I just picked up my black, '09, package #4 yesterday, replacing a 1992 Ford Taurus (104k miles). I love my Prius! Absolutely fantastic car. One question, though. Occasionally I bring home heavy stuff from the home improvement store. The users manual is nice enough to inform me what the total amount of cargo I can haul is (801 pounds minus the occupants, if I recall correctly). But am I asking for trouble putting most of that weight in the back? How sturdy is that panel that fits over the big bin that hides the spare tire? Any danger of bending/warping/breaking that?
If it's really heavy (approaching the load capacity) then I would fold down the back seats (or just use the backseats) and try to distribute the weight more evenly. Also you may need to secure the load to prevent shifting. Good luck!
Hobbit made a plywood insert for heavy hauling. This and other modifications described here: Stuff yer Prius
Doc Willie, and 2009Prius: Thanks! That was a big help. I might have to build my own freight bed for hauling the occasional load of bricks back from Lowe's. Though I gotta say, the pictures in Doc's link were almost scary! Is that Prius abuse?
I loved Doc Willie's site!! OMG, that's what I call use and abuse! And to think I was worried about fitting things for a week's trip on the Prius!!!
