Steel Cargo Barrier vs. Retractable Cargo Nets

[jgordonanderson]

I have a 2007 XC70 that came without the retractable cargo nets. I definitely want something to protect passengers while transporting stuff. I know that I can get the retractable cargo nets and have them installed, or install them myself (because I have the directions), but I wonder if it is worth it. How do those nets hold up over the years? Should I just buy a steel cargo barrier and be done with it?

The other thing is that the cover for the net compartment rattles as I drive... very annoying. This is part of the reason I am thinking about installing the nets. But would that stop the cover for the compartment from rattling??

Thank you!

[precopster]

The retractable nets are simply Swedish genious. They work really well and the retractable mechanism has never failed in 3 cars I've owned.

Sure they won't stop a 50 pound anvil from taking your head off in a bingle however if you place heavy items tucked up behind the seat you should be OK.

[erikv11]

I have the metal cargo gate ("dog gate") in my 98 V70 and I love it. With any loads back there above the seat level I just flip it down. I don't even notice it when it's up. A 5 pound box flying at your head at 50 mph is plenty dangerous, you don't than a 50 pound anvil. The nets are for packing convenience, but for safety in a crash there is no comparison.

[precopster]

I don't think the OP knows about the flip-up Volvo made steel barriers. They are great if you can find them in wreckers but they weren't common over here on P2s. One of those in conjunction with the nets is perfect.

He may have been referring to a fitted solution which takes all of the convenience out of having a wagon; you lose the fold-down ability and long load length.

[zombielinux]

I just bought the OEM mesh net for my XC70, works great, Doesn't rattle at all. Keeps the dogs in the trunk (rude pups like to hop over the back seat).

Plus (at least on mine) you can fold the rear seats down and put the mesh between the now much larger cargo area and the front two seats.

It also folds up nicely and fits in the storage area when not in use.

The wife originally wanted the steel one, but this mesh one has been MUCH better for MUCH cheaper.

[jgordonanderson]

Thank you all so much for this very helpful information!

[tomvv11]

Old thread, but are you still looking for a separator between cargo and passenger areas? I'm looking to buy an XC tomorrow that has the steel one from Volvo, and I don't really want it. Send a PM if this is still relevant.

[Rattnalle]

I just bought the OEM mesh net for my XC70, works great, Doesn't rattle at all. Keeps the dogs in the trunk (rude pups like to hop over the back seat).

Plus (at least on mine) you can fold the rear seats down and put the mesh between the now much larger cargo area and the front two seats.

It also folds up nicely and fits in the storage area when not in use.

The wife originally wanted the steel one, but this mesh one has been MUCH better for MUCH cheaper.

I have both the steel (well, aluminium really i think) and the net.

The metal grid is far superior in actually keeping stuff in the back if it comes to it. I've always got it down regardless of how high I pile cargo. If I hit something its going to come flying no matter what.

But the option of pulling the net up when the seats are folded is simply genius and also something I use quite a lot. It'd be close to suicide to drive on the motorway without it...

IMHO all estates should have both features as standard safety equipment but most don't even have it as an option...

[erikv11]

The folding metal grid is unmatched. I agree both are convenient overall.

Some lucky P2 wagon owner, take up tomvv11 on his offer!