Powered liftgate?

Looks interesting - it could assist those who find it opens too high "Customizable tailgate height, suits to everyone".

Trouble is - PRIUS isn't listed under "available", "under development" or "under planning" - so it might be a LONG wait.

 

nope, the question has been asked, but never answered.

looks pretty cool though.

 

The other possibility is to approach a business who converts vehicles for Disabled Drivers (/or passengers).

I've seen a few converted vehicles which had a powered tailgate - whether they're custom modified or off the shelf, I'm not sure.

 

I looked into it a while back. I came to the conclusion that using the motorized struts from a Lexus RX liftgate would be the easiest (at the time) and would fit without too much hassle. But still too much hassle for me to care to do it.

 

First time posting here... be kind. I'm struggling with same problem due to shoulder problems. 2018 Prius 4. Have purchased the Autoease Kit and in discussions with Toyota dealership and a local conversion company. Dealership fears that install might mess up electrical system and technology on the Prius. I've never had conversion work done on a vehicle and wonder if dealership fears are founded. Conversion company is researching if they can do the job. I've read in other forums here about other solutions: installing a strap to pull down hatch; coilovers (or lower springs); shorter gas struts; "springs to lift and a closer instead." If you've had success with any of these methods could you give me more details. I don't know much about cars. Thanks all!

 

Unless you have a powered lift gate already there are no electronics to mess with. The hatch is "dumb".

 

Autoease sells a kit for the gen 4, modified prime electric hatch made to fit the gen 4
Power Liftgate Retrofit – Autoease Technology

 

Hi Magnus,
Thanks for the video. That's the kit that I purchased. Never having had an after market product installed, I'm fearful after talking with the Toyota dealership service manager. Was hoping to find someone in US who has had this installed and it's working fine. Autoease company told us of an installer here in Michigan and we're taking with them, but they claim never to have installed one in a Prius. I hate to be the guinea pig. How does one go about finding a reliable installer??

 

If the company you purchased from recommends one and you have no leanings one way or the other, then just use them.

These are simple devices. The make/model of the vehicle is not relevant in installation except for where and how to hide the wiring which means how to take the trim apart.

A dealership will of course scare you into nothing aftermarket. It's what they do.

If it were me, I'd start finding a good aftermarket shop. Someone local that does the modifications and customization for classic cars and show cars. They not only know what they're doing but are more cautious when it comes to touching things because you can't just go down to the store and buy a new trim piece for a car from the 1960's. You break it, you buy it. That's their mentality and that's what I would want on my car.

Not the guys being paid minimum wage to wrench on a car and getting paid by the number of cars in and out of the shop per hour. They just pry the pieces off with whatever tool is closest and yank until it comes apart. If clips are broken they probably won't say anything or just say "yeah that's normal". Well normal for those that don't care.

 

i can't see how it would be an issue. it is using the 12v battery, don't overuse it with the car off.

 

Hello again MagnusAG99,
I followed your advice and found a reliable custom installer here in Michigan. I now have a powered liftgate in my 2018 Prius and it's working great. The installer had to message back and forth with Autoease (the Chinese manufacturers of the kit) for further instructions since he needed more detail. Autoease was very responsive. And the installer found he needed to do a lot of rewiring on the harness. But it's working fine and now I can easily use the wayback. Thanks so much for your great advice.