Slate SUV Kit - Split Back Seat Partially Folded Down + Trunk Cargo Space (photo & video)

[1yeliab_sufur1]

I did get conformation they will have a cargo kit

 

[sodamo]

I did get conformation they will have a cargo kit

That sux, previous info from Slate confirmed no rollbar. This sounds like they determined how to justify $5k kit.

 

[tubes]

That sux, previous info from Slate confirmed no rollbar. This sounds like they determined how to justify $5k kit.

Yeah, Cargo is going to be expensive. I am completing my realization that it will be a tonneau for me. That should work for me with a few compromises (no hauling big stuff on rainy days).

If they have that roll bar, it will also pinch the width for slide-in large items.

 

[AZFox]

That sux, previous info from Slate confirmed no rollbar.

That makes it a Cargo Kit that prohibits 4'x8' sheet goods from fitting, and it'll come with expensive and unnecessary airbags.

Disappointing if true.

 

[cadblu]

I know that this is going to upset some of you folks, but to me this totally makes sense. I used to be responsible for a fleet of cargo vans at my place of employment. The drivers would be loading up the vans to the breaking point. All to avoid the extra step of returning to the dock, unloading, and then going out again.

The enclosed cargo area with the bulkhead divider that the Slate agent is describing is a must. I recall when one of shipping and receiving clerks loaded up the cargo area with many lengths of pipe. The driver needed to make an emergency stop. He didn't use the cage that separated the cargo area from the cab. The pipes flew through the cab and almost killed him. They went through the windshield and pierced the engine mount cover below the dash. And it was my responsibility to work with EHS for RCCA (root cause and corrective action). So one half hour of poor discretion on the part of the driver turned into 40 hours of extra work for me and my staff.

That said. I believe it must be some kind of federal regulation that vehicles classified as cargo vans must have a robust cage and solid rear structure to properly enclose the cargo to withstand cargo loads. It might be a crash safety thing and no, I didn't research it, but I'm sure some of my many friends here will be doing that for me.

 

[tubes]

Not upset at all. I realized that what I have today -- A Honda Odyssey with an open back and 8 totes with tools -- is very dangerous. I'm all for the bulkhead. I'm just a little surprised by the rollcage. But maybe not so much. It might be needed so that the structure doesn't flex in wind forces. So I kind of get it.

I'm leaning to the pickup with tonneau which has the bed back with glass to save me from having a drill go through my head during a rollover.

 

[AZFox]

I know that this is going to upset some of you folks, but to me this totally makes sense. I used to be responsible for a fleet of cargo vans at my place of employment. [...]

Not upset at all.

I want the cargo kit so I can haul dogs, not cargo, so I was hoping for the ability to have the cargo shell only with the front-of-bed partition the way Chris Barman describes for her dogmobile configuration.

 

[EV Trek]

One reason they add the roll bar may be because when you remove the back of the cab according to Slate it recognizes you are installing the SUV kit and requires the air bag connection so not to throw an error. Plus they may figure somebody may add the seat they buy off marketplace or E-bay or even add their own seat and people could be sitting back there.

 

[highnote1]

Sorry of this had been discussed. Is there a reason “open air kit” only says available for square back suv?

 

[EV Trek]

I guess you need to ask Slate.

 

[1500WT]

Length of space from the tailgate to the back of the front seat as set up in the OP's image? Also, height from the folded down back seat to the ceiling of the SUV top? Width between the roll bar pillars?

Understand the safety concerns of no cargo bulkhead to protect driver and passenger. Is the bulkhead in the Cargo Kit easy to remove if and when needing to pack longer than 5ft objects?

 

[sodamo]

I did get conformation they will have a cargo kit

ok, submitted a new query to Slate
Aloha
Seems to be some confusion as this was posted on Slate Forum today

“I think you'll be happy to know we'll also be offering a Cargo Kit. While it isn't currently shown in the Slate Maker, the Cargo Kit uses the same integrated topper and roll bar structure as the Squareback SUV Kit, but instead of rear seats, it features an enclosed cargo area with a bulkhead divider behind
the front seats.”

The sticking point being the rollbar, which would be a big no no for many of us.
1: SUV type top, yes, although some would like to see the Fastback also
2: Seat - definite NO
3: Rollbar - definite NO
4: rear window, relocate to rear or openable
5: lower panel - optional, pass thru would be nice.

 

[adele]

Yeah, Cargo is going to be expensive. I am completing my realization that it will be a tonneau for me. That should work for me with a few compromises (no hauling big stuff on rainy days).

If they have that roll bar, it will also pinch the width for slide-in large items.

It sounds like you just want a good old bed cap. What’s wrong with this one?
https://www.slate.auto/en/store/ACC...romSubcategoryId=accessories_exterior_utility
I’m sure there will be other aftermarket bed caps too. People have been putting bed caps on pickup trucks for decades.

 

[sodamo]

It sounds like you just want a good old bed cap. What’s wrong with this one?
https://www.slate.auto/en/store/ACC...romSubcategoryId=accessories_exterior_utility
I’m sure there will be other aftermarket bed caps too. People have been putting bed caps on pickup trucks for decades.

Not opposed to a third party cap. Have had a handful of Leer caps over the years on different trucks starting with wife’s ‘78 Toyota pu to my current Tundra..
several soft tops in town as I drive about, none that look appealling. The one in Maker doesn’t appear to make a good seal to cab, my female boxer just might decide it is removable. Yea, she managed to remove one of the screens in the Tundra top.

 

[tubes]

It sounds like you just want a good old bed cap. What’s wrong with this one?
https://www.slate.auto/en/store/ACC...romSubcategoryId=accessories_exterior_utility
I’m sure there will be other aftermarket bed caps too. People have been putting bed caps on pickup trucks for decades.

I'm not too excited by those soft air caps.