We are preparing for our first long-distance and long-duration road trip and I was starting to 'sweat' the meager space for suitcases plus everything else we have to take. While detailing the GX after a washing this beautiful Fall afternoon I found a simple way to add about 6" of extra storage space to the cargo area. Pull up the "Seat Position Adjustment Lever" (Item 2 in the appended diagram) under both second row seats ... they will slide and lock about 6" further forward. The cargo area is now that much deeper.

Granted, no one would ... or could ... sit in that position, but for just the two of us it's not a problem.
Regards,

SaniDel


P.S. Bonus ... this creates a 6" gap between the second row seat backs and the rear cargo platform ... I'm sure we will find something soft and irregularly shaped to drop into that space!

 

If it's just the 2 of you why don't you just fold the seats down? You would gain a lot more than 6" that way.

 

Thanks for that suggestion. That would work, but there is a price to be paid.

The second row seats don't fold flat. Our suitcases have to be shoved "uphill" which makes everything ride higher, which blocks our rear view than if they were in the cargo area. In addition, folding the second row seats limits the amount of room for the first row seats. We are both long-legged and like to ride with the driver and passenger seats all the way back, which is hindered if the second row seats are folded. I guess we could remove the second row seat headrests ... are they removable?

We have folded the second row seats to bring home very large items from a shopping trip, but not for a 1,200 mile trip to Sanibel from Delaware. We'll make our stuff fit in the "extended cargo area" and keep the second row seats up for clothing, small items and our "overnight bags".
Regards,

SaniDel

 

Here's an extra 21 cubic feet of storage.

http://www.autoanything.com/roof-racks/65A3097A0A0.aspx

Koz

 

No question they are. Just press the adjustment "button" and rather than stopping, pull them up and out; easy in and easy out-- KH

 

Sanibel Island is so beautiful!

BTW - It is the third best place on the planet to collect sea shells! Remember, the early bird gets the worm!

Koz

 

Voilà ... it worked great! This picture taken through the open hatch shows our over-sized "old-fashioned" four wheel suitcases far enough forward in the cargo area to allow room for a wine shipment case ... a dozen bottles packed in styrofoam inserts that is significantly larger than a regular wine case. We're not finished packing, but the additional cargo area depth made the difference ... otherwise we would have to leave home without our wine ... horrors!
Regards,

SaniDel


P.S. Leaving for Sanibel from Delaware on Thanksgiving morning ... 1,200 miles, but over three days ... Florence SC on the first day, Ocala FL on the second and Sanibel by lunch on the third.