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Power Trunk: Difference between revisions

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The '''trunk''' or '''boot''' of an automobile or car is the vehicle's main storage or luggage compartment. ''"Trunk"'' is used in North American English whilst ''"Boot"'' is used elsewhere in the English speaking world.
[[Image:Caravan_trunk.jpg|300px|thumb|The power operated tailgate on the Dodge Caravan can be seen on the lefthand side of the opening.]]
A power trunk can be either an electronically released latch or a full automatic opening lid. Until recently, only high-end luxury cars had the convenience of power operated trunks. The main advantages of a power trunk are to avoid fingerprints on the trunk lid and to aid in loading the vehicle. By simply pressing a button, the cargo area becomes accessible; a very simple task when carrying a heavy load to your vehicle.


The compartment is located either at the front or the rear of the vehicle - invariably at the other end of the vehicle to which the engine is located. The vast majority of cars have the compartment at the rear of the vehicle, though most mid-engined cars (such as the [[Ferrari 360]]) and rear-engined cars (such as the [[Volkswagen Beetle]]) have it in the front. An exceptional vehicle, the [[Volkswagen Type 3]], had a trunk in the front and a trunk in the rear, above the low profile boxer engine. The [[Fiat X1/9]] also had two trunks, although the rear one was quite small.
The power liftgate is a similar idea, taking the power opening trunk and adapting it for use on a hatchback vehicle. The Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country Minivans were the first to offer power liftgates. Many other models have added the option.
 
Most systems work by adding an electric actuator parallel to the trunk or liftgate hinges. When activated, the trunk unlatches and the actuator pushes the trunk open until it rests at its fully open position on the gas struts commonly used. This method allows the trunk to be operated by hand as well, should there be a mechanical problem with the opener or a lack of electrical power.
 
The system used on the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans is slightly different, using a flat metal plate as a cam and rotating it upward to open the tailgate.

Latest revision as of 18:49, 19 January 2007

The power operated tailgate on the Dodge Caravan can be seen on the lefthand side of the opening.

A power trunk can be either an electronically released latch or a full automatic opening lid. Until recently, only high-end luxury cars had the convenience of power operated trunks. The main advantages of a power trunk are to avoid fingerprints on the trunk lid and to aid in loading the vehicle. By simply pressing a button, the cargo area becomes accessible; a very simple task when carrying a heavy load to your vehicle.

The power liftgate is a similar idea, taking the power opening trunk and adapting it for use on a hatchback vehicle. The Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country Minivans were the first to offer power liftgates. Many other models have added the option.

Most systems work by adding an electric actuator parallel to the trunk or liftgate hinges. When activated, the trunk unlatches and the actuator pushes the trunk open until it rests at its fully open position on the gas struts commonly used. This method allows the trunk to be operated by hand as well, should there be a mechanical problem with the opener or a lack of electrical power.

The system used on the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans is slightly different, using a flat metal plate as a cam and rotating it upward to open the tailgate.

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