In-depth review
Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp Review (2027)
In-depth review of the Gen7Pets Natural Step: 72-inch incline, grass traction, heavy rating, and senior-dog acceptance.
Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp
A 72-inch grass-surfaced ramp with the gentlest incline for vehicles.
Our verdict
The Natural Step is the vehicle ramp seniors actually use. Its 72-inch grass deck delivers the gentlest practical tailgate angle and the traction nervous dogs trust, with a heavy-duty rating for large breeds. Size and price are the costs; for an arthritic dog's car life, they are plainly worth it.
What we like
- 72 in length gives the shallowest vehicle incline here
- Artificial grass surface grips superbly and feels familiar under paws
- Rated for very heavy dogs, up to 250 lb class
- Folds with an automatic lock and soft carry handle
What to watch out for
- Large folded footprint still needs a cargo area corner
- Grass surface traps debris and needs shaking out
- Premium price reflects the length and rating
What owners report: Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- The long deck gives senior and arthritic dogs the gentlest vehicle incline in this lineup
- The grass-like surface grips well and feels familiar, so reluctant dogs commit to walking it
- A secure fold lock and soft handle make a big ramp less awkward to carry
Common complaints
- Even folded, it needs a dedicated corner of the cargo area
- The grass surface traps leaves and debris and needs regular shaking out
- The extra length and heavy-duty build come at a premium price
Who it is for
Owners of senior, arthritic, and large dogs who load into SUVs or trucks regularly.
The incline, quantified
At a 30-inch tailgate, 72 inches of ramp yields an angle near 25 degrees before the lip geometry softens the breakover; a 62-inch ramp steepens noticeably past what most arthritic dogs accept. Owners consistently report the extra 10 inches converting refusers, which matches the physics: this is the ramp's entire design thesis, and it is correct.
Grass surface: gimmick or grip?
Grip, decisively. The polypropylene grass texture gives claws purchase in every direction and reads to dogs as ground rather than equipment, lowering the psychological barrier as well as the physical one. It shakes clean of mud and hair adequately, though it will never be as washable as rubber.
Build and daily handling
The ramp folds with an automatic lock and carries by a soft handle; at this length, folded storage still claims real cargo space, so measure your vehicle. The frame's heavy rating shows minimal flex under large dogs, and minimal flex is a confidence feature, not just a durability one.
Key specifications
- Length
- 72 in open
- Weight limit
- Up to 250 lb class (verify listing)
- Surface
- Artificial grass (polypropylene)
- Frame
- Plastic and metal composite, folds
- Best use
- SUVs, trucks, tall beds
Also consider
HBTower Folding Dog Ramp 63 Inch
A 63-inch aluminum folding ramp rated to 250 lb, with a non-slip surface.
Why consider it: 250 lb aluminum build and a non-slip deck for big breeds and mud.
- Length: 63 in open, quad-folding
- Width: 17.3 in
PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Ramp
A 62-inch folding ramp for beds and SUVs, rated to 150 lb.
Why consider it: Shorter, lighter, cheaper if your dog accepts a firmer incline.
- Length: 62 in open, folds to approx. 31 in
- Weight limit: 150 lb
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Does the Natural Step fit a sedan trunk?
It is designed for SUV and truck cargo areas and hatches. Measure folded length against your space; sedans usually suit the CozyUp class better.
Can the grass surface be replaced or cleaned?
Shake and hose it down; it is fixed to the deck. It tolerates weather well and dries quickly after rinsing.
Is it suitable for a 120-pound senior?
Yes, within its heavy rating class, and its length makes it the kindest option at that size. Confirm the current listing's rating before ordering.