Getting your dog in and out of your vehicle can be tricky especially for smaller breeds. But even for larger dogs, making that leap up can put a lot of strain on the joints and is not good for their physical health. What’s more, older dogs would naturally struggle due to issues with ageing.
Good thing that there is a wide range of dog ramps on the market then and I’ve been looking at the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp. This is a really sturdy piece of equipment, if not a little heavy, that’s ideal for dogs of all sizes.
There’s a few things I think you should know about this product which I’ll cover in my Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp review along with some other bits of helpful information to help you decide whether this is the right ramp for your dog.
Advantages
- Very sturdy and stable design
- Suitable for larger breeds
- Can be folded to fit into the back of your vehicle
- Comes in a choice of sizes and weight capacities
- Has an anti slip cover for safety even in wet conditions
Design
The Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp is a very stable and well made piece of equipment. On the base there are rubber feet to prevent the ramp from slipping around and there’s even a safety strap to secure it to your car.
Height and Length
The length of the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp is 180.3 cm although there are other options from this brand in terms of size and these also come with varying weight limits. Therefore, it’s worth checking these out and comparing them with the size of your dog and your vehicle.
The ramp is 10.3 cm in height making it easy for your dog to step up without tripping. Again, this height varies when you look at other products in the range.
Width
At 40.6 cm, the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp is around average in terms of width. However, what I did notice is that this may feel a little narrow for larger dogs, especially those that aren’t used to using a ramp. That said, there is a slightly wider version at 50.8 cm which may be preferable for some dogs.
Materials And Durability
One of the things that really stands out about the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp is that it’s so robust and sturdy. Some ramps can feel a little flimsy but once this one if unfolded and secured in place, it isn’t going anywhere.
There is an anti-slip grip paper applied to the surface which will improve traction for your dog. However, I have noticed that some people have complained that this surface does feel a little too rough and could be uncomfortable on the dog’s feet.
The good news is that this surface retains its grip even in wet conditions so if it’s raining, there’s no need to worry.
Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp Practicalities
The particular model of Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp that I am looking at with a 180.3 cm length, will hold dogs up to 200lbs (90kg) so it’s ideal for larger breeds like Newfoundlands and Great Danes, both of which can get up to this weight.
One thing that I feel does let the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp down is that it’s incredibly heavy at 6.8 kg. It does require a couple of people to unfold it and the process isn’t as easy as the manufacturer would have you believe. However, this weight and heftiness is a sign of a robust bit of kit so I think it’s worth putting up with.
What’s more, when the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp is folded, there’s a handy carry handle to make moving it around easier.
I should point out that the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp isn’t the cheapest pet ramp on the market. Yes, there are some that are far pricier but there are also a lot of ramps that come in at a much lower cost. Is it worth the high price tag? I think in terms of durability and non-slip, you really are getting good value for money.
Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp Pros and Cons
Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp Video
To see this pet ramp from Pet Gear in action, see the video below.
Where Should I Purchase the Pet Gear Travel Lite Ramp
- Slip-resistant surface provides sure footing.
- Easy fold for compact storage.
- Attached handle for portability.
- Rubber grippers on bottom help keep ramp steady.
- Holds up to 200 lbs.
Last update on 2024-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who Is This Ramp Suitable For?
The Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp is a dog ramp that is suitable for pretty much any pet owner. That said, I think it’s particularly good for larger breeds thanks to the generous weight capacity.
I wouldn’t recommend this to owners who are lacking in strength as putting the ramp up and down can be something of a physical challenge. However, if you have someone who can help you then it may still be doable.
If you’re looking for a very robust ramp then the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp would be an ideal choice. While it may be heavy, it’s one of the most sturdy and durable ramps I’ve looked at.
A Veterinary Perspective
Jason Haley 4th year Vet Student stated –
“Pet steps are a great household addition for any potential pet owner looking to maximise the health and welfare of their animal.
I would highly recommend considering Pet Steps for older age / geriatric pets and those suffering from various joint conditions. Conditions such as OA (osteoarthritis), elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are all too common in our older furry friends, especially in large / giant breed dogs. The benefit of pet steps for these patients is that they reduce the strain and pressure placed upon joints from jumping up / down from sofas / beds etc. Pet steps (although not treating the condition) will not only assist in preventing further joint degeneration (from reduced jumping), but also help to keep your pet as comfortable as possible, providing pain free alternative to reach their favourite areas in the house.
Another recommendation for pet steps would be for smaller pets (toy breed dogs / cats etc). Having pet steps present will discourage your pet from jumping from high surfaces and potentially causing self trauma / limb fractures, something all too commonly seen in Veterinary Practice. In these cases pet steps can act as a preventative measure for injury, something which is always advocated over cure in Veterinary medicine. Pet steps will not only keep your pets safe, but also reduce the potentially high veterinary bills by preventing injury in the first instance.”
Final Thoughts
My initial thoughts when looking at the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp were that it was a solid piece of equipment that looked as though it would hold a lot of weight. These notions were proven to be correct but there were a couple of things I discovered that could be problematic for some users.
Mainly, these issues were to do with how heavy the product was and the fact that it’s pretty difficult to unfold because of how bulky it is. I don’t necessarily think this is a bad thing especially if you’re looking for a stable and durable dog ramp. However, it is something to keep in mind.
Overall, the Pet Gear Travel Lite Tri Fold Ramp is well made and suitable for a range of dogs. What’s more, the brand does make similar ramps in other sizes so there’s a lot to choose from.
For more great pet step reviews, see my Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Ramps in the UK
For more than a decade I have been working with and reviewing a wide variety of household products, including pet related mobility products. My many years' of experience writing articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications, have allowed me to recognise the benefits and shortfalls of a wide range of products and tools; providing me with the ability to not only identify what makes a good purchase, but also to help you choose a suitable product for your exact needs and requirements.
