What I didn't like about the original position is you have to navigate over the net if you want to throw in something that is larger than what the net can hold or unhook the net to get it out of the way. Also w/ the problem of the 3G net pulling the plastic panel apart, I simply repositioned the net as shown. This way, I can easily throw in luggage, gym bag, etc. w/o breaking my back trying to toss it over the net. The only down side is if you have to fold down the seats, but if you're carrying something where you have to fold the seats down, you would have to unhook the net from the original mount points anyways. For those long trips, it's a simple reach behind to get access to food, etc vs. stopping and having to open the trunk. This may or may not work for those using the cargo cover depending on what you are securing. The mount point for the upper net is very solid and secure. YMMV Enjoy!
I think I will also use that approach. At the speed Toyota is coming up with a fix it may be a while. This way I can at least use it.
Very creative...Almost 6 years in my Prius II and that alternative never crosse my mind. I'm gonna give it a try.
Ok, hooked mine up like that today and it works great. Fits neatly against the back of the seat. Better yet, in my case, one of the plastic clips at the top was broken off, so it facilitated attachement just looping the elastic band around the seat-belt guide. Should be perfect for holding loose items and not getting in the way of putting other stuff in the back. Thanks again for the great idea.
Thanks. I'll be trying this. It is pretty much useless in the position that it is designed for and this looks like a much better solution.
That's good if you use it for junk you haul around all the time, but if you use it for groceries or stuff you move in and out of the car daily, the location near the hatch is easier to use. I'm still waiting for a cure.
I agree. It IS a very clever solution, but I'm short and that just puts it too far back to be workable for me. I hope Toyota comes up with a fix soon. Today I made my first big grocery trip since getting my GenIII, and I hated not having a net to the bags into.
Clever idea! Never crossed my mind in the years of driving the Prius. As Boo hints, it may conflict with the tonneau cover. You'll have the tonneau cover bar partially obstructing access.
I just don't understand why they don't make a net cover that uses the four anchor points on the floor pan vs. vertical net. The vertical net can't really expand enough to hold anything substantial. Argh.
There were/are some aftermarket solutions out there...I have one for my car, but I've had it for years and the person who made and sold it to me is long gone. If you google around for 'cargo net' on the internet you'll be able to find something...remember, it doesn't have to be custom made for the Prius as long as the dimensions are pretty close for the anchor distances. But finally, I agree, why doesn't Toyota provide this, it's clearly much more useful than the vertical net. You can put mild under the flat one and it'll stand up all the way home. If you try putting it in that vertical net it'll flop out at the first stop. The flat one accomodates all sorts of shapes and sizes or items.
Maybe this one for the Gen II fits the Gen III: [IMGLINK]http://itadvisorygroup.com/deland/sapro/04PriusSpiderNet.jpg[/IMGLINK] Toyota Prius Spider Cargo Net Bungee Nets 2004 - 2007:eBay Motors (item 250257491025 end time Sep-02-09 15:07:20 PDT)
Yes, it does. In fact, that is what GST gave me, instead of the vertical net I asked for. I assume it is the same part as for the Gen 2, but I can't really say for sure. Whatever the part no., it looks and fits exactly like Boo's picture. Doesn't seem real useful for shopping bags, etc., which is why I'm using a canvas cargo box. I like the idea of mounting the vertical net to the seatbacks.
