Car Question

scottfree

New member
Hello Everyone,
I have a Toyota Highlander and it is too high for my Newf to jump in and out of. He just doesn't want to do it. I am going to look at some ramps today, but I would rather just get a lower car, because the Highander while being a great car, is bigger than I really need. I love convertibles and I'm looking at a Toyota Solara. The salesperson says she has a 135 pound Mastiff that rides in her Solara back seat all the time and even thefront seat when reclined. Does anyone have any experience with the Solara and their Newfoundland? I would appreciate any help. Thank you!
Scott
 

Brandie&Maggie

New member
Yikes. Would that be your only car? That sounds like it would not be too comfy, but if it's just the 2 of you, maybe it would work. I could see it being fine for just trips around town, but could be a problem if your pup was ever injured or needed to lay more flat. Also, do you ever go on trips where you need more gear? Ever need to go somewhere with your newf and more than 1 other person? It really depends on your lifestyle.

We have a Jetta wagon, and Maggie mostly rides in the backseat, but when we go on a trip we have room for luggage, or if we have extra people she can ride in the back. When she had an injury to her hind leg I was able to set up a nice comfy bed in the back and she could stretch it out.

We actually took Maggie car shopping with us to make sure she fit comfortably in everything we were looking at. That is always an option for you.

It seems like most people around here gravitate towards SUV's, Mini-van's or wagons. If you search the threads you'll find several about the ideal newf-mobile.

I'd say go for it if it is just a fun car, but be cautious if it would be your only car.

Also, if the dog is going to ride in there with the top down, you'll need to make sure he is secure in seat with a harness of some sort. He could easily jump out without one.

Good luck!
 

scottfree

New member
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I think a wagon or mini van would be better for him. Lower access. as much as I would enjoy the Solara I'm thinking I should try to make the Highlander work. I'm going to get a ramp today!
Scott
 

lmfoltyn

New member
We got the pet loader ramp for our Toyota FJ Cruiser. It works really well. It folds up into an 18 x 18 square and weighs about 40 lbs. Jake walks right up it. It is a hassle using it but saves on me and him. The FJ is too tall for him to jump into also. I highly recommend this product.
 

BLCOLE

Active member
I like Volvo V and XC70 station wagons. The cargo area is a good size for one or two Newfs. And they are SAFE. I was rear ended in one back in 2012. The car that ran into me was going 30-40 MPH. My Newf was in the cargo area at the time and came out without a scratch.
 
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lmfoltyn

New member
Its called Pet Loader. It works for dogs up to 250 lbs. It has great stability. I ordered it online and it came in 2 days. Works great. Petloader.com.
 

Whybu1

New member
I am the pet loader for Crycket. LOL She learned "toes up" to get her front legs in the Grand Cherokee and then I lift her in. Ramp would be nice but all my dogs were not comfortable with them.
 

scarlet's mom

New member
We had a Mercury mountaineer when we only had our first newf Scarlet..But it was only a matter of time where she would have to work harder to climb in..So when we added Karma to the family, we decided to trade the Mountanineer in, and we bought a Town and Country Mini-Van with stow and go seats..This was the best decision we made and the Newfs(now we have 3) are comfortable in the back..We always keep the seats down,so it's functional..
 

Brandie&Maggie

New member
If it needs to go up high ramps can be a pain, so the Pet Loader steps are nice and they are also compact when stored. You can also make homemade steps (I think Dawn did it?). You can search for the thread that talks about it.

If you are primarily using the cargo area, you can use the Twistep (www.twistep.com) that connects to the receiver hitch and just stays permanently attached.

We got a regular ramp before we knew better and hated it. It's heavy and awkward and took forever to train her on it. We kept it just because we only take her in the truck a few times a year, so its not worth buying something else.
 

Jeepin' Rob

New member
Moby has used the petstep ramp to get in / out of our Jeep ever since he was about 6 months old. Ordered through Costco on line. The biggest challenge with ramps is where to store them when you are traveling.

http://www.petstep.com/

Rob
 

DAWNMERIE

Active member
Honda (no secret I'm a fan) Element, CR-V, Pilot or Odyssey (that's only my opinion) homemade steps for any vehicle is wonderful :) (I also love that twist it thing-If I was a rear loaded-hehehehehe) All the mini-vans are great for pups to get in & out of but if your looking for longevity....look towards Honda, you won't be disappointed ;)
 
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