
The X-Trail cargo cover can be placed in the rear where the fire extinguisher is located after removal. Functions of the cargo cover: It can conceal irregularly placed luggage in the car trunk, enhancing the vehicle's neat and elegant appearance. It effectively protects the privacy and security of personal items, preventing rear-seat passengers from peeking at items in the trunk and avoiding incidents where valuables might tempt window-smashing thefts. The cargo cover also has a certain load-bearing capacity; when extended, you can place items like plush toys or decorations on it for better aesthetic appeal. Disadvantages of the cargo cover: If the cargo cover is installed, folding down the second-row seats or raising the third-row seats (many SUVs now come with a third row) will require removing the cargo cover, which can be quite inconvenient.

I usually store the removed cargo cover in the foam storage compartment on the side of the trunk. The X-Trail has hidden storage spaces on both sides of the trunk, and the size is just right to fit the rolled-up cargo cover. After removing the cargo cover on my last road trip, I rolled it up tightly, tied it, and placed it in the left storage compartment, which didn’t affect loading luggage at all. Remember to clean the cover before rolling it up, otherwise, dust and mold may accumulate over time. If the trunk storage compartment is occupied by other tools, I simply take it home and place it on the upper shelf of the storage rack. This storage method is the most hassle-free, and the cover is always easy to find when needed.

Our family often takes the dog out for trips, and every time we remove the cargo cover, we place it in the gap behind the seats. By adjusting the front passenger seat to its furthest forward position and inserting the cargo cover vertically into the crevice between the rear seats and the trunk, it stays remarkably stable without shifting. The freed-up trunk space is just right for placing the pet carrier and other gear. Actually, the X-Trail's cargo cover is designed to be quite lightweight, and when there's really no space left, I've even tried folding it and storing it under the child safety seat on the rear floor. The key is to ensure it doesn't roll around and jam the brakes while driving. Before storing, it's best to wrap the hooks at both ends with soft cloth to avoid scratching the interior.

For accessories like cargo covers, I'm used to removing them and placing them directly on dedicated storage racks in the garage. I measured the dimensions and customized several tiered shelves—rolling-style cargo covers fit perfectly on the middle shelf, saving a lot of space. When not in use for long periods, remember to cover them with dust-proof covers to avoid dust buildup. For temporary storage, I lay them flat on top of the wardrobe in the cloakroom or in storage boxes under the bed. Some X-Trail owner groups suggested placing them in the space above the spare tire after removal, but I found it inconvenient when accessing the spare tire. Before each removal or reinstallation, it's best to take photos to mark the buckle positions to avoid incorrect reassembly.

After removing the cargo cover, I roll it into a cylinder shape and secure it with the included Velcro straps. I prefer placing it in the foam compartment beside the spare tire well in the trunk—it saves space and prevents shaking. When camping on weekends, if the foam compartment is occupied by tools, I stand the rolled cover vertically against the inner side of the trunk and secure it with a cargo net. The cargo cover rail groove can also serve as a temporary storage spot, but it tends to slip out easily, so I recommend placing a towel underneath for cushioning. I've even carved out a hidden slot under the trunk mat specifically for storing such car accessories. For long-term storage, remember to take it out and unroll it monthly to prevent deformation.


