The cargo box lid will generally stay up on its own, but if you need positive retention in brisk winds, it's needed. It works well for that, and is easy to deploy. The downside is that it is awkward to try to stow with the lid down if you try to pull the bottom end and leave the top in the lid - it really needs to be pulled out of both holes and tucked in the box or behind the lid rim. A bit pricey for what it is, a bent steel rod, but it's quick to use and works well.