Thread: Cargo Net for D3?

They may be thinking of the dog guards being used as cargo barriers, for which they are not rated for.

I think it is illegal to have anyone in the rear passenger seats if the cargo barrier is up.

I had assumed the seats in the back would be permanently down...I can understand its illegal if seats are up and being used, but I can't imagine anyone ever doing that when it's a 5 minute job to remove the cargo barrier in mine if we do need the extra seats.

Originally Posted by phl

They may be thinking of the dog guards being used as cargo barriers, for which they are not rated for.

I think it is illegal to have anyone in the rear passenger seats if the cargo barrier is up.

So a dog guard is not a cargo barrier? I got the dog guard not to contain a dog but to protect the backs of our hears from flying boot contents......
How is the dog guard rated?

A dog guard while not as good as a full barrier would still be far better than nothing. This thread reminds me that I really need to get a barrier given how much gear I carry in the back of the 3.

Originally Posted by discotwinturbo

The better ones usually have a Australian standards mark on them.

I think the person from Ritters must have had something else on their mind.

But then again, if you had someone in the rear, it would be a bit harder to get them out in an emergency, so maybe that's where Ritters was coming from.

Brett.....

Yes, that's what Ritters were saying. They said that the fact that the barrier even offers the possibility to have passengers sitting behind it, with no means of escape makes it illegal - He did mention something about having a glass breaking hammer available might be a solution.

However, The more I look at it the more it seams that Ritters are perpetuating a myth.

The Vic Roads allowed vehicle modification list that I found here, makes no qualifications about the use of Cargo Barriers, and even more importantly, I checked with my Insurance company, and specifically asked the question whether a claim woule be denied on the basis of installing a cargo barrier in a 7 seater, and they said no. Provided that I advise them of the installation of the cargo barrier - it will be covered.

So the summary seems to be:
[1] It is legal (in Vic)
[2] Advise your insurance company
[3] Don't bother asking Ritters to do it for you.

Originally Posted by SBD4

Graeme, Autosafe make half height one for those that have drawers. These are custom made to fit with the drawer system in each car. perhaps they would consider making one for someone without drawers.

I'm sure I have seen somewhere a barrier that provided access through the full barrier via removable section/gate. I'll see if I can find it.

This is the kind of barrier I am looking for. A small door would work well. I have a Milford cargo barrier to fit into my Forester 2004. I was worried about my dog becoming trapped in an emergency and needed an idea to be able to get him out.

Does anyone have any photos they could show of a barrier with a gate. A much better idea than cutting my Milford in half!

Originally Posted by Josubaru

This is the kind of barrier I am looking for. A small door would work well.

I had one in my Adventra wagon. It was a spring loaded Perspex section in the middle about 300mm wide going from the roof section f the cargo barrier frame to the frame running across the vehicle at seat back height. To stop it rattling there were a couple of Velcro squares at each bottom corner. It was very handy when you needed to fit something long in the back.

You can see the general arrangement here.

Product Cargo Barriers - Holden - Adventra - 205900

Originally Posted by BSM

Yes, that's what Ritters were saying. They said that the fact that the barrier even offers the possibility to have passengers sitting behind it, with no means of escape makes it illegal - He did mention something about having a glass breaking hammer available might be a solution.
However, The more I look at it the more it seams that Ritters are perpetuating a myth.
So the summary seems to be:
[1] It is legal (in Vic)
[2] Advise your insurance company
[3] Don't bother asking Ritters to do it for you.

Ritters are using that old latin term "Anus Protectus"
I asked them to fit a Llams controller and straight away said it was illegal!
Well, sounds like they just don't want any litigation should an insurance claim arise. Fully understandable, but they are qualified mechanics/engineers, so wouldn't expect dingy work from them, but moreover they don't want the hassle if someone hurts themselves.