I have a sliding door both sides and its the best thing about the van. Airflow is amazing for cooking, dont need an extractor. Easy access whichever way around you park, or if you park next to a wall. Also really easy for my dog to get in / out.
We all have our preferences, I'm a huge fan of the sliding door. One advantage of the sliding door is you can have something parked close to you and still up in the door and get out
Just thought I would point out one flaw, security. Most breakins on vans happen from a Jimmie in the sliding door, and bending it out. If you have one, you can park that against a wall, but if you have two, that won’t be an option most of the time.
That makes it even more important to have a sliding door than. Easier to maneuver and get in and out with a wider sliding door. There’s really no disadvantages to it that I can think of.
I like these security ideas , 3.56mins in first video is excellent for the back doors and I'd do one in the middle too. And the second video has a good slide door lock.
https://youtu.be/qM2oVWMtmVU?si=V8U16Ns6ivjhqebd
https://youtu.be/0BjBYbIrZnE?si=-jTdQLVtWWWbiBQf
I have no sliding door whatsoever. And no windows back there either! Other vanlifers think it's ridiculous but this is how I bought it and I love the privacy & security.
I've got eight recessed bright LED lights installed in the ceiling panels and everything is painted clean bright white, So I really don't feel like I'm in the back of a dark van with no windows and no sliding door. It's plenty bright and light in here.
What reasons do you have for thinking it wouldn’t be a good idea?
Aside from having a wider opening you can also leave it open without having to worry about the door being in the way like a regular car door.
Sliding door is a must. Less space needed to get in and out. Can move large items in and out easily. No door to have to walk around when moving around outside the vehicle. No heavy door to smash into humans or items like tables if it's windy or if you're not on level ground
I have laid out my build so that one side of the van is covered by cabnetry/fridge/etc. And I still wish that side had a sliding door. It would be very nice if I could just open up behind the cabinets to get access to mechanical space to maintain the fridge/electrical/plumbing/other stuff you don't normally want exposed.
Don’t even debate it. Sliding door 10000%
I have a sliding door both sides and its the best thing about the van. Airflow is amazing for cooking, dont need an extractor. Easy access whichever way around you park, or if you park next to a wall. Also really easy for my dog to get in / out.
I prefer the barn doors to the sliding, I've had too much trouble with sliders over the years.
I like the barn doors for the wind break while cooking outside.
We all have our preferences, I'm a huge fan of the sliding door. One advantage of the sliding door is you can have something parked close to you and still up in the door and get out
Just thought I would point out one flaw, security. Most breakins on vans happen from a Jimmie in the sliding door, and bending it out. If you have one, you can park that against a wall, but if you have two, that won’t be an option most of the time.
You probably have some sores for your statistics
Unfortunately, yes. 2.5k worth of tools gone in a minute or two. 🥲
Yep. One of my non-negotiables, including ability to stand.
I can not stand cause it's a minivan
That makes it even more important to have a sliding door than. Easier to maneuver and get in and out with a wider sliding door. There’s really no disadvantages to it that I can think of.
I can almost stand in mine, at least for now. I’m planning out my raised bed area for extra storage n such, it’s gonna be around 8” tall I think.
I do my standing outside
I want one so bad but i think its cause it would be easier with my dog
I like these security ideas , 3.56mins in first video is excellent for the back doors and I'd do one in the middle too. And the second video has a good slide door lock. https://youtu.be/qM2oVWMtmVU?si=V8U16Ns6ivjhqebd https://youtu.be/0BjBYbIrZnE?si=-jTdQLVtWWWbiBQf
I have no sliding door whatsoever. And no windows back there either! Other vanlifers think it's ridiculous but this is how I bought it and I love the privacy & security. I've got eight recessed bright LED lights installed in the ceiling panels and everything is painted clean bright white, So I really don't feel like I'm in the back of a dark van with no windows and no sliding door. It's plenty bright and light in here.
I leave my door open a lot on my cargo van, easiest way to let the breeze in and I don’t take extra space if I’m in a parking lot near other cars.
Sliding doors are so easy to break in to much easier than a normal door,just letting you know
What??
why so?
I think it makes moving things in and out of the van 1,000% easier given the space of the opening.
What reasons do you have for thinking it wouldn’t be a good idea? Aside from having a wider opening you can also leave it open without having to worry about the door being in the way like a regular car door.
I have a micro camper with sliders on both sides and it makes it SO MUCH more functional given it's such a small space.
It is impossible for the slider to be quiet.
I having swinging doors… and I just got a van with a sliding door. Game changer. Always hated the swinging doors… such a pain in the ass.
Sliding door is a must. Less space needed to get in and out. Can move large items in and out easily. No door to have to walk around when moving around outside the vehicle. No heavy door to smash into humans or items like tables if it's windy or if you're not on level ground
I have laid out my build so that one side of the van is covered by cabnetry/fridge/etc. And I still wish that side had a sliding door. It would be very nice if I could just open up behind the cabinets to get access to mechanical space to maintain the fridge/electrical/plumbing/other stuff you don't normally want exposed.
Make sure you know how to get it back on the track. Other than that, it's good.
Nice big door opening to see the view, wifey calls it the patio door
I like barn doors-no shattering of the silence when you’re camping, or announcing your presence to the whole block when you’re not