Increasing Storage In A Prius......no trunk!

Both versions of the 2004-07 Prius, Touring and Standard, have a hidden storage area under the rear carpet. It does not lock and I don't know of any aftermarket locks specific to this car. It does have two twist latches to hold the cover down. You might be able to adapt a standard cabinet lock for use here.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prouddad @ Aug 27 2007, 06:25 PM) [snapback]502905[/snapback]</div>

How big a storage area do you need? That would help guide the replies.

 

Even if you have a lockable trunk a parking attendant can still get in. He has the keys, no?

 

I believe the OP is used to a car with a lockable boot (trunk) and leaving a valet key which won't open the boot.
Locking the hidden compartment under the rear floor isn't secure enough for a gun, guns should be in a steel cabinet not under a plastic cover.
Would you be able to secure the under floor storage with a python type lock http://www.aje.com.au/featured/python/python.htm across the tie down points in the corners of the luguage space maybe with something over the floor like a sheet of 19mm (3/4") MDF covered in carpet?
If you did this you could leave the original lid off the under floor space as long as the MDF was bigger than the original cover.

The under floor storage should meet your needs for secure space.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Aug 27 2007, 09:22 PM) [snapback]502967[/snapback]</div>

I also thought te Prius could have extra storage under the back seat. When you lift the back seat up there is room inside. The perfect mod would to have a door under the back seat with a lock. You could hide a laptop under the seat with a lock. Hey, Toyota this is a free sugestion for the plug in version I'm ready to buy in 2010.

---Kent

 

I think locks could be installed without too much difficulty where the latches are now. What about a locking steel box that would fit within that hidden area?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Aug 28 2007, 10:52 AM) [snapback]502967[/snapback]</div>

I have expanded abbreviations. Sorry I keep forgetting these may not be universal.

 

I saw some heavy-duty plastic trunk shaped boxes at the local True Value hardware store. I didn't do the measurements, but something like that might fit right into the cargo wel. These had wheels and a lock.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Aug 27 2007, 08:50 PM) [snapback]502974[/snapback]</div>

That would be my recommendation too IF the forward edge of the hatchbox cannot be lifted up while the rearward edge is locked down.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Aug 29 2007, 12:17 AM) [snapback]503203[/snapback]</div>

It can't can it? It locks into the floor at the front

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Aug 30 2007, 05:26 AM) [snapback]504217[/snapback]</div>

Checked it last night. It can't. There are plastic prongs on the forward edge that hook into sockets in the panel above the HV battery. The lid fits so snugly that you can't slide it rearward to lift the prongs out of their sockets.

I also unscrewed one latch to take a look. Appears it's quite possible to replace that latch with a lock. Just a matter of finding a lock that fits.

I definitely will look into adding a lock (or two) to my hatchbox. It'll be useful for storing laptops or cameras when needed, but most of the times it'll be to guard my sound gear from unwanted hands.

 

I'd love to add locks to replace the turn-catches there now. They aren't going to be bulletproof, but even the appearance of secure locks is probably enough to discourage pilfering. Is there a Toyota part that fits? Maybe a glovebox lock from an older model, or an armrest compartment lock (another good idea).

 

You buy a hatchback, there's no trunk.
You buy a station wagon, there's no trunk.
SUV? no trunk.
Full-size van? no trunk.
You want a trunk? buy an elephant

Great ideas for adding locks to the storage compartment, though...

 

So 11 years later, are there solutions to this? This is also one of my concerns about buying a Prius, after my sedan was broken into and I started storing things locked in the trunk. The 2014 model I tried the other day had a separate "secret" compartment under the trunk, but it wasn't locked at all. I wondered if it is held closed when the rear gate is down? But that's not quite as secure as a locked trunk.

 

i think you guys are overthinking this. thieves are opportunistic. and random. if you leave a cvs bag on the passenger seat where they can see it, they will break in. they arent usually breaking in when nothing is visible. nor are they searching vehicles for ten minutes checking all the hidden compartments. the odds that YOU are the guy with a laptop hidden under your seat or in a closed compartment are very small. they arent wasting their time if nothing is visible. even under the cargo cover is usually fine. inside the bin under the rear floor? bums are druggies arent that savvy, even more fine. i would be more worried about telegraphing by spending 5 minutes to STOW something in the trunk area or under a seat. that shows you are stashing something valuable. if its that valuable take it with you. i dont leave anything in my car of value, and i dont lock the doors, if they like the change in my open cup holder, they can open the door and take it. the roll of paper towels in my hatch area, they can have them. prius isnt a thief magnet, most owners are lower tax bracket, not exactly leaving a rolex in the glove box while they go into the gym if you are the one guy in a million that has a prius and is carrying loads of valuables for business or whatever, then a big clunky lock box could easily be bolted to the tie down points for minimal cost with minimal modification. but then you got a thief magnet in your hatch area!! and watch those druggies get all mcgyver on your a$$ and nothing will stop them from getting into that box !!

 

Trade your Prius in on a Camry hybrid? I kinda don't get it. A person buys a car without a feature for which they have a requirement, and then complains the car doesn't have that feature?