2003 X5 - driving with the hatch partially open

[Meestahbig]

I want to buy a dresser, but it is long and will stick out the rear. The folded down tailgate, will be secure by the weight of the dresser... but I don't want to drive with the top hatch fully extended. i am thinking to use a strap on the latch to pull it tight down? Anyone have success with this? I need to go about 35 miles and can drive slowly. Any advice? Don't do it?

[andrewwynn]

I would have little concern with doing this save one: you can draw exhaust into the car (I was in a car they did this once: we had a suburban with a roll down back window and we cracked it open to provide cooling and halfway into the 1 hour drive somebody noticed it smelled funny in the car. Dad turned on the dome light and wow the entire car looked like Cheech and Chong were with us: completely filled with smoke).

Drive with strong fresh air or front windows cracked to avoid sucking in exhaust.

Also: secure the dresser with tie downs and bungee the top down into some foam so it won't put a dent in your new dresser.

[Overboost]

I hauled my Christmas tree this winter with the upper rear hatch open. It will want to close at speed due to aerodynamic effect but as long as you stay under 35 you should be fine.

[ajacks8]

I've hauled an extra-capacity dryer, and plenty of furniture with my 3.0. I've gone with hatch full-open at low speed, but more recently when hauling a new chest freezer...if you can shut hatch >50%...it works to bungee the rear wiper base to the hitch with a softcloth between bumper and bungee. It worked well, but with even 1" opening that exhaust is INTENSE! Good luck!

[crystalworks]

Same recommendations regarding exhaust. Drive with windows open. Done this many times and the truck does just fine if the hatch is sufficiently secured.

[Meestahbig]

thanks. Ill drive with the windows open and make sure the hatch is pull down as much as I can and strapped. also will kae sure this long dresser is strapped in so it dont slip off the back!