Cargo cover (quick and easy alternative)

[shane_c]

I have been thinking about the cargo cover lately after seeing the nice ones people on here have built. Often times though it is big and heavy so it got me to thinking. Today is the first day I actually had to use my cargo cover and I like that it can just be folded up again. I think what I'm going to do is to just keep using the factory one but use a small piece of wire (thickness of a coat hanger) and have it going straight across and hooking onto the loops. That way when I install the factory cover it stays level and doesn't hang low. And when I want it removed I just fold it up and take out the metal wire running between the loops. Thoughts?

[ZubenElGenubi]

Thinking about the physics of the situation, I don't know that a wire similar to a coat hanger wire will provide enough stiffness to achieve your desired effect. It would have be strung very tightly across the hooks. Even two wires may not work.Now, if you were to accurately cut a length of more sturdy material (say a thin dowel, wood strip, small PVC pipe) and have hooks on either end, they might help eliminate the sag you describe. A pair of them might even help provide enough support to use the cover as a temporary platform.

[shane_c]

Good thought. Even if I was to use a thin piece of metal that is about 0.5" wide to span the length.

[Baltovibe]

I just use the cargo net that is sold for Vibes, and have the rear of the cargo cover just lay on top of the net. When I need to access the cargo area, I can just easily lift the cover.

[Atomb]

how about bungee cords? 2 of them, one across the front loops and one across the back loops...then just sit the cover on top?if you want to get fancy, criss cross the bungee cords!i think i'll try this tomorrow.....thanks for the idea!UPDATE: I found the correct length bungees (in a pretty nice 'electric blue' ...now to try it with the cover. Pics and thoughts tomorrow?

[Atomb]

did it.found the correct bungee cords that just stretch nice and tight across the back between the 2 top loops. placed the cover ontop of that and it sits perfectly.i've been using it for the last few days and i like it. i can fold the cover sideways to get to stuff when i open only the window, or i can simply unhook the bungees on one side when putting in large items.thanks for the REALLY simple solution!!

[scherry2]

we like pics!

[shane_c]

Glad it worked out for you and gives us another alternative!

[Toasted7]

Bungee cords are almost as universal as duct tape!

[Atomb]

sorry i haven't got pics up yet....i'll try and remember when i get home tonight.one small issue i've been having. because the cover now sits on the bungee cords, when i drive at higher speeds (on the highway/backroads) with the driver window and the rear passenger windows open (this combination eliminates the buffering) the cover in the back will move around and eventually just fall into the back area. it is a little annoying.i need to think of a way to have it attached in such a way that doesn't make it annoying to move to the side when i want to move it!