Cargo and Safety in Minivans

[Mugsmom]

I searched the forum and found a few threads, but nothing conclusive. We have an Odyssey and we generally keep the 3rd row up. I have ratcheting straps and a "Bednet" for tying down larger cargo when the 3rd row is stowed. What do you do for smaller items like grocery bags though? I know Honda makes a cargo net, but it seems kind of flimsy, and attaches to plastic knobs, not metal. Would it actually contain anything in a crash? It also looks like maybe it's for use only when the 3rd row is stowed, as it doesn't look like (from the pictures) it extends into the well where the seats would stow.

Anyone with an Odyssey ever tried it? Or any better ideas?

 

[Guest]

I'm not too concerned about grocery bags.

Look at the setup of the cargo area. You've got a deep well and the 3rd row seats recline back while the trunk door inclines forward. There's a relatively small gap for objects to fly out of and into the passenger area.

I haven't looked at the Odyssey's cargo net in detail, but it should be the same as most cargo nets. For groceries, it should be fine. The idea is to contain the objects in the cargo area. Since the net is stretchy, it should be fine. Remember, you don't need to stop an object cold. Just reduce the impact enough so it doesn't cause serious damage or go very far. The stretchiness does that, which is why it's no big deal it's attached to plastic. Combined with the shape of the cargo area, groceries shouldn't be a problem.

Now, some big, heavy object likely couldn't be contained by the net, but that's not what the net was designed for. It was designed for small, loose objects. Like groceries. Even if it's a gallon of milk or a big frozen turkey.

 

[luckyclov]

I'm another one who isn't too concerned with grocery bags. My 3rd row seats have a natural recline, the "trunk" part is really deep and my rear gate goes in. I keep the 3rd row headrests raised as well. When we're grocery-free, the only items in my cargo are a stroller and 2 camp chairs. I'm not overly concerned with their projectile potential due to the set up (as mentioned above). Other items I have stored in the floor compartments where my seats would go in stow n go mode.

 

[jourdysmom]

I'm another one who isn't too concerned with grocery bags. My 3rd row seats have a natural recline, the "trunk" part is really deep and my rear gate goes in. I keep the 3rd row headrests raised as well. When we're grocery-free, the only items in my cargo are a stroller and 2 camp chairs. I'm not overly concerned with their projectile potential due to the set up (as mentioned above). Other items I have stored in the floor compartments where my seats would go in stow n go mode.

:yeahthat: