Structural Auto AcademyStructural Damage Training

Structural position statement

In-Floor “Stow ’n Go” Storage Compartments

Chrysler Pacifica · Chrysler Town & Country · Dodge Grand Caravan — unibody

The position

The in-floor Stow ’n Go compartment is part of the vehicle floor pan. When it is kinked, torn 1" or more, or permanently distorted, it must be disclosed as structural damage.

Applies to

  • Chrysler Pacifica

    Includes the spare-tire well and trunk floor

  • Chrysler Town & Country

    Bins between row one and row two

  • Dodge Grand Caravan

    Bins between row one and row two

Why it is structural

1

It is the floor pan

The bins are built into and bonded to the floor pan — a load-bearing element of the unibody. Damage is treated exactly like floor / trunk pan damage.

2

No “glued-on” exemption

There is no glued-on exclusion. The correct term for the assembly method is a structural panel bond, not glue.

3

OEM naming governs

If the OEM identifies the part as a floor pan, treat it as a floor pan for disclosure purposes.

4

Default call is structural

Call it structural unless OEM factory documentation specifically states the component is non-structural.

What you are looking at

Tap any view to enlarge. Representative training illustrations, not inspection photos.

Guided check

Do I disclose this one?

Four questions to land on the right announcement and the right damage line.

Annotated damage example

Disclosure policy basis

Seller disclosure requirements for structural damage.

Floor / Trunk Pan

Existing permanent damage, modification, or tears of 1" or more must be disclosed as structural.

Structural tear damage

Any tear (including transport tie-down tears) greater than 1" is a required disclosure.

Kinked components

A sharp bend (typically over 90° across a short distance) or permanent deformation that will not return to shape without excessive heat is structural. Kinked parts are typically replaced.

Damage classified as structural: kinked, hole, cut, replaced, rust, previous repair.

Key notes

  • Welded vs. glued-on does not matter — if it is a steel floor, it is structural. There is no glued-on exception.
  • The correct term for the assembly method is a structural panel bond, not glue.
  • The compartment IS a structural component unless the OEM factory documents that it is not.
  • If the OEM identifies the part as a floor pan, treat it as a floor pan for disclosure.
  • FCA / Stellantis charges undercarriage and Stow ’n Go storage container damage as full replacement parts, repair, and installation — reinforcing that it is treated as structure, not trim.

Inspector quick reference

  1. 1Confirm the vehicle: Pacifica, Town & Country, or Grand Caravan with in-floor Stow ’n Go bins.
  2. 2Assess the compartment for permanent damage — kinks, tears (measure start and stop; 1" or more is disclosable), or distortion that will not return to shape.
  3. 3Call it structural. Enter the damage on the Floor / Trunk Pan line; if that line does not check the structural box, use the Parcel Shelf Support line to trigger the announcement.
  4. 4Document with clear photos of the kink, tear, or distortion for the condition report.
  5. 5Do not exempt for glued-on construction. Only deviate with OEM factory documentation stating the part is non-structural.
See it on the minivan diagram →Open the disclosure matrix

Field position aligned with published disclosure policy and internal structural training material. Where OEM factory documentation conflicts, the OEM documentation governs. Training aid only — the policy governs.