I did some testing with my Bones rack recently and found that with two of the Bus Depot "strong" struts supporting the hatch, it will stay up with only the rack on it but not with one or more bikes on the rack so some additional bracing (like a broomstick or the PVC tubes) will be needed if you want to raise the hatch with the bikes still�on the rack.
�
Stephen

--- On Tue, 12/29/09, Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

From: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Bike Rack Rec
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 9:34 AM

Lots of hatch/trunk racks available, but I like the ones with six straps and hooks and lots of configuration adjustability (like the Saris Bones rack and some others) instead of just four.� I think the extra strappage provides�more stability and that secure feeling, but they all work fairly well if attached properly.� Check the straps/hooks/attachments at every stop until you're accustomed to the setup and its behavior in your particular application.

Stephen

--- On Mon, 12/28/09, Michael Sullivan <sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: Michael Sullivan <sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Bike Rack Rec
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Monday, December 28, 2009, 4:57 PM

Just wanna put two cruisers on the hatch. Have Yakimn racks on top, w/o
bikes attachemnt, but prefer hatch mount. Any recs for a cheap install?
thanks.
Michael in San Antonio
91GL AT 'Gringo'
73 Beetle