Previous threads have discussed options for protecting the cargo area, especially the folded rear seat backs, when transporting bikes. The WeatherTech trunk mat doesn't extend to cover the seat backs, and padded cargo liners need hooks or supports so they don't slide around. I was looking for something that would protect the carpet and seat backs from dirt and grease on the bikes, as well as keeping them from getting ripped up by sprockets and pedals. The mat should be sturdy, trap water and mud, grip the carpet to keep from sliding around, and be easily removed. To cover the cargo area, it should be 3 feet wide and at least 5 feet long.
I did some checking online and discovered that Home Depot sold a mat with those dimensions for less than $20 -- a commercial door mat, not a cargo mat. Today, I tried out this mat with our bikes for the first time, and it actually worked great. I also ended up getting two $16 diamond-pattern foam mats to use as full-time trunk mats.
Ingredients:
- (1) 36"x60" TrafficMASTER commercial door mat
- (2) 36"x24" TrafficMASTER anti-fatigue floor mats
I started by placing one of the 24x36 mats over the folded rear seat backs, with the edge hanging over the seat base into the trunk area. The other 24x36 mat sits up against it in the middle of the trunk. Then I unrolled the large 36x60 doormat, overlapping the foam mat and the rear seat base, and leaving a foot or so hanging outside to protect the liftgate sill.
This turns out to be very useful, as the bike can be temporarily rested on the liftgate opening without worrying about scratches. I can then tilt the bike sideways and maneuver it back into the car without having the mat bunch up underneath it.
Removing the front wheel of my wife's bike is a pain, so fortunately I don't have to do that. The entire bike just fits with the wheel angled so the liftgate can close over it. I placed a towel between the rear wheel and the side of the car so there wouldn't be any contact.
After both bikes are in place, the bottom of the mat folds in over the bottom part of the wheels, and away we go.
The diamond-pattern anti-fatigue mats work well by themselves as trunk mats.
Pros:
- Inexpensive. You can spend $200 on the Tesla rear trunk mats and they won't cover the back of the rear seat. This set of 3 mats set me back $52.
- Lightweight but sturdy. Gets the job done.
- Much better protection than throwing a blanket down over the seats, or using nothing at all. "Nothing at all..."
Cons:
- The large doormat initially had a strong rubber smell, as if its backing was made from recycled tires, which is probably the case. I purchased the mat about a month ago and left it sitting in the garage, after which the smell has mostly dissipated. Was worried this smell might be unpleasant when driving with all the windows closed, but turned out it wasn't even noticeable. So you might just need to air the mat out a bit before use.
- Doesn't cover the sides of the trunk. This isn't really a big problem with the bikes, but I have to be somewhat careful that I don't accidentally scrape a pedal against plastic interior surfaces. Towels come in handy here. (They always do.)
I did some checking online and discovered that Home Depot sold a mat with those dimensions for less than $20 -- a commercial door mat, not a cargo mat. Today, I tried out this mat with our bikes for the first time, and it actually worked great. I also ended up getting two $16 diamond-pattern foam mats to use as full-time trunk mats.
Ingredients:
- (1) 36"x60" TrafficMASTER commercial door mat
- (2) 36"x24" TrafficMASTER anti-fatigue floor mats
I started by placing one of the 24x36 mats over the folded rear seat backs, with the edge hanging over the seat base into the trunk area. The other 24x36 mat sits up against it in the middle of the trunk. Then I unrolled the large 36x60 doormat, overlapping the foam mat and the rear seat base, and leaving a foot or so hanging outside to protect the liftgate sill.
This turns out to be very useful, as the bike can be temporarily rested on the liftgate opening without worrying about scratches. I can then tilt the bike sideways and maneuver it back into the car without having the mat bunch up underneath it.
Removing the front wheel of my wife's bike is a pain, so fortunately I don't have to do that. The entire bike just fits with the wheel angled so the liftgate can close over it. I placed a towel between the rear wheel and the side of the car so there wouldn't be any contact.
After both bikes are in place, the bottom of the mat folds in over the bottom part of the wheels, and away we go.
The diamond-pattern anti-fatigue mats work well by themselves as trunk mats.
Pros:
- Inexpensive. You can spend $200 on the Tesla rear trunk mats and they won't cover the back of the rear seat. This set of 3 mats set me back $52.
- Lightweight but sturdy. Gets the job done.
- Much better protection than throwing a blanket down over the seats, or using nothing at all. "Nothing at all..."
Cons:
- The large doormat initially had a strong rubber smell, as if its backing was made from recycled tires, which is probably the case. I purchased the mat about a month ago and left it sitting in the garage, after which the smell has mostly dissipated. Was worried this smell might be unpleasant when driving with all the windows closed, but turned out it wasn't even noticeable. So you might just need to air the mat out a bit before use.
- Doesn't cover the sides of the trunk. This isn't really a big problem with the bikes, but I have to be somewhat careful that I don't accidentally scrape a pedal against plastic interior surfaces. Towels come in handy here. (They always do.)
Last edited:
