Barn Doors V Lift Gate

davewg · June 21, 2004

I'm looking for opinions and pros/cons to the barn doors versus the liftgate on the 'burban/Yukon XL twins.

My wife and are considering one to replace the family mini-van and give us a tow platform for our travel trailer.

My wife is 5'1" and worries about not being able to reach the liftgate for easy closure - our minivan has a power 'gate, so its not an issue now. She'd prefer a power 'gate on the truck, but that puts us in to a Navigator (no thanks) or an Armada (no thanks).

I mentioned the barn door option on the GM twins, but I'm worried about the split view (she figures she'd get used to it) and the lack of a rear wiper.

Hoping to hear from owners about it....

TIA

bartlanz · June 21, 2004

I've got barn doors, and I LOVE THEM. The only time I wish I had a lift gate (wich wasn't offered on my year) is when I am on scene or hangin out with the guys and it is raining. Any other time the barn doors are easier. One last thing I do like about the lift gate is the ability to open the glass I think this would be nice for added circulation.

As for the split view you do get used to it, and the lack of a windshield wiper is easily over come with a rear air deflector and cleaing it ever time ur at the gas pump. I don't have an issue with dirt on it bc I pressure wash, and usualy soap brush my truck weekly.

I know on my bosses lift gate on his suburban, and he is fairly short, has a pull tether. I don't think he added this, I am pretty sure it's factory.

Either way, I like Barn doors.

3BAV · June 21, 2004

If you are in a northern area where they use road salt, not having a rear wiper can be a pain on the suburban. We have the barn doors on ours and it gets pretty dirty without the wiper. I added a Lund rear wind jammer I think is what they call it. Basically brings air down over the back window to keep the dirt and stuff from swirling and keeps the windows pretty clean. Just put it on not to long ago, so not sure how it will work in the winter.

Jon

97whitez71 · June 21, 2004

We have the barn door. I miss the rear wiper. The split view is very hard to get used to. That's just me personally. Back before lift gates, I would have chosen the barn door for easy of entry. But, now with the lift gates, if we bought a new one, it would have the lift gate. Just my opinion. You might try the 24 hour test drive on each type and see for yourself which would suit you better. Hope this helps.

dukbludvl · June 21, 2004

I have the barn doors and love them - i'd definitely get them again. The view for me is not a problem -- easy for me to get used to (and that's coming from a civic where you're basically looking out the back window to begin with. however, i'm 6'7" and it's easy for me to see through the side and rear view mirrors and check blind spots -- i use all the mirrors often when I drive and have no problem always knowing what's around or behind me. as for opening, the barn doors are very easy to open and close. I think they open to 120 degrees, which makes loading and unloading easy. Also, if you tow, I understand they are easier to open around the hitch as opposed to the lift gate, which, depending on your hitch, may not open. I don't tow much, so I haven't taken advantage of that feature. They do get a little dirty in the rain (live in NC), but I keep my truck pretty clean and it's not really a problem for me.

cbrxx · June 21, 2004

We have the liftgate on our Yukon. There is a small grab handle, so she should not have a problem reaching it to close. If so, you could always get one of those small hitch steps that plug into the receiver.

The wiper is nice to have, and nice to stand under when loading stuff in the rain. The window does open separate from the hatch, so good for ventilation, as we have search dogs that spend a lot of time in the truck.

Steve

Supurban · June 22, 2004

Too bad the new body styles don't have the tailgates anymore. That was the best setup since it was a bit more like a pickup truck for long loads and tailgate parties.

Lift gate here. I like being able to sit under the gate when it is raining or when we need a spot of shade . Also like the visibility out the rear since Subs have big blind spots as it is. Of course this is meaningless with the DVD screen .

Liftgates have a pull handle that it is easier to reach when open. The door is aluminum so it is pretty light considering its size. I wish the gates had a good grab handle for the final closing push like the Subaru Outbacks. Wiper helps keep the view clear. But the rest of the crud on the gate will get on your hands when you close it.

My dad's Sub has ambulance doors. Don't like hanging out back there with free swinging doors on windy days or parked on slopes. And just one more place to pinch kids' fingers. They are convenient for quick opens and closes. Also don't need as much space to open like liftgates. This could be a factor when towing.

nhproxr · June 22, 2004

I was actually shopping for a truck with barn doors, but got a better deal on one with a liftgate. Glad it worked out this way. In the winter here in NH I'd go out of my mind without a rear wiper, especially being on the road every weekend snowmobiling. As mentioned before better for hanging out on too. Also not mentioned was the fact you can leave glass up and let long things hang out with gate closed if you have kids in and can't put seats down.

tryn2lrn · June 23, 2004

For what it's worth dad bought mom a new Denali with the liftgate and she doesn't like it as much as the previous Yukons barn doors. She really didn't care about the split view and she is always complaining about getting out the groceries in the garage.

JamesB · June 23, 2004

Have had a '91 and '96 burb with the barn doors. Now the wife has the lift gate on her Tahoe. She wanted the barn doors when we started looking for her Tahoe, but none to be found in our area with the Z71 package when she got the bug for a new truck. Didn't think we would like the 'mini-vanish' lift gate, but we have gotten used to it.

BTW, we never had a problem with the view in the previous burbs either and rarely use the rear wiper anyway on the 'Hoe... Our biggest adjustment was the lack of space in the rear of the Tahoe with all the seats in after having had all that room in the burbs... Again, we have adjusted and besides, the 'Hoe is much easier for her to park.

James.