What is the reason for this part. | Ford Explorer Forums

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What is the reason for this part.

JIMBONUT

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Joined
January 2, 2011
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City, State
Port Charlotte, Fl.
Year, Model & Trim Level
2011 XLE (BOUGHT 5/11)
Has anyone figured out the purpose of the long thin part just inside the rear hatch. The part is detachable but I can't see why it is there.
 






I believe it is for when you put the donut on after a flat. If you look in the manual on Page 343 it shows you how to stow the flat tire for transport. So the plastic piece is a filler. You stow the flat tire in the vertical position by screwing a wingnut to the rear hatch panel. Hope this answers your question.
 






Mine was detached when I picked up the Explorer. Took me a couple minutes to figure out where it went.

It fills in the gap between the seats and the hatch jam.

When you swap out a full size wheel for the spare, you have to remove the plastic piece so you can stand up the full size wheel in the back and bolt it to the rear well.
 






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