File this under the "it didn't look that big in the brochure" category, but when I ordered the Onkyo TX-NR1007 I didn't figure on needing a special vehicle to transport it home. Honestly I figured it would be delivered to my door, but after missing FedEx two days in a row I decided to go get it myself in our long-term 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T.
No big deal, right? It's an A/V receiver, not a big-screen TV. But between the receiver's official box and the (much-appreciated) packaging used to keep it from being damaged by the racketball sessions regularly held in FedEx cargo centers it was a tight fit. The packing box was 26 by 26 by 16 inches, which meant the receiver completely filled the Dodge's cargo bay.
Both the trunk opening and its interior dimensions accommodated the receiver, but with little room to spare. More challenging was getting the Onkyo back out, as the receiver weighs 65 pounds and the high lift-over forced me to use the wrong muscles during retrieval.
On the upside, those 65 pounds directly over the rear axle did wonders for the car's traction during high-rpm clutch dumps...I'm assuming.
I also must note the Challenger's hill-hold feature that keeps the car stationary when the pavement isn't level. I'm used to such premium treatment when driving a BMW, but it's an unexpected delight in an American muscle car.
Karl Brauer, Edmunds.com Editor in Chief @ 16,529 miles
yellowmiata says:
06:52 AM, 12/21/09
I'm glad to hear that the Challenger's trunk was up to the task. Audiophiles need a way to transport their coveted components to and from the stores!
I will note that hatchbacks never seem to be at a loss for an opening size to allow boxes / packages into the trunk. However, the above mentioned box would be a tight fit (if at all) in the 370z.
Cheers to the Challenger for being up to the challenge!
brn says:
07:47 AM, 12/21/09
Looks like kind of a small opening for such a large car. I'm sure buyers won't care.
brn says:
07:48 AM, 12/21/09
yellowmiata, audiophiles don't buy receivers. :)
carguy622 says:
07:50 AM, 12/21/09
I recently got a similar Onkyo receiver and was floored by the size and weight of the box. I have a TSX so I figured it would fit OK, and it did, but darn those things are huge. Not only that, but I had to drill custom holes in the entertainment center hutch to lower the shelf so it would fit.
I wonder if you'd be able to shimmy that into the Camaro's trunk.
willin58 says:
11:32 AM, 12/21/09
brn: Amen!
roadburner says:
05:51 PM, 12/21/09
"yellowmiata, audiophiles don't buy receivers. :)"
I agree, but sometimes the WAF comes into play. I'm just thankful my wife doesn't say anything about my HSU VTF-3R...
ckk2 says:
09:05 AM, 12/22/09
Karl why not do as everyone else does and have things delivered to your office?
jefe2000 says:
12:06 PM, 12/22/09
"I also must note the Challenger's hill-hold feature that keeps the car
stationary when the pavement isn't level. I'm used to such premium
treatment when driving a BMW, but it's an unexpected delight in an
American muscle car."
Yeah, I'm finding that I enjoy the similar feature on my new WRX I picked up on Friday. I was a little surprised at first that the car didn't roll backward, but it was a pleasant surprise. My wife will love the hill-hold feature when she gets behind the tiller.