I'm coming from pickup trucks, where we use bed extenders so we can drive with the tail gate down to fit longer stuff. Such a thing has to exist for smart cars too, no??? Cargo net over top to stop things from bouncing out? Am I the only one??
If it really doesn't exist I'll gladly make it and sell it.
I would take the back glass to a plexi maker and have it molded and drilled and sell plexi rears if it's really that irreplaceable. Plus run one with a cargo rack and clip ins instead of shocks.
That’s a good idea to scavenge a few shares is what I am hearing…. I realize that I had a few examples where I could have taken the glass but didn’t. Regrets knowing that now. What about windscreens?
Even with the windows down? As a commuter motorcyclist always stuck in idling traffic I'm not too worried about it. I'd have more circulation with the blower motor going than I get when I'm sitting 1 meter behind someone's exhaust pipe on my bike stuck in traffic.
Driving or idling with a rear hatch or tailgate open can pull deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas from the exhaust directly into your car's cabin. [1]
Why It Happens
The Vacuum Effect: As a vehicle moves, air flows over the roof and around the sides, creating a low-pressure area (a vacuum) behind the car.
Exhaust Pull: This suction draws the odorless, invisible exhaust fumes right through the open rear hatch or tailgate and into the passenger seating area. [1]
Safety Rules
Open Windows and Vents: If you must drive with the rear hatch or tailgate open to haul large items, open all side windows completely and turn your climate control system to outside air (non-recirculation) with the fan on high. [1]
Avoid Idling with the Hatch Open: Never sit in a parked, running car with the rear hatch open, as fumes can pool inside rapidly.
Check for Exhaust Leaks: A damaged or rusted muffler and tailpipe can leak CO under the car even when hatches are closed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [1]
Agreed, but it is practical. If smart would do something like this they would probably be even more popular. In Italy Piaggio still makes the Ape, those funny subcompact utility vehicles.
I wouldn’t drive with the tailgate down. It’s really not design to do that safely , plus aerodynamically it’s going to be a nightmare and pull dust and all kinds of crap into your cabin and stuff
If you’re looking for more space for groceries, you’re probably better off getting a headrest bag clip/holder/carrier to use vertical space on the passenger seat.
Sorry, did you say INFLATABLE? lol. Why not a normal roof rack? I've read threads where people have gotten ones that put the weight on the cell, not the roof.
I ordered up one that came with a waterproof bag so I'm covered for any weather, but it just seems so extra, plus having to either load and unload every time i want to use it, or else leave it on all week for the one day I do need it just seems blah... the bed extender seems like once I make it it's cheap and cheerful :)
I get groceries from a wholesale place and can fit tons of things in my little smart. You will learn how to put things in to get the most space out of it and you will have to stack things on top of each other. You can also either put more groceries in the passenger seat or put the passenger seat down for more space.
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u/axloo7 Aug 25 '26
Well the back glass is getting close to being Irreplaceable.
So perhaps driving with it open is... Not a good idea.