The gas struts being new doesn’t always mean they are good. These are also very easy to damage. Just takes on pull on the strut itself let some of the gas out, Extreme temperatures can also mess them up. I miss the days of real torsion or tension springs being used to hold up hoods, trunk lids, and hatches. I know so many people injured by walking into sink hatches that I think all of them should be recalled. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dan N
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2015 9:36 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: vanagon rear hatch

yes... according to Van Cafe I have 2 strong ones... but I am talking about opening the hatch. I don't feel it's hard to close it.

thanks