Barn doors or gate and hatch?

[CG]

First off Wes you don't get to vote lol.

I really like both. The only thing I dislike about barn doors is the divider that makes it a little more difficult to see out the back window (s). I like em better for tossing stuff in the back. I like a gate and hatch because its a good place to sit and have a little cover over the top. I also like driving with the hatch open (as long as my exhaust isn't routed so it gets sucked in =)

[Bigdav160]

I've had both and I prefer barn doors for functionality.

Tailgate and hatch look better.

[hdman6465]

Both are cool. A lot easier to find non rusty barn doors than gate and hatches, though. At least around my part of the country.

[WyattTX]

I find barn doors more convenient. I also prefer the looks of them. That is just my opinion, I dont think there are too many functional disadvantages to either setup.

[Average Joe]

Originally Posted by WyattTX

I find barn doors more convenient. I also prefer the looks of them. That is just my opinion, I dont think there are too many functional disadvantages to either setup.

This ^

IMO barn doors look better. My only gripe is when I try to haul something longer than 12' and have to tie the doors shut.

[Brad54]

If you load stuff in and out a lot, barn doors are a TON easier because you don't have to reach over the dropped tail gate to get the stuff in or out.
That said, I had barn doors on my '61 Suburban for 10 years' worth of use (including loading and unloading the gear for the NE GA Swap Meet every month), and am converting to tail gate/lift gate.

I like a place to sit, and I like the open rear window while driving, and definitely like the increased view without the center posts of the doors in my rear view mirror.

-Brad

[Classic Heartbeat]

Why can't I vote? LOL. I say do both...

[richard2717]

Depends on if you have a hitch and leave it in. Barn doors (which I personally like) could cause you to say dirty words where as the tailgate will keep you away from that fate with the gate down.

[LuckyScott]

I like a tailgate. I don't haul stuff in my burn anymore other than a ice chest and a couple folding chairs. Sure is nice to drop that tailgate and sit down and relax........

[Llay R. Rac]

in the 48 years i have had my burb I wished i could change to barn doors many times. I used my truck as a work truck and got darn tired of climbing and kneeling on the tailgate when i needed to get something from the back. Now we are retired I am glad i have the clamshell.
I had a hitch welded on the bumper, when i went to open the top hatch i occasionally hit the hitch with my knee or shin, lots of dirty words were said.

[BGarza13x]

My Suburban had Barn Doors when I first saw it for sale, but the previous owner converted it to clam shell before I bought it. Apparently, the owners before him were an elderly couple and had another Suburban that they could not lift the hatch up all the way to lock it, at least easily. I thought I wanted the barn doors, but appreciate the functionality of the tailgate.

Although, if given half a chance, I would def switch back to barn doors. I've had to re-weld the hinges for the hatch and am constantly worried I'll break it again.

[lowrollin70gmc]

I like my barn doors on my K20, it’s height would make a tailgate a pain for loading. However, I like tailgates on 2wd burbs, especially lowered ones as it’s easy to reach over the gate on a dropped rig.