| KOZ |
Hey guys
I am interested to get your take on this. Yesterday, I found myself at Costco purchasing a bedroom set for my son.
The set came in 4 boxes, 2 of which were very large. Needless to say, it necessitated 2 trips back and forth, and the hatch had to stay partly open on one of those trips.
Here's the pickle. I never had to keep the hatch opened before and consequently had never noticed, there are ZERO anchor points on the inside of the hatch, anywhere, which would allow you to rope/bungee to a lower anchor point, of which there are 2 (hatch lock and also the child safety seat anchor point).
Consequently, as I really just needed to keep the hatch closed and knew that the boxes weren't going anywhere at the speed/distance I was traveling, I tied onto the lower anchor point and then looped it around the wiper arm, right where it comes off the glass.
You're cringing, I know, but believe me I looked at ALL possible options and didn't find one. Zero damage to the arm or paint, as I applied a rag against the surface of the car. Had I been traveling at anything over 25MPH I'd be more concerned.
Also note that there is a plastic cover inside the hatch, which when opened exposes several wiring harnesses but does not provide any meaningful anchor points.
That being said, I am curious to hear from those of you who actually use the MO for this purpose, and how you get around such a dilemma. The fact that Nissan overlooked something so basic is actually quite absurd..... |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by KOZ
That being said, I am curious to hear from those of you who actually use the MO for this purpose, and how you get around such a dilemma. The fact that Nissan overlooked something so basic is actually quite absurd.....
I use this old trick taught to me by a flea market guy......
You can stick a big round metal circle (keyring?) right into the locking latch on the hatch.
I use a yellow bungee cord (see my gallery) and just ram the hook into the latch. It fits perfectly.
To undo, just lift up on the hatch release, while pulling the attached circle, or hook.
Others have used those climbing carabiners with the same results.
Properly attached, you have a solid anchor, and your "Hatch Open" light is NOT on. |
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| tmnjmurano |
Koz- While I admire your determination, I think you're lucky you didn't rip that wiper arm off the door. As for the design, I think Nissan intentionally left out any anchor points that wouild allow you to drive with an open hatch- due to safety issues liability etc. The 06 Mo even has an alarm that flashes on the display screen if you attempt to drive with the hatch open.
Funny how those boxes always get bigger after you pay for them and get them out to the car isn't it? And then of course the wife says "I told you it wouldn't fit", so at that point you've got to "make" it fit. I think we've all been there. |
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| KOZ |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr3Putt
Like this.....
3PUTT, pure brilliance, thanks so much for your feedback! I'm going to try that tonight when I have to haul a few more things.
Definitely dodged a bullet with the wiper arm... |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by KOZ
3PUTT, pure brilliance, thanks so much for your feedback!
If I had a nickle........:D :D
This "trick" also works on just about any car trunk or hatch out there, as long as it has one of those mechanisms.
Just remember, especially if using the hook of a bungee, RELEASE THE HOOK BY REOPENING THE LATCH.
If you don't and you go to slam the trunk with a "closed latch" :eek: :eek:
(not that it ever happened to me) |
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| hfelknor |
But don't drive too far that way.
The exhaust fumes get sucked into the car with the hatch open. And that is carbon monoxide. Odorless, tasteless and deadly.
Just use your head.
IMO if you are going to have the hatch open, you might as well have the side windows open too and I believe that alleviates the CO1 concern.
Homer |
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| KOZ |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
But don't drive too far that way.
The exhaust fumes get sucked into the car with the hatch open. And that is carbon monoxide. Odorless, tasteless and deadly.
Just use your head.
IMO if you are going to have the hatch open, you might as well have the side windows open too and I believe that alleviates the CO1 concern.
Homer
Absolutely agree, as the first thing I did was open both front driver and passenger windows, and only then proceed to drive home.
Surprisingly, alot of folks don't even know about that danger. |
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