Be aware that the cover can dislodge while driving on rough roads while being held open by the rod and damage more delicate plants which are being carried in the lower compartment. My suggestion is to leave the lower compartment cover in your garage when you head out to buy plants. I keep a cheap tarp in the compartment to use to protect the carpet when I carry dirty or rough things in the back of my car. I can also use it to pack around pot plants to prevent them sliding about or tipping over.