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2008 Ford Edge

165 messages,  Last post on Jul 31, 2009 at 5:44 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Edge, SUV

Messages Page 8 of 17

#66 of 165 Re: Cargo cover 2008 edge [goatee] by baggs32

Nov 28, 2007 (5:54 pm)

Replying to: goatee (Nov 28, 2007 3:27 pm)
OK, I found out what it is. See the '08 Edge official order guide here. This is the latest version which was updated Nov. '07.
 
Here's that same item at the Ford accessory site. Search for part # 7T4Z-7845440-AA (the ebony colored shade).
 
So it is the non-retractable, fold and store, version. That is a travesty IMO. The retractable cargo shade was really nice and this thing just screams cheap to me. Plus the retractable version used to be like $75. Now this thing is $115 and not as convenient.

#67 of 165 Re: Chrome clad wheels [mcq1] by akirby

Nov 29, 2007 (6:48 am)

Replying to: mcq1 (Nov 28, 2007 3:24 pm)
That's why they call them chrome CLAD wheels, so the answer is yes. The problem with real chrome wheels is they get really heavy and the chrome can pit or come off within a few years. The chrome clad wheels avoid those problems. Some folks like them, some don't - you'd need to look at them yourself.

#68 of 165 Re: Cargo cover 2008 edge [baggs32] by akirby

Nov 29, 2007 (6:53 am)

Replying to: baggs32 (Nov 28, 2007 5:54 pm)
Well that really sucks. I assumed if it was a factory option that it would be just like the escape and explorer versions that you described. From the wording in the order guide it still appears to be a dealer installed option.

#69 of 165 Re: Cargo cover 2008 edge [akirby] by baggs32

Nov 29, 2007 (10:33 am)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 29, 2007 6:53 am)
I assumed if it was a factory option that it would be just like the escape and explorer versions that you described. From the wording in the order guide it still appears to be a dealer installed option.
 
Me too. Although I guess we shouldn't pass judgement without having used one yet.
 
The order guide says something like "pre-installed" IIRC. I took that to mean it is a genuine accessory installed at the factory rather than at the dealer. That would probably account for the $10 difference in price if you order it from the factory rather than from he dealer or their site.

#70 of 165 Re: Cargo cover 2008 edge [baggs32] by akirby

Nov 29, 2007 (11:00 am)

Replying to: baggs32 (Nov 29, 2007 10:33 am)
I think in this case it means they just throw one in the truck before it leaves the factory, add it to the invoice and the dealer installs it - like the front license plate frame. From the description it sounds like it only takes about 30 seconds.

#71 of 165 Re: Cargo cover 2008 edge [akirby] by goatee

Nov 29, 2007 (7:07 pm)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 29, 2007 11:00 am)
You mean that this $115 option is nothing more than a cheap piece of heavy duty vinyl with a few hooks to hold it in place? Well what can I expect from a company that doesnt even put a glove compartment light in a $34000+ vehicle?

#72 of 165 Re: Cargo cover 2008 edge [goatee] by akirby

Nov 29, 2007 (9:10 pm)

Replying to: goatee (Nov 29, 2007 7:07 pm)
But the real factory option on other vehicles is nothing more than a cheap piece of vinyl with a cheap window shade roller. Not that much difference.

#73 of 165 Re: Cargo cover 2008 edge [akirby] by g_mans_edge

Nov 30, 2007 (6:01 am)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 29, 2007 9:10 pm)
Now that it appears we're all in agreement about what this item is, I'll add my .03¢ on actually having it installed & using it...
 
Install & Fit:
The cover is constructed of a (thicker, but not exactly 'heavy-duty') vinyl material, cut to shape and hem-stitched around its perimeter. It's a "tool-less" install except for the two pilot holes that are drilled into the plastic trim near the hatch opening on the right and left sides, about level with the height of the top of the rear seats. These are used for mounting the two-pronged plastic hooks (they look like miniature versions of the ties used as mooring points on a boat dock), where the two short elastic bands on the rear of the cover attach. Once installed, the cover is then suspended over the cargo area at about seat-top level, held in place from the front (3 headrest bands), sides (trim hooks at base of each rear side window, with sewn-in weighted inserts), and the aforementioned rear hooks and bands. The cover is cut to take the shape of the top of the cargo opening (includes the inside shape of the hatch when closed), and does fit well in this regard, with minimal "flap" during travel (windows closed). Curious to see if this holds true once the elastic bands age some, and hot weather returns to soften the vinyl/elastic and back windows may be opened to allow air wash over the cover (flapping & noise?).
 
Use:
Since the cover has no retracting mechanism, once in place, it can not easily be "opened" or moved out of the way to provide good access to the cargo space, other than the very back edge (no pun intended..) closest to the back lip of the opening. Without detaching any of the rear or side anchoring points (not easily done one-handed or when carrying packages), one is forced to simply bend down and reach under the cover to place or retrieve objects, and when this is done, the cover's rear side ends up just about in your face. Releasing the two rear bands off of their hooks allows about 1/3 of the cover to "droop" down to expose a bit more of the cargo area, but then is in the way of placing/picking up your parcels. This back 1/3 of the cover will not stay in place when folded up and over toward the front (at least in my vehicle), which would make it somewhat more workable. It just falls back down in the way. If you need even more access to items stored further forward toward the rear seats, you will likely need to lean in and release the two side hooks in addition to the rear ones. These two plastic hooks are attached to the cover via flat elastic bands, are "fish hook" shaped, and are not easily manuevered into/out of the small gap between the plastic cargo area trim and the glass of the rear side windows while leaning into the cargo area with your knees pressed against the car's rear (and dirty..?) bumper. They are thin plastic and don't seem very robust, and so may be suseptible to breakage if overly exerted upon during this exersize. Once these hooks are removed, the cover can then be flipped up and forward toward the rear seats (if you can reach in far enough to do this, shorter folks may have trouble here), and will stay folded over there. All of the above would then need to be done in reverse order of course to button things back up.
 
Overall, this item does accomplish the basic task it is designed for, that is, to keep items in the cargo area out of sight of prying eyes and maybe out of a bright sun at times, but (IMHO) would not be described as a "convenience" to use. Unknown at this time how it will hold up to continued use. Also, as stated earlier above, the cost at ~$115 does not seem to balance against the actual construction and lack of ease in using this product.

#74 of 165 GOT ONE!! by mcq1

Nov 30, 2007 (6:48 am)

Just to let you know that I am now a proud owner of a new limited edge. We just love it. I am so glad I got it instead of the Hyundai Santa Fe.

#75 of 165 Re: Cargo cover 2008 edge [goatee] by thegraduate

Dec 03, 2007 (9:58 am)

Replying to: goatee (Nov 29, 2007 7:07 pm)
If it is any consolation, our Odyssey van had no glovebox light either. My 12 year old Accord LX (a lower-level trim) did, but not the top-of-the-line Honda Odyssey.
 
Ford's not the only guilty party when it comes to cost-cutting. Anyone driven a Toyota lately? I swear I could hear birds, because all I could think was "cheep cheep cheep!"

Messages Page 8 of 17

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