How Do I Make a Truck Platform for Dogs?

Many dog owners enjoy taking man's best friend along with them for an afternoon ride in the truck. But you may have trouble even getting out of the driveway if you can't get your dog to hop onto the truck bed. A platform or ramp will allow your dog to walk up onto the back of your truck, saving you from having to boost the dog in yourself. Using a platform also benefits your dog, as jumping down from the truck can cause strain on your dog's joints.



There are many platforms on the market today but these are costly. As long as you have the right materials, you should be able to make a simple platform yourself, saving you money along the way.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, 5-7 feet long and half-inch thick
  • Handsaw
  • Outdoor carpeting, 5 feet long
  • Scissors
  • Carpet glue
  • Moulding, two 5-foot-long, 3-inch-thick strips
  • 10 wood screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lean the piece of half-inch-thick plywood against the ground and the back of the truck bed, creating approximately a 45-degree angle. Using a handsaw, cut the plywood so there is no excess plywood sticking up into the truck bed.

    • 2

      Lay the cut plywood flat on the ground. Lay the carpet on the plywood so it is the same length as the plywood. Using scissors, cut the excess carpet off. Glue the carpet onto the plywood using carpet glue. Press down firmly on the carpet with the palms of your hands to eliminate air pockets.The carpet will help prevent your dog from slipping as he walks up the platform.

    • 3

      Screw one piece of moulding along one side of the plywood using five wood screws. Then, take the other piece of moulding and use the remaining five wood screws to screw it on the opposite side. The moulding will create a barrier for the dog, to encourage him to walk straight onto the truck bed without veering off to the edge of the platform.

    • 4

      Lean the platform against the truck bed and encourage your dog to test it out. Use dog treats to get him to walk up the platform each time until he is used to it.

    • 5

      Store the platform in the back of the truck, carpet side down to protect it from adverse weather.