Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is it?
The Ruff Rack is a custom built device that 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. 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.
The Ruff Rack is designed to be safer than carrying your dog in the saddle bag or on the tank. I would argue that The Ruff Rack is a better choice than putting your dog in a milk crate bungeed to your fender, a bucket, a tent, a gym bag with a hole cut in it, a back pack or strapping your dog down like a log on a flatbed truck.
Riding motorcycles in itself is a risky endeavor so I assume that you assess the activity with the appropriate caution. No motorcycle carrier can guarantee total protection, but we are of the opinion that this product is the safest way to ride with your dog.
What does it come with? How do I install it?
Comes complete with the rubber 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 kit that is similar to the Harley-Davidson Tour Pack and the Indian quick release system but more robust and designed to withstand the added leverage due to the length and weight of the largest dog in The Ruff Rack. The kit consists of 4 custom made solid steel studs and 2 brackets. The stock bolts on your motorcycle would need replacing with longer bolts that go through the studs and replace the original bolts. These bolt to the frame of your motorcycle usually through the fender where a pair of saddle bags would mount.
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.
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. Once the build starts, it takes 5-10 days to complete depending on size and options. Since each one is unique there is no “off the shelf” or “stock model” so there is a waitlist.
How do I order?
The Contact me section is the first step. Fill in the information and we will get back to you to determine all of the necessary details to add your name to the build queue.
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.
For more information please give us a howl.
Send us a message and we'll get back to you.
Since this is a customized product we will communicate with you via phone call or text during the production process.