>Anyway, as I expected, my rear hatch will not stay up with the empty
>rack installed. I would like to keep the rack attached to the van as
>much as I can, but I need the rear hatch to be functional.

>Can I get non-stock struts that will work? Or do I need a spacer-type
>tube that will slip on one of the struts and "lock" it open?

>Any advice you all can give me will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Here are some ideas
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/hatchstrut/hatchstruts.htm

Gary Lee