That's how the Stabilus struts I bought three years ago work as well.  I like the fact that the hatch doesn't fly up as soon as I open it - but does stay open, in the position wanted, once open.  No drooping.

I seem to remember that one of my old Golfs also had struts that did not fully open the hatch, unless pushed.

James

Ottawa, ON

> Date: Thu, 24 Dec 2015 06:06:49 -0800
> From: dn92610@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: vanagon rear hatch
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> 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