I got my transit custom with a tailgate, I prefer it.
After having barn doors for years, I decided to try a tailgate.
For me the main reasons are:
1. No wind issues
2. Opens up the whole back of the van for access easily
3. Means the hose can be pulled out at crazy angles without a barn door in the way
4. Makes it much easier to put my softwash and pressure washer in (I use ramps as my pressure washer weighs a tonne)
5. The wife sends me to ikea and it makes it easier to load up, again no doors in the way (yes I’m aware they open up 180 degrees but it’s still easier having just one big door)
6. It looks neater for sign writing.
7. I can sit under it in the rain with a cuppa
8. Never have to worry about the doors swinging open into other cars or walls
9. A trivial one, but it’s quicker to close up between jobs.
There are some down sides:
1.Means you need to park slightly further asah from walls and other vehicles to load (door is bigger, though suprisingly not by much)
2. Means the back of the van is wide open to prying eyes (I also have an under floor roller system by grippa to solve this in rougher areas)
3. High items might be a bit more of a faff to load as the door will be in the way (though I’ve never had this issue)
4. You need to put your ladders flush with the rear roof bar with no overhang as the tailgate will hit ladders otherwise. (Never been a problem for me)
All in all, I’m sticking with a tailgate now I’ve used both. My next custom will have the tailgate, it’s worked out well for me
