How to remove foam inserts from trunk on 3 touring?

Hang on. I don't know personally but remember somebody detailing how a month or two ago.

OK, here's a link. You want post #100.....

Compact Spare for Two Eco | Page 5 | PriusChat

 

Sorry, that about sums it up. Although I searched, I couldn't find the thread I remembered. Good luck with the job.

 

In the Repair Manual (available by subscription to techinfo.toyota.com), under Vehicle Interior: Interior Panels / Trim: Roof Headlining: Removal, the suggested procedure is: “Using a screwdriver with its tip wrapped with protective tape, while pulling the deck floor box LH [or RH] as shown in the illustration, turn the clip to remove the deck floor box LH [or RH].”

“Deck floor box” is Toyota’s term for the foam inserts, and the illustration shows pulling upwards at the outer (farthest from vehicle centerline) edge of the insert, as you turn the fastener with the screwdriver.

 

There are some threads on modifying the inserts and even swapping out the inserts level 3 with level 4 no spare. Not sure if we have any removal instructions.

Apparently both Level 3 (w/ spare) and Level 4 (no spare ) have the depression for the spare tire in the sheet metal bottom, so it's just the insert that's different (for the most part, based on 2016 model).

 

And leave the spare at home?

 

I came up with a way to add some additional goodie storage space if you want to check it out!
Custom rear cargo spacer for camping, hidden cargo area, etc. | PriusChat

 

It is my understanding that the foam in the rear cargo area of the Prius is there for rear accident absorption. If you remove it, a rear end collision would be more severe to the point of puncturing the gas tank and/or causing a fire in the lithium batteries under the rear seat. It is there for a reason and pulling it out makes the car unsafe in a rear end collision. I wouldn't take it out under any circumstances.

 

I find this hard to believe. Do you have any link with substantive proof to support your theory?

I have compared both the foam from both spare and no-spare Prii. I can't see any significant attempt in either design that would indicate anything that supports your theory, but for sure, I'm willing to be proved wrong.

It is my understanding that the only thing that offers structural protection in a collision would be carefully engineered sacrificial structural steel/aluminum, not styrofoam.

 

I can't find anything definitive. I think I read some random comments in the past in these forums that it might serve this purpose.

 

I think it's just filler, to keep the hatch floor from collapsing?

 

Thats a pretty bold statement to make based off of reading it somewhere in comments. Considering this is held down by plastic clips the chance of this giving any horizontal structural integrity in the event of a collision is slim to none. I would also be willing the bet the bolted in steel angle iron cross braces would provide substantially more impact resistance than the foam. The foam is there to support the rear hatch.

 

When you write that you lifted, do you mean from the edge of the foam, or you lifted upon the plastic fasteners?

I just placed the order for a used, but in great condition, Gen4 Prius wheel to use as a spare (full sized aluminum - I have places to be). I'm going to have to take that foam out, source a jack, and a tire.