Hot pipes inside rear driver-side storage compartment

[PaulLR3]

I was going to store a tow strap in the rear lower storage compartment on the driver side. There is ample space but there are 2 aluminum pipes that get really hot. I presume they are part of the rear AC unit. Do you think it is safe to store items near these hot pipes? They are so hot that I could not touch them, so I guess they could melt or damage a tow strap. Or worse case could they get hot enough ignite a fabric tow strap?

 

[CMGRover]

One spot that seems ideal to me is the foot space under the 3rd row when they are folded down. Completely covered. Just get a couple bins to hold things and since the the 3rd row completely covers the top, they will stay secured. But if you use the 3rd row...this wouldn't work I guess.
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Sorry about all the clutter in the background...going to be tending to that today!

 

[tlt]

+1 for third row seat space.. it works well.

 

[Trynian]

The hot pipes you refer to I believe are the heater lines so hot coolant is running through them. I store stuff in there all the time. To be extra safe I just wrap anything next to the pipes with a small towel to insulate.

 

[PaulLR3]

Thanks, I will do the same and wrap the tow strap in a small towel. And yes, they are probably coolant lines to the rear AC/heater unit.

I was surprised at how hot the pipes were and how easy it would be for someone to burn their hand reaching into that storage bin.

 

[PhyrraM]

I have had my tie-downs in a ZipLock bag in that compartment for a year now, with no issues or signs of the bag melting.

There is a factory accessory to hold the OEM tow receiver that goes in that compartment. It is basically molded Styrofoam, and that seems to hold up fine also.