Barn Door Or Conventional Tail Gate T6 Highline

[Yogi]

In the process of configuring my new T6 and just wondered if there was any reason other than personal choice to go for barn doors instead of a tail gate.

Looking forward to lots of new adventures and I’m going to be joining the Cherry Red club

Yogi

 

[Oldrat]

People who want to use their vans as day-vans tend to prefer tailgates. BBQ’s /shelter etc. Looks much nicer too IMHO

Workman tend to prefer barn doors. Easier to access rear in parking places.


Well that’s my take

 

[Neilson]

I went barn door as you need less clearance out the back to open the doors and it is easier for the misses to open and close them.

The only issue i've had is to fit a 4 bike rack on the back I had to fit a tow bar.

 

[Peatey]

My personal thoughts on this are, tailgate for camping and barn doors for work but that's just my opinion

 

[Twenty Four]

Difficult one really. I had barn doors on my T5.1 and although they don't look as good as a tailgate, access was far easier for dogs, shopping and anything really. I didn't need a canopy over me when it rained as I tend not to make a habit of sitting out in the rain.
I know longer have the dogs so chose the powered tailgate this time on the T6 and somewhat regret it due to it not being able to open in the garage. Having to park short of the garage to unload is a royal pain so I tend to only use the powered side doors which are superb. Also, the fact the tailgate quite often refuses to open on the fob if something or someone is too close to the rear which is hardly too close really, (there's still room to hold a disco in the 'danger' zone), is annoying too.

I think unless you're using the wagon for camping and like the extra 'roof', barn doors for work and everyday living gets my vote.

 

[Twenty Four]

*No longer*

 

[Dellmassive]

Work van = barn doors

 

[RussGT6]

I have a Kombi with barn doors, the van is mainly used as a daily driver for driving to work, carrying camping gear, bikes etc and for me the barn doors work perfectly, the tailgate would be pain for everyday use.
That said a tailgate looks better.

 

[Yogi]

I have a Kombi with barn doors, the van is mainly used as a daily driver for driving to work, carrying camping gear, bikes etc and for me the barn doors work perfectly, the tailgate would be pain for everyday use.
That said a tailgate looks better.

Exactly what my wife said

 

[xpfloyd]

I’m in the minority it seems but I prefer the look of the barn doors on my camper. I sometimes do wish I had a tailgate though for the shelter it provides and also as I want 4 bikes on the van and can’t do that with barn doors

 

[rod_vw]

We've had both for use as a camper and prefer a tailgate.

Rod

 

[Salty Spuds]

I have a T5.1 for work with barn doors, or T6 camper has a tailgate. Horses for courses. The tailgate stops the bedding getting wet if it's raining & you need to get in the back. Barns are easier for work. The reason barn doors were introduced in the first place was to enable loading the van with a forklift.

 

[zombie_T6]

I’ve had both and it comes down to tailgate for looks and barn doors for practicality.... but where’s the fun in that!!

 

[Yogi]

Going to go for barn doors and treat myself to LED front lights.

I’ve never spent money so fast in my life as when I’ve been messing about with the on-line VW van configurator

 

[Salty Spuds]

Going to go for barn doors and treat myself to LED front lights.

I’ve never spent money so fast in my life as when I’ve been messing about with the on-line VW van configurator

Is this for a camper or day van? If it's for a camper, I'd personally go tailgate (you can have LED rear lights then) also the resale would be easier with a tailgate imo.

 

[ei-aprilia]

I've had both barn doors and tailgates. Even though my vans have all been work vans I much prefer the Tailgate, yes you sometimes have to move the van for access but this inconvenience is far outweighed by the shelter aspect, tools and materials stay dry in the rain with the boot open. You can also stand in dirty overalls (when I won't just jump in the drivers seat) and enjoy a hand pumped espresso in the rain and stay dry.

WIN win win as far as I'm concerned. My latest van has the powered Tailgate which is a really nice option too.

 

[Cherokee]

Tailgate for leisure. Tailgate for work. Looks smarter. Much more convenient. Ever seen a posting on here to convert tailgate to barn doors?

 

[xpfloyd]

Ever seen a posting on here to convert tailgate to barn doors?

Yes - Tailgate To Barn Doors Conversion

 

[Cherokee]

Yes - Tailgate To Barn Doors Conversion

Love it!!! But it didnt go ahead....

 

[xswind]

Barn door convert here.

I had a tailgate T4 and thought it the best option however my t6 barn door is so much easier in just about every way.

Both vans are campers, the T4 became a right pain in car parks to the point of annoyance when you can't open it also as they get older they become harder to both open and close.

Barn doors all the way for me now albeit not as cosmetically good