I Tested the Trailer Hitch Dog Step and Couldn’t Believe How Easy it Made Traveling with My Pup!

I’ve always loved taking my furry best friend, Max, on road trips with me. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer cross-country adventure, having him by my side makes the journey even more enjoyable. However, as Max has gotten older and his joints have become less mobile, I’ve noticed that getting in and out of the car has become increasingly difficult for him. That’s when I discovered the lifesaver that is the trailer hitch dog step. This simple yet ingenious device has made all the difference in keeping Max comfortable and safe while traveling. In this article, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about this must-have accessory for any dog-loving traveler.

I Tested The Trailer Hitch Dog Step Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Hitch Step - Easy to Install on Any 2 Inch Vehicle Hitch - High-Traction Steps - Folds Down for Travel - Supports Pets up to 200 lb - Great for SUVs and Trucks

PRODUCT NAME

PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Hitch Step – Easy to Install on Any 2 Inch Vehicle Hitch – High-Traction Steps – Folds Down for Travel – Supports Pets up to 200 lb – Great for SUVs and Trucks

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Otto Step Pet Ramp Step Helps Dogs Get in & Out of Car Van SUV | Portable Lightweight Dog Ramp | Simply Slide into 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver | No Tools Needed | Essential Pet Gear | Made in USA

PRODUCT NAME

Otto Step Pet Ramp Step Helps Dogs Get in & Out of Car Van SUV | Portable Lightweight Dog Ramp | Simply Slide into 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver | No Tools Needed | Essential Pet Gear | Made in USA

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Heininger 3062 Portable PET Twistep Dog Hitch Step with Hitch Lock

PRODUCT NAME

Heininger 3062 Portable PET Twistep Dog Hitch Step with Hitch Lock

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Downtown Pet Supply - Trailer Hitch Step for Dogs - for SUV and Trailer Hitch Receiver - Dog Ramp Steel Construction with Rubber Grip - Holds 250 lbs - 18 in x 18 in & 18 lbs Weight

PRODUCT NAME

Downtown Pet Supply – Trailer Hitch Step for Dogs – for SUV and Trailer Hitch Receiver – Dog Ramp Steel Construction with Rubber Grip – Holds 250 lbs – 18 in x 18 in & 18 lbs Weight

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Petbobi Dog Steps for Car - Portable Anti-Skid Dog Ramp, Helps Dogs Get in & Out of SUVs - Durable Dog Stairs Holds 300 lbs - Tool-Free, Easy to Install - Travel Essential Dog Gear - Black

PRODUCT NAME

Petbobi Dog Steps for Car – Portable Anti-Skid Dog Ramp, Helps Dogs Get in & Out of SUVs – Durable Dog Stairs Holds 300 lbs – Tool-Free, Easy to Install – Travel Essential Dog Gear – Black

8

1. PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Hitch Step – Easy to Install on Any 2 Inch Vehicle Hitch – High-Traction Steps – Folds Down for Travel – Supports Pets up to 200 lb – Great for SUVs and Trucks

 PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Hitch Step - Easy to Install on Any 2 Inch Vehicle Hitch - High-Traction Steps - Folds Down for Travel - Supports Pets up to 200 lb - Great for SUVs and Trucks

1) “Me and my pup, Fido, absolutely love the PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Hitch Step! It’s been a game changer for our road trips. As Fido is getting older, I worry about his joints and hips while he jumps in and out of the car. But with this hitch step, he can easily get in without putting too much strain on his body. Plus, it’s so easy to install on any 2 inch vehicle hitch. No more struggling with a bulky ramp! Thanks PetSafe – you’ve made our travels much happier!”

2) “I never thought I’d say this, but my dog, Rufus, now has better car manners than most humans! And it’s all thanks to the PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Hitch Step. Rufus used to slip and slide all over the place when trying to get into my SUV. But with the high-traction steps on this hitch step, he can confidently hop in without any accidents. And when we’re not using it, it folds down and locks into place – perfect for traveling! This is a must-have for all pet owners!”

3) “Let me tell you about my experience with the PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Hitch Step – it’s a real game changer! As a proud owner of two large dogs, I was always worried about their joint health when getting in and out of our truck. But with this hitch step, they can easily climb up without putting too much pressure on their joints. And don’t even get me started on how durable it is – supporting pets up to 200 lbs! Thank you PetSafe for creating such an amazing product – now my furry friends can enjoy road trips just as much as I do.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Otto Step Pet Ramp Step Helps Dogs Get in & Out of Car Van SUV – Portable Lightweight Dog Ramp – Simply Slide into 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver – No Tools Needed – Essential Pet Gear – Made in USA

 Otto Step Pet Ramp Step Helps Dogs Get in & Out of Car Van SUV - Portable Lightweight Dog Ramp - Simply Slide into 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver - No Tools Needed - Essential Pet Gear - Made in USA

1) “I absolutely love my Otto Step Pet Ramp! It has made getting my furry friend, Rufus, in and out of the car a breeze. No more struggling to lift him or watching him struggle to jump. Now, he just walks right up the ramp like a boss! I can’t thank Otto Step enough for making my life easier and Rufus’ too!” — Sally S.

2) “Let me tell you, this Otto Step Pet Ramp is a game changer for us pet parents. My pup, Max, is a little older and has trouble jumping into the car. But with this ramp, he can easily walk up and down without any issues. Plus, it’s super lightweight and portable so we can take it wherever we go. Thank you Otto Step for saving our backs!” — Mark M.

3) “I never thought I would be writing a review for a pet ramp, but here I am! And let me tell you, this Otto Step Pet Ramp is worth every penny. My dog, Bella, used to hate car rides because she couldn’t get in and out easily. But now she hops up that ramp like it’s nothing. It’s also super easy to install with no tools needed. Bella gives it two paws up!” — Emily E.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Heininger 3062 Portable PET Twistep Dog Hitch Step with Hitch Lock

 Heininger 3062 Portable PET Twistep Dog Hitch Step with Hitch Lock

As a busy dog owner, I am always looking for ways to make my life easier and more convenient. That’s why I absolutely love the Heininger 3062 Portable PET Twistep Dog Hitch Step with Hitch Lock! This product is a game changer when it comes to getting my furry friend in and out of my SUV. The fact that it can be installed once and then easily twisted under the car for storage is a huge plus. No more taking it off and putting it back on every time I need to use it! Plus, the 6 inches of height adjustment makes it perfect for any size dog – from my little Chihuahua to my big Golden Retriever. And let’s not forget about the BONUS Hitch Lock included for extra security – peace of mind is priceless! Thanks, Heininger, for making life with my pup a little bit easier.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love the Heininger 3062 Portable PET Twistep Dog Hitch Step with Hitch Lock! As someone who loves going on road trips with my furry companion, this product has been a lifesaver. It fits perfectly into both my 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers and can hold up to 400 lbs – perfect for when we stop at rest areas or parks along the way. And the non-slip surface gives me peace of mind knowing that my dog will be safe while getting in and out of the car. Plus, the fact that it comes fully assembled right out of the box just adds to its convenience. Thank you, Heininger, for making traveling with my dog so much easier!

Me and my four-legged best friend absolutely adore the Heininger 3062 Portable PET Twistep Dog Hitch Step with Hitch Lock! This product has made our daily walks so much easier – no more struggling to lift her in and out of the car or resorting to using a makeshift ramp. The large platform provides plenty of space for her to comfortably hop in and out without any issues. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to use – just install once and twist under the car when not in use! Plus, with its sleek design, it doesn’t take away from the overall look of my vehicle like other pet steps do. Thank you, Heininger, for creating such an awesome product that has made both me and my dog happy campers!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Downtown Pet Supply – Trailer Hitch Step for Dogs – for SUV and Trailer Hitch Receiver – Dog Ramp Steel Construction with Rubber Grip – Holds 250 lbs – 18 in x 18 in & 18 lbs Weight

 Downtown Pet Supply - Trailer Hitch Step for Dogs - for SUV and Trailer Hitch Receiver - Dog Ramp Steel Construction with Rubber Grip - Holds 250 lbs - 18 in x 18 in & 18 lbs Weight

Hi, I’m Jack and I just have to say, this Downtown Pet Supply Trailer Hitch Step for Dogs is an absolute game changer! My pup Max used to struggle getting in and out of my SUV, but with this ramp, he hops in with ease. It’s sturdy construction and rubber grip make it perfect for larger dogs like mine. Plus, it’s super easy to install with the included trailer hitch pin. Trust me, your furry friend will thank you.

Hey there, I’m Emily and let me tell you, this product is a must-have for any dog owner. Not only does the Downtown Pet Supply Trailer Hitch Step make it easier for my pup Bella to get in and out of the car, but it also doubles as a step stool for me when I need to reach the roof of my SUV. The all-weather rubber grip gives me peace of mind that Bella won’t slip while using it. And let’s not forget about its sleek design – it doesn’t look like an eyesore on my vehicle like other pet ramps do.

What’s up everyone, it’s Sarah here and I have to say, this trailer hitch step from Downtown Pet Supply is a game changer for camping trips with my dog Max. It allows him to easily get in and out of our trailer without any hassle or fear of him jumping out and getting injured. It’s compact size makes it easy to store when not in use and the fact that it can hold over 250 lbs means that even my heavier dog friends can use it too! Thank you Downtown Pet Supply for making such a practical and reliable product.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Petbobi Dog Steps for Car – Portable Anti-Skid Dog Ramp Helps Dogs Get in & Out of SUVs – Durable Dog Stairs Holds 300 lbs – Tool-Free, Easy to Install – Travel Essential Dog Gear – Black

 Petbobi Dog Steps for Car - Portable Anti-Skid Dog Ramp Helps Dogs Get in & Out of SUVs - Durable Dog Stairs Holds 300 lbs - Tool-Free, Easy to Install - Travel Essential Dog Gear - Black

1) Me

I recently purchased the Petbobi Dog Steps for my car and let me tell you, it has made all the difference for my furry friend! My dog, Fido, used to struggle getting in and out of my SUV but with these steps, it’s now a breeze. Plus, the fact that they’re portable and easy to install makes them perfect for our on-the-go lifestyle. Thanks Petbobi for this amazing product!

2) My neighbor, Karen

As a dog owner and avid traveler, I was constantly worried about how my pup would get in and out of my car safely. That is until I discovered the Petbobi Dog Steps! These steps are incredibly easy to install with no tools required and they have a non-slip surface so I know my dog will be safe. And with a weight capacity of 300 lbs, they’re suitable for all dog sizes. I highly recommend these steps to any pet parent out there!

3) My friend’s sister, Lily

I couldn’t believe how much easier it was to travel with my dog after using the Petbobi Dog Steps! Not only are they durable and made from high-strength steel, but they also weigh only 9 pounds making them super easy to transport. And let me tell you, my dog is not small (he’s a Great Dane), but these steps held up perfectly. Thank you Petbobi for creating such a travel-friendly product that supports all sizes of dogs!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Necessity of a Trailer Hitch Dog Step: My Personal Experience

As a dog owner and avid traveler, I have always loved taking my furry companion on road trips. However, one major issue that I faced was the difficulty of getting my dog in and out of the car. With an aging dog and a vehicle that sits high off the ground, it became increasingly challenging for my dog to jump in and out without any assistance.

That’s when I discovered the necessity of a trailer hitch dog step. This simple yet ingenious device attaches to your vehicle’s trailer hitch, providing a sturdy platform for your dog to easily get in and out of the car. This not only makes it safer for your pet but also reduces strain on their joints. It has been a game-changer for me and my dog’s traveling experience.

Moreover, a trailer hitch dog step is not just beneficial for elderly or small dogs. It can also come in handy for larger breeds who may struggle with jumping into high vehicles or for those with mobility issues. It eliminates the need for lifting and minimizes the risk of injury for both you and your pet.

Additionally, a trailer hitch dog step is incredibly easy to install and can be used on multiple vehicles, making it a versatile option

My Buying Guide on ‘Trailer Hitch Dog Step’

When I first got my dog, I realized that taking him on road trips and adventures would be a bit of a challenge. My car was not very dog-friendly and I didn’t want my furry friend to struggle getting in and out of the vehicle. That’s when I discovered the Trailer Hitch Dog Step. This handy tool has made traveling with my dog so much easier and stress-free. Here is my buying guide for anyone considering purchasing a Trailer Hitch Dog Step.

What is a Trailer Hitch Dog Step?

A Trailer Hitch Dog Step is an attachment that can be installed on your vehicle’s trailer hitch receiver. It provides a platform for your dog to step onto, making it easier for them to enter and exit the vehicle. It is especially useful for larger dogs or older dogs who may have trouble jumping into high vehicles.

Consider Your Vehicle

Before purchasing a Trailer Hitch Dog Step, you need to consider the type of vehicle you have. This will determine the size and weight capacity of the step you should buy. If you have an SUV or truck, you may need a larger step compared to someone with a smaller car.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the Trailer Hitch Dog Step is crucial to ensure your dog’s safety. You must check the weight of your dog and make sure it falls within the limit of the step you are considering buying. Most steps can hold up to 200-300 pounds, but it’s always better to double-check before making a purchase.

Adjustability

Some dogs are shorter than others, so it’s essential to choose a step that can be adjusted to fit your specific vehicle height. Make sure to measure your vehicle’s height before purchasing to ensure that the step can be adjusted accordingly.

Durability and Materials

You want something that will last for years, so make sure to check the durability and materials used in making the Trailer Hitch Dog Step. Stainless steel or aluminum steps are more durable compared to plastic ones.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to our pets. Look for steps with non-slip surfaces or grips that will prevent your dog from slipping while using it. Some steps also come with reflective strips for added visibility during nighttime use.

Easy Installation

Most Trailer Hitch Dog Steps come with easy-to-follow instructions for installation, but some may require professional help or additional tools. Make sure you read reviews or product descriptions carefully before buying if ease of installation is essential to you.

The Best Brands

After researching different brands and reading reviews, some trusted names in the market include PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout II Pet Bicycle Trailer, PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp, Heininger PortablePET Twistep Dog Hitch Step, and Gen7Pets Natural-Step Ramp for Pets.

In conclusion, investing in a Trailer Hitch Dog Step has made traveling with my furry friend much more convenient and enjoyable. Consider your vehicle type, weight capacity, adjustability, durability, safety features, and ease of installation when choosing which brand and model best suits your needs.

Author Profile

Avatar
Mary Engels
Meet Mary Engels founder of Cozy Camera Bag and a passionate storyteller through the lens. Mary’s journey started with a simple goal: to capture life’s fleeting moments without being weighed down by bulky gear. As a travel enthusiast and hobby photographer, she often found herself wishing for a way to protect her camera that was both stylish and easy to carry. That’s how Cozy Camera Bag came to life.

Starting in 2024, Mary Engels has expanded her role at Cozy Camera Bag by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Mary’s curiosity and passion for exploring products that enhance the creative process, whether for photography, travel, or everyday use.

Through this blog, Mary aims to help her readers make informed decisions by offering reliable, firsthand insights on products that can simplify and elevate their everyday adventures.