Do I need to have a trailer hitch on my vehicle to use the ramp? Yes. If your vehicle does not have a hitch, you will need to have one installed. If you will not be using the hitch for towing loads greater than 700kg (1500 pounds), only a Class 1 hitch is needed. If the hitch will only be used for the ramp, no towing electrics are required.)

What to do if my vehicle is already equipped with a Class 3 hitch? The ramp's tongue is for use with Class 1/2 receivers, which have a receiver opening of 31mm X 31mm (1.25 in X 1.25 inches). Class 3 hitch receivers have an opening of 51 mm X 51 mm (2 inches X 2inches). A Class 3 to Class 1/2 adapter--not supplied with the ramp--is needed.

How do I measure my hitch receiver height? The hitch receiver height is measured from the upper edge of the hitch receiver opening to the ground or road surface.

Why do you suggest using a harness system?  Dogs have an inherent fear of using a ramp. The use of a harness system─both front and back components─will reassure your dog as they are ascending or descending the ramp. Over time, they will lose that fear, readily ascending or descending the ramp. Use treats as rewards as you are introducing the ramp to your dog.

A harness system is especially needed if your dog has had surgery, especially orthopaedic surgery where the weight the dog puts on the affected limb(s) must be kept to a minimum.

Where do I get a harness system? If your dog has just had surgery you can get one from them. If your dog already uses a front harness, you can purchase a back harness online.

What harness system do you recommend?  We recommend the Help ‘Em Up® harness.

I am a woman weighing about 135 pounds. From the photo on the home page, it looks like a lot of effort to get the dog up the ramp. Could I do it myself?  Once your dog becomes accustomed to the ramp, no more effort is required by the dog's keeper to handle them than what might be needed when taking the for a walk.

What is the surface of the ramp? Is it easy to clean? The surface of the ramp is made from outdoor carpet. It can be hosed down when dirty. The carpet is also ribbed to improve traction.

There is a wide variety of SUV sizes. Some are smaller car based SUVs, others are medium sized or really large. Is there some aspect of an SUV that makes the ramp a workable solution or not?  The determining factor of the ramp's suitability is the height of the cargo area floor above the ground / road surface. The maximum suggested height of the cargo area floor above the ground / road surface is 680mm (27 inches). Anything higher than that will make the ramp's angle too steep, making it more difficult to ascend or descend the ramp. NOTE: The adjustments available for the ramp will allow it to be used on any SUV with a cargo deck height of 680mm or less.

About how long does it take attach and detach the ramp. I'm thinking about being in the rain or really cold weather.  It takes less than a minute to setup and attach or detach and pack up) the ramp.

Do I need any tools to secure the ramp to the hitch?  Absolutely no tools are needed to attach to or detach from the hitch.

Are all of the pieces I'll need attached? I'm worried about losing pieces and parts.  The ramp ships with all components attached to the underside frame. When packing up the ramp, the components can be re-secured to their original points of the frame work.