How to Install Cargo Net in Trunk | Vehicle-Specific Fit

There’s no single universal procedure because automakers design trunk nets for specific models. Whether you’re securing groceries or loose gear, the installation method comes down to what your vehicle offers — factory hooks, D-rings, or anchor points that need drilling. Getting this right matters: a net installed incorrectly can come loose while driving, and a poorly sealed drilled hole can let water into your trunk.

What To Check Before You Start

Before you buy anything, look inside your trunk. Many vehicles come with molded hooks, cargo rings, or cutouts where a factory net clips in. If those exist, installation is straightforward — no tools beyond your hands. Check your owner’s manual for a cargo accessories section; it will tell you whether the trunk is pre-drilled or pre-marked for net anchors.

When no mounting points exist, you have two honest options:

• Universal hook-on nets — these attach to trunk trim edges or existing hooks with small retention clips. They work for light cargo but won’t hold heavy items securely.
• OEM anchor kits — these require drilling and hardware installation. They’re sturdier but permanent.

Drill-Required Installation: The Honda Ridgeline Example

When a vehicle lacks ready-made mounting points, the official procedure typically involves drilling. Honda’s accessory instructions for the 2023 Ridgeline in-bed trunk show exactly how this works, and the 2021 and 2022 documents follow the same process. Here’s the sequence from Honda’s own guide:

1. Open the tailgate and the in-bed trunk lid, then locate the marked indents where anchors belong.
2. Mark each spot and center-punch it so the drill bit doesn’t wander.
3. Honda explicitly instructs wearing eye protection for this step.
4. Remove any burrs from the hole edges and apply touch-up paint to the bare metal to prevent rust.
5. Install the bolts, anchors, and well-nuts, making sure each well-nut expands fully against the panel.
6. Attach the net to the new anchors and the vehicle’s existing hooks.

That last step matters more than it looks. The Honda instructions stress that the well-nut must be fully expanded — if it isn’t, water can leak into the trunk through the drilled hole. If you’re working on any vehicle with a similar drill-in kit, that warning applies to you too.

Before you drill into your own car, check what your manufacturer recommends. That’s a lighter job than the Ridgeline’s because the mounting points already exist — you’re just installing the anchor hardware.

Common Mistakes That Ruin The Job

Honda’s instructions highlight five specific errors that cause failed installs:

• Skipping the center-punch — the drill wanders and the anchor sits crooked.
• Drilling at an angle — the hole is elliptical, the well-nut won’t seat flush, and water gets in.
• Skipping burr removal — sharp edges cut the net or your hand over time.
• Missing the touch-up paint — bare metal around the hole rusts within months.
• Not expanding the well-nut fully — the anchor pulls loose under load and the seal fails.

All five are avoidable with patience. If a step feels rushed, stop and re-read the instructions. Ten extra minutes during installation beats a leaking trunk later.

For most drivers, a no-drill universal net is the smarter call — it’s removable, won’t damage the car, and handles everyday cargo. If you’re comparing options before committing to an install method, our tested roundup of the best trunk nets for an SUV breaks down which styles hold up under real use.

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