modding empty plastic under-rear-bumper "boxes" to carry emergency gear?

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by The Big Sleaze, Jan 12, 2020.

  1. The Big Sleaze

    The Big Sleaze Member

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2019
    289
    63
    0
    Location:
    'frisco
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    Two Eco
    Looks like a I'll be adding a tow-hitch, which means removing all those 3 empty plastic "box" filler thingy up under the rear bumper.

    I like carrying lots of E-gear because I believe in my very own corollary I call Reverse Murphy's Law: If you are prepared for an event, it will never happen and your efforts will have been wasted.

    Any tips on how to mod the black plastic "boxes" into E-gear holders? Wouldn't need frequent access but would be nice if access didn't require messing with bumper or otherwise risking damage to car.

    Items might be gas siphon hose, Fix-A-Flat cans, tow strap, gloves, first aid, paracord, rags, space blanket sleeping bag and maybe even MRE and water.

    I think this is the big center box, so at only $30 (at the dealer no less) I guess its OK if I mess it up and need to replace.

    2020 Toyota Prius Prime HYBRID Bumper Impact Absorber (Rear). Body, Bar, Interior - 5261547090 - Genuine Toyota Part
     
    #1 The Big Sleaze, Jan 12, 2020
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2020
  2. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2014
    2,492
    2,154
    49
    Location:
    Top RH Corner of RH Coast on L side of The Pond
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Well, an interesting idea, however if you carefully think it through you might want to consider what is likely to happen if you get rear-ended? Not only will your car be damaged, but all your stuff too! :eek::( (…just my thoughts!) ;);)
     
    #2 WilDavis, Jan 12, 2020
    MTN and jerrymildred like this.
  3. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2014
    2,492
    2,154
    49
    Location:
    Top RH Corner of RH Coast on L side of The Pond
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I just re-read you post, and am curious about your views of insurance, and whether you bother? (…perhaps I'm not the only one!)
     
    #3 WilDavis, Jan 12, 2020
  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    11,517
    14,132
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Boxes? If you're talking about what I think you're talking about, those are not boxes. They are styrofoam (or something similar) sculptures. And you have to remove the bumper cover to access them.
     
    #4 jerrymildred, Jan 12, 2020
    MTN and WilDavis like this.
  5. MTN

    MTN Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2017
    306
    275
    2
    Location:
    SB, CA
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    and they're designed to absorb impact forces in a crash. Filling them with stuff would alter that (if they were actually "boxes" and not foam blocks).
     
    #5 MTN, Jan 13, 2020
    jerrymildred and WilDavis like this.
  6. Chazman62

    Chazman62 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2019
    108
    66
    0
    Location:
    Long Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XLE
    Today's care like Prime is even more so carefully designed so that every single part has some engineering reason/meaning...
    It's not like a Pinto or Vega from 70's econo car era.
     
    #6 Chazman62, Jan 14, 2020
    jerrymildred likes this.
  7. The Big Sleaze

    The Big Sleaze Member

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2019
    289
    63
    0
    Location:
    'frisco
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    Two Eco
    Oh, OK, I guess scratch this idea.

    I'd seen the guts of some car bumpers in junk yard and they were hollow black plastic. I still might do something. I'll see when I get the boxes out. I might be little wary of messing with front bumper due to airbags, but messing with rear end seems OK. You gotta make a few cuts in plastic to install the hitch, as per video instructions.
     
    #7 The Big Sleaze, Jan 14, 2020
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)