Rear door

[SunlitComet]

the burb is barned.

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

 

[redaddiction]

I have both and I could go either way. Unless is if for traveling and then I like the barn doors.

 

[99TanHoe]

I've had both, the 95' was barn door and the 99' I have now has the tailgate.

The biggest advantages I saw to the barn doors was ease of access and added strength.

Disadvantages were:
The hold open straps/latches broke easily and were expensive to replace, $45apiece at the dealership, the cheap ones on Ebay were worse than junk, they were made of soft metal instead of spring metal.
As someone else mentioned the center post was annoying when using the rearview mirror.
And, this is just my personal opinion but, the barn doors look more soccer mom'ish than sporty.

The advantages of the tailgate are:
The sporty, K5 blazer look.
The mechanisms that operate the glass and the gate have held together well.
Good visability when using the rear view mirror.
The extra length of the tailgate to haul stuff on when left open.

The only disadvantage for me is:
Ease of access with a 6" lift, I'm 6'4" tall and I still can't reach all the way in standing on the ground when the tailgate up.

This isn't a fault of GM or the tailgate, but something to keep in mind, the aftermarket alarm system (K9 Classic) that the previous owner had installed does not have a button on the clicker to open the back glass, only door lock/unlock buttons. I have to open the drivers side door and reach inside to unlatch the back glass or carry two clickers.

 

[gpracer1]

Had both, hate the fact that on both types you can't open the doors or tailgate window from inside (back)......as in if you are camping or sleeping in back.

I understand though that people's kiddies would be splatterd on the highway.

 

[99TanHoe]

Had both, hate the fact that on both types you can't open the doors or tailgate window from inside (back)......as in if you are camping or sleeping in back.

I understand though that people's kiddies would be splatterd on the highway.

Marc, my 99' 2DR has a button in the inside back next to the back glass on the passenger side that's labeled "Unlock". I haven't closed myself inside yet to see what it does. Evidently its to open the back glass in case you were locked inside but I'm not sure. I'll have to try it or look in the owners manual to see what its for.

Maybe there is a possibility of splattered kiddies or camping/sleeping in the back, whichever seems most useful.

 

[noJeepshere]

Marc, my 99' 2DR has a button in the inside back next to the back glass on the passenger side that's labeled "Unlock". I haven't closed myself inside yet to see what it does. Evidently its to open the back glass in case you were locked inside but I'm not sure. I'll have to try it or look in the owners manual to see what its for.

Maybe there is a possibility of splattered kiddies or camping/sleeping in the back, whichever seems most useful.

It's for the door locks, operates just like the one on the drivers door armrest.

 

[SunlitComet]

They never outback rear switch option on four doors tho. Bummer.

 

[99TanHoe]

It's for the door locks, operates just like the one on the drivers door armrest.

So it should unlock the tailgate handle, but does it unlatch the back glass? Maybe I'll lock one of my grandkids up in the back and see if they can get out.

 

[noJeepshere]

So it should unlock the tailgate handle, but does it unlatch the back glass? Maybe I'll lock one of my grandkids up in the back and see if they can get out.

Nope it don't, tried that years ago on one of my many trips between here and Alaska. Had to use the side door to get in and out.