Opinions/suggestions wanted re: Nerf Bars and dog legs

Hello all,

Have an question I was hoping for some incite on.
I've got a one year old dog. Big boy, very good temperament. 80+ pounds.
I've got a truck with Nerf bars.
There's a gap between the bar and the bottom of the truck, probably about two inches.

The night before last, I'm loading the dog into the pick up. I parked in a different spot on the driveway, 'cause I was just running into the house to grab something. So, the streetlight isn't shining where it normally does.

Open the door, he hesitates, cause it's dark, I think, and jumps up into the back. Misses the bar and his leg goes through.
Luckily, I'm right there, and am already grabbing him as he's falling backwards, leg through the gap. If I hadn't grabbed him, it definitely would have snapped.
I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered something like this, and what they've done about it?
I'm ready to get rid of the bars altogether. The dog cost more than them, and the vet bill would too.
Though, I'd like the bars for the kids to get in and out, or steps.
Thanks for any suggestions or advice. Just for reference, this is the dog:

 

I removed the running boards on mine. never really had any issues prior though. Maybe look at some running boards that don't have the gap. I believe the toyota ones sit pretty flush with the truck.

Also, cute pup! looks a lot like mine.

 

Get some diamond plate welded in behind it to box in the gap.

 

you can pick up some ramps for him to walk up. i think weathertech makes something like that for dogs.

Edit: here is link

https://www.weathertech.com/petramp...3aYLbtQh1wDWbUd1t0sMEyLjfO3C4g0BoCemcQAvD_BwE

 

Normally my dogs ride in secure dog boxes in the back but when one had a back injury I took my ramp for the tailgate and put it up against the nerf bar and it worked out great so that he could climb into a dog bed set up on the floor. it fully covered the gap.

These save a lot of dog shoulders (I need to be better about using for the back). Mine is the Solvit XL but there are all kinds on the market. They are also 65 and 75# dogs and we have had people up the ramp (they got hollered at but it looks like the new model has an even larger capacity a shorter one would be just fine for the nerf bar) - if you ever do decide to have him in the back you need the XL length for the Tundra Tailgate

$136 PetSafe Happy Ride Extra Long Telescoping Dog Ramp, Portable Pet Ramp for Cars, Trucks & SUVs with Adjustable Sizing

https://www.amazon.com/Solvit-PetSa..._1_1?keywords=solvit+XL&qid=1575583087&sr=8-1

 

My 8lb Chi mix did great a few times coming down my Tundra and stepping down Demello Rock sliders, also about a 2-inch gap.

Then just that one time, she gets caught by the hind leg and hangs just long enough to sprain but thank God not break or snap a bone. She limped and went to the vet to get checked out. Despite her having insurance just footing the money first and then being reimbursed was just going to be too much at the time. Got to the vet and she walked for him and no limp, just strained for a short time.

Ideally I’d like to get some dimpled plates welded on to the top of both sliders for a consistent look, but just waiting on funds to free up. In the meantime she gets carried off the truck!

If welding plates or getting steps with a flat surface isn't in the cards then I would get steps cuz he’s a big boy to carry down off the truck!

 

Also, I bought one of these for the back of my crewmax. Fits perfectly in there and protects the seats and eliminates the worry of them falling off the seats. If you have a harness for the dog, it comes with a seatbelt attachment too, which is a lot better than them in the back with nothing in case of an accident. I have a 50 lb labradoodle so I'm glad I can just pick him up and put him in the back lol.

$60 iBuddy Truck Seat Cover for Dogs Waterproof Dog Back Seat Hammock, X-Large Dog Seat Cover with Side Flaps for Trucks Against Dirt and Fur for Large SUV/Ford F150/F250/GMC/RAM/Chevrolet Silverado

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FXLZ9NH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

This makes me cringe thinking this could happen to my pup. He's 3.5 yrs old and can jump in and out of the truck easily, he's been doing it his whole life and is in great shape, but if he mis jumps one time and it causes a broken leg I'd be crushed on the inside. I'm gonna look into preventive measures for this.
If anyone is wondering he is blue heeler/ st bernard mix and is 75lbs.

 

What a handsome pup!

 

My plan for my two pups is a cap on the back with a BedRug in the bed. Cap is on order right now though.

 

Dand! Good looking dog! I think I'm going to swap out with some xfab steps, if I can find some.

 

Oh gosh! I would not have anticipated this problem having had solid running boards on my Sequoia. I will be getting a ramp for my crew!

 

For dogs going in the back this IS another option. Pricey but I know several who have them and they are great. I will probably get one so that I can use it (sure they say not for human use but probably because some 300lb guy tries to walk up a unit with a 150# limit then complains.....). They have a wide variety of sides including narrower ones for side entry and smaller dogs etc. AND they are MADE IN THE USA!

They make one for 300# the standard capacity is 150. I could get away with 150 but at 135 that is too close for comfort. Like the safety factor of 300# -- They are very solid and can adapt to various ground heights under the tailgate - Honesly it is not much more than a mount on bed step and me AND the dogs can use it.

I am going to force the issue with my current dogs even though they are capable of making the leap. When the dogs get older sometimes they don't "make" the jump, hit their chest and fall back. It is sad to see and I had a friend lose his dog that way. It was a great search and rescue dog. Older lab. Hit chest and fell backwards and broke his back right after a successful search for a missing person . A lot of other dogs blow their shouders jumping out and get arthritis there later.

https://www.petloader.com/

 

I thought about this before I did my sliders, but I just don't allow my dog to jump. I keep her back and I lift her in. Granted, she's only 20 lbs so I have that option.

 

Smart move. Thats what I did. I got a Gunner Kennel just to be sure because I drive over 100miles a day. And there are so many bad drivers out there

 

Gunner Kennels are GREAT. If they had been around back when I got my Owens Dog Boxes I would have bought them instead. Owens was, at the time, about half the cost of a custom welded box but still welded and very sturdy. Darned Gunners are crash tested and reasonably priced. The Ruff tough kennels are better than Vari Kennels but don't hold a candle to Gunner. My next dog will be a smaller dog and that dog will get one. Even if the dog rides in the cab it is secured in an anchored down crate. Too many stories of broken glass dog getting loose and either running into the highway causing a wreck or getting lost forever.

 

Thank you! I've been thinking about this issue, and I believe I've thought of a quick fix that would possibly work. A pool noodle with a piece of PVC or conduit in the middle to keep it from bending, then use some really big zip ties to secure it. Just a thought for now but I may experiment with it soon!

 

Man that's really sad to hear I never really thought of that happening. Or thought about the stress of jumping out on their front shoulders when getting out of the truck, given I do take my dog hiking off leash at least twice a week and we run alot too, and he goes go crazy and runs and jumps off of some pretty high stuff upwards of 6ft without missing a beat, so I'm not sure if he just used to it, or how much damage it is causing jumping out of the truck. He doesnt act like anything bothers him but I'll be keeping an eye on it from now on and talk to my vet about it the next time I see him.

 

Update: I swapped out the nerf bars for N-Fab podiums. I like them quite a bit, they are tight to the cab, and I'm not worried about the dog or kiddos now.

Thanks for the advice and tips, everyone!

 

This post is a blessing. As my pup hits 10 years, he will need this. I may get steps for the car, and get a couchBed (much lower to the ground) https://couchbed.com/collections/couches for the house.

 

If you are looking for good alternatives to a typical nerf bar I’d suggest looking at Go Rhino RB20’s. They work well with my shepherd. Just my .02 cents.

 

Thanks! Both the RB10 and RB20 look like they would work.

 

Sorry to hear this. I would definitely either find a solution or lift your pup up into cab or be there in case they slip. I have had a friends Brittany tear her ACL after slipping getting into another friends Ford 250 with the normal running boards. Jumped up, slipped, back leg went in between and body came back.
I have the N_Fab bars in my avatar. There isn't much space but I have had my 60lb Rotty mix get his foot stuck in between on way up. I was behind him, he wasn't falling but it was stuck for a sec. I now just lift him up as he's now hesistant to jump. Even if they can make it up any misstep on the curved metal and plastic in door jamb area presents a chance for slipping and possible injury the way I look at it.

 

I think I'm taking off my OEM Chrome nerf bars this weekend. Not only because of the chrome, bit moreso the risk of Martha getting her foot stuck in there

She is in and out of the truck daily when we head to the dog park. She uses them sometimes to get but not always.

I'm not taking any more chance as we have been lucky so far without any accidents. Not sure my wife will allow the truck naked (no steps) or if I'll get some RB20 do DS2, both of which mount closer to the body. I'd love some $$$ Rock sliders but finding them in Canada isn't easy.



In the back for a photoshoot. She rides in the backseat

 

My Jr Mechanic took my OEM bars off today. It'll cost me a Slurpee and donut.

I actually prefer the look. Took about 20 minutes, no issues and we have more clearance and no chance of dog leg injury.