I have to agree with Ron here.  Last Summer, since the original struts
couldn't keep the hatch beyond about 12" open, I ordered & received two
of the rear hatch struts from The Bus Depot AND my back & tricep muscles
have shown GREAT development over these last eight months from CLOSING
my hatch!!!  OPENING it is NO problem, though.  I suspect one could
mount TWO mountain bikes (along with a spare tire!) on a rack supported
by my rear hatch AND, once opened, it would remain open, at whatever
position one left it!

The $40 is well worth spending for NOT having to have manually hold up
the hatch while loading groceries or working on one's Vanagon!

BOB - WA4RRN
'85GL - "Bourgeois"
http://www.worldclasstriceps.com