I did some searching for trunk/cargo liners and couldn't find one that ticked all my boxes. I wanted to have access to all rear compartments without removing a whole cargo cover or tray. I wanted a little cushion for hauling heavier/sharper edged items (my wife is bit of a flea market and green house addict), and I wanted something easily wipeable as well as easily removable. My local hardware store had 1/4" foam garage-rated fatigue mats which are super light and accept sticky velcro really well. I know it's not the greatest solution but I think it will fit the bill for us. The velcro adheres to the carpet in the Prius very well. Total cost for the mat and velcro was $17.00 CDN (which is probably about 8 bucks USD these days ). It took me an hour and a half to measure, cut and fit - so my only real expense was my time. I may also look at some sort of tape to seal the seams come ski season. The only downside is that the wheel wells are still exposed - but I'm still scratching my head on that. It's only week two with our car. But with garage sale/flea market season in full swing, I feel much safer sending my better half out and about!
What a great job Spidey71. I just took delivery of my new Prius Prime last week here in New Zealand - the first shipment here. My wife and I are considering how we can protect our rear carpet - you have inspired me!
Wow, great job. Do you have specific model no or upc for the 1/4" foam garage-rated fatigue mats? I am going to look for this exact item or something very close to it. Thank you very much for the idea.
You're quite welcome! I already tossed the packaging but will try and snap a picture of the UPC when I'm in the store next. The company name is "Best Step". Here's a link to the actual item I purchased (it was on sale when I bought it). Best Step Anti-Fatigue Foam Floor Mat, Diamond | Canadian Tire
Thanks for the info. I think I found the exact item sold in the US.Best Step 4ft x 8ft Rolled Diamond Plate Mat | 9945838 | Pep Boys Unfortunately I will have to purchase on-line, so with shipping cost, it will be bit more than you paid. Still it is dirt cheap compared to custom cargo liner.
I'm impressed with just how good that looks. What did you use to cut it? With my skills, I don't think I could ever measure. cut and fit as perfect looking at that. Definitely not in only an hour and 1/2. Good Job.
Yep, that's the one. One piece of advice: open the package well ahead of time and spread out on a clean floor so it will lay flat. Or, you can do what I did and (with another person) open the package, spread it out and roll it up in the reverse direction it was packaged. Tape it up for a few minutes while it's rolled up in reverse and then you'll have a perfectly flat mat to work with. Hope it works out for you!
Thanks for the tip. I just placed an order. It will be my weekend project. What did you use to cur the piece with? 4 x 8 is plenty big, but I don't want to mess up the cut and ending up needing to order more.
Thanks! I used a box cutter (with new blade) and heavy duty scissors, depending on whether I needed straight or curved cuts. I just traced the small pieces with a sharpie and took my time on the larger sections. I also used a metal yardstick and large carpenter's square for straight cuts. I had to cut slits in the foam where the back seats click into the locking mechanism when upright, and small slits to expose the nylon tabs to pull out the three small storage trays. Just take your time and you'll be fine!
I lucked out and didn't make any big mistakes and had about 1.5ft x 4ft left over. New box cutter, good pair of scissors, straight edge, and a sharpie (dry erase if you have it), and you're good to go. But be careful. The day after I finished the project, I got in the car to take my daughter to work and found a couple full recycling bins back there courtesy my better half!
We use to have a minivan, but I now have only Prime for many household chores to haul stuff. Yeah, large bags of garbage and recycles to transfer station is one of my chores too. We also use Prime to haul for gardening and farming items. I have been using an old blanket to spread over the cargo, but this is going to look much better and easier to clean after hauling bales of straws and bags of compost.
Thanks for the confidence. But I've gotten old, and perhaps pathetically unmotivated. And what that translates into? Is my paying way too much for actual "commercial" solutions. that don't look as nice, and may not be as good.
