinkerreknit

Was wondering if each of those doggies choose the same seats all the time?

We use boosters with our three dogs too. And they know which seat is theirs. If you put someone in the wrong seat they will immediately jump out and into the correct seat. If you strap them into the wrong seat, they will cry until you move them

[Life Without Whine]

Tail ended one time back in 1997ish ....dog hit the windshield (luckily not injured). All pets now travel seatbelted in back seat (so they won't be injured by air bag) or in their crate. I do love those dog seats yworrydog!

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

I think you've found the best answer. I would suggest putting a finger hole in the side of it to make it easier to lift out though. Not sure of the size, but maybe you could build a collapsible leg system that could store in the basement and use the plywood for a small side table to sit outside when stopped. Dual function!

Good ideas, thanks. And based on some of the following messages that area is the only viable spot to locate a crate out of the way.

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by Pipeman

How about one of those baby gates that fold up like an accordion or one that slides open and closed?

Yup, and we have two of them collecting dust.