Hi Dan,

Does it feel super heavy with the struts that are working on the other van or with new struts?

Is it heavy with weight or with friction or binding hinges?

I know, finding the problem for me is the first big challenge, then find a solution.

Hang in there.

Eric Caron 

> On Sep 22, 2021, at 2:29 PM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> The hatch on my van feels like it weighs a couple tons WITH the struts... something's not quite right...
> 
> I am debating putting stronger struts but then I may not be able to pull it down to close it.
> 
> Thanks all for your inputs...
> 
> On Wed, Sep 22, 2021 at 7:04 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> Oh boy!  
> 
>         That seems like a bit of a reach.  I replaced that motor once and it is not heavy.  Also, pretty sure it is just about in the center.  I would think  many other things like bike racks and other hatch attachments would be more likely to cause a problem than the small motor, even over time. 
> 
> The bigger problem with the wiper is the grommet that now does exist and should be replaced when letting in water!
> 
> 
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 GL Auto 
> 
> 
> > On Sep 22, 2021, at 12:19 AM, OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET <mailto:OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET>> wrote:
> > 
> >        My guess would be that on Hatches with Window Wipers, the Wiper Motor may
> > 
> > add more weight to 1 side ~
> > 
> >> On 21 Sep , 2021, at 6:16 PM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM <mailto:davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>> wrote:
> >> 
> >> I replaced the struts soon after I got the van in 2008.  The old ones had
> >> just gotten tired, and would not hold the hatch up.  I just got whatever
> >> was available at some place like NAPA.  They came left and right.  I could
> >> not tell one from the other, so I asked.  The answer I got was that no one
> >> really knew, but that if I put them wrong, the hatch could tell!  I later
> >> learned that it was that one was more resistant than the other, but at the
> >> time I still didn't understand the reason.  Maybe I still don't.  If the
> >> originals were too strong, why not make both sides just a tad weaker rather
> >> than one side more so?  Also, why would it matter which side was stronger?
> >> Or maybe, and I just don't remember this, do they have different fasteners
> >> on the two sides, Dennis?  Still going strong on those 13 yo FLAPS struts.
> >> mcneely
> >> 
> >> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:06 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com <mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com>>
> >> wrote:
> >> 
> >>> At some point the factory supplied different struts for each side with the
> >>> combined operation being to hold the hatch in most any position. Some folks
> >>> can't reac it whe all the way up and also full extension is a problem in
> >>> some garages. As for them failing frequently they don’t like winter, fast
> >>> operation, slamming into the end stops, and being touched or pulled from
> >>> the side. Personally, I miss the old reliable torsion springs used on the
> >>> bay window hatches.
> >>> 
> >>> Dennis
> >>> 
> >>> 
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com <mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>> On Behalf Of Dan
> >>> Lamb
> >>> Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:51 PM
> >>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> >>> Subject: Re: Rear hatch
> >>> 
> >>> It sounds like the hinges are still  binding. Might try loosening hinge
> >>> bolts slightly either at the door jamb or on the door itself and see if a
> >>> very small nudge will allow the hinges to move more freely. Also check the
> >>> gap all around. Could be it got dropped or pushed down hard with something
> >>> in a corner that left it with a slight warp or twist. If you see a
> >>> difference, put a 2x4 in the opposite corner and push down gently to try to
> >>> straighten it.
> >>> Could remove the struts and rule them out as part of the problem. Yeah,
> >>> door is heavy. Maybe get someone to help. Good luck. At least it works.
> >>> Haha Dan Country Homes Camper, the Huckleberry Sky
> >>> 
> >>>> On Sep 21, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> >>>> 
> >>>> Hi Dan,
> >>>> 
> >>>> I recommend trying new struts.  You can always have a spare ready if
> >>> that isn’t it.
> >>>> 
> >>>> Or, try struts from one of your other vans and see if it is healthy
> >>> again.
> >>>> 
> >>>> Eric Caron
> >>>> 85 GL Auto
> >>>> Changed struts from GW in 2014 and still good.
> >>>> 
> >>>> 
> >>>> 
> >>>>> On Sep 21, 2021, at 2:23 PM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM <mailto:dn92610@GMAIL.COM>> wrote:
> >>>>> 
> >>>>> Thank you all.
> >>>>> 
> >>>>> I will try some struts combinations.
> >>>>> 
> >>>>> The thing is ... the hatch does not go down if I stop pushing it, it
> >>>>> stays, so I am safe here. It doesn't go up as easily as on my other
> >>>>> vans and pulling it to close requires as much effort to push it to open.
> >>>>> 
> >>>>>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 11:14 AM David Beierl <dbeierl@gmail.com <mailto:dbeierl@gmail.com>>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>>>> 
> >>>>>>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:11 PM Gil Ngai <gil@dayonemedia.ca <mailto:gil@dayonemedia.ca>> wrote:
> >>>>>> 
> >>>>>>> How do you tell which are the strong struts when buying them?
> >>>>>>> Do you know where to get them?
> >>>>>>> 
> >>>>>> 
> >>>>>> If I once knew which was which I've forgotten.  But Bus Depot can
> >>>>>> tell you I'm pretty sure.
> >>>>>> 
> >>>>>> Yrs,
> >>>>>> d
> >>>>>> 
> >>>