Frequently Asked Questions
What is your return policy?
Why should I use a restraint and is it legal to ride a motorcycle with a dog?
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. It is crucial that the rider exercise best judgment with their own ability and limitations regarding the size of dog they want to carry.
What does it come with? How do I install it?
The Ruff Rack comes with a removable, washable bed/floor mat, restraint system consisting of 3 nylon web straps, and 2 carabiners.
The Ruff Rack has a removable bolt on floor that is either slotted or ready to drill. Then bolts directly to a custom designed Ruff Rack quick connect/disconnect bracket and installs in mere seconds. For most other Motorcycles a set of 4 brackets can be ordered. There is a link to instructions on which points on your motorcycle and how to measure for the custom brackets. The third option is we will advise which aftermarket bracket may be appropriate for your motorcycle.
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 by 15 inches tall. This is perfect for a dog such as a French Bulldog or a pair of small dogs such as a Pug or Chihuahua. 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 by 23″ tall. The medium is comfortable for dogs such as a Pit Bull or Belgian 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 by 25″ tall. 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.
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 work?
An optional feature you will only find on The Ruff Rack.
All models are available with a removablebackrest that simply slides into a fixture plate welded or bolted to the floor of The Ruff Rack.
It allows you to remove it to ease loading your dog and compact enough to store it in your saddlebag.
What is your return policy?
Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery for Ruff Racks that are unused, unmounted, and in new condition. Items showing installation marks, wear, damage, or modification are not eligible for return. Customers are responsible for return shipping. Refunds are issued after the item is received and inspected.
Refunds are processed once the returned item has been inspected. If the item shows damage or signs of use, the refund may be reduced or declined. Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
Deposits are fully refundable until your build slot is confirmed. Once fabrication begins, deposits become non‑refundable due to committed materials and labor.
If your Ruff Rack arrives damaged, notify within 48 hours of delivery and include clear photos. After verification, the unit will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you.
Custom or modified Ruff Racks are not eligible for return or refund unless damaged during shipment.
For return or refund inquiries, please contact: theruffrack@gmail.com.
Why should I use a restraint and is it legal to ride a motorcycle with a dog?
Riding with a dog on a motorcycle is generally legal in most places, but you must follow strict safety and animal transport laws. Whether a dog should be restrained or allowed to ride freely on a motorcycle is ultimately the rider’s decision, however please review the vehicle codes for your US State or Country location for the authority on the matter.
New Jersey, Hawaii, and Rhode Island are the most restrictive states for transporting dogs in passenger vehicles and trucks, enforcing direct pet restraint or driver interference mandates. California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island specifically regulate dogs in open truck beds, requiring secured crates, cross-tethering to a harness (not a neck collar), or side/tail racks at least 46 inches high.
Here are some examples. Please check the animal transport laws in your locale for more specific details.
California|Cal. Vehicle Code § 23117
(a) No person driving a motor vehicle shall transport any animal in the back of the vehicle in a space intended for any load on the vehicle on a highway unless the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor, the vehicle has installed means of preventing the animal from being discharged, or the animal is cross tethered to the vehicle, or is protected by a secured container or cage, in a manner which will prevent the animal from being thrown, falling, or jumping from the vehicle.
Nevada7.32.050 Vehicle confinement–Open trucks. (Ord. 3618 § 124, 1991) It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to carry or enclose, or cause to be carried or enclosed, in or upon any vehicle any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner. It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to transport or convey any animal in the bed of an open pickup or similar open vehicle, without making provisions to prevent said animal from jumping or being thrown from said vehicle.
Rhode Island General Laws § 31-22-28
In Rhode Island, transporting an animal in an open-air vehicle (like the bed of a pickup truck) on public roads is illegal unless specific safety and restraint conditions are met.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-136, drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or property on the highway. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-205, failing to maintain control of a vehicle can be classified as reckless driving. If a loose or unrestrained dog in your lap or roaming the cabin interferes with your driving, law enforcement can cite you under these statutes.