Lincoln Aviator Storage Hacks

I was looking for a cargo area protector to prevent things from sliding around and protect the carpets on the floor of the cargo area.  The one from Lincoln is pricey and while it does cover the rear area and the 3rd row seat when folded down it does not work if you have the seats folded up…in fact you have to remove it when putting the third row up.  I also really wanted something that would cover the seat backs of the 2nd row as well so if I put all seats down all the seat backs are protected.  I have the 2nd row captain chairs so this does not work with the bench seat.  

Almost every set I found only covered the backs of the third row.  This is one of the only ones that covers the backs of the second row seats as well.  While i dont use them, it also came with a complete set of floor mats that match which is great.  These seem like really nice quality…the cargo area piece we use keeps things from sliding really well.  In addition, the way these are constructed the 3rd row seat backs are separated from the cargo mat…many other ones on amazon have the 3rd row connected to the cargo area and people have complained they dont work so well.  These are great, they allow one or both 3rd row seats to be up or down and there is no buckling of the matts when you do it.

Installation on the seat backs is super easy…basically velcro on the back of the matts sticks to the carpet on the backs of the seats. Super easy.  One trick…cut a piece of cardboard about 2/3rds the size of the matt…place it on the carpet and place the matt on top of it.  This way you can slide the mat around to align it the way you want..then pull the cardboard out while pressing the mat into the carpet.  The velcro is super grabby so just lightly push in place first…check the fit and if you have to you can pull it up easily..then when happy…press it down all around.

This is a great addition.  It uses double stick tape and adheres to the top lip of the bumper. Protect it from scrapes and scratches as you pull stuff in and out of the rear hatch.  Plus I think it looks great.  I think the rear of the car lacks style  and detail and this helps a tiny bit.

Bumper Protector  #AD

The aviator has a really decent storage compartment under the rear deck however sometimes with stuff in the back it is not so convenient to get at.  There are little things that you may want easier access to such as bug spray, small umbrellas etc.    These nets are great for that stuff.  I have them in all my cars and been using them for years.  They affix with velcro to the carpet…it is a bit of a tight fit but as shown in the video  but there is enough carpet to kind of install them a bit angled.    I put one on each side.  They end up overlapping the recessed tie down hooks but once installed i just pull them through the mesh if I want to use them.

Side Nets  #AD

This has also come in handy.  It seems like it is made just for this car.  It uses the little recessed tie down hooks on the sides of the car and stretches clear across the back of the car…proving a net pocket to put grocery bags and other items you are hauling with them falling over and stuff rolling around.  It goes up easy and stores easy in a nice small built in pouch.

Long Storage Net  #AD

Lincoln sells a set..super expensive and you either love them or hate them.

I wanted something a bit more subtle.  I found a bunch on amazon and was interested to read a lot of people saying either…”these fit great”…or … “these don’t fit at all”.  After researching (and buying the wrong ones) i realized what the issue is…There is a different profile on the lower rocker panels depending on if you have color matched rockers or the black plastic rockers (like mine).  The color matched is an option on I think most trims so be careful when ordering.  The black plastic gently curve under the car,

the colored ones flair out.

As a result there are actually two styles made for the car but it is not always clear which is which.  It also only affects the front..the rears, i believe are the same.   If you have the black plastic rockers the front guard should look like this…

If you have the body color matches it will look like this

If you have a miss match you get this…(Ask me how i know!)

Now I have no way to verify the flair ones as i dont have that car but here are two links to the same manufacturer that makes both styles. Black Plastic Rocker Panels  #AD Color Matched Rocker Panels #AD If someone with the color matched rockers gets this let me know if it works.

These are nifty items to hold boxes in the cargo area or on the floors from sliding around.  They work with either carpeted flooring or the cargo protectors.  They have velcro on one side and grabby foam on the other.  You tuck them under the corners of the box and they really work well.

Box Holders