Check out Gary Lee's site. He has a few different solutions including
plastic tubes, high resistance struts, or the ultimate a extra set of
struts:

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/hatchstrut/hatchstruts.htm

I went with his solution number two: "The vanagon parts book specifies
a different hatch strut for each side of the door.  Left side
251-829-331B lower strength Right side 251-829-332 higher strength If
you use two right side hatch struts you may find this to be adequate
to keep your door open."

Chris

On 9/3/05, DB <db@home-work.com> wrote:
> Hi all,
> I recently installed a Fiamma carry all bike rack on my 1986 vanagon,
> and like it a lot. Definitely light weight, well designed and well
> made. I can finally feel comfortable about transporting bikes on the
> outside and family inside - instead of both inside - so lots of bike
> trips planned!
> 
> 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.
> 
> -Dan Borden, Brookline, MA
> 1986 Syncro Westy Weekender.
>