Hi,

I finally installed a pair of 250lb struts on my van back hatch. I’ve installed similar on a couple of other vans, but never did get around to doing mine.

Been using the old tube on the strut kludge. Both struts.

The struts I used are from mc master Carr. Listed here on this Samba thread.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=687800&highlight=mcmaster

9416K28 - 250lbs Extension Force (x2) 

And the socket and eyelet ends to match the van.
9416K88 (x2) 
9416k76 (x2) 

The price was reasonable, the shipping to Canada was about as much as the struts cost. USA shipping would be cheaper.

Ordered one afternoon, arrived next morning.

Anyway, hatch with spare tire carrier now opens as easily as a normal unladen hatch with the HD stock struts.

Alistair