Driving with tail and hatch open?

[NC-Grayson]

Anybidy driven with their tailgate open and hatch up? Trying to bring home a new bathroom vanity, but it's just a few inches too long to be able to close the rear up.

I could always remove the second row for a few extra feet, (if that's even possible?), but it's only a 4 mile trip.

Obviously I'd strap down my cargo accordingly, but any potential problems by doing it this way? I'm thinking about the rear hatch and thought the possibility is greater that it could shatter...

PS. I'm not wondering if it's legal. Is it dumb?

 

[Jay470]

I haven't done it with my LX but I've done it with other hatchback cars... Just strap in the load so it doesn't shift. If your struts are weak you might try a set of vice grips to keep the hatch from closing. Make sure to protect the struts with some kind of material so they do not get marred.

 

[DarkPharf]

The biggest issue is exhaust suck back into the cabin. When I do it, I open the back vent windows and front windows to push air back. Also turn the air on high to push as much pressure toward the back.

I agree that there is a risk of the top glass breaking if it slams down on something. Maybe tie the top hatch down as secure as you can. It will come down on the bumps.

 

[n55luvr]

Done it a few times with various sized cargo. Never had an issue. I usually run a ratchet strap from roof rack to either trailer hitch or from roof rack to inside cargo area. That prevents the top hatch from bouncing around and possibly causing damage. I once drove several hours with a huge carpet sticking out the back, no problems at all.

 

[highonpottery]

I was going to mention the exahust issue too. I would definitely strap the top hatch so it cannot bounce.

If your struts are weak you might try a set of vice grips to keep the hatch from closing. Make sure to protect the struts with some kind of material so they do not get marred.

I wouldn't recommend this if you need to hold up worn out struts. Instead, use something more innocent like a small binder clip (the kind that are black triangle with two swiveling arms). The small ones you can leave on most struts and not interfere when they close, then simply slide it up when you need to hold the strut in position. Friend of mine showed me this on his truck canopy struts and I used the same method on my old Volvo wagon hatch.

 

[NC-Grayson]

thanks for all the swift replies folks, i'll tackle it tomorrow. I'm used to the fumes from my 3rd gen, and it's windows down weather this week so I should be ok

 

[OG 91 LC]

Took this pic a while back. Trippin'.

 

[onpoint01]

Have done it short distances with no issues.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I have been known to do it a time or two...

I wouldn't recommend this if you need to hold up worn out struts. Instead, use something more innocent like a small binder clip (the kind that are black triangle with two swiveling arms). The small ones you can leave on most struts and not interfere when they close, then simply slide it up when you need to hold the strut in position. Friend of mine showed me this on his truck canopy struts and I used the same method on my old Volvo wagon hatch.

That is a great idea! I wonder if it would work for my hood...

 

[ogsuv]

I keep small locking pliers in mine for this and works great. I have duct tape on the teeth as to not scratch anything.

 

[spaber05]

Secure your load, pad the hell out of anything that might come in contact with glass, tie down the hatch, open windows and you should be good to go. For 4 miles, I wouldn't stress about it too much, just avoid serious potholes!

 

[WoodyCreature]

Done it plenty of times. Another option is to rent a trailer at uHaul. $18 for the day.

 

[badlander]

I've done it too. Police could hassle you because your plate is not visible but I doubt they would bother. Everybody does it.

 

[PADDO]

I could always remove the second row for a few extra feet, (if that's even possible?), but it's only a 4 mile trip.
?

2nd row is really easy to remove, 14mm socket and 4 bolts per seat. Flip and fold the seat forward, pop the plastic hinge covers off and you're looking at the mounts. There's quite a bit of cargo space back there with the seats out!

 

[cap80]

I've done it a bunch with my 80. There are no problems. Secure your load, secure your hatch, keep the lengths less than 10' and use ratchet straps to strap everything down to the seat anchors. Rope and twine is for people who want to cause accidents. Then after you've done it enough buy a pickup. Hopefully before the interior of your cruiser gets scratched to hell.

 

[NC-Grayson]

I've done it a bunch with my 80. There are no problems. Secure your load, secure your hatch, keep the lengths less than 10' and use ratchet straps to strap everything down to the seat anchors. Rope and twine is for people who want to cause accidents. Then after you've done it enough buy a pickup. Hopefully before the interior of your cruiser gets scratched to hell.

I've somehow learned over the years to keep ratchet straps in EVERY vehicle I own, as well as an old comfortor for padding. My '98LX is cherry - in ridiculously clean shape inside and out....it's my "Sunday".....TRUST me.....it WONT get scratched to hell