[dtausig]

I had my 09 in for service, to replace the thin pressboard panel that covers the spare. The bolt that holds the spare sticks up to support thr center of the board. When I carried something heavy, the bolt punctured the board and carpet. I went to the dealer, They thought that it might be considered a wear item and therefore not covered. They changed it as warped. The suggestion was to add a 2 X 4 as a spacer. I went all out and used a 2 X 6. I hope this is not a problem with other parts since I figgure that next time I might get "do you own a roll of duct tape" I should not have to make parts to fix my "new" car. I talked to Chevy, and they said that they will make a note of the problem. I felt blowen off.

 

[elcompaLalo]

Its just an unseen piece of particleboard, they cut you some slack and fixed it under warranty and you went in and reinforced it saving you from another ruined board. What is it you placed on it that was that heavy?

Oh yea, welcome aboard!

 

[RaineMan]

I had similar problems with my Cobalt. If you sit a 50lb box on top of the liner it will pretty much collapse. The one in my Malibu is bent all to heck, but I don't care.

 

[Starship]

The heavier the object is, the more likely you'll "drop" it onto the floor of the trunk (force equals mass times acceleration). Then, as you go over bumps, you get the sledge hammer effect. Obviously it's even worse when the weight is concentrated over a small area (pressure equals force over area).

 

[DrivenDaily]

The heavier the object is, the more likely you'll "drop" it onto the floor of the trunk (force equals mass times acceleration). Then, as you go over bumps, you get the sledge hammer effect. Obviously it's even worse when the weight is concentrated over a small area (pressure equals force over area).

Do all the smart ones drive black cars or is it all the smart ones drive Malibu's? I stole mine!

 

[Starship]

Whoever designed these flimsy panels (obviously don't drive black cars ) should take a look at how it's done on the HHR, a sturdy board made out of ABS plastic that'll withstand some beating.

 

[onecrazyfoo4u]

I wonder if putting a big rubber cargo mat over top of it would help, like a husky or weathertech...anybody do that?

 

[elcompaLalo]

I wonder if putting a big rubber cargo mat over top of it would help, like a husky or weathertech...anybody do that?

Minimal help if any, if your going to set/throw heavy objects in the trunk you need to get something that is firmer (i.e. plywood, particleboard)

 

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Yeah I guess so...it would probably be easy to trace the existing board over some 1/2 or 3/4" board.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Particle board is not very structural when laid flat. It will warp, and with the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere it will hasten that effect. It's also quite heavy. Also, if it's too thin it will break or snap on the edges easily. Vertically, though, it's quite strong and stable.

Plywood has the advantage in several areas. It's lighter, stronger (resists breaking), and won't warp as much.

The best thing to do with either particle board or plywood is to make sure the template allows you to flip it to reverse the effects of any warpage. It's the same with your mattress - turn it to keep the wear even.

I don't seem to have any issues with my cargo/trunk area. But then again, I don't have any heavy loads in it continuously.

 

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Thanks for the input, so plywood would be the way to go. I may just do this since I do put some heavy weight in my trunk. I'll do a little write-up for you guys if I decide to do it!

 

[firstchevy]

had same thing, warping of board there are little slots in the board at the back of the trunk that in fits in to. but you put somthing in or it just bounces out of the slots you have no support and it warps in I put a few peaces of glued felcrow tape to the board and back bottom slots of trunck works good had two 50lbs bags sand and no sagging .

 

[catherinebell20]

The heavier the object is, the more likely you'll "drop" it onto the floor of the trunk (force equals mass times acceleration). Then, as you go over bumps, you get the sledge hammer effect.