Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is it?
The Ruff Rack is a custom built device that, when used as directed with the proper harness and included restraint set up, The Ruff Rack not only keeps your best friend securely on your motorcycle to prevent your dog from getting loose in traffic or becoming a projectile in a minor accident but it also provides protection from most road rash, but not from flying debris or gravel.
The Ruff Rack will not provide protection in any rollover or end-over-end types of major accidents. No one can design/build something to withstand every type of risk or accident without adding weight, size, complexity and ultimately expense.
Riding a motorcycle has inherent risks beyond the abilities of the rider or the motorcycle itself. Adding The Ruff Rack and a dog can increase the risk. Distracted drivers, road conditions and weather are just a few of the hazards that are beyond the scope of what The Ruff Rack is designed to do.
What does it come with? How do I install it?
The Ruff Rack comes with a cloth floor mat, restraint system consisting of 3 nylon web straps, and 2 carabiners. If the optional upholstery is ordered, it consists of a withers pad, two side pads and a floor pad with removable, washable covers.
The Ruff Rack has a removable bolt on floor that can be easily taken off, marked and drilled. For some of the more common bikes, the floor comes predrilled to accept a Harley-Davidson tour pack bracket. This bolts directly to The Ruff Rack and then installs in mere seconds. For most other Motorcycles a set of 4 brackets can be ordered. You will receive instruction on which bolts to use and how to measure for the custom brackets. The third option is a custom quick release bracket that are designed based on dimensions provided by the customer.
What size should I get?
The Ruff Rack comes in 3 standard sizes. The small has an interior deck size of 15 inches wide by 15 inches deep. This is perfect for a medium size dog such as an English Bulldog or a pair of small dogs such as a Pug or French Bulldog. To give an example of the size, a normal square milk crate will fit inside of the small so if your dog will fit in the area of a milk crate, the small will be even roomier. If ordering for 2 dogs, a second restraint set up will need to be requested.
The medium has an interior deck size of 15 inches wide by 24 inches deep. The medium is comfortable for dogs such as Boxers or Malinois. The floor area of the medium is similar to the average front door welcome mat. Large enough for a medium dog to sit or lie down and still have the protection and comfort while still being safely restrained.
The large has an interior deck size of 15 inches wide by 30 inches deep. This allows the larger dogs such as any breed that reaches 100 lbs or more. The weight limit is determined by the riders ability and experience to be capable to carry a passenger of that weight and the capability of the motorcycle to accept the more robust mounts required.
A nonstandard custom size can be ordered for 2 large dogs or the largest breed of dogs such as a Great Dane or Cane Corso.
The top tube of The Ruff Rack is positioned to be around the shoulder or withers area of the dog’s back. This is so the dog’s head will not hit the steel tube and allows a 360 clear view for the dog. It is also placed where if the bike goes over, the top tube will make contact on the curved area of the tube where it is the strongest. This will take the impact and abrasion of the pavement.
How does the Backrest/Gate work?
An optional feature you will only find on The Ruff Rack.
The medium and large models are available with a hinged gate holding a soft backrest pad. The small can come with a fixed backrest. Small dogs can be lifted and placed into position but the medium and larger dogs will find it awkward to climb over the backrest pad so it is bolted to a gate that swings outward to allow the dog to simply scooit back and sit in place. The removable gate is hinged and held secure with two lift out pins. The backrest provides lumbar support to the rider and prevents the dog from putting their claws in your back when braking. (They don’t know to rely on their harness and restraints.)
If you want the dog to have more room to lay down, you can remove the Backrest/Gate. The Backrest/Gate must be requested at time of order and cannot be bought separately since parts of it are welded to The Ruff Rack.
How much does it cost?
The small size starts at $650.00. Add the fixed backrest for $50.00 add the removable upholstery for $100.00 consisting of a covered floor pad and covered surround pad with a black denim underside and a sherpa fabric top.
The medium starts at $1290.00 add the backrest/gate for $200.00 add the upholstery for $400.00. The upholstery consists of a fixed withers pad with diamond stitching, two fixed side pads covered in sherpa fabric similar to what is used on most dog beds. And a fully padded floor with a removable and washable cover consisting of a black denim underside with a sherpa fabric top.
The Large starts at $1590.00. Add the backrest/gate for $200.00 add the upholstery for $400.00. The upholstery for the large is the same as the medium but sized different.
Other special options consisting of LED screens or Led lighting, a camera mount kit, an undermounted luggage rack or personalized side placards with your dog’s name and likeness. These options will need to be quoted since all of them are unique to each build.
Due to supply chain issues and materials price increases caused by tariffs, all prices are subject to change without notice.
How long does it take to deliver?
Being a privately owned fabrication shop, our mission is to provide a quality product at the best price. Each Ruff Rack is built one at a time by a solo artisan to maintain the highest quality and attention to detail that your best friend deserves. Currently the build queue is paused for taking on new orders due to the overwhelming demand.
How do I order?
The Ruff Rack is currently not taking any new orders. If you fill in the “contact me” information, an email will be sent when the build queue is open to taking new orders.
Are you hiring?
Not currently. I work alone and do 100% of the design and building “in house” no subcontractors are used. I’m not interested in expanding or hiring anyone since that would drive up cost and lower quality.
Due to sudden high demand, we are pausing adding dog's to the build queue (waiting list) at this time. If you follow The Ruff Rack Facebook page, we’ll make a post there the moment we’re adding dog’s names again.
You can also check the news section to see the newsletter. The dog's in the build queue will posted there and updated weekly.