> 
> Vanagon owners!
> 	I'm relatively new in the vanagon scene but I've noticed
> with many of the vanagons that the ...I'm not sure what they are
> called...maybe support struts that hold up the back hatch have
> been under designed.  They must go bad after about 7 years.
> It was interesting to see the creative ways of proping   ping up that
> deADLY hatch.  I'm currently using a tomato stake.  Anyway
> is there or has there been anything designed to replace
> these wimpy struts?  
> 
> Roberrt  t
> 
I tried 2 things:

WalMart sells some plastic artifact that fits in the hydrolic....I am not sure either. 

Use a Vice-Grip to lock the latch in place.

These work well and better than replacing the.... I am not sure either at about $55/piece.

sergio