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Compact Spare for Two Eco

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by krousdb, Feb 9, 2016.

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  1. krousdb

    krousdb NX-74205

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    I remembered that I had an extra compact spare laying around that I got for $60 on Craigslist. So I opened the hatch.
    IMG_0105.JPG
    Removed the coroplast cover:
    IMG_0106.JPG
    Removed the left and right cargo trays:
    IMG_0107.JPG
    And found that there is room for a spare with a hold down for the tire. I added the tire (still need to get a bolt and large washer to hold the tire down) jack and lug wrench (will wrap in towel and bungee in)
    IMG_0108.JPG
    Replaced the coroplast cover.
    Done.
    IMG_0110.JPG
    Since the foam pieces under the cover have been removed, there is less support for heavy objects in the rear and may cause the coroplast cover to buckle. If the weight is placed on top of the tire, there is plenty of support. Optionally you could carve up the foam pieces that were removed to fit around the tire and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

    The spare tire weighs 28 lb, while the parts removed are 8 lb. So this mod adds 20 lb.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 krousdb, Feb 9, 2016
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2016
    easted, scona, TonyPSchaefer and 10 others like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well done!(y)

    looks huge back there, this is big news for those deciding on a model and wanting a spare!

    thank you for the pics and write up. wouldn't it be great if someone came up with a styro kit to fit with the spare.
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 9, 2016
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2016
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  3. krousdb

    krousdb NX-74205

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    I prefer to keep the OEM parts unmodified so I can put it back to stock if need be. Put me on the list for the styro kit.
     
    #3 krousdb, Feb 9, 2016
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  4. KrPtNk

    KrPtNk Active Member

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    Is there any increase in road noise?
     
    #4 KrPtNk, Feb 9, 2016
  5. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Nice work...another poster had speculated that there might be carved out space down there but I was skeptical. But we have a nice discovery.

    I remain confused about cargo space ft-3 since we do not get real cargo volume data anymore on US autos. But from what I can see the spare tire excludes about 1.5-ft3. You've probably knocked 50% off of that by using the indent, and maybe more.
     
    #5 wjtracy, Feb 9, 2016
  6. krousdb

    krousdb NX-74205

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    I still need to get a bolt and washer to hold down the tire. Once I get that I will be able to drive around safely.
     
    #6 krousdb, Feb 9, 2016
  7. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Did you say you had to add the jack? I thought someone said the jack was still there even in cars without the spare.
     
    #7 David Beale, Feb 9, 2016
  8. krousdb

    krousdb NX-74205

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    No I didn't add the jack.. I removed it from the tray and placed it next to the tire. Everything need to change a tire comes with the Two Eco, except the tire and the tire hold down.
     
    #8 krousdb, Feb 9, 2016
  9. PriusDreamer

    PriusDreamer Member

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    This is amazing. Well done and thanks. Now I may even consider a four touring.
    Two quick questions, what are the left and right cargo trays and was it easy to remove the coroplast? cover?
     
    #9 PriusDreamer, Feb 9, 2016
  10. krousdb

    krousdb NX-74205

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    There are two foam trays under the cargo floor (coroplast cover). The cover lifts up and comes out easily. Each tray is held in by two white fasteners, which are threaded. By pulling them up, I stripped them. They still hold the trays in place, however. I don't know how to remove them without stripping so do this at your own risk.
     
    #10 krousdb, Feb 9, 2016
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2016
  11. energyandair

    energyandair Active Member

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    It appears that the floor height with the compact spare installed remained the same as the floor height with no spare. i.e. about 2" lower than the floor with the factory configuration for the compact spare IIRC.

    If so, this looks promising for installing a full size 195 (15" rim) or even a 215 (17" rim) and ending up with a level floor.
     
    #11 energyandair, Feb 9, 2016
  12. PriusDreamer

    PriusDreamer Member

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    Thanks again. My only regret is that I'm not near you to check it out in the flesh..
     
    #12 PriusDreamer, Feb 9, 2016
  13. krousdb

    krousdb NX-74205

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    There is 6" between the bottom of the tire well and the top of the Styrofoam trays. There is another 4" from the top of the Styrofoam trays to the level of the hatch opening. You would need to come up with a new cover if you used more than 6".
     
    #13 krousdb, Feb 9, 2016
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  14. energyandair

    energyandair Active Member

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    So plenty of space overall.

    Ideally, it would be possible to get hold of this OEM floor which is shown in the manual, even if one can't get the full set up.
     

    Attached Files:

    #14 energyandair, Feb 9, 2016
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    It'd be nice if someone with Toyota's "ear" could send them a link to this thread.
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Feb 9, 2016
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    krousdb, will a full size tyre fit?

    also, you may want to add some dynamite in the tyre well, unless you're concerned about more weight.
     
    #16 bisco, Feb 9, 2016
  17. Tideland2005

    Tideland2005 Member

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    Excellent post. A great help for level 4, too.

    Thanks
     
    #17 Tideland2005, Feb 9, 2016
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  18. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Now you just need some foam or bubble wrap to deal with any metal on metal clanking.
    A couple of posts, made from wood or pipe, simply glued down in the side area should be enough to support the floor/cover.

    The only issue is that this could have compromised the rear impact energy absorbance. The black foam was there when the car was designed and tested. It wouldn't stop me from considering doing this, but we should be fully aware of what changes might arise.
     
    #18 Trollbait, Feb 9, 2016
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would like more data on styrofoam effectiveness in crash ratings.
     
    #19 bisco, Feb 9, 2016
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  20. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Well, it is quite strong for its weight, and is good at absorbing bumps. That's why it is used for packing material and in car bumpers.

    Then there was the case of the police Crown Vics that removed the spare for other aftermarket equipment. The change resulted in more injuries when the car was rear ended. Ford's statement was that the car's crash worthiness was designed and tested with the spare in place.

    The issue most will encounter with putting in a spare this way is more road noise, though.
     
    #20 Trollbait, Feb 9, 2016
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