When it comes to selecting the perfect campervan, one of the key decisions you’ll face is choosing between a tailgate and barn door for the rear door.
It might seem like a minor detail, but the type of door you pick can have a significant impact on your overall camping experience. That’s why Platinum Wave Campers have put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Selecting the right rear door type is incredibly important, whether you’re purchasing a ready-to-go camper or designing your own bespoke van with a custom build service like ours.
Your choice will affect not only the appearance of your campervan but also its functionality, accessibility, and security.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the two main types of rear doors for campervans: barn doors and tailgate doors.
We’ll delve into their pros and cons, discuss their uses, and help you determine which type of door works best for different people and lifestyles, as well as important factors to consider when making your decision, such as storage needs, camping environments, and budget.
We’ll also provide real-life scenarios to help you visualise how each door option might work for you.
So, whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the world of campervans, our aim is to help you make the right choice when it comes to campervan tailgate vs barndoor options.
Let’s get started on helping you make an informed decision for your campervan adventure!
Barn Doors: The Pros, Cons, and Their Ideal Owners
What are Campervan Barn Doors?
Campervan barn doors are a pair of hinged doors that open outwards from the center, providing easy access to the rear of your van.
These doors offer flexibility, as you can choose to open one or both doors depending on your needs and space constraints.
The Pros of Camper Van Barn Doors
- Ease of use: Barndoors are particularly convenient for those with shorter stature, as they’re simple to close, especially when compared to tailgate doors.
- Partial opening: Opening just one door prevents items from falling out if the back of your camper van is packed full!
- Access: Barndoors allow you to park closely to walls, without having any problems accessing the back of your van. This is very handy when shopping!
- Door-mounted accessories: Barn doors enable you to use door-mounted bike carriers while still being able to open the doors. However, space is limited.
- Makeshift shelter: With some creativity, you can create a shelter with sides by attaching a tarp or plastic sheet over the open doors.
- Privacy: Opening one door when the bed is down offers partial privacy, as opposed to a tailgate that exposes the entire van interior. You can also open up your barn doors and enjoy an unrestricted view of the sky, with privacy.
The Cons of Camper Van Barn Doors
- Limited shelter: Unlike tailgate doors, barn doors don’t provide an overhead shelter when open.
- Aesthetics: Some campervan enthusiasts prefer the sleeker look of a tailgate door over the more functional appearance of barn doors.
- Door-mounted accessories: Whilst you can still attach additional storage, i.e. bike racks, you are limited, when comparing with the tailgate.
- Visibility: Barndoors come with a central pillar that may affect visibility when reversing. However, many of our Platinum Campers come with rear parking sensors.
Who Are Barn Doors Most Suited To?
Barn doors are ideal for campervan owners who value everyday practicality.
They’re particularly well-suited to those who require easy access to the van’s interior and prefer the flexibility of opening one or both doors.
If you are planning on using your camper van for everyday activities, like the supermarket run, then this is a great option for you. The barn doors are easy to open and close in tight spaces, and handy when trying to get into a packed boot.
They’re also great for days out at the beach, where you may want to open just one of the rear doors for privacy when getting changed.
Camper van owners suited to Barndoors:
- Families that value privacy
- Everyday drivers that use their campervan often
- Urban explorers who regularly visit cities and towns
- Stargazers, that want to open up the back of their van and watch the sky with an unrestricted view
Tailgate Doors: The Pros, Cons, and Their Ideal Owners
What are Campervan Tailgate Doors?
Campervan tailgate doors consist of a single-piece, hinged door that lifts upwards, providing easy access to the rear of your van.
The Pros of Camper Van Tailgate Doors
- Shelter: Tailgate doors provide an overhead shelter when open, which is useful during rainy or sunny conditions. If you’re camping in the UK often, these can be very useful!
- Aesthetics: Many campervan owners appreciate the sleek and streamlined look of a tailgate door.
- Security: Tailgate doors typically offer better security due to their single-piece design.
- Rear view visibility: Unlike barndoors, tailgate doors don’t have a central pillar, offering better visibility from the rear window when reversing.
- Accessory compatibility: Tailgate doors can accommodate larger bike racks and other external storage options.
The Cons of Camper Van Tailgate Doors
- Limited access: Tailgate doors require more space to open, which can be inconvenient in tight parking spots or near walls.
- Stuff falling out: When the tailgate door is fully opened, items stored in the back of the van can easily fall out.
- Accessibility: Tailgate doors may be more challenging to close for shorter individuals or those with limited reach. However, you can always get a handle or strap to help with closing.
Who Are Tailgate Doors Most Suited To?
Tailgate doors are an excellent choice for campervan owners who value aesthetics and security, as well as those who frequently encounter unpredictable weather conditions during their trips.
The overhead shelter provided by tailgate doors can be a lifesaver when it comes to outdoor cooking or simply relaxing outside the van.
Additionally, tailgate doors are ideal for campervan users who require larger external storage options, such as bike racks.
Camper van owners suited to tailgate rear doors:
- Off-grid camper van owners, who like to explore nature and would benefit from an extra external shelter.
- Sport lovers who want more room for bikes and other accessories.
- Occasional users who do not mind restricted access in tight spaces.
- People who BBQ in all seasons – especially in the UK.
- People who love the sleek finished look of the tailgate door, over the function of the barndoor
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Rear Door Solution
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a campervan tailgate or barndoor. It all comes down to your personal preferences, needs, and how you plan to use your campervan.
Whether you’re a family-oriented camper who values privacy and practicality or an adventurous off-grid explorer who appreciates the shelter and accessory options a tailgate provides, Platinum Wave Campers is here to help you make the right choice for your campervan adventure.
Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements, and we’ll guide you towards the perfect rear door solution for your campervan. Be sure to view our ready-to-go camper stock, or find out more about our custom build service, where you can design your dream campervan from the ground up.
Let Platinum Wave Campers help you create unforgettable memories on the road with the ideal campervan rear door to suit your unique lifestyle!
