Hatch question for P5 owners
 

Hi everyone,

I went to home depot and picked up some wooden panels (1 inch think by 6 inches wide) So I put them in the back with the rear seats down and maybe a foot or so hanging out the back.

My question : does anyone know how I could keep the hatch down? I tried with rope but nothing worked. Without anything tying it down, the hatch goes back up as soon as I hit a small bump.

Thanks for any input.

M.

you should be able to take the pneumatic arms off for that trip, however the hatch door weighs a lot more than you think. I would advise having someone else around so you don't get into too much trouble.

Thanks for the pneumatic arms suggestion, I had not though of that. However, not really practical as an "everyday" solution :-(

Has anyone found a place to tie rope or installed some sort of handle inside to hold it down. I have a fairly busy road to use to get back home and would like to clamp down whatever I am brining back home

Thanks again

M.

I usually have bungee(sp?) cords that I use to secure loose stuff in the back. I just work the hook on the bungee cord into the lock mechanism on the back hatch.

If that doesn't work, get a longer one and use the wiper arm close to the pivot point.

HTH

Everyone should carry a set of ratcheting tie-downs in their car:
http://www.impulsemarine.com.au/Strap01.jpg

These can be bought for less than $10 a pair at Home Depot, and are the greatest tie-down devices out there.

I can't tell you how many times the wife and I went to Home Depot, and bought something that wouldn't fit in the Jeep. While everyone else is fucking around with the skinny twine they give you, we just throw the strap around the item on the roof, ratchet it down tight, and go.

This includes using the strap to cinch down the tailgate on a few occasions, both in the Jeep and in my P5.

~HH

If you're to the point where you're getting stuff that doesn't fit in your car so often that you need a practical "everyday solution" get a freakin truck.

here is the solution you need....

Just how long were the boards? if they were as long as 8 foot you should be able to shut the hatch just fine....all you have to do is go to the store to get them alone and take your front seat and lay it all the way forward....then take a nice blanket or something like that and put it over the back of the seat to protect it and lay the obards on the back of the seat....presto chango you just got another 3 or 4 foot of storage.

:{D

I've never had trouble with any lumber I've moved (or gravel, gutters, doors, molding, toilets, sinks, cabinets -unassembled of course, flooring, sinks...), as just mentioned I can move 8 footers easily (the wife rides behind the drivers seat if she's along). I've never had anything sticking out of the hatch, If I'm moving anything longer, it gets strapped to the rack (and tied down at the ends... obviously I keep it light, no more than 6-7 boards). The only things that I prefer not to attempt with the P5 are sheets of drywall or full size plywood, that still rides on a wagon though (volvo T5). The ONLY thing I've used a truck for is to pick up a metal stair kit (rented one for one day). I'm just finishing a thirty foot tall loft/studio. Now I would be misleading people if I didn't mention that I've had siding, stuctural beams and the like dropped off on site by the suppliers. These little wagons can be surprisingly useful, If I'm planning a solo run I usually ditch the rear seat cushions and trunk cover before I leave. I usually get looks of jealousy from car drivers when I'm loading up in the parking lot and I've had a few truck drivers confess that they would trade rides with me. If I was a contractor or I towed shyt around I would own a truck, but no way would I drive it anymore than I had to.

What about 'jerry-rigging' a couple of clamps to the pneumatic structs to hold them closed, hence, holding the hatch closed? Or maybe, something somewhat soft to wedge into the crack on the top part of the car where the hatch meets the roof. In essence it is like a clam shell and taking the hinge out of the picture...Those don't make any sense do they?

As a surfer that regularly puts 7' plus boards in his P5, I can tell you:
Recline the front passenger seat, or guide the boards between the two front seats. I've fit an 8'6" in there.

Thanks for all your suggestions. Will for sure try the bungee cords and the front seat trick. Much appreciated.

M.