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

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by MSantos, Jun 18, 2020.

?

Should Toyota or its dealers offer the power hatch feature as a option on the Prime??

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. Don't know

  4. Don't care

Results are only viewable after voting.
  1. MSantos

    MSantos EcoAccelerometry

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    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
     
    #1 MSantos, Jun 18, 2020
    Shaunius, Mendel Leisk, Tideland Prius and 2 others like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    please! (y)

    and definitely a video in action. this could be a hot item.

    thank you!
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 18, 2020
  3. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Yes, I am interested. I miss 3 doors SKS, especially on the hatch. Would the power hatch allows 1 door SKS to operate on the hatch?
     
    #3 Salamander_King, Jun 18, 2020
  4. MSantos

    MSantos EcoAccelerometry

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    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
     
    #4 MSantos, Jun 18, 2020
    Tideland Prius and Salamander_King like this.
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Sure. We always welcome a DIY and it might spur other future owners to do it.

    (A DIY step-by-step was the reason why I added an iPod connection to my 2005 Prius - It made it easy for me to follow).

    I'm in the "Don't know" camp. A power hatch is convenient but I've always found them to be slow to open and most don't have a manual override (which means if I just want to close it quickly, I can't - a push down will simply activate the power feature).

    On the other hand, it would be useful in today's climate with curbside pickup.
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Jun 18, 2020
  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I voted "Yes" on your survey. However, cool as that kit looks, it wouldn't be nearly worth the $700 for me. But it does look like a fair price for what apparently went into making the product.

    Even though it's out of my price range, I would love to see a "how-to" video or writeup.
     
    #6 jerrymildred, Jun 19, 2020
  7. m8547

    m8547 Senior Member

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    I'm the kind of person who takes the stairs even when there's a perfectly good escalator or elevator available. So it's a definite no for me.
     
    #7 m8547, Jun 19, 2020
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  8. MSantos

    MSantos EcoAccelerometry

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    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
     
    #8 MSantos, Jun 19, 2020
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  9. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Yeah, with 2020 LE mod, if the addition of the power liftgate allows foot kick sensor to open the hatch without fob unlocking, I will be very interested. If it requires fob unlocking first, which I suspect is the case, then the total hands-free operation can not be accomplished. In that case, I may look for the aftermarket add on foot kick sensor on our 2014 Pathfinder, which already has hands free unlocking and powerlifting of the hath door.
     
    #9 Salamander_King, Jun 19, 2020
  10. MSantos

    MSantos EcoAccelerometry

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

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




    Cheers
     
    #10 MSantos, Jun 20, 2020
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wow, love it!(y)
     
    #11 bisco, Jun 20, 2020
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Wow, it's actually full featured with kick sensor, tailgate release, key fob and interior button.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Jun 20, 2020
  13. MSantos

    MSantos EcoAccelerometry

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    #13 MSantos, Jul 14, 2020
    Nomina and Tideland Prius like this.
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Thank you!
     
    #14 Tideland Prius, Jul 14, 2020
  15. MSantos

    MSantos EcoAccelerometry

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    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
     
    #15 MSantos, Jul 15, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2020
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  16. NSXT

    NSXT Active Member

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    You did a great job!

    If I drop by to Winnipeg when I visit my parents and if you are willing to charge for an appropriate/reasoning labour, I'd love to have it done by the expert in the right way :cool: (Unless I get the UX300e by then :ROFLMAO:)
     
    #16 NSXT, Jul 20, 2020
  17. MSantos

    MSantos EcoAccelerometry

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    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
     
    #17 MSantos, Jul 22, 2020
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