Power Hatch - Anyone interested in a review plus a Prime specific installation guide?

I've installed a power hatch on my 2018 Prime about a month ago. It is an actual AutoEase kit and the installation is not too hard for anyone who is not deterred by some level of panel/trim removal and wiring.

Anyone interested in a Prime specific how-to article?

While the mod is already done on the 2018 Prime... I may in the upcoming days, also end-up posting a video showing the final work and operation that includes the (kick) foot sensor, remote keyfob operation + dash and hatch buttons.

If there's enough interest, I may also apply the same mod to the 2020 Prime to generate a step-by-step video with some narration (the daughter would be the camera person)

Cheers

 

I don't know for sure. The 2020 prime is an LE with driver's door SKS only... so that could provide the ultimate proof we need.

On my 2018 Advanced model (Technology in Canada) the foot sensor works just like the OEM hatch button when the keyfob is on me and the system is locked.

Without the 3-door SKS, I'm almost certain the foot sensor will not open the hatch unless you unlock the car first. However, the hatch will definitely open on a one door SKS system, if you press the keyfob's unlock button 3 or perhaps 4 times. Again, need to install it on the 2020 LE to be sure.

Cheers

 

Thank you all for the replies.

The folks at AutoEase have indicated that they would be willing to offer a discount to any PriusChat members that decide to purchase the kit. I am not sure what the discount would be, but I see it as a good start already.

In any case, I will be buying an additional kit and installing on the second Prime for the purposes of generating a detailed step-by-step video that is exclusive to the Prime. In my opinion, a detailed guide would be helpful as I had to spend some time figuring out a better way to get things done.

On a more personal note:
I initially ordered this kit not only because I enjoy a bit of car modding now and then, but also as Tideland said, it is very handy and convenient for curbside pickup shopping during this Covid era we're in. My wife and daughter absolutely love it since now we do not have to leave the vehicle to open the hatch when the cart with groceries arrives at our pick-up parking spot.

Other advantages?
- Hatch heights can be set so as to never hit a garage door or other fixtures.
- Don't have to put larger/heavier things down first in order to open the hatch

Cheers

 

I have not published a video on Youtube for 10 years and it shows.

Anyhow, here's a quick demonstration of the kit in operation... and just before the rain started.

Cheers

 

Well, the installation video is finally out. The video demonstrates the entire installation effort on a 2020 Prime which is a shameless attempt at condensing almost 9 hours of fun work into an hour-long video.

Here's the thread where the video currently lives:
Aftermarket Power Hatch Kit - Installation Guide | PriusChat

Cheers

 

Since I cannot edit the original post I will add this here as well as the other thread:

Autoease Technology (the vendors of this Power Hatch Kit) is now offering a special discount to all Priuschat members. As they indicated, simply use the discount code "PRIUSCHAT" on their web site (Power Liftgate Retrofit – Autoease Technology) to save $100 off the purchase price.

Cheers

 

That is an interesting proposition, let me think about that.

As a general note for those of us living in the northern climates:
Please order an extra set of Toyota trim fastening clips if you plan to do this retrofit in the colder months of the year. It's not that hard to destroy the clips, retainers, and even the panels themselves in lower temps. I definitely recommend only doing this kind of project in 20C (70F) or above ambient temps.

Regarding the UX300e: Yep, I'm eagerly waiting for it too, but like in prior instances we'll get it when Toyota decides it is time. Till then I'll just have to resist being pulled back into the fun and grief of Tesla ownership.

Cheers