does the tailgate annoy you?

[Benross]

I went to the cash and carry the other day, and realised how strange a design the surfs tailgate opening back is.

When the tailgate was open I could only reach 1ft into the back of the surf, so ended up throwing the boxes in and then having to climb in the back to remove them later.

It seems to me when they made the surf which is essentially a pick up with a back on it, they didn't bother to redesign the rear door! It would work fine if it didn't have the back on as you could reach over the side.

My old freelander opened side ways, and apart from closing by itself all the time, it worked well.

I did see a thread about making the tailgate side opening, I wont be going to that trouble, I'll just sit here and grumble like victor meldrew.

[Black Sheep]

This is easy to answer, buy a 3rd gen lol

[dazandcaz]

"does the tailgate annoy you?"

nope, it's great for sitting on whilst changing muddy boots, putting the camping stove on and the electric tinted rear glass is great to lower, gesture to drivers behind and then raise.

I miss it more and more each day

[Benross]

"does the tailgate annoy you?"

nope, it's great for sitting on whilst changing muddy boots, putting the camping stove on and the electric tinted rear glass is great to lower, gesture to drivers behind and then raise.

I miss it more and more each day

I admit, its got its uses, but as far as loading things in and out of the back, it doesn't half get in the way!

Does the 3rd gen have a side opening one then?

[tashtego]

I admit, its got its uses, but as far as loading things in and out of the back, it doesn't half get in the way!

Does the 3rd gen have a side opening one then?

No, it opens "up", like the back of most estate cars. And you can still sit on the edge of the load bay and change your muddy boots

[BUSHWHACKER]

No, it opens "up", like the back of most estate cars. And you can still sit on the edge of the load bay and change your muddy boots

No it doesn't, it opens from the side like a Freelander.

[budweiser]

i had being contemplating the idea of going to a breaker and get the sliding gear of a saab 95, and mod. it to fit the surf, that will allow you to pull out anything is in the boot up to, i think is about 200 kgs.
just to make easier, and depends of the circumstances less annoying.

[Benross]

i had being contemplating the idea of going to a breaker and get the sliding gear of a saab 95, and mod. it to fit the surf, that will allow you to pull out anything is in the boot up to, i think is about 200 kgs.
just to make easier, and depends of the circumstances less annoying.

That would be handy, didn't realise Saab did slidey boot floors.


So does the 3rd gen go up like a flap or sideways? Looking at a pic of one it looked like it did lift up like an estate car.

[cabbage]

The 3rd Gen lift up hatch is superior to a split drop down hatch and a side opening door in my opinion. Fecking side opening doors just clash with the brake and jockey wheel on your trailer. Plus the with the 3rd Gen hatch you can sit on the rear bumper to take you muddy boots off while the hatch shelters you from the rain. That's the winning combination right there!

[Ploddit]

You can let long stuff hang out the back very easily, I like the rear window as it really lets you get a nice through draft when it's hot.
The complexity and expense can be downer when it goes wrong.

[BigBobE]

I went to the cash and carry the other day, and realised how strange a design the surfs tailgate opening back is.

When the tailgate was open I could only reach 1ft into the back of the surf, so ended up throwing the boxes in and then having to climb in the back to remove them later.

It seems to me when they made the surf which is essentially a pick up with a back on it, they didn't bother to redesign the rear door! It would work fine if it didn't have the back on as you could reach over the side.

My old freelander opened side ways, and apart from closing by itself all the time, it worked well.

I did see a thread about making the tailgate side opening, I wont be going to that trouble, I'll just sit here and grumble like victor meldrew.

Never had that problem... But then again if you have your truck lifted and you are a short ar se then you are already at a disadvantage.

[Diezel Weazel]

11+ Years of Surfs .....n faultless to a "T" is my Yota !!

[shokenore]

Get your shopping delivered.
Simples.

[Benross]

Never had that problem... But then again if you have your truck lifted and you are a short ar se then you are already at a disadvantage.

neither!

I bet you couldn't touch the back seats from the tailgate when its down!

[logey79]

neither!

I bet you couldn't touch the back seats from the tailgate when its down!

Yeah you can - mine was lifted and could still do it