Hmm, electric sliding door was available back in the 1980s, from a
german converter who built Vanagon Taxis.
I have all the details scanned, manufacturing documents, parts lists.

But what it didn´t have was a smooth closing mechanism. The sliding
motor must have been strong enough to "push" the sliding door into its lock.

I don´t know if that´s the official english wording, but Ford Transit
calls it "Cinch Latch":

Basically, an off-center locking pole, where the rear slide door lock
snaps into, then it turns 180° into the opposite position, pulling it to
the vehicle body.
You US guys probably know that already from all your e-slide Minivans :-)

Regards
Raimund

Am 31.07.2020 um 17:59 schrieb Eric Caron:
> Yes,
>
>          a quiet way out and back is very helpful!
>
> Sometimes using the  rear hatch tent from Bus Depot at night I could gou out the back and return quietly.  I have a friend that would go out the passenger door as it was quieter.
>
> I’ve thought about setting up the rear hatch release but I’d need a handle to keep it from flying up and to help ease it back.
> Does the 91 come with a rear hatch set up like that?
>
>
> I think electric slider wins.
>
> Eric
>
>> On Jul 31, 2020, at 10:02 AM, Spencer Allen <soxndubs1951@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>
>> Stealthy late night pee... I like it.
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 30, 2020 at 10:19 PM Kenneth O'Connor <kenneth.oconnor@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Like, how will we know when it's time to get up?
>>>
>>> On Thu, Jul 30, 2020 at 5:56 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Alistair and all.
>>>>
>>>> Alistair, once you finish our fancy rear light hinge, I have the next
>>>> challenge.
>>>>
>>>> The silent sledding door.
>>>>
>>>> I think we need a electric door closer.  It slowly closes the door and
>>>> latches tightly, no slam.
>>>>
>>>> Same when opening.
>>>> Should be able to be designed and built in a day.
>>>>
>>>> I’m in.
>>>>
>>>> Who is up for the challenge?
>>>>
>>>> Then again if it works I won’t even know  I’m at a VW bus gathering.
>>> Need
>>>> those slider door sounds to center me.
>>>>
>>>> Eric Caron
>>>>