I got 2 of the strong struts from BD.  They are made by
sachs/stabilus.  They are very strong.  I tried to compress one by
putting at least 150-160 lbs on it and it did nothing.  Easy to put
on and they are working to my satisfaction.  The hatch is easy to
raise, but goes up in a controlled manner.  Pulling it down is pretty
easy at first and then gets harder through the mid range of it's
travel.  It's not a problem for me.  You can put the hatch in most
any position and it will stay there.  The minimum opening that it
will stay, is about 12".  Less than that and it closes.  I'm happy
with them.  $20 seems like a good price for this OEM item.

Edward

At 09:12 PM 7/26/2009, Edward Maglott wrote:
>Thanks Everybody for the input on the hatch struts.  I think I'm
>going to get 2 strong ones and I'll let you know how I like
>them.  I'm currently using the PVC pipe method.  It used to just be
>there to make sure the hatch stayed up but now I really have to lift
>to get it open.  I will not miss that.
>
>Edward