Opinions please!

[Sign man]

I just wanted to see what people thought of these items when buying a VW T6 van please.

1. Twin sliding doors
2. Barn doors
3. LWB
4. All of the above on one van.

I realise it depends on what it is going to be used as, mine would be mainly family and mountain bikes and occasionally to carry a. motorcycle.

Thanks in anticipation

 

[boxelder]

As a SWB, single slider, tailgate owner, I'd only choose #3. Maybe. Certainly easier with bikes.

 

[The Van Cave]

I use my van as the family vehicle/daily drive, we only have single slider, but it would be better with twin slider.

From your list and based on your needs I would choose 1 and 3.

 

[boxelder]

With kids, I wouldn't get a twin slider - too likely to open it and step out into passing traffic.

 

[VanDamMan]

HI .. @Sign man ..I’d go Twin Slider...LWB ( I’ve got swb ..the difference could be wheel off or on for bikes ) but I’m a tailgate person..you can sit on the back without getting wet

 

[Mwillis]

We have double sliders and they are very useful, we have SWB but the LWB would be Handy amazing how often we have to take out the seats to gain another foot or so.

 

[.50]

Tailgate is really useful when mountain biking.

My kombi is pretty much used the same as you describe and I wouldn't be without twin sliders. (you wouldn't spec a car with only a nearside rear door).
If you ever travel to the continent, again, a door on the right side is very helpful.

LWB means bikes in the back without taking wheels off, but I'm not fussed about that.

 

[DaveD]

My choices would be as follows:
1. Twin sliding doors, or single, (or none at all) as long as it has LED headlights.
2. Barn doors or tailgate, as long as it has LED headlights.
3. LWB or SWB, as long as it has LED headlights.

 

[Lord Mfwic]

I use mine as a daily driver and day van.
Mine is twin slider (very convenient).
Tailgate ( great when its wet)
SWB (LWB offers more space but SWB is easier to park)
H7 lights are as good as LED's and a 1/3 of the price.

 

[Sign man]

Thanks for the replies, all useful. I forgot to say it will be a kombi and the rear doors or tailgate will need to be glazed

 

[DaveD]

H7 lights are as good as LED's and a 1/3 of the price.

I've been a passenger at night in T6's with both, both are better than my H4 but I know why the H7's are a third of the price!

 

[Sign man]

Looking forwards to when l sell the van.... Would any of the above mentioned items detract from selling iteasily? I know barn doors aren't as popular as a tailgate? LWB? Twin sliders not good for camper conversions?

 

[rover220]

Twin slider and tailgate for me. Had both on previous t6 and now have a t6 with single slider and barn doors. I miss the twin and tailgate.

 

[Lord Mfwic]

Looking forwards to when l sell the van.... Would any of the above mentioned items detract from selling iteasily? I know barn doors aren't as popular as a tailgate? LWB? Twin sliders not good for camper conversions?

I think you've answered your own questions.
However, Twin sliders are appealing for day vans.

 

[T6Paul]

Twin slider and tailgate here, albeit SWB, LED headlights if you drive at night and the split rear seats (2+1) assuming you're going for a Kombi?

 

[Paul C]

I wouldnt of thought so. They are not all used as campers. When buying a used vehicle you have to compromise sometime. I am sure come sale time it will suit someone nicely.

I also agree that a tailgate is a great useful covered area.

 

[The Van Cave]

Looking forwards to when l sell the van.... Would any of the above mentioned items detract from selling iteasily? I know barn doors aren't as popular as a tailgate? LWB? Twin sliders not good for camper conversions?

Personally, I’ve never worried too much about what happens when I sell. Why compromise on what you want so you can please the next owner? It’s your vehicle, have it your way. Besides, these vans sell easily as long as they are well maintained and in good condition.

Oh, the advice on LED headlights is good advice. They are far, far superior to H4 and H7 headlamps.

 

[The Van Cave]

Just to add to that;
H4 headlights - Terrible, unsafe, really terrible
H7 headlights - Adequate, acceptable
LED headlights - Outstanding. Awesome.

 

[Scruffy]

Osram Nightbreakers. £18 quid upgrade to the H4 lamps. 4 1/2 years of driving at night. Never thought I needed anymore light on the road.

 

[DaveD]

Osram Nightbreakers. £18 quid upgrade to the H4 lamps. 4 1/2 years of driving at night. Never thought I needed anymore light on the road.

I tried them and agree that they are better than the ones I took out, but not good enough in my opinion, I live in a rural area with no street lighting, I really struggled driving at night.
I do however wonder how much it is about expectations. If I'd driven a T6 with H4 bulbs in 1990, (yes, I know, impossible!) I'd probably have thought they were OK.
As soon as you drive something at night with good lights it is shows you what is possible and it becomes hard to accept less.
If you do consider the resale value of your van I am sure LED headlights would add to it.