OEM Cargo Tray for Outback Wagon

[M. Baker]

I just had an area dealer order the OEM Cargo Tray for my 2003 OBW.
It's a hard plastic, with a texture/grain to it so it's not completely
slippery. I'm hoping it works alright for me and that my dog doesn't
slide around on it (60-lb Lab).

Anyway, this tray does not have cut-outs where the floor clips are in
my wagon. I use them now to hold a small toolbox in place with a
bungee cord. The toolbox is too big for that crummy under-carpet
storage tray/spare wheel well compartment, so I put it on the cargo
floor behind the passenger rear tire.

Does anyone else have this tray, and if so, have you cut out where the
clips are so you can still utilize them? I'm wondering how much of a
PITA it's going to be.

 

[S]

Hi M.

Does anyone else have this tray, and if so, have you cut out where the
clips are so you can still utilize them? I'm wondering how much of a
PITA it's going to be.

Worst part will undoubtedly marking where you want the cutouts to be.
Try rubbing chalk on the clips to transfer their locations onto the
tray. Beyond that, it's just plastic; drill a hole and use a jig-saw
or a hacksaw blade, or use one of those abrasive drill-bits used to
cut holes in drywall, or even a sharp utility knife (might take a
couple passes, and please be careful) to make the cutouts. Clean up
rough edges with a file and/or a hot air gun, or even a butane
cigarette lighter.

ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[nobody >]

I just had an area dealer order the OEM Cargo Tray for my 2003 OBW.
It's a hard plastic, with a texture/grain to it so it's not completely
slippery. I'm hoping it works alright for me and that my dog doesn't
slide around on it (60-lb Lab).

Anyway, this tray does not have cut-outs where the floor clips are in
my wagon. I use them now to hold a small toolbox in place with a
bungee cord. The toolbox is too big for that crummy under-carpet
storage tray/spare wheel well compartment, so I put it on the cargo
floor behind the passenger rear tire.

Does anyone else have this tray, and if so, have you cut out where the
clips are so you can still utilize them? I'm wondering how much of a
PITA it's going to be.

The OEM cargo liner on the 2000 OBW isn't cut for the clips either. I've
been just holding them up and sliding the mat underneath them for now
but am planning on cutting them as you are.

I've cut mats and trays before, it's not a big chore. If you can flip
them up like mine, use a fine-tip marker or grease pencil to outline
what you need to cut away (be a little generous as you need some room to
snag the clip with your fingertip). Use a very sharp knife (a fresh
blade if you are using a drywall knife). Wet the area and the blade with
water or even a tiny amount of WD40/Triflo/etc.

You may want to cut some cheap carpet to fit the cargo liner and glue it
in with RTV, your dog will be far happier.

 

[M. Baker]

I've thought of just having a blanket or carpet scrap back there, but
I'll also have messy things like flower trays, nursery pots, etc with
dirt/water that will probably spill a bit, so I'd rather have
something I can take out and hose clean when needed. Not to mention
dirty/muddy dog paws. For her comfort, I've got a medium-sized dog bed
back there when she's in the car. It's so funny - she'll hop into the
cargo area and go right to the bed and sit/lay down.

Slightly off-topic, but my dog is so spoiled, I admit. I bought a
little car fan that you plug into the lighter socket, and there's that
extra socket back in the cargo area, so I plug it in back there and
clipped it to the 2nd row seat belt thing that comes out of the
ceiling, so in the summer the fan can help circulate the cool A/C air
back there. The windows aren't tinted or anything, and the dog is
black, so she's bound to get warm back there even if we have the A/C
on up front. This'll help move that cool air back there, and keep the
air moving in general for her.

 

[M. Baker]

Well, just thought I'd write a follow-up. Got the OEM cargo tray from
the dealer about a week ago. It DOES have little cut-outs that make
room for the floor clips, so I didn't have to modify the tray at all -
Yay! It fits the space perfectly, has a texture to it it, isn't as
slippery as I was afraid it'd be. I think it'll work great - and I can
still utilize the floor clips too!