Undeleting the spare tire from a 4

Thanks for all the pictures. That last one tells me exactly what I'm wondering about. I'd like to use my car to go to astronomy events and I'd rather sleep in the car because it has air conditioning. I've been thinking of making a box to fit in the cargo area to even the floor. It looks fairly flat.

It also looks like there is a storage space for the cargo cover as well. Thanks so much for posting all this. This is the best way to go I think for the spare tire solution.

 

When you have a chance, could you post an all-in cost for this? You mention using 3rd gen spare and hold-down bolt. Maybe clarify if the cost summary includes obtaining those, and if not, what you're looking at to also get them, retail.

I'm guessing it's pretty steep, whenever you buck the package deal it costs.

Thanks for documenting this. For me, I'm not interested in 4th gen, but if I was, after reading through this thread, I would just buy a level that comes with spare.

 

I'm thinking of building a replacement foam block for the back with storage compartments to carry stuff. I have a friend who builds custom body parts for Corvettes who has some good ideas. If I did this, I'd try to level the floor in back. As for the tire, I'll just make sure my rubber is always in great shape. I tend to purchase new tires long before they wear down to the wear marks anyway. I do live in an area without cell coverage so I do have concerns but .... I suppose keeping a spare tire in the garage can handle most of those.

 

I've been driving for 30 years and have never been stranded by a flat tire. I had a nail once and drove to a repair shop for a plug. I live in an urban area... I have auto insurance, Toyota SafetyConnect, and a cell phone. iF I did ever have a flat I'm sure a repair truck would be minutes away.

My 4 touring has a repair kit in lieu of the spare tire. Unlike the OP, I would actually like to take the foam platform and various pieces of the repair kit OUT of the trunk, and lower the boot even more! If any of you Prius Chat folks have story to share, please reply.

 

90% of my trips are work and errands in the urban bay area. The other 10% or so are trips into the wilderness. Northern California coast, Yosemite and the sierras, wilderness camping areas places far away from any cell tower or other communication. I guess I should be careful: carry a spare tire, food, water, blankets, flares, portable generator, first aid, camp stove, tent, survival books, change of clothes, umbrella, bicycle, Beverages, cooler, weather station, tow hitch, gas can, chairs and folding table, toiletries, telescope, towels, hand saw and socket wrench set, Bluetooth speaker, microphone, gps tracking unit, water purifier, car wash paint repair, bucket, shovel,

Or nothing. I'm going to gamble

 

A spare donut wheel/tire from Tire Rack (or even a junkyard) bagged, wedged and strapped behind the passenger seat for the long remote trips, across Montana and the like, and I'll rest a little easier. Couple hundred bucks for peace of mind. I've had two horrible unfixable flats in the Gen3, and couldn't have limped back home without the spare. But highly modifying the car to stow it and spending 4 figures to do it? Man, that's crazy!

 

Im with Tucats, I'd rather remove my spare and have more storage below like the 2010 i had before! I was thinking of making some type of container to fit under in place of the spare.

 

• You're right, apologies. Best of luck with your Prius mods, and best to you, hopefully many trouble free miles.

 

I am sure you can find a buyer here on PriusChat See this thread for one user, @Mike R.
Need a compact spare for a two eco | PriusChat

 

I've found hands down the simplest DIY tire rotation method, if you can swing it, is to put the whole car on jackstands, then swap away, lol.

Be sure to partially loosen all lug nuts before raising, to avoid shaking the car excessively when on the stands. Ditto, for final torquing: snug them solidly when the car's raised, but leave final torque to when it's back on the ground.

 

Great post OP, I appreciate your documenting your mod! tagged for future consideration

 

I still want to do this project but I keep getting tied up with typical household maintenance items that seem to get dumped in my lap all at once.

I've had three flats during my driving years and they were all catastrophic to the tire. Since I live outside cell phone range, I'm still very nervous about not having a spare.

 

IMHO , you need a new manslave to do so the city work for you.

 

No manslaves for me.

 

Ah yes, man marries a woman believing she won't change and she does...
.. whereas a woman marries a man, believing he will change and he doesn't!