lift gate or barn doors?

[Longhorn Man]

OK guys, new to the burb scene... don't have one quite yet, but I'll be talkin to the bank on monday and might be getting one REAL soon.
Now, the one I am looking at comes with the liftgate/tailgate on it... but it comes with a parts burb too... which, has the barn doors.
Now, ignoring the condition.... we'll assume they are both perfect... which is better, and why?
Whats the advantages of either one... and more important, what's the drawbacks of either one?

[BADSAM]

I've owned 6 suburbans. 2 have had barn doors, 3 have had drop tailgates and 1 has a lift gate.

Barn doors look cool, but I have found are not as functional as drop tailgates if you actually use it for any type of work. (Hauling lumber, etc)

If you plan on using it as a work vehicle at all, go with the drop tailgate. If it's going to be mostly show, barn doors.

Just my opinion!

I hope you get those burbs! They look awesome.

Good luck.

[RANDY COX]

Well Iv'e had 2 burbs both have had barn doors,would really be nice though to raise the rear hatch to let the air circulate as I have no AC.I think I saw somewhere somebody doing a cool mod,Which is cut the barn doors just below bottom of windows,and install a rear hatch,that away you could raise the hatch and still have swinging doors,I guess kinda like a Tahoe.

[Longhorn Man]

I have thought about the opening the hatch for air... that's crossed my mind. I never thought of the doors being less functional... I can see it being a bit of a PITA unloading, stepping backwards 2 or 4 steps with a bunch of crap in your arms, and then still walking right into the door.

[Classic Heartbeat]

I like it both ways!! WES

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

I like it both ways!! WES

Sorry... i had to!!!
I saw yours, and I gotta say... I likes.

[Frizzle Fry]

For some reason the Barn Doors conjure up thoughts of moving vans for me. That split between the windows will be right in your rear view. Plus I think the one piece rear window just looks better. The ability to drive around with the liftgate up is nice too, but it looks like you'll have that covered with dual AC.

The one con to lift/tailgates: loading and unloading requires you to reach over the tailgate. Not cool on Costco trips That's why the excursion or one-piece liftgate mods are so appealing. Best of both worlds!

Here's another thread on the subject for ya

[72freak]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I have thought about the opening the hatch for air... that's crossed my mind. .

It lets the exhaust blow in.......Helps when you need a little nap on those long drives!!!!

I prefer barn doors........easier getting to your cargo.

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by 72freak

It lets the exhaust blow in.......Helps when you need a little nap on those long drives!!!!

I never had that issue. I also used to own a 4Runner with roll down rear window; again no exhaust coming in. I'm sure it's possible though.

[prairewolf]

its all a personal preference thing, but, thinking about it now, the barn doors date it to 1972 or older for me, the lift and hatch look like a newer sub from the back,jmo

if I had to have a bench to sit on I could make a custum slider pull out.

[burb1999]

I have had 1, barn door, 1 tail gate... and not sure what my 70' is yet (pick it up next weekend)... I personally like the tailgate. I usually set on it and have a truck so never haul things in the burb, the barn door I hate the middle being solid in the way of seeing out the rear view if you actually look out it

[Long Roof]

Exhaust may be an issue with an open hatch. Also the stock hatch lift arms are not real great when it comes to driving with it open. One good bounce and that thing will come crashing down. If you try to get things in and out of the back very often then the doors are more friendly. I have also heard that the doors on our subs sometimes have trouble staying open which can be a real pain in the rump.

Having both doors on my tahoe and a gate/hatch on the sub I prefer the gate. I like using it as a seat and it doesn't block my rear view mirror.

Aaron

[Longhorn Man]

all good info with good supporting info/opinions.
Keep them coming

[1sik7t2]

prefer the hatch/tailgate instint seat & looks better just an opinion

[Longhorn Man]

I'm actually starting to lean towards the tailgate. it looks cleaner, and the vision is unobstructed.