Owners Nissan X-Trail T31 They know: the trunk of this crossover is one of its main advantages. Spacious, functional, but... wide open when loading things. This is where it comes to the rescue trunk curtain - a simple but effective solution to protect cargo from prying eyes, dust and sunlight. However, not all curtains are equally useful: some do not fix well, others interfere with the view through the rear view mirror, and others are not suitable in size at all.
In this article we will look at all the nuances of choosing and installing curtains for Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013). You will learn which materials can withstand loads better, how to avoid installation mistakes, and why factory accessories are not always worth their price. And also - unique life hacks for attaching curtains without drilling the body, which you will not find in standard instructions.
Why do you need a curtain in the trunk? Nissan X-Trail T31?
At first glance, a curtain may seem like an unnecessary luxury. But crossover owners who installed it note several key advantages:
- 🔒 Anti-theft protection. Even if there is a bag with things or tools in the trunk, a closed curtain reduces the interest of thieves - it is not clear what exactly is hidden.
- ☀️ Sun protection. In summer, plastic parts of the trunk and the items themselves can heat up to +60°C. A curtain made of light-protective material reduces the temperature by 10–15°.
- 🌫️ Dust protection. This is especially true for those who often drive on dirt roads or store items that are sensitive to dirt (for example, baby strollers) in the trunk.
- 👀 Aesthetics and order. A trunk with a curtain looks neater, and things don’t fly around the cabin during sudden braking.
However, there is a downside: cheap curtains can rattle on the bumps, interfere with visibility through the rearview mirror, or quickly break down. Therefore, choosing a model is a task no less important than the installation itself.
⚠️ Attention! Magnetic curtains can damage the trunk's paintwork if the magnets are too strong or are not installed correctly. Before purchasing, check if there are any metal elements on the inside of the trunk that the magnets will stick to. through casing - this is fraught with dents.
Types of trunk curtains: comparison of pros and cons
There are four main types of curtains on the market: Nissan X-Trail T31. Each has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when choosing:
| Curtain type | Benefits | Disadvantages | Average price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric with Velcro | Lightweight, no rattle, easy to install | Over time, Velcro loses its adhesiveness and may sag | 1 500–3 000 |
| Plastic sliding | Rigid construction, durable, does not sag | Requires drilling for mounting, dear | 5 000–12 000 |
| Mesh on hooks | Good ventilation, does not interfere with visibility | Does not protect from the sun, may cling to things | 2 000–4 500 |
| Magnetic | Quick installation, reliable fixation | Risk of paint damage, not suitable for roof racks with plastic lining | 3 000–7 000 |
For X-Trail T31 The most popular are fabric and plastic curtains. The former are suitable for those who do not want to drill the body, the latter for those who value reliability and are willing to spend time on installation. Mesh options are often chosen for transporting animals (such as dogs) as they provide ventilation.
- Fabric with Velcro
- Plastic sliding
- Mesh on hooks
- Magnetic
- I haven't decided yet
How to choose a curtain: 5 criteria for Nissan X-Trail T31
Not all curtains are universal. For X-Trail T31 important to consider trunk dimensions (width between arches - 105 cm, height from floor to ceiling - 80 cm), as well as fastening features. Here's what to look for:
- Material. The best option is polyester with UV protection (for fabric) or ABS plastic (for sliding ones). Avoid cheap PVC - it cracks in the cold.
- Fastening. For T31 it is better to choose models with fastening to
Luggage net loops(they are already in the trunk) or onclips, which cling to the skin. - View through the mirror. Check that the curtain does not cover more than 30% of the rear window - this reduces visibility and can be dangerous.
- Weight and stiffness. Light curtains (up to 500 g) can dangle on uneven roads. The optimal weight is 800–1200 g.
- Luggage Net Compatibility. If you use a net to divide the trunk, make sure that the curtain does not interfere with its attachments.
Pay special attention manufacturers. Among the trusted brands for Nissan X-Trail T31:
- 🏆 Heko (Germany) - plastic sliding curtains with a 2-year warranty.
- 💰 Thule (Sweden) - premium models with magnetic fastening.
- 🇷🇺 Autostyle (Russia) - budget fabric options with a good fit.
⚠️ Attention! If in your X-Trail T31 installed third row of seats, a standard curtain may not fit - check compatibility with the seller. In some cases a shortened model is required.
Step-by-step instructions for installing curtains
Installing a curtain in the trunk Nissan X-Trail T31 takes from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of fastening. Let's look at the process using an example fabric curtain with Velcro (most popular option):
☑️ Preparing to install the curtain
Step 1. Marking. Attach the curtain to the trunk and mark the places where the Velcro will be attached. Optimal attachment points for T31:
- 📍 On the sides - on plastic panels near the wheel arches.
- 📍 On top - on the trunk ceiling trim.
- 📍 Bottom - on the rug (if the curtain reaches the floor).
Step 2. Attaching Velcro. Clean the surface with alcohol, removing the fat layer. Glue the soft part of the Velcro on the curtain tough - on the trunk. To be sure, press for 30 seconds.
Step 3. Check. Close the curtain and make sure it:
- ✅ Doesn't sag in the middle.
- ✅ Does not interfere with closing the back door.
- ✅ Does not cling to seat locks (if they are folded).
For plastic sliding curtains drilling will be required. In this case:
- Mark the holes according to the template (usually included in the kit).
- Drill holes with diameter
4–5 mmin the metal parts of the trunk. - Install the guides and secure the curtain.
What to do if the curtain rattles on bumps?
If the curtain makes strange sounds after installation, check:
1. Tension - You may need to tighten the Velcro or adjusting bolts (for plastic models).
2. Contact with the casing - place soft pads in the areas of contact.
3. Fastening the guides - if they are loose, fix them with sealant or additional screws.
Top 3 installation mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that then have to be corrected. Here are the most common:
- Incorrect markup. If Velcro or fastenings are installed crookedly, the curtain will warp. Solution: Use a level or tape measure for symmetry.
- Ignoring the third row of seats. If in your X-Trail T31 There is a third row, the standard curtain can rest against the backrests. Solution: Choose models with adjustable height.
- Saving on fastening. Cheap Velcro or magnets fall off quickly. Solution: Buy curtains with fastenings from trusted brands (for example, 3M Scotch for Velcro).
Another typical problem is the curtain prevents the seats from folding. To avoid this, check:
- 🔧 Is it possible to unfasten the curtain without removing the fastenings (some models have quick-release latches).
- 📏 Is there enough space between the curtain and the back of the seat when it is folded.
If you often transport long loads (for example, skis), choose a curtain with vertical division — it can be moved to the side without completely removing it.
Review of the best curtain models for Nissan X-Trail T31
Based on owner reviews and tests, we have compiled a rating of curtains that are best suited for X-Trail T31:
| Model | Type | Features | Price, ₽ | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heko 92401 | Plastic sliding | Durable ABS plastic, fastening without drilling (on clips), does not rattle | 6 500 | 4.8 |
| Thule CargoScreen | Magnetic | Quick installation, UV protection, suitable for roof racks with plastic lining | 7 200 | 4.6 |
| Autostyle AS-018 | Fabric with Velcro | Budget-friendly, lightweight, does not interfere with the view | 2 300 | 4.2 |
| Mollo 500.800 | Mesh on hooks | Good ventilation, suitable for transporting animals | 3 100 | 4.0 |
Heko 92401 — rating leader thanks to reliability and ease of installation. Its clips attach to the standard holes in the trunk, so there is no need to drill. Thule CargoScreen beats competitors due to magnets with protective pads, which do not scratch the skin. A Autostyle AS-018 - the best budget option, but requires care when gluing Velcro.
If you often drive off-road, choose a plastic or magnetic curtain - a fabric one can sag from vibrations.
Curtain alternatives: what else can you use?
If the curtain does not fit for some reason, consider alternative methods of protecting the trunk:
- 🧳 Luggage cover. Completely covers the load, but takes up a lot of space and is difficult to install.
- 🔗 Mesh separator. Protects things from falling out, but does not hide them from view.
- 📦 Tough organizer. Plastic boxes with lids are reliable, but reduce the useful volume of the trunk.
- 🚗 Rear window tinting. Solves the sun problem, but does not protect against theft.
Each option has its pros and cons. For example, luggage cover Suitable for long trips, but not comfortable for daily use. A mesh divider often included X-Trail T31 (check under the trunk floor - there may be an unused kit lying there).
If the main task is hide things from strangers, the best alternative to a curtain is rear window tinting + rolled blanket (you can even use a regular blanket). This is cheaper than a curtain, but less aesthetically pleasing.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about trunk curtains Nissan X-Trail T31
Can I install the curtain myself, or do I need to go to a service center?
Most curtains (especially fabric and mesh) can be installed independently in 20–40 minutes. Plastic sliding models may require drilling - if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a car service center. The average cost of installation in the service is 1,000–2,500 rubles.
Will the curtain from Nissan X-Trail T32 fit the T31 model?
No, the dimensions of the luggage racks are different. U T31 the width between the arches is 105 cm, and T32 — 110 cm. Curtain from T32 will dangle or not stand up at all. The exception is universal models with adjustable width (for example, Heko 92401).
How to care for a curtain so that it lasts longer?
Depends on material:
- 🧼 Fabric Wash the curtain by hand with soapy water (not in a washing machine!).
- 🧴 Plastic Wipe with a damp cloth and car shampoo.
- 🧲 Magnetic Clean off metal dust with a dry brush.
Store the curtain rolled up (do not fold it to avoid creases).
Does the curtain interfere with the view through the rearview mirror?
High-quality curtains cover no more than 20–30% of the rear window, so visibility remains sufficient. If the curtain is in the way, check:
- Is it installed correctly (possibly skewed).
- Are there any alternative models with a transparent insert (for example, Thule CargoScreen has a mesh section for viewing).
According to GOST, the view through the rear window must be at least 60% - the curtain does not violate this requirement if installed correctly.
Is it possible to make a curtain with your own hands?
Yes, but it will take time and skill. The easiest way:
- Buy thick fabric with UV protection (such as oxford 600D).
- Take measurements of the trunk (width x height).
- Sew Velcro or eyelets for fastening.
- Attach to trunk using hooks or magnets.
The disadvantage of a homemade curtain is that it may hold its shape worse and wear out faster. But it will cost 2-3 times cheaper than the factory one.