Increase Trunk Space by 25%
- Thread starter wizziwig
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Domenick
Well-Known Member
That's a significant increase. I wonder if there are any drawbacks?
NeilBlanchard
Active Member
Almost every car could gain a TON of storage space - if they designed a flat underside (which would vastly improve the aero drag if done right) AND gain even more storage space. They build most cars with a spare-tire shaped well - which almost never has a spare in it. If you look underneath the rear bumper, you will probably see a lot of wasted space.
So, car designers really need to get on the stick - and build cars with (much) better aero AND with a lot more storage space.
So, car designers really need to get on the stick - and build cars with (much) better aero AND with a lot more storage space.
Doesn't look like it. While I don't have a Niro, the plastic bottom plate on my hatch's cargo area looks to be the same thickness. In my case, I do have a spare wheel under it, but even when it's not there the plate seems solid enough to handle virtually any cargo on top -- I probably would have not bothered with the wood plate at all and simply put it back after removing the undertrays. Not quite as flush & clean, but I doubt it's an issue.
And Neil, I agree: It is odd that car designers don't seem to optimize usage of that space. It should be easy to design the plastic plate so it fits at either of two heights, without making it more expensive to manufacture. You'd put it at the top position (flush with the top of the bumper, to make a flush loading platform) when you don't need the extra space, and the lower when you do.
But then again, few hatch makers optimize space as much as they could: back & forth moving rear seats are rare, as are 3-way-split rear seats so you can carry two rear passengers as well as long items simultaneously. My previous & current cars have this (European MPVs), and use it all the time.
Typical ICE conversion car. The well was designed for a spare tire, and instead they put the charge cord and a few miscellaneous items there and a bunch of spacers to keep the floor from the ICE in the same spot. Lazy. Just like Ford did on my Fusion Energi. If they had redesigned the tire well they could have added even more space than obtained by this hack. Now I've got to re-look at my Fusion to see if there is something similar that can be done.
Cypress
Active Member
“Lazy” means lower cost to manufacturer as it shares the same design.
Domenick
Well-Known Member
Yeah, since they really need to keep the cost of everything else low as possible, changing as little as possible from the original is pretty much a given. I'll also say that, although I'm not a fan of sharing a chassis with gas and electrics, Hyundai/Kia has done a pretty great job of this. Tons of range and good efficiency, with very few compromises.
EyeOnEVs
New Member
That's a reasonable and responsible question to ask. I would think only an automotive engineer would be qualified to answer that, and as it turns out there appears to be a number of them in this thread. Personally I'm not an automotive engineer. There may or may not be any drawbacks. One "possible" drawback is by removing those empty spaces reduces the effectiveness of the crumple zones during a crash, thus lower the vehicles safety rating.
Perhaps send out a quick email to Kia and see what they have to say; they just might give you a "reasonable and responsible" answer. OK, that last part is wishful thinking, but hey, don't know unless you try.
richardw0000
New Member
It doesn’t look like it is quite as clean as the factory setup. the plastic cover over the aft end of the trunk lip has some holes exposing the metal underneath. A minor nit if you need the space.
The other drawback would be that the folded-down seats would not be level with the trunk floor anymore. Again, maybe a minor issue.
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Greg Elmassian
Active Member
If you heard any more noise, you could line the area with sound deadener.
I think you will find the most noise comes from the front tires, typical low rolling resistance ones make more noise.
Greg
I think you will find the most noise comes from the front tires, typical low rolling resistance ones make more noise.
Greg
I'm actually doing this somewhat tomorrow. I want to store some portable chairs and table under there as I visit a lot of parks and such. The rest of the space, wheel holder, I want to set up to car stuff for st camping and camping in general. I think I'm going to cut out the wheel bolt. I want to keep the floor the same level though for sleeping on. So I may end up getting my oscillating saw out an cutting up the plastic inserts or crafting some, not sure what material.
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Domenick
Well-Known Member
Photos of your handiwork would be appreciated.
