tailgate: would you hinge from side or bottom?

[Rezarf <><]

Howdy folks, nearing time to build my camping/trailer...

For those with an opinion, for a tailgate on a trailer, would you hinge it from the side or the bottom? Why?

Thanks!

Drew

[Gear]

Most hinge it from the bottom so they can use the tailgate as a table or a sitting platform. If you hinge it from the side you could put a spare tire on it similiar to a Jeep tailgate. ? the strength. So far for my Chaser #15 I have yet to use the tailgate option. Everything fits in thru the top.

[rusty_tlc]

I would consider a side opening hinge so you could do something like this. (http://www.drifta.com.au/setDSO.htm)

[devinsixtyseven]

Oops, I misread...

On a trailer, I'd definately do it sideways, with a drop down table and a windscreen that fit across the outside of the open gate. That way you can cook/eat/change/whatever out of the weather.

[Gear]

That Drifta Swing Out is really nice looking. Thanks for sharing.

[rusty_tlc]

That Drifta Swing Out is really nice looking. Thanks for sharing.
<staying in the Aussie theme>
No troubles mate!

I was eyeing the Car Back (http://www.drifta.com.au/UteCarback.htm) for use when we didn't want a trailer. I dont' think I could stand the shipping charges so I'd have to clone it.


The Aussies have lots of cool stuff. :( Those people know how to camp.

[Grim Reaper]

On a short trailer like that I would be concerned with a flip down. If you didn't have a prop under the back or attached to a vehicle it’s quite likely that loading the gate would cause the tongue to come up.

I would be VERY cautious about traveling with any loads on a gate. It will reduce tongue weight and make the trailer very squirrelly and dangerous. It is critical that you keep proper tongue weight.

I dislike drop gates. It makes loading difficult if you have to load something heavy over a gate. I dislike it so bad I am truing to figure out just how hard it would be to convert my suburban to barn doors. GM did not put the internal pieces in the newer models like they did on the older trucks built before 1980.

I even converted my last K5 to barn doors.

[Grouseman]

anybody do a swing out door on a M416 or 101? I want to do one and need ideas.

SS

[Mayne]

Hi
I saw some one retrofit a tailgate on a 1/4 ton military trailer on Jeeps unlimited forum. I'll see if I can PM you the link.

Mayne:bike_rider:

[Grouseman]

Mayne,

Thanks, if you can't pm the link, just put it on this thread please.

SS