Rear Door Regrets?

[c_p]

On the look out for a T6 and can't decide whether to go for tailgate or barn doors.

On Autotrader the majority of 16/17 plate vehicles seem to be barn doors, whereas my local dealer seems to have mostly tailgate, which seem to be a bit more expensive.

I prefer the tailgate look, but in reality what do you owners prefer, and have you all made the right decision or do you wish you'd had a different configuration?

 

[Deaky]

Tailgate all day long. Great for sheltering under if the weather is dodgy

 

[St4n99]

As a camper a love my tailgate model as it feels like a small rear awning but as an every day type vehicle AV noticed when I reverse park the lwb somwere I always struggle to open the tailgate as it's close to another vehicle or fence etc and end up driving forward to get it open ,even in my driveway to fit my car and camper in without causing an obstruction to pavement it is really close but doable lol not end of the world I know but thought I would share

 

[Lukavell]

I've had both and agree with @St4n99. I buck the trend in that I actually prefer the look of Barn Doors, I know, weird eh!? However, I went with Tailgate in the end as it's better for shelter and adds to resale value when/if you sell it on.

 

[F2JON]

Barn doors if your using it for work, so much more practical, I have barn doors, my mate has tailgate, his is a pain, which he admits himself, tailgate if you want it as a shelter as mentioned above for camping etc

 

[ei-aprilia]

Tailgate all day long. Great for sheltering under if the weather is dodgy

What he said!

 

[ei-aprilia]

Barn doors if your using it for work, so much more practical, I have barn doors, my mate has tailgate, his is a pain, which he admits himself, tailgate if you want it as a shelter as mentioned above for camping etc

I don't agree with that at all. When it's raining you can't leave your barn doors open or all your tools get wet!

 

[Martinf]

Barn doors on our camper. Our choice and no regrets at all.

 

[Spaghetti]

I have a tailgate, which I prefer for shelter, appearance and bike rack style. If it was for work, I’d probably go for barn doors which also means you can access with a fork lift.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Specified barn doors on my build - arthritis means it is hard to reach up to a tailgate for myself and my daughter.

 

[Paynewright]

I found the perfect van but it had barn doors so that was the compromise I made. Been fine so far - on hols was able to stack luggage up one side with the door closed, knowing it wasnt all going to fall out.

Mate has had both and clearance can be an issue with the tailgate and getting soaked when you shut it after a downpour (though you only do this once!). Also, if its driving rain the tailgate doesnt always protect you.

Ian

 

[widu13]

I've had both- but prefer barn doors.

 

[topcat203]

We have Tailgate on our camper and find it excellent - especially if its raining!!

 

[czmate1999]

i got my van a month a go and specified tailgate for the reasons given and I just prefer the look!!

 

[franco67]

Tailgate on mine, I just like the look and act as a sunshade on a sunny day

 

[Salty Spuds]

I have a T5.1 as my work van;- barn doors.
Our T6 camper has a tailgate. Both work well for their intended purpose imo.

 

[F2JON]

I don't agree with that at all. When it's raining you can't leave your barn doors open or all your tools get wet!

Depends what work you do, try getting a pallet forked into the back of your van. I generally don’t leave my doors open with a van full of tools, that’s just asking for trouble.

 

[McCarney]

I was adamant for a tailgate but the right van came along at a good price, low mileage, right engine spec but with barn doors. Wouldn’t be without them now. I hear what peeps are saying about shelter, but you have a whole van to shelter or you can get a cover to give barn door shelter if required. I guess it’s down to how important a door spec is compared to everything else on your wish list. Good luck

 

[ei-aprilia]

Depends what work you do, try getting a pallet forked into the back of your van. I generally don’t leave my doors open with a van full of tools, that’s just asking for trouble.

Fair point, country boy here nobody locks anything around these parts.

 

[F2JON]

Fair point, country boy here nobody locks anything around these parts.

Ah that’ll explain it, had a brand new unfired paslode nail gun bought the day before £500 took out of mine the other day, forgot to lock the door, the customer was literally three foot away cutting the hedge, she saw them running off with it, thieving scum.