Automatic power hatchback trunk

Usually the electrical actuators for this application are much thicker than the OEM shocks.
I imagine that this type of mod will be much complex than a simple change over of parts.

 

i don't recall seeing this mod done here. iirc, someone else asked about it though.

 

Saw this feature in action on a Ford product in the parking lot the other day. I have to admit, it looks nice, and would be convenient in a lot of situations.

Might just become more and more expected and common on hatch-backs and SUV's.

But with improvement comes the complication. I'm still young and healthy enough that opening and closing the hatch isn't a problem. And I sure think maintenance and replacement of simple struts a lot easier and potentially cheaper than any problems that might eventually manifest with an electric powered hatch.

It's like a couple decades ago, Ford had these "Automatic" Seat Belts that ran on a track, and would automatically come back when the vehicle was started, and go forward when stopped.

My mom had an Escort that had these belts. At first they seemed really neat. But after a year or two the motor on one burned out. The replacement and repair cost was ridiculous. Made you appreciate the "unbreakable" reliability of the old manual seat belts.

So anyway, I think the power hatch is neat...but I'm OK at this point with just the regular struts and using "Arm Power" to open and close.

This might change in upcoming years.

 

Arm power is just fine unless you're short like I am. In the fully up position, I can't even come close to reaching the hatch to close it. I basically use a hook on a stick to close the hatch, but my next car may just be a C-MAX if the Prius doesn't get a powered hatch in the next version. It really is kind of a pain and the only thing I don't like about my Prius.

 

Step stool ????

 

That would be even more embarrassing to use!

 

This would solve your problem, and save you money over trying to get automatic hatch functionality:

Hatchback hitting garage door solution! | PriusChat

No stick with hook required, and it may prevent your hatch hitting low ceilings and other things hanging down from the ceiling.

 

It could, if the struts were the right length for my height, but I'm also not one that can do much mechanical work, I'd have to hire someone else to do it. One of these days maybe...

 

Not complicated, just turning a wrench.

 

Replacing the rear struts is not a big deal, you need only an small flat screwdriver to loosen a "C" clip in either end.
You first replace one side, then the other assembly.