Tailgate vs Barn Doors WHICH ONE?? - VW T6 Camper

A video that you guys have been requesting for such a long time now so I thought I would address it as there are so many pros/cons to both - Hopefully I have covered everything in this video, but if not, please add your suggestions in the comments section so that others can see ;)

[@howtodocertainthings8452]

For me it’s a tailgate. Adds more square footage to your ‘living area’. We were out kayaking in the Lake District a few weeks ago; it started raining so we got back to the Bongo, put up the tailgate, made a coffee and just stood under it and looked out upon the amazing view at Wast Water.

[@g-de]

Those California vans are very nice. Just a thought for a "christmas special" or something. Maybe a "quotes of the year" section? "Quiff rubbage" is a good candidate. Alternatively compile all the clips of you running away from bees. Has me in stitches every time 😂

[@joshsmith6506]

I thought I was tailgate all the way until we hired a T6 camper. Banging my head, stuff falling out just wound me up too much. Also on the panoramic view point, the tailgate actually blocked the blue sky from where I was sat! We’ve finally bought a T5 now and gone barn doors, full convert I’m afraid to say :)

[@DS-cf1zc]

I have barn doors and love them (even though I originally had a tailgate on my van wish list) - I also have a different bed, as it has a rear bench, so I can sit there and enjoy the view. I agree about the top cover, for that I use an over canopy, simple to use and takes less than a minute to put up - and it boxes in that short space. Yes the tailgate does it instantly. Glad you mentioned the lack of rear visibility, while tailgates offer more, my trial of both types showed me rear views were poor at best - I have left my barn doors without windows - opting to put extra down the side of the van - and left the rear of the van with solid doors - trust me at night it feels more secure, and it stays darker longer on summer days. I love the wasp disco dancing - that could catch on if you market it right. And good to see you talk about quifftopher.

[@CamperVanya]

Like you say, no right or wrong. I always preferred a tailgate because I found it aesthetically more pleasing - just personal preference. I’ve also since benefitted from the rain shelter it provides & love the indoor switch that opens it up from inside without any effort (who likes effort, right?) to enjoy the classic scenic tailgate views - that’s only happened once so far but I live in hope. Top vids Colin 👍🏻👍🏻

[@melvyncrimlis8997]

We have the end kitchen layout so barn doors work best for us. Easy to open and I can have one door open when cooking. Also it's a second entry/exit when the other door is blocked.

[@jamesholland8129]

I am going to go out right now and push my buttons on my barn doors that I didn't even know were there😀

[@terrymoreland3814]

When I get my t6 it's a tailgate for me, I'm only 5'7" & bald headed so won't have to worry about any of the problems you encountered Colin, like hitting your Quiff! (which you rarely mention lol)...bty both van's are class.

[@jonathanwrighton9913]

I fitted a cargo net in the back to stop everything falling out when I open my doors I do have a tailgate but you could also fit this on a barn door model great video cheers Jon

[@simple-simon]

Another great video Colin. Looking forward to having a close up look of your back doors at next weeks camp out 😊

[@peterwhite9654]

Another great video thanks Colin. For me it’s tailgate all the way but agree barn doors have many advantages too. Hope to see you at the Rotherham meet for a natter. Question: as a new T6er was the black van on your intro a van you had previously ?

[@sionlewis1258]

Always wanted a tailgate, then rented. Campervan with barn doors, the amount of things I can stuff down the side of the non opened barn door amazed me. Think the tailgate looks better but the tailgate allows storing stuff easier without it falling out.

[@betatrialskid]

great video Colin, you mentioned things i hadn't thought of so cheers for that. will be sticking to my barn doors but love the look of the tailgate.

[@ianmonk4871]

It would be interesting to do a survey at this weekends meet up of Tailgate v Barn door split!

[@tinadaly4604]

Another good video Mr Quiff 😂Barn door for us.

[@mistersteviechen]

Very interesting debate. I always think there is a bit of snobbery in favour of a tailgate...barn doors maybe a bit more like a trade van conversion than a "pro" build camper? But I prefer them anyway. I can fit a canopy over mine and I have another three feet of private living space. One other thing to consider though, if you are thinking of fitting an aftermarket reversing camera. Mine mounts on top of the licence plate, which is offset to one side with the twin doors, so I don't get a proper central rear view, which is a bit annoying. The tailgate number plate is central and avoids this problem.

[@mikepalmer7687]

We are sad to be leaving the VW seen,having had a professionally built T5.1 for a couple of years and have enjoyed every moment of it but have decided there just isn’t enough room,so have ordered a new Autotrail V line 610 Sport

[@nealrobinson6709]

still not sure which ones are the best for me.so it's made me think Be 4 I get my van.but as always great video.

[@anoshya]

If you are very tall barn gate best as I cut my head open when tailgate dropped slightly due to mechanism needing replacement

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Absolutely, although I've seen a few since that have very high tailgates (due to the van being raised a bit) even the quiff fits 🤣

[@tradersato]

I concur with everything you said but there is yet one more point to watch out for with tail gates. If you open it in a covered car parking, you can bash it on the ceiling of said parking… don’t ask me how I know…

[@Rich-fr9xn]

Tailgate everyday.

[@pauricsurlis9191]

The VW fitted rear spoiler on my California tailgate doesn't interfere with the pop top opening or closing and it looks great. ( I have a tow-ball mounted bike rack)

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Awesome advice thank you buddy...

[@mightywhitey3632]

ive got a tailgate and find it very easy to open it while we are on the bed,you dont have to go around to the outside. well you on mine anyway 😁

[@wbev_thai1666]

Tailgate all day , great weather protection when up

[@Goodthings81]

Not all tailgates allow a bike rack. My Hyundai i800 couldn't take the weight so we spent money on a towbar.

[@dave56t44]

I’m biased mines barn doors every time. Interesting col but do us all a favour get rid of the black van at the start of your blogs hahaha

[@alanthompson3430]

Tailgate. We have lights in ours and more headroom than a California. It can also be opened from inside

[@CamperVanya]

Agreed 👍🏻

[@paulbell7275]

Great comparison, sounds like you would have preferred a tailgate? I've owned both, much prefer barn doors though.

[@waynemoven]

Great video. Just a couple of questions. - Does the bike rack on the tailgate interfere with visibility? - Also, is the rack removable?

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

Hiya buddy, yes the tailgate bike rack will restrict your view as it would on barn doors... the rack is removable too...

[@Ccolman607]

This girlie has barn doors and I am off to see if they have a button in the hinge to allow them to open further 😆

[@paulfrance5059]

As you know my Seikel suspension gives more than adequate quiff clearance on my tail gate.

[@edwardlong9470]

A tailgate does make it easier to fit a tailgate awning if you are that way inclined.

[@robbiemulholland8412]

Omg I want the tailgate now....😎

[@briancohen1967]

You need a lift kit to get that quiff underneath 😉

[@briancohen1967]

Should have watched all the video before I commented 🤭

[@ianschofield7350]

I prefer the look of barn doors with the two windows

[@mandismith89]

tailgate end of :)

[@m1les7]

Mint vid ✌️✌️

[@davidhatt8795]

I have the tailgate with but it’s barn doors you don’t get the sun roof 🤔😆

[@davidaspden3553]

Remember that the tailgate in the video is a California, reading lights chairs etc. Normal ones aren’t

[@bobhead6243]

🙂❤👍

[@Dominic_Cassidy]

Wasp ! 🐝 🐝 🤣

[@mikepalmer7687]

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