As I recall, there are actually two different struts on the hatch, one stronger than the other.  Maybe you have two of the stronger ones on this van?
Ant
 

      From: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
 To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
 Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2015 9:06 AM
 Subject: vanagon rear hatch
   
on my other vanagons the rear hatch open easily.... just unlock it, pull a
little bit and the hatch came up by itself..

on one of the van I have to push the hatch to get it open and it stays
halfway if I don't keep pushing it.. the hatch struts are new, Stabilus
brand from Van Cafe, hinges are lubed..

is there any adjustment to be made? - the struts are not the right kind?

thanks for any help

dan