Brothers guide dog is retiring around the turn of the year so I get to inherit 56 lb (ish) of 11 year old Yellow Labrador / Golden Retriever cross dedicated to covering folk with yellow hair. Presumably 'cos blondes have more fun. Although healthily svelte she isn't genetically the most athletic of hounds and doesn't like being picked up so I'm figuring to get some sort of folding ramp or steps to help her into the car.

I don't approve of home alone for long periods and re-bonding will involve a good deal of riding around with me as well as regular walks over Ashdown Forest et al so whatever I get needs to be up to considerable use. Seems to be a wide range of sizes, styles and prices or ramp out there. Mostly mail order so see, let alone try, before you buy is hardly an option.

Does anyone have any experience with such ramps and how to tell the good from the bad?

Thanks

Clive

Wish my viszla was 56lb ish, she was 25 kg when I met my other half, now she’s about 15kg heavier, 13yrs old and can still get in the car. Quite possible with the car on entry level should better able to get up on there own

You could fit a pneumatically operated ramp off the air tank. Watch the ram pressure and leverage though, in case you end up with it working more like a pinball flipper ;-)

We have one of these: https://www.easyanimal.co.uk/solvit-tri-scope-dog-ramp.html
Not cheap, but very solid so the dog trusts it and long enough to give a reasonable gradient.
It folds up short enough to fit lengthways in the boot so there's plenty of space left for the dog.
Recommended!

While you're at it:
http://www.titancovers.co.uk/land-rover-range-rover-1994-2002-custom-boot-liner/

We got one of those with the fleece liner, works a treat although I'm going to have to get some more velcro tape stuff after ripping it all out for a good wash (again!).

Oh, and does anyone have any idea how I can sort out some captive nuts for the rear dog guard mounts Marty gave me? I'm a bit stumped, as I can't imagine that welding them on would do the paint on the roof any good!

edit: is this the sort of thing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz2yZNqGNqo

Morat wrote:

Oh, and does anyone have any idea how I can sort out some captive nuts for the rear dog guard mounts Marty gave me? I'm a bit stumped, as I can't imagine that welding them on would do the paint on the roof any good!

edit: is this the sort of thing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz2yZNqGNqo

Yes - rivnuts or nutserts are what you need. Bastard things :)

Thanks Morat. That one looks to be pretty much what I need. Nice to know there is something known to be decent out there if I don't want to make something.

Agree with Sloth that rivets / nutserts are bastard things but are what you need. Biggest problem is that there are many varieties with different holding powers and tool insertion pull requirements. Most of the inexpensive kits with pliers type inserters are really for electronics chassis, thin metal boxes et al jobs and don't hold particularly well. My kit is from RS components so a better one of the breed but I'd not put a bolt in it. Screws only. Screw jack out or screw ramp type puller inserters are much better and let you use a better type of insert with much more grip in the hole.

This guy seems to have the right sort of insert :- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Range-Rover-P38-Dog-guard-Bracket-Bolts-To-Fit-STC8924-/282381608141?_trksid=p2349526.m2548.l4275.

As for insertion tools

This :- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M6-Rivnut-insertion-setting-tool-rivet-nut-nutsert-threaded-gun-blind-rivet-new/282162933560?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D46150%26meid%3D8861a8a85bb94428943049411b8503b1%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D122697572513&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
or
This :- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M3-to-M10-Engineers-Heavy-Duty-High-Tensile-Rivnut-Insert-Setting-Tool-Nutsert/122721967342?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D46150%26meid%3Dfb25c615c45c48b4a15be56dbadc6a3f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D282162933560&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

are far better than the pliers type. Outrageously expensive for a high tensile bolt, nut and spacer tho'. I figure about thruppence three farthing to knock up a spacer with spanner flats if you bring your own bolt. Or a ha'penny less to just drill a bit of hex bar and turn a round relief on the ends so it doesn't catch up on things.

Helps if you have pre-punched holes in the car.

Clive

Wow, great spot Clive! I can't imagine that guy is making a fortune on ebay, what a service.
I'll hold off on the tool, I know a guy who will have the right thing. Here's a shot of him giving a Morris Minor Van a "thorough going over" :)