Well I took my rear storage compartment apart today to see how i could increase the space.... I decided not to mess with it (BUT if i didn't have/use the rear HVAC, i definitely would have). Because of the HVAC tube there really wasn't a whole lot of added space to be had so it wasn't worth it to me to make brackets to hold the HVAC tube in place and the cover on.

Plus, i can fit everything I need in there now:
Stock jack equipment
Collapsible tire iron
Work gloves
Night safety equipment (reflective triangle & glow sticks)
Ponchos
Ratchet straps
Recovery strap

So... I'll go with what i got