Double doors or hatch on vans?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Tue 19 Apr 2005 17:41
Double doors or hatch on vans? - Harmattan

Some small vans and their car-derived versions (Peugeot Partner, for one) offer either double rear doors or a hatch. Leaving aside individual convenience, which is best? My first thought is that double doors are more likely to rattle and be prone to movement. However, are these vehicles designed with double doors in mind and therefore the hatch fitting is more likely to prove suspect and non-robust in the longer term?
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Tue 19 Apr 2005 18:12
Double doors or hatch on vans? - blue_haddock
One problem with the hatch is due to the sheer size of it it can be impractical - the arc it swings can be a problem in tight parking spaces.

Also the tailgate is fairly heavy and the struts have a fair old job to do to lift it up and so even on a couple of year old version that can be weak and need replacing.
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Tue 19 Apr 2005 19:17
Double doors or hatch on vans? - Simon
On the plus side though the tailgate can provide a good bit of weather protection if you are working out of the back of a van, for example a mobile mechanic. Imagine how much rain protection you can get just by standing underneath the door whilst working outside the van.

On the plus side of the double doors with them opening outwards it can make lifting things in and out of the van easier. For an example of this builders for instance may prefer a van with the double doors as products can easily be fork-lifted into the rear of the van. You can't do this if you have a tailgate. I suppose it horses for courses really.
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Tue 19 Apr 2005 22:53
Double doors or hatch on vans? - pafosman
Double doors every time for me! Everything has been said above which is why on the Fiat Doblo I have ordered I have paid the extra £50 to have the double doors. The other vehicle we have is a Transit Tourneo bus and the tailgate is massive. I was feeling pretty smug because the Doblo has rear doors split approx 70/30 so that the driver doesnt have the huge pillar in the rear view mirror. Last week, in spain, I realised the doors are split 70/30 for a left hand drive - Durr! slaps forehead! Never mind it was a good idea at the time. If someone can tell me that Fiat split the doors the other way round for the UK I can go to bed a happy chap.

Pafo
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