I think it is a good thing.  I bought a pair of tbd "heavy duty" hatch
struts, (aka nautilus workout system) and had to close the gate very
slowly.  I instinctively thought that "heavy duty" was better, and it
didn't even cross my mind that "heavy duty" was for those with the Paulchen
bike racks only!  My wife was barely heavy enough to pull the hatch down!
I have since ordered a regular strength tbd hatch strut and have been using
one of each.  It is much better now, but probably still too stiff for those
of us who don't have a bike rack.  Therefore, I bought a second
regular-strength one to put on.  In the winter, when the hatch struts don't
seal as well, I'll probably go to one of each.  For the summer, I am
thinking that two regular-strength struts will be what I am looking for.
Maybe if the newer heavy duty ones are slightly less stiff, then one of
each is the best compromise for year-round use.

Michael
Durham, NC

----------
> From: Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: rear hatch struts report
> Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 1:51 AM
>
> ron...
>
> just wanted to let you know that I wasn't dissing the bd heavy duty
struts
> on the list by any means... but I was surprised that they weren't quite
as
> tough to close... but maybe that's a good thing.
>
> Mick
> Hilo, Hawaii