Lashing Rear Hatch

[allenpg]

Does anyone have a proven method for lashing down the hatch on a Protege5 when you've got lumber, etc. that sticks out the back? I've been fairly impressed with the length of the Protege5 cargo area (for a hatchback), but occassionally items longer than 4 feet stick out the back. I've just used twine and wrapped it from the rear tow hook around the rear wiper and back down to lash the hatch down. I doubt this is the best way, so I'm looking for other suggestions. Thanks!

-Pete

 

[Don]

I've carried a pair of 16 foot 2 by 8's home on the roof rack a time or two before - Other objects much too long to go inside, even with the hatch tied down somehow.

I'd make sure that 1) You make only short trips, and 2) You keep the windows all open, as driving it with the hatch partially open is gonna fill up the inside with carbon monoxide pretty fast.

Don

 

[zerodk]

Does anyone have a proven method for lashing down the hatch on a Protege5 when you've got lumber, etc. that sticks out the back? I've been fairly impressed with the length of the Protege5 cargo area (for a hatchback), but occassionally items longer than 4 feet stick out the back. I've just used twine and wrapped it from the rear tow hook around the rear wiper and back down to lash the hatch down. I doubt this is the best way, so I'm looking for other suggestions. Thanks!

-Pete

How about getting a roof rack?

 

[ArkosP5]

I tie a bungee cord to the hatch latch (push a loop through, then push the ends through the loop).

Then I use the hooks to hook onto the damper/opener mounts (the lower mounts).

 

[mrzoop]

Ok how about this -

There's a black plastic (depression) handle in the bottom of the rear door to make it easier to pull down. It pops off easily. If you get it off and look inside you'll find a number of cross braces inside the door. I tied a rope around one of these braces and made a loop in one end. Then I stuffed it back up inside the door and popped the handle back on. When you need to tie the back closed - just pop off the handle pull out the looped rope and bungy it down where appropraite.

There you go ......

 

[allenpg]

Thanks for the help! I already have a roof rack and would prefer to use the trunk when possible.

-Pete

 

[Sir Nuke]

here is all you need to do....first off lay the back of the rear seat down...then if that isn't enough room to close the hatch then take the passanger seat and lay it over.....put a blanket on top of it...and now you effectively can haul something that will streach all the way from your dash to the hatch and STILL close the hatch.

 

[sonkinglo]

i put a treadmill (did i spell it right? you know the running machine~~) in there...hehe