If you own a Volkswagen T5 camper van and are looking to upgrade or modify it, one popular modification you may consider is a T5 tailgate conversion. The conversion involves swapping out the standard rear doors of the T5 van for a single piece tailgate. This not only gives your van a more modern look but also offers practical benefits such as easier loading and unloading of cargo. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about T5 tailgate conversion.
### Why Convert to a Tailgate?
There are several reasons why T5 owners opt for a tailgate conversion. One of the main reasons is the convenience it offers. With a tailgate, you can easily access the cargo area of your van without having to open two separate doors. This is especially handy when you have your hands full or are trying to load bulky items into the van.
Another reason for converting to a tailgate is the aesthetic appeal. The sleek, clean look of a tailgate can give your van a more modern and stylish appearance. Many T5 owners choose to convert to a tailgate simply for the visual upgrade it provides.
### Types of t5 tailgate conversions
There are several different types of tailgate conversions available for the T5 camper van. The most common options include:
1. **Manual Tailgate Conversion:** This type of conversion involves replacing the standard barn doors with a single piece tailgate that can be opened and closed manually. This is a more affordable option compared to automatic tailgate conversions.
2. **Electric Tailgate Conversion:** An electric tailgate conversion allows you to open and close the tailgate with the push of a button. This is a more convenient option for those who want to add a bit of luxury to their T5 camper van.
3. **Pop-Top Tailgate Conversion:** Some T5 owners choose to combine a tailgate conversion with a pop-top roof. This allows for extra headroom and ventilation in the van, making it a popular choice for campers and adventurers.
### Pros and Cons of t5 tailgate conversions
Before deciding to convert your T5 camper van to a tailgate, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of this modification.
#### Pros:
1. **Convenience:** A tailgate makes it easier to access the cargo area of your van, especially when you have your hands full.
2. **Aesthetic Appeal:** A tailgate gives your van a more modern and stylish appearance.
3. **Increased Resale Value:** A well-executed tailgate conversion can increase the resale value of your T5 camper van.
#### Cons:
1. **Cost:** Tailgate conversions can be expensive, especially if you opt for an electric or pop-top conversion.
2. **Installation:** The installation process for a tailgate conversion can be complex and time-consuming.
3. **Permanent Modification:** Once you convert to a tailgate, it may be difficult to revert back to the original barn doors.
### How to Convert to a Tailgate
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and have decided to go ahead with a T5 tailgate conversion, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
1. **Purchase a Tailgate Kit:** You can either buy a ready-made tailgate conversion kit or source the parts individually. Make sure to choose a kit that is compatible with your T5 camper van model.
2. **Remove the Barn Doors:** If you’re opting for a manual tailgate conversion, you’ll need to remove the existing barn doors from your van.
3. **Install the Tailgate Kit:** Follow the instructions provided in the kit to install the new tailgate. This may involve drilling new holes, attaching hinges, and wiring if it’s an electric conversion.
4. **Test the Tailgate:** Once the installation is complete, test the tailgate to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.
5. **Finishing Touches:** Add any finishing touches such as decals or weather-stripping to complete the conversion.
### Conclusion
Converting your T5 camper van to a tailgate can be a great upgrade that adds both convenience and style to your vehicle. Whether you opt for a manual, electric, or pop-top conversion, make sure to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. With the right kit and installation process, you can enjoy the benefits of a tailgate conversion for years to come. So, if you’re looking to enhance the functionality and appearance of your T5 camper van, a tailgate conversion may be just what you need.
If you own a Volkswagen T5 camper van and are looking to upgrade or modify it, one popular modification you may consider is a T5 tailgate conversion. The conversion involves swapping out the standard rear doors of the T5 van for a single piece tailgate. This not only gives your van a more modern look but also offers practical benefits such as easier loading and unloading of cargo. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about T5 tailgate conversion.
### Why Convert to a Tailgate?
There are several reasons why T5 owners opt for a tailgate conversion. One of the main reasons is the convenience it offers. With a tailgate, you can easily access the cargo area of your van without having to open two separate doors. This is especially handy when you have your hands full or are trying to load bulky items into the van.
Another reason for converting to a tailgate is the aesthetic appeal. The sleek, clean look of a tailgate can give your van a more modern and stylish appearance. Many T5 owners choose to convert to a tailgate simply for the visual upgrade it provides.
### Types of t5 tailgate conversions
There are several different types of tailgate conversions available for the T5 camper van. The most common options include:
1. **Manual Tailgate Conversion:** This type of conversion involves replacing the standard barn doors with a single piece tailgate that can be opened and closed manually. This is a more affordable option compared to automatic tailgate conversions.
2. **Electric Tailgate Conversion:** An electric tailgate conversion allows you to open and close the tailgate with the push of a button. This is a more convenient option for those who want to add a bit of luxury to their T5 camper van.
3. **Pop-Top Tailgate Conversion:** Some T5 owners choose to combine a tailgate conversion with a pop-top roof. This allows for extra headroom and ventilation in the van, making it a popular choice for campers and adventurers.
### Pros and Cons of t5 tailgate conversions
Before deciding to convert your T5 camper van to a tailgate, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of this modification.
#### Pros:
1. **Convenience:** A tailgate makes it easier to access the cargo area of your van, especially when you have your hands full.
2. **Aesthetic Appeal:** A tailgate gives your van a more modern and stylish appearance.
3. **Increased Resale Value:** A well-executed tailgate conversion can increase the resale value of your T5 camper van.
#### Cons:
1. **Cost:** Tailgate conversions can be expensive, especially if you opt for an electric or pop-top conversion.
2. **Installation:** The installation process for a tailgate conversion can be complex and time-consuming.
3. **Permanent Modification:** Once you convert to a tailgate, it may be difficult to revert back to the original barn doors.
### How to Convert to a Tailgate
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and have decided to go ahead with a T5 tailgate conversion, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
1. **Purchase a Tailgate Kit:** You can either buy a ready-made tailgate conversion kit or source the parts individually. Make sure to choose a kit that is compatible with your T5 camper van model.
2. **Remove the Barn Doors:** If you’re opting for a manual tailgate conversion, you’ll need to remove the existing barn doors from your van.
3. **Install the Tailgate Kit:** Follow the instructions provided in the kit to install the new tailgate. This may involve drilling new holes, attaching hinges, and wiring if it’s an electric conversion.
4. **Test the Tailgate:** Once the installation is complete, test the tailgate to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.
5. **Finishing Touches:** Add any finishing touches such as decals or weather-stripping to complete the conversion.
### Conclusion
Converting your T5 camper van to a tailgate can be a great upgrade that adds both convenience and style to your vehicle. Whether you opt for a manual, electric, or pop-top conversion, make sure to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. With the right kit and installation process, you can enjoy the benefits of a tailgate conversion for years to come. So, if you’re looking to enhance the functionality and appearance of your T5 camper van, a tailgate conversion may be just what you need.