I bought a pair from Gowesty that are heavy duty and now it takes some effort to pull the hatch down. Not sure about what's needed to hold up a bike rack.
Spencer
85 Westy

-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Egeln <regnsuzanne@YAHOO.COM>
To: vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wed, Nov 21, 2012 8:28 am
Subject: Re: Rear hatch struts  - heavy duty

I think the ones I have off the shelf from Advance Auto work very well.

Can't confirm if they will hold up a loaded bike rack, but worth considering.  
Price was
very reasonable too.

Anthony
'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)

________________________________
 From: Harry Hoffman <hhoffman@IP-SOLUTIONS.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 6:45 PM
Subject: Rear hatch struts  - heavy duty
 
Hi All,
Bus Depot offers a set of heavy duty rear struts. They supposedly can hold open 
the hatch even with a bike rack and bikes.
Unfortunately they are on back order for 2-3 months.
Anyone know a alternate vendor?

Cheers,
Harry