Rear Double-Door -vs- Rear Fold-Down Door, which one is right for you?
The choice between a rear double-door setup and a rear fold-down door on an enclosed cargo trailer primarily depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Here are 5 key differences between the two:
1. Door Configuration:
- Rear Double-Doors: This setup consists of two doors that swing open from the center, similar to the doors of a large closet. These doors are hinged on the sides and open outward.
- Rear Fold-Down Door: This type of door is a single, large door that folds down from the top, typically using a hinge or spring at the top edge. It can be lowered and raised like a ramp. Oftentimes, the rear fold-down door will come with a wood ramp flap that will extend out to give easy access as you transition those heavy items up the ramp and into your cargo trailer.
2. Access and Loading:
- Rear Double-Doors: These doors provide the option to open only one side if a smaller access point is needed. This can be convenient when loading or unloading specific items without fully opening both doors.
- Rear Fold-Down Door: Offers a wide and unobstructed opening, making it easier to load and unload large items, such as equipment or vehicles.
3. Security:
- Rear Double-Doors: Each door can be secured independently, providing flexibility in terms of access control. It may also be possible to secure only one door while leaving the other partially open for ventilation or quick access.
- Rear Fold-Down Door: Typically, these doors have a centralized locking mechanism. While they provide a large opening, they may not offer the same level of independent access control as double doors. In most cases, there is a handle that can be locked on both the left and right side of the rear fold-down door. To pull your rear fold-down door open, you will need to unlatch both handles from the left and right sides to unlock the ability for the door to fold down.
4. Durability:
- Rear Double-Doors: The construction of double doors may involve more components, such as additional hinges and latches. This complexity could potentially lead to more maintenance requirements over time.
- Rear Fold-Down Door: This type of door is often a simpler design with fewer moving parts, which can contribute to durability and lower maintenance needs.
5. Versatility:
- Rear Double-Doors: Offers greater flexibility in terms of how the cargo space is accessed. It may be more suitable for applications where specific items need to be loaded or unloaded without disturbing the entire contents of the trailer.
- Rear Fold-Down Door: Ideal for applications where quick and easy access to the entire cargo space is essential, such as hauling vehicles, large equipment, or bulk items.
Ultimately, the choice between a rear double door setup and a rear fold-down door depends on the nature of the cargo, the user’s loading and unloading preferences, and any specific requirements related to security or access control. Both configurations have their advantages, and the decision should align with the intended use of the enclosed cargo trailer.
***Note: components described in this post are subject to change at any time. Please consult with your local Look Trailers cargo dealer for more information should you have additional questions.
