Are sliding cargo doors really that bad?

[deserteagle56]

Personally I much prefer the sliding door.

I am now on my second 4x4 van. The first was a 1976 GMC with the slider. I drove that thing for over 32 years and never had a problem with that door. Quiet and solid. I did have the extender on it - at that time there were several companies making them - because I had big fat tires and also fender flares that stuck out there a ways.

I didn't realize how much I would hate barn doors until I got my current 2007 E-350 Quigley. If the wind is blowing, or the van is not level, I have to use a bungee strap to hold one of the doors open. Someone in one of the previous posts mentioned the sliding door slamming shut. Mine would lock in place and not move. My barn doors have nailed me more than once when I was standing there and a strong gust of wind came by. The other problem I've had is that they refuse to stay tightly latched on roads with bad washboards on them. They don't come all the way open, just pop away from the final lock that holds the door tightly against the body of the van, and then rattle like crazy. The dealer has tried adjusting them, and so have I many times but nothing helped. Finally in desperation I adapted a small chain binder to pull the door tightly against the van body and hold it there. And so now I have a little extra step to take if I want to open that door.

My bed in the old van was located so I could look out the sliding door when it was open. Nice to watch the sunrise that way. Now if I want to do that I have to get up first and bungee the doors so they'll stay open. Bummer!

 

[mgmetalworks]

....Someone in one of the previous posts mentioned the sliding door slamming shut. Mine would lock in place and not move.....

For the record, my slider door always locks in place when you slide it all the way back but when you're like my wife and only open it enough to jump out in a mad rush to grab whatever kid toy one of the young ones can't do without, the door has a tendency to slide closed when parked on an incline. But seemingly only when one of my arms or legs is in the way. I can't figure out how it senses that it has a chance to hurt me... :sombrero:

 

[freeagent]

I've got another vote for the slider. I've had vans with both styles and I like that the slider for most of the reasons already mentioned: ease of access in tight places, out of the way when open, stays firmly shut when closed (no rattle/movement while offroad). Slider adjustment is easy when necessary and a little grease is usually all the maintenance required. My van is 4x4 and and I run 285/75 R16 (33") on a Sterling 10.5 rear axle. When my slider is fully open I have 1.5 inches of clearance for the rear tire (no fender flares). However if you're wanting bigger tires for your rig and do not have the resources/skills/time to rework the slider then I can see why the barn doors might be the way to go.

I guess the one thing I miss the most about the barn doors is the little bit of storage you can squeeze out of them and the fact that you can install a handy little fold down table for when the door is open. Other than that, the slider works out just fine for me.

 

[southpier]

I always thought swinging was the way to go. the opened doors @ 90 degrees would offer some transition space between in & out.

having the Tacoma with access cab door + half makes me rethink that. even if I park at the farthest end of the lot when shopping, when I come out of the store there's a car on either side of me. and ... to get into the truck I need to swing both doors open and lodge the carriage between them - a task done best by approaching the vehicle from "T-bone" position. kind of a pia to say the least.

anyone know if sliders can be locked somewhere between full open and closed? (for access/ not driving)

 

[Hound]

Just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to chime in. There are some great points in this thread and I have a new appreciation for the sliders. Thanks to this thread, I have decided to buy a van with a slider. I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as I get it home. Thanks again for the help everyone!

 

[HappyyCamper]

2 vans into this and sliding doors are my preference. As both my vans were daily drivers the use of the slider is pretty easy to see in shopping areas or parking in cities, etc. The doors normally lock into place and if they don't that would not be a place you would be camping in the first place because of angle. My wife has no problem with the door, kids do need assistance but they are small. Maybe it comes down to how big your lift will be?

 

[Hound]

Just wanted to drop back in and share a picture of my new van with a slider in all it's magnificence. Thanks again to all who took the time to share their impressions.

 

[ober27]

Congratulations on the new van, would love see more photos of it.

 

[Hound]

Thanks! I'm really loving this rig the more I drive it. The only downside I can see to owning this beast is the MPGs, but I knew that going in. I'll snap a few more picts when I get a chance. Let me know if there is something specific you want to see.

 

[John W]

A little late, but I had to chime in.
Love the slider.
The barn doors can also swing out and hit the passenger mirror, at least on the 96 Dodge, if the door swing limit things are removed.

 

[Stumpalump]

My slider rubs on the tire and limits how far it will open. I cannot not to move the van with the door wedged against the tire. I'd say barn would be better given a choice but if you find a deal on any 4x4 van then don't let the door be a deal breaker.